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Poll Finds Canadians Want World Cup to Pay Its Own Way

High ticket costs are testing public support for hosting matches in Toronto and Vancouver.

Overview

  • An Angus Reid survey released Nov. 17 reports 71% say hosting only makes sense if revenues meet or exceed costs, with 39% preferring a surplus and 32% satisfied with breaking even.
  • Ticket affordability is a major concern, with 71% calling prices too expensive, including 84% of those highly interested, and 52% saying they would sell a gifted pair.
  • Updated estimates place Vancouver’s hosting costs as high as $624 million, with the federal government committing an additional $116 million and the province citing rising safety and transportation expenses.
  • Toronto’s projected cost is about $380 million, shared by municipal, provincial and federal governments, after the city’s match count increased to six.
  • Support is closely tied to interest level, as 66% of those planning to follow the tournament consider hosting worthwhile compared with 32% among those with little or no interest.