The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics have captivated global audiences not only with thrilling athletic performances but also with an unexpected highlight: surprisingly affordable food and drink prices that have left supporters in a state of pleasant shock. As the Games progress from February 6 to 22, fans attending events have taken to social media to applaud the reasonable pricing, a stark contrast to the often inflated costs typical at major sporting spectacles.
Pricing Details That Defy Expectations
Detailed photos circulating online reveal a menu that avoids the exorbitant markups commonly associated with venues like stadiums and arenas. For instance, an nduja pizza is available for approximately £7.82, while classic options such as margherita, ham and cheese, and vegetarian pizzas are all priced at £6.95. This same cost applies to a gluten-free sandwich, ensuring inclusivity for dietary needs.
Beverage and Snack Options
On the beverage front, americano coffee and hot tea are both offered at £2.62, providing a warm respite for spectators. Those seeking alcoholic drinks can enjoy prosecco for £6.95 or a spritz cocktail for £7.82. For lighter fare, crisps are priced at £2.61 and popcorn at £2.17, with sweet treats including candy at £1.74, assorted muffins at £3.04, and a gluten-free brownie at £3.48.
Additional savory choices feature a cheeseburger, cheese and bacon burger, chicken burger, and vegetarian burger, all uniformly priced at £8.69. A classic hot dog is also available for £6.95, rounding out a diverse and accessible food selection.
Social Media Reaction and Comparisons
The affordability has sparked a wave of positive reactions across platforms like Reddit, where users expressed astonishment. One commenter noted, "That is startlingly affordable," while another added, "Honestly it’s cheaper than I would have expected." A third user highlighted the contrast with other events, stating, "This is very reasonable, you would never see prices this low at any stadium/event/venue in or around London where I am."
Comparisons to other major sporting events further underscored the value. An American observer remarked, "As an American, I’m horrified by how that doesn’t look very expensive," and another user predicted, "A LOT cheaper. It'll be 3x for the American games." The consensus, as summed up by a fan, was clear: "These are bargains. I cannot believe it."
Broader Context of the Games
Amidst this pricing revelation, the Winter Olympics continue to showcase top-tier athletic competition. Team GB aims to surpass their previous medal haul from Beijing, with UK Sport setting a target of three to seven medals. Fans can follow the action through extensive coverage on BBC and TNT Sports, with over 850 hours of live streaming available on discovery+ via Prime Video for a £3.99 Entertainment subscription, providing access to TNT Sports 2 for round-the-clock Olympic coverage.
This focus on affordability not only enhances the spectator experience but also sets a notable precedent for future international sporting events, challenging the norm of steep concession prices and earning the Milano Cortina Games praise beyond the athletic arena.
