Nobody saw Chile’s remarkable 7-0 thrashing of Copa America favourites Mexico coming.
El Tri had ridden a wave of ‘hometown support’ in USA this month, but their exit has seen Chile emerge as the best-supported team left in the tournament.
While locals have still purchased the highest average of 31% of tickets overall, Chilean nationals have snapped up a whopping 36% of the tickets ahead of their semi-final clash with at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.
That is a 50% bigger percentage share than those taken up by US fans for the hosts’ match-up with Argentina at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, according to Ticketbis sales data.
The NRG holds 17,000 more spectators than the 60,000 at Soldier Field, and it’s the Chileans who have forked out the most cash for the hottest ticket in town.
The average price paid by followers of la Roja stands at almost $100 more than the average of $317 paid for a seat at USA – Argentina.
So desperate are Chileans to see first-hand if their side can retain the title that one fan shelled out a $605.47, which dwarfs that of $447.34 for the match in Houston.
The average price of tickets for the tournament overall currently sits at $297.92.
..... - Goal