Dearest Olympics and Sofia Goggia's Outburst: How Much It Costs to See a Race in Milan Cortina
Sofia Goggia expresses frustration over ticket prices for the Olympic Games in Milan Cortina, highlighting the high costs as a deterrent for fans.
Sofia Goggia, the bronze medalist in the women's downhill and the last torchbearer in Cortina, has voiced her dissatisfaction regarding the exorbitant ticket prices for the Olympic Games in Milan Cortina. She remarked that the excitement at World Cup events is greater but tickets there are also significantly more expensive, thus creating a discouraging environment for fans wanting to attend the Olympics. This sentiment echoes a broader concern about ticket accessibility for spectators at a highly anticipated global event.
The attendance figures for several events have been disheartening, with a reported 10% vacancy during Sunday's downhill race and fewer than 2,800 spectators for the combined event, despite the venue being capable of accommodating almost 3,700 fans. In contrast, some World Cup women's skiing events attract crowds of up to 5,000 attendees, underscoring the diminishing appeal of the Olympics if the current pricing structure remains unchanged. Goggia's comments draw attention to the disconnect between the Olympic spirit and the realities of its commercialization.
Looking towards the upcoming women's Super G, Goggia expressed hopes for a podium finish along with fellow competitor Federica Brignone, yet the ticket prices remain steep, with premium access costing 220 euros and 100 euros for the second tier. The situation raises questions about the long-term implications of such high pricing on fan engagement and the overall atmosphere of the games, as affordability becomes a critical factor in audience participation at this prestigious international sporting occasion.