• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open! Take the survey

Qatar World Cup Fans On Pace for Record Spending 

  • Spending at the World Cup is already 89% of the 2018 tournament in Russia.
  • That’s despite low visitor numbers and restricted beer sales.
World-Cup-Qatar
FIFA

Qatar’s World Cup has made its fair share of headlines — and not always positive ones. 

But as the tournament enters the quarterfinals, the 2022 edition is already showing a bright side: Fans are on pace to surpass spending totals from each of the last two tournaments. 

Despite a ban on in-stadium alcoholic beverage sales — which surprised both fans and World Cup sponsor Budweiser two days before the first game — fans have already spent 89% of what they did in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, according to official payment provider Visa.

Fans have already passed the spending levels seen in Brazil in 2014 — and FIFA officials project the World Cup’s current four-year revenue cycle to surpass the $5.4 billion it made in Russia in 2018.

Fans outside stadium during World Cup match between the United States and the Netherlands

Qatar Now Wants to Host 2036 Olympics 

Qatar wants to leverage the infrastructure built for this year’s World Cup.
December 5, 2022

Less Than Expected

In what is simultaneously a disappointment and relief for the host country, the number of visitors to the tournament has been far lower than initially expected.

A report prepared by a government committee found that the country has welcomed 765,859 international visitors over the first two weeks, per Reuters.

  • The country expected 1.2 million visitors over the month-long tournament.
  • With eight games remaining, more than half the people who came for the World Cup have already left, and the country doesn’t expect a large influx of new arrivals.
  • The report tabulated 1.3 million match-ticket holders and 3.1 million tickets sold.

With the World Cup centered in Doha, a city of roughly 2.4 million people, accommodations have been tight — fans have stayed in desert tents, shipping containers, cruise ships, and in neighboring countries such as the United Arab Emirates.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

More MLB Teams Shift to League Broadcasts Due to DSG Disarray

The Brewers, Guardians, Twins opt to have MLB produce and distribute their local games.

LIV Golf’s Shadow Looms Over Ryder Cup As Captains Address Challenges

Captains from both teams addressed LIV Golf’s impact on the 2025 event.

Utah Hockey Club Debuting to Major Buzz

It’s been a wild ride for Salt Lake City’s new NHL franchise.

Soccer’s U.S. Boom: MLS and NWSL Break Attendance Records

Both Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League have set attendance records.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Shams to ESPN; NHL Drops Puck

0:00

Featured Today

Ryan Smith Sees Salt Lake City As Next Vegas-Like Sports Town

Utah Hockey Club’s owner says all the pieces are falling into place.
October 8, 2024

How the WWE’s Farm Circuit Became a Primetime Draw

NXT produces generational talent—and it occupies a new prime-time network slot.
A DraftKings sign
October 7, 2024

A DraftKings Exec Left for Fanatics. Then the Bitter Legal Battle Began

Mike Hermalyn has been sidelined at Fanatics for nine months now.
opinion
October 6, 2024

Where Is the Dang Game? Fragmentation Has Hit Fever Pitch

A correction is coming in the increasingly confusing landscape of live sports.

Nike CFO Says ‘Adversity Creates Sharper Focus’

Amid a downbeat but expected set of earnings, Nike says it sees signs of optimism.
A Nike swoosh on a building in Eugene, Oregon.
September 23, 2024

Wall Street: Things Will Get Worse for Nike Before They Get Better

Some analysts are skeptical of how much the new CEO will change.
Sep 11, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; The Nike shoes worn by Seattle Storm center Mercedes Russell in the first half against the LA Sparks at Crypto.com Arena.
opinion
September 28, 2024

New Nike CEO Must Do It

The biggest task the new CEO faces is intangible: Refresh the brand.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Crypto.com soccer advertising
September 15, 2024

The Champions League Is Back. So Is Crypto Sponsorship

Crypto investment is making its debut in the biggest European soccer competition.
Sep 9, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (1) warms up before a game against the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium.
September 12, 2024

The NFL’s Private Equity Era Won’t Be the Bloodbath You Think—for Now

“It’s a different kind of investment thesis entirely.”
ESPN commentator Jay Williams speaking at a conference.
September 11, 2024

Jay Williams Supports PE in College Sports: ‘I Would Like to Own 49% of Duke Basketball’

Williams wants in when PE gets into college sports.
Aug 25, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; A detailed view of New England Patriots footballs on the field before the game against the Washington Commanders at Commanders Field.
opinion
September 1, 2024

The NFL Let the Private Equity ‘Barbarians’ Through the Gate

Fans will barely see any change from the arrival of PE money.