The Commonwealth Games is one of the largest multi-sport events in the world, held every four years in different host cities of the Commonwealth nations. With thousands of world-class athletes competing in a wide range of sports, the Commonwealth Games offers a thrilling spectator experience for fans. However, attending such a massive sporting event also requires some financial planning. Here is a look at the typical costs involved in attending the Commonwealth Games as a spectator.
Ticket Prices
The first major expense for attending the Commonwealth Games is purchasing tickets to the events. Ticket prices can vary greatly depending on the sport, session, and seat location. Some benchmark ticket prices for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia were:
Sport | Price Range (AUD) |
Opening Ceremony | $35 – $495 |
Athletics | $20 – $150 |
Swimming & Diving | $20 – $120 |
Gymnastics | $15 – $90 |
Cycling | $15 – $45 |
Based on this, attending multiple sessions across different sports can add up to a sizable cost just for event tickets. The good news is that many sessions and preliminary events have very affordable tickets under $50. Planning ahead and purchasing tickets as early as possible can help get better seats for popular sessions at the best rates.
Accommodations
Finding and booking accommodations during the Commonwealth Games can be a major expense, especially for the host city venues where demand is highest. Hotel rates often surge during major events, with average costs per night being:
Accommodation Type | Average Cost Per Night (AUD) |
5-star hotel | $300+ |
4-star hotel | $200 – $300 |
3-star hotel | $150 – $200 |
Apartment Rental | $100 – $200 |
Hostel Bed | $50 – $100 |
Booking accommodations outside the main hub of the games or further in advance can yield better rates. Travelers also save on accommodations by splitting costs and booking shared rooms and apartments. But accommodations still remain a significant budget item.
Food
Food and dining costs are another big part of any travel budget. Eating out for all meals during a two week Commonwealth Games trip can easily add up to $100-$300 per day. Some ways to reduce dining costs include:
- Booking accommodations with kitchen facilities for preparing light meals
- Limiting restaurant meals to once per day
- Opting for quick, low-cost food options for breakfast and lunch
- Sharing dishes and combos when eating out
- Taking advantage of happy hour deals at restaurants
Setting a reasonable daily budget for food and seeking out bargains can help minimize costs while still enjoying good meals during the games.
Local Transportation
Travelling between accommodation, event venues, and other city sights will require using local transportation. Options for getting around host cities include:
Transportation Type | Estimated Cost |
Public buses and trains | $5 – $10 per day |
Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) | $15 – $30+ per day |
Taxis | $30+ per day |
Rental Car | $50 – $100+ per day |
Using public transit where possible is the most affordable option, while taxis and rental cars have much higher costs. An event transit pass is a good investment to maximize public transportation. Rideshares offer a good mid-range option as well.
Other Expenses
Some other costs that can come up when travelling to the Commonwealth Games include:
- Airfare/transportation to the host city
- Souvenirs, merchandise, and event programs
- Health insurance and travel insurance
- Local attraction tickets
- Event parking fees
- Bottled water, snacks, and food at venues
- Data plans and mobile fees
Allocating $100-$200 per day provides a buffer for these incidental trip expenses on top of major costs like accommodations and tickets.
Total Per Person Cost Estimate
Putting together all these estimated costs, here is a breakdown of the approximate minimum budget for attending the Commonwealth Games:
Expense | Cost Per Person |
Tickets (10 events @ ~$50 per session) | $500 |
Accommodations (14 nights @ $150/night) | $2100 |
Food ($60/day x 14 days) | $840 |
Local Transportation ($20/day x 14 days) | $280 |
Other Expenses ($100/day x 14 days) | $1400 |
Total Per Person | $5,120 |
This reflects a realistic baseline budget for attending the Commonwealth Games. Couples or families can share accommodations to reduce costs. More budget-conscious travelers could potentially trim expenses to around $4,000 per person. On the higher end, premium accommodations, fine dining, and plentiful souvenirs could push costs to $7,000 or more.
Major international sporting events like the Commonwealth Games do require significant investments. But they also deliver once-in-a-lifetime experiences for fans and spectators. With some planning, attendees can find ways to help control costs and get the most value from their budgets.
Tips for Saving on Commonwealth Games Expenses
Here are some top tips for trimming budgets when planning a Commonwealth Games trip:
- Book Early – Get the jump on early bird ticket releases and hotel discounts by planning ahead.
- Travel Off-Peak – Avoid peak dates around major sessions; look for weekday and earlier round deals.
- Price Compare – Use aggregators and comparison tools to find the best rates on flights, hotels, tickets.
- Share Rooms – Splitting accommodations and travel packages with others saves tremendously.
- Use Public Transit – Take advantage of event transit passes and public options.
- BYO Food – Bring own water, snacks, and simple meals to lower dining bills.
- Get Insurance – Protect your investment with travel insurance in case of cancellations.
- Join Loyalty Programs – Airline, hotel, and other loyalty programs provide discounts.
- Avoid Excesses – Limit souvenirs and discretionary spending for big savings.
With some savvy planning using tips like these, Commonwealth Games fans can find affordable ways to enjoy the event. The excitement of watching world-class competition and cheering for your home nation makes it well worth striving to fit the games into your budget.
Conclusion
Attending the Commonwealth Games requires significant spending, with the typical budget for a two-week trip totaling around $5,000 per person when including accommodations, tickets, food, transportation, and other costs. However, fans can employ various strategies to trim expenses where possible. Booking early, traveling off-peak, splitting accommodations, using public transit, and limiting discretionary purchases allow attendees to enjoy the Commonwealth Games at a more affordable price point. With some careful planning and budgeting creativity, the Commonwealth Games dream can fit into most fans’ financial realities.