NEW JERSEY — NJ Transit announced Wednesday it has reduced the price of round-trip transportation tickets for FIFA World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium to $98, with the cost offset through private sponsorships rather than taxpayer funding.
The reduced fare applies to all eight FIFA World Cup matches scheduled at the stadium next month and marks a 35% reduction made possible through additional advertising revenue, officials said.
Sponsors helping offset the ticket costs include DoorDash, Audible, FanDuel, DraftKings, PSE&G, South Jersey Industries and New Jersey American Water.
Under the plan, tickets must be purchased in advance exclusively through NJ Transit’s new mobile app. Officials said customers who already use the app may need to update it to access World Cup ticket sales.
“In one month, millions from around the world will gather in our region for one of the largest sporting events in history – and New Jersey is ready to welcome them. I have been clear: hosting the World Cup cannot come at the expense of New Jersey taxpayers. Since FIFA still will not cover the cost of transporting its fans despite making $13 billion from the World Cup, we are finding a solution that protects our residents,” said Gov. Mikie Sherrill. “Thanks to strong partnerships with private sponsors, we’re driving down the cost of transit and delivering a plan that supports this historic moment without placing any additional burden on NJ TRANSIT riders or New Jersey families.”
State transportation officials said the agency expects hundreds of thousands of fans to use rail service during the tournament.
“Governor Sherrill has made it clear that providing safe, reliable, and efficient transportation for FIFA World Cup fans is a top priority,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ Transit Chair Priya Jain. “We were able to reduce costs while protecting NJ TRANSIT’s daily customers and commuters from bearing the financial burden. NJ TRANSIT looks forward to delivering a quality travel experience for the hundreds of thousands of fans traveling to and from all eight FIFA World Cup matches.”
NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri said the sponsorship partnerships helped reduce costs while increasing access for riders.
“We’re pleased that our corporate partners have recognized the value of aligning their brands with this historic event and the millions of customers and fans we expect to serve this summer,” Kolluri said. “What’s been equally meaningful is their commitment as true community partners – stepping up not only to elevate their visibility, but to help offset the cost of transit for riders and make these experiences more accessible for everyone.”
Officials said tickets will not be sold at station ticket offices or vending machines. Ticket sales will be capped at 40,000 per match day.
Passengers traveling from New York City, including all five boroughs, must use Penn Station New York to reach the stadium by rail. Riders departing from New Jersey stations will purchase mobile tickets tied to specific boarding time windows.
NJ Transit said ticket checks will occur before passengers board stadium-bound trains, and fans transferring at Secaucus Junction will be directed to connecting service to the stadium.
For additional information, visit www.njtworldcup.com.
