Super Bowl 59, held at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, brought the usual mix of high-stakes football, unforgettable halftime shows, and, of course, sky-high concession prices. If you’re wondering how much fans paid for food and drinks inside the stadium, here’s a detailed breakdown of the cost of concessions—and whether they’re worth the hype.
Super Bowl 59 may be about football, but the experience isn’t complete without stadium snacks.
Why Super Bowl Concessions Are Always Expensive
Before diving into exact prices, it’s important to understand why concessions are so expensive at major events like the Super Bowl. The cost factors include:
- Venue exclusivity: Fans can’t leave the stadium and return, so food vendors have a captive audience.
- Premium experience: The NFL brands the Super Bowl as a luxury event.
- Logistics and staffing: High security, limited vendor space, and temporary staffing raise operating costs.
According to Forbes, vendors often charge premium prices simply because people are willing to pay for the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Super Bowl 59 Food Prices: Full Breakdown
Here’s what fans shelled out for food and drink at Super Bowl 59. Spoiler: it wasn’t cheap.
Beverages
- Bottled water (16 oz): \$6
- Fountain soda (22 oz): \$8
- Domestic beer (16 oz): \$12
- Premium craft beer (20 oz): \$16
- Specialty cocktails: \$20-\$25
Even non-alcoholic drinks didn’t come cheap. A simple soda could cost more than a full meal outside the stadium. And if you opted for a beer, expect to part with a \$20 bill—especially for local craft brews popular in New Orleans.
Snacks and Finger Foods
- Soft pretzel: \$8
- Popcorn (large tub): \$10
- Nachos with cheese: \$12
- Loaded nachos (with meat and toppings): \$16
- Chicken tenders and fries: \$18
These items are popular for being easy to eat and quick to serve, but they come with inflated prices.
Main Meals
- Cheeseburger and fries: \$20
- Hot dog: \$10
- Sausage with peppers: \$15
- BBQ pulled pork sandwich: \$18
- Vegan burger: \$17
While some stadiums across the country have tried “fan-friendly pricing,” where food is more affordable (like Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta), the Superdome didn’t follow that trend.
Combo Deals and Family Options
To provide some value, there were a few combo meals:
- Hot dog + soda + chips: \$22
- Burger + fries + beer: \$30
- Family snack box (includes popcorn, pretzels, candy, and soda): \$50
These were meant to reduce the cost slightly for those buying for groups, but still far from affordable by average standards.
Specialty and Local Options in New Orleans
One of the unique elements of Super Bowl 59 was the inclusion of local New Orleans cuisine. Fans had the chance to try:
- Shrimp po’ boy: \$22
- Jambalaya bowl: \$18
- Beignets (3 pieces): \$10
- Cajun fries: \$8
While pricey, these options were praised for taste and offered a small taste of Louisiana flavor. USA Today reported that local vendors tried to justify their pricing with authenticity and quality.
Fan Reactions: Mixed Emotions Over Price
Some fans accepted the pricing as part of the Super Bowl experience, while others took to social media to share their disbelief. A tweet from one attendee read, “\$16 for a beer and \$10 for a hot dog? At least they could throw in a napkin for free.”
Despite the complaints, concession stands remained busy throughout the event. According to NBC Sports, many food stations had lines stretching 15-20 minutes during peak halftime.
Comparing Past Super Bowl Prices
Let’s look at how prices have increased over time:
| Item | Super Bowl 54 (Miami) | Super Bowl 56 (LA) | Super Bowl 59 (New Orleans) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bottled water | \$5 | \$6 | \$6 |
| Beer (16 oz) | \$11 | \$13 | \$16 |
| Cheeseburger & fries | \$15 | \$18 | \$20 |
| Hot dog | \$9 | \$10 | \$10 |
As you can see, the upward trend in food prices continues every year. The NFL has yet to introduce any meaningful cap on prices.
Is It Worth It?
Ultimately, it comes down to personal choice. For fans attending Super Bowl 59, many accepted the high prices as a necessary part of the once-in-a-lifetime experience. While some budget-conscious attendees may have limited their purchases, the overwhelming majority still bought food and drinks to complete their game-day celebration.
If you’re planning to attend a future Super Bowl, it’s wise to budget at least \$50-\$100 per person just for food and drinks inside the venue. You can also check the stadium’s official app in advance, which often provides pricing and mobile ordering to avoid long lines.
Final Thoughts
While Super Bowl 59 provided unforgettable memories, the concession prices raised eyebrows once again. For now, premium food costs seem to be the norm for one of the most-watched events in the world.
Whether it’s a \$16 beer or a \$22 po’ boy, fans should come prepared—not just for the game, but for the bill.
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