The Jamaica Football Federation is defending increased ticket prices for its World Cup Qualifying match against Curaçao, with President Michael Ricketts asserting the fees are fair, citing operational costs and regional affordability despite fan criticism.
According to a report from The Gleaner, the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) is defending its raised ticket prices for the pivotal World Cup Qualifier against Curaçao at the National Stadium.
The report says that earlier in the qualifying campaign, tickets were priced at $10,000 for VIP, $7,000 for grandstand, and $2,000 for bleachers.
For this decisive match, the JFF restructured its ticket categories. Prices now stand at $25,000 for a new “Skyline” tier, $12,000 for VIP, $8,000 for regular Grandstand, $4,000 for Premium Bleachers, and $2,000 for Regular Bleachers.
The Skyline tier includes catered service, a premium bar, and complimentary parking.
The JFF president, Michael Ricketts, insists the pricing is reasonable. He argues that “If you audit within the Caribbean countries as it relates to the cost of getting into these games, we are the cheapest … . The JFF is a business, so it’s quite reasonable to pay $2,000 to watch virtually the final of the World Cup Qualifiers.”
Responding to criticisms, Ricketts pointed out that tickets in Trinidad and Tobago for their qualifier ranged from TT$250 to TT$450 — roughly J$6,000 to J$11,000 — making Jamaica’s prices comparatively low. He also defended the modest increase in bleacher prices over nearly three decades: “In 1997 … the price was $1,500 … so tell me if it’s not reasonable for almost 30 years later to pay $500 more?”
Ricketts further explained that rising travel costs strain the federation’s budget: “The last [charter] was US$125,000 … to charter to Trinidad … these are the expenses that we face … We can’t afford to run the federation into the ground … because of non-payment … and being unable to meet our bills.”
He also appealed for fan support, saying “Jamaica will have something to smile about … and the JFF will be in good stead to support our clubs, parishes and Premier League teams.”
As part of its outreach, the JFF has arranged for the match to be shown on large screens in western Jamaica, including Montego Bay, Savanna-la-Mar, and Falmouth — areas hit by Hurricane Melissa — in partnership with TVJ and CVM TV.
Ricketts added that this initiative coincides with broader disaster-relief efforts: “CONCACAF has already committed to providing a container of relief items … FIFA will also assist us with the rehabilitation of infrastructure …”