DENVER — McGregor Square will begin charging a $23 entry fee for select World Cup watch parties, including Thursday's game between the Mexico vs. South Korea.
The venue said it made the decision to begin charging for certain games after crowds exceeded the venue's 2,500-person capacity limit during last Friday's USA vs. Portugal match.
⚽️ WATCH: Denver7's Adria Iraheta talks with officials and fans about the decision to charge for watch parties at McGregor Square
The majority of group stage watch parties at McGregor Square will remain free to attend, but the following matches will now be ticketed:
- Thursday, June 18: Mexico vs. South Korea
- Friday, June 19: USA vs. Australia
- Wednesday, June 24: Czechia vs. Mexico
- Thursday, June 25: USA vs. Turkey
For ticketed events, guests will be allowed to enter the plaza three hours before the match begins. Admission will cover any matches aired after that initial entry time.
"Occupancy levels exist for a reason. It's because that's the most group of people you can have to keep a space safe," McGregor Square Chief Operating Officer Brooke Bishop said.
The $23 fee covers additional security personnel, bag screening and fencing, in addition to ticketing staff. Bishop said organizers also had to obtain FIFA's approval not only to show the games, but to charge admission.
"We just want to make sure that we're providing the best opportunity and space for everyone to do that," Bishop said.
Reaction from fans has been mixed. Some expressed frustration online after the announcement, while others say the price is reasonable given the atmosphere.
"I think it's a fair price to be a part of environment. It's just kind of tough when they're not necessarily also doing like those beer specials that some other bars are also doing," soccer fan Randy Weber said.
Fans who prefer a free option still have alternatives around the city. Number Thirty Eight in Denver, for instance, is hosting a Mexico vs. South Korea watch party on Thursday night with no cover charge.
"Lots of crowds, we have been just absolutely packed. The energy in here has been incredible," Number Thirty Eight General Manager Kathryn Anderson said. "We've been getting calls all day."
For many Denver fans, the World Cup has become more than just a sporting event.
"It seems like everyone's a little more prideful of their background, they've come from it, and their personal identities, which is very nice," Weber said.
Find the full World Cup group stage schedule and McGregor Square watch parties here.
