Super Bowl Sunday just got more expensive than ever at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Fans attending the big game between the Eagles and Chiefs weren’t just shocked by the final score – they were floored by the price tags on drinks. A specialty cocktail called “Voodoo Magic” topped the charts at an eye-popping $59, making some viewers wonder if the real magic trick was making their money disappear.
Most expensive cocktail hits record high at Superdome
The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans set a new record for Super Bowl drink prices with their premium “Voodoo Magic” cocktail. Made with Don Julio 1942 tequila and specialty ingredients, this $59 drink had fans doing double-takes at the menu board. Some wondered if the price included keeping the glass as a souvenir or if it came with a side of gold flakes.
Even the more standard cocktail options weren’t exactly budget-friendly. The “Blackberry Lemonade” specialty drink rang up at $40, while the “Royal Carnival Queen” came in at $26. These weren’t your average mixed drinks either – they featured premium spirits and fresh ingredients, but the price tags still had many fans questioning if they’d walked into a high-end nightclub instead of a football stadium.
For those hoping to find relief in simpler drinks, there wasn’t much comfort to be found. Basic cocktails started at $24, and even a straightforward pour of Casamigos Añejo Tequila would set you back $30. The prices reflected the premium nature of the event, but they also highlighted just how much the Super Bowl experience has changed over the years.
Wine enthusiasts weren’t spared from the high prices either. A bottle of Veuve Clicquot Brut champagne cost $200, making it one of the priciest options available. Some fans joked that they’d need a winning lottery ticket just to celebrate their team’s victory with a proper toast.
Beer prices at Super Bowl make fans think twice
Beer drinkers found themselves facing steeper prices than usual at this year’s Super Bowl. A draft Bud Light cost $14 per cup, while a 16-ounce bottle went for $13. These prices marked a significant increase from regular season games at the Superdome, where draft beer typically costs $11.49.
Premium and craft beer options pushed the prices even higher, with some selections reaching $17. The markup was substantial enough that some fans found themselves calculating just how many beers they could justify buying during the game. Many compared these prices to their local bars, where the same drinks would cost a fraction of the amount.
The reality of paying nearly $15 for a single beer had some fans reconsidering their game day drinking strategies. Some opted to pace themselves more carefully, while others decided to skip the alcoholic beverages altogether. A few creative fans even joked about sneaking in their own drinks, though stadium security remained vigilant.
Despite the high prices, beer remained one of the more popular choices among fans. The familiar comfort of a cold beer during a football game proved too tempting for many to resist, even if it meant paying a premium. Some rationalized that they were already spending thousands on tickets, so what was another $14 for a beer?
Non alcoholic drinks still pack a punch to wallets
Even those avoiding alcohol couldn’t escape the elevated prices at Super Bowl LIX. A simple bottle of Aquafina water cost $7, while fountain drinks in souvenir cups were priced at $12. These prices left many fans wondering why staying hydrated had to cost so much.
Sports drinks like Gatorade weren’t much better, priced at $9 per bottle. The markup on these beverages seemed particularly steep considering their usual retail prices. Some fans pointed out that they could buy entire cases of water or sports drinks for the price of just one or two bottles at the stadium.
The high prices for non-alcoholic beverages created an interesting dilemma for designated drivers and families with children. Many found themselves rationing their drinks or seeking out water fountains to avoid spending a small fortune on basic refreshments. Some parents reported spending more on drinks for their kids than they did on game day snacks.
Regular stadium-goers noticed that these prices were significantly higher than those at normal Saints games. The Super Bowl premium seemed to apply across the board, affecting even the most basic concession items. Some fans wondered if bringing empty water bottles to fill at fountains might become the new norm for future Super Bowls.
Food prices add to the shocking total
The food menu at Super Bowl LIX featured some impressive New Orleans specialties, but the prices were equally noteworthy. The “Super Bowl ultimate nachos” topped the list at $36, while a surf & turf po’boy commanded $30. These prices had some fans wondering if they were paying for the experience or the actual food.
Local specialties weren’t exempt from the premium pricing. A grilled alligator sausage po’boy cost $18, and seafood nachos were priced at $25. While these dishes showcased New Orleans’ unique food culture, their prices were significantly higher than what you’d pay at local restaurants outside the stadium.
Some fans found creative ways to manage their food budgets, like eating before the game or sharing larger items among groups. Others viewed the high prices as part of the total Super Bowl experience, accepting that everything would cost more on this special day. A few even treated the expensive menu items as souvenirs, keeping their food wrappers as mementos.
The combination of high food and drink prices meant that fans had to budget carefully if they wanted to eat and drink throughout the game. Many reported spending hundreds of dollars just on concessions, on top of their already expensive ticket prices. Some joked that they needed a separate savings account just for Super Bowl snacks.
Regular season prices vs Super Bowl markup
The difference between regular season prices and Super Bowl prices was stark. During normal Saints games, draft beer costs $11.49, and canned beer goes for $14.99. At the Super Bowl, these prices jumped significantly, with some options costing up to $17.
Food items saw similar increases. Regular game day staples like hot dogs and nachos typically cost 30-40% less during the regular season. The premium pricing strategy seemed designed to capitalize on the special nature of the Super Bowl, but it left many regular football fans feeling priced out of the experience.
Some season ticket holders who managed to secure Super Bowl tickets were particularly vocal about the price differences. They pointed out that the quality of food and drinks hadn’t changed – only the prices had. This led to discussions about whether the Super Bowl was becoming an event exclusively for wealthy fans and celebrities.
The markup extended beyond just food and drinks. Everything from parking to programs carried a Super Bowl premium, creating a noticeable difference in the total cost of attendance compared to regular season games. Some fans calculated that they spent more on concessions during the Super Bowl than they would during an entire regular season of home games.
How fans dealt with high drink costs
Faced with sky-high prices, fans developed various strategies to manage their spending. Some formed informal drink-sharing groups, taking turns buying rounds to spread out the cost. Others set strict budgets for themselves, treating expensive drinks as special game-time rewards rather than regular refreshments.
Many fans chose to maximize their pre-game activities, enjoying more reasonably priced drinks and food at nearby French Quarter establishments before entering the stadium. Some even organized tailgate parties specifically to avoid the high concession prices, making it a point to eat and drink their fill before game time.
Social media buzzed with tips and tricks from experienced Super Bowl attendees. Popular strategies included timing drink purchases around halftime when lines were longest, sharing larger drinks between friends, and bringing allowed empty water bottles to refill at fountains. Some fans even created detailed spreadsheets to track their spending.
Despite all these coping strategies, many fans still ended up spending more than they planned. The excitement of the game, combined with the festive atmosphere, made it hard to stick to strict budgets. Some rationalized the high prices as part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience, while others vowed to watch future Super Bowls from home.
As Super Bowl LIX wraps up in New Orleans, the story of its record-breaking drink prices adds another chapter to the event’s history. While the Eagles’ victory over the Chiefs will be remembered in the record books, the $59 Voodoo Magic cocktail might just become equally legendary among fans. These prices suggest that the Super Bowl experience continues to evolve, becoming more premium – and more expensive – with each passing year.
