Arthur Blank, owner of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, promises to keep concession prices low during the 2026 FIFA World Cup to honor fans. This commitment comes amid widespread concerns about rising costs associated with the event.
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Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host eight FIFA World Cup games this summer -Credit:Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images
(Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
While much of the talk surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup has centered around price hikes, whether they be related to flights, visas, public transportation, or simply the tickets to games themselves, Arthur Blank has no interest in taking advantage of fans.
The renowned philanthropist and entrepreneur, whose company AMB Sports and Entertainment operates Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, recently pledged to ensure concession prices at the eight World Cup games set to be held at the venue remain âfan-friendly,â as per WSB-TV 2.
Blank, who owns the NFLâs Atlanta Falcons, the MLSâs Atlanta United, and will own the NWSLâs Atlanta-based franchise once it kicks off in 2028, recently rold the station, âFans give us their energy, their time, their passion, their resources, their families, whatever it may be, and we need to honor that in the truest sense of the word, whatever we can.â
Arthur Blank pledged to keep concession prices 'fan-friendly' during the eight World Cup games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host eight games during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Fans are worried about price hikes related to flights, visas, public transportation, and game tickets during the World Cup.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is operated by AMB Sports and Entertainment, a company owned by Arthur Blank.
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Arthur Blank owns both the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United -Credit:David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
To Blank, this âhonorâ will include maintaining affordable concession prices for fans, stating, âWe canât always control what happens on the field, what happens on the pitch, but we can control the fan experience.â
The 83-year-old also touched upon this when speaking with the local NBC affiliate, commenting, âPeople will feel extraordinarily welcomed. They're going to have a great experience inside the building, outside the building.
âIf they're in the building, they're going to find the same welcome home atmosphere. They're going to find the same commitment to food and beverage values, which starts with low pricing, quality, quantity, etc.
âSo, I think they're going to walk away from Atlanta saying, âWe need to come back here and visit more often. We got to consider moving here.ââ
Looking ahead to the rapidly approaching tournament, Blank remained optimistic that Atlanta was more than prepared to host the competition, having also done so back in 1996.
âAtlanta always steps up. It seems always to be ready at the moment and does a great job,â he told the local CBS affiliate. âIt's one of the reasons that Atlanta has grown from less than a million people when I moved here to over 8 million people today.
âSo Atlanta will show the best form of southern hospitality in every way. I'm certain of that.â
Along with hosting eight games at the home of both the Falcons and United, Downtown Atlanta will also play host to a Fan Fest at Centennial Olympic Park.
As revealed in March, the Fan Fest aims to offer soccer supporters live broadcasts of games, concerts, concessions, and cultural programming.
This will all be offered across four programming zones, including a main stage with a 40-foot screen, a playground for youngsters, âThe Pitch,â which will play host to âa community stage, podcasts and AR/VR-enhanced sound experiences,â as well as Georgia Street, where artists and food vendors will set up shop.