US NFL and soccer stadiums are a different experience from what most Canadian fans are used to at BMO Field or BC Place. They're bigger, louder, and come with their own rules and culture. Here's what to know before you show up.
Stadium sizes: expect massive
World Cup 2026 US venues are primarily NFL stadiums retrofitted for soccer. They're enormous compared to Canadian football grounds:
| Venue | City | Capacity (WC2026) | |-------|------|-------------------| | MetLife Stadium | New York/New Jersey | ~82,500 | | AT&T Stadium | Dallas/Arlington | ~92,000 | | SoFi Stadium | Los Angeles | ~77,000 | | Levi's Stadium | San Francisco | ~60,000 | | Hard Rock Stadium | Miami | ~65,000 | | Arrowhead Stadium | Kansas City | ~76,000 | | Gillette Stadium | Boston | ~65,000 | | Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia | ~69,000 | | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta | ~71,000 | | Lumen Field | Seattle | ~68,000 |
Compare that to BMO Field (30,990) and BC Place (54,500). Many of these venues will feel cavernous, especially if you're used to intimate Canadian soccer atmospheres.
Bag policy: strict and enforced
US stadiums enforce a clear bag policy. This is not optional.
What's allowed:
- Clear plastic/vinyl bags up to 12" × 6" × 12"
- Small clutch purses up to 4.5" × 6.5" (may or may not be clear)
- One-gallon clear zip-lock freezer bags
What's NOT allowed:
- Standard backpacks (even small ones)
- Opaque bags of any size
- Camera bags, laptop bags
- Oversized purses
What this means for you: Pack your stadium kit the night before. Put everything in a clear zip-lock bag or buy a compliant clear bag in advance. You will not be able to bring a camera bag or a team backpack.
Security screening
Expect airport-style security:
- Walk-through metal detectors or full-body scanners at every gate
- Empty your pockets before entering the line
- Jackets and belts may need to go through a separate scan
- Bring your ticket on your phone — make sure it's downloaded offline in case of signal issues inside the stadium
Arrive early. Lines for 80,000-person stadiums are real. For popular matches, arrive 90–120 minutes before kickoff.
Food and drink: expensive, but improving
US stadium food is pricier than what you're used to in Canada:
- Draft beer: $14–18 USD (~$20–25 CAD)
- Nachos or loaded fries: $16–22 USD
- Hot dog or sandwich: $10–16 USD
- Water: $5–8 USD
Tips:
- Many US stadiums now allow sealed water bottles (up to 20 oz). Check the specific venue policy.
- Eat a real meal before you arrive and treat stadium food as a supplement
- Pre-paid cashless wristbands or apps can speed up concession lines
How US sports culture is different
No standing in your seat (usually). NFL stadiums are not soccer stands. Most US stadium security will ask you to sit down if you stand in seating areas. Exception: some stadiums will have designated supporters sections for World Cup where standing is expected.
No scarves over faces. Stadium security may ask you to lower scarves — they need to verify your identity for security cameras.
Tailgating is big. Many US stadiums have massive tailgate cultures in the parking lots. If you're driving, arriving early and tailgating is genuinely fun — bring Canadian flags and you'll make friends.
Noise level. American fans are loud. World Cup crowds will be international and intense. Don't be surprised by the volume — bring earplugs if you're sensitive to noise.
Alcohol rules vary. Some stadiums stop serving alcohol at halftime or at certain times. Don't assume the bar will be open throughout the match.
Getting to and from the stadium
US host city stadiums are mostly in suburban areas, not city centres — and parking is designed for cars. For a big match, however, parking will be scarce and expensive.
Best options:
- Public transit / stadium shuttles — check each city's official World Cup transport guide
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) — set a designated pickup point away from the main gates; pickup zones get overwhelmed post-match
- NEXUS / Global Entry — if you have it, it also helps at the US land border if you drove
Accessible seating and accessibility
All US World Cup stadiums are ADA-compliant. Accessible seating is available and well-positioned. Contact FIFA's ticketing support if you need accessible accommodations — do this early, as these seats are in high demand.
A note on Canadian supporters
There will be large Canadian sections at Toronto and Vancouver matches — those are "home" matches. For away matches at US cities, connect with Canadian supporter groups before you travel:
- Canada Soccer Voyageurs — the official Canadian national team supporters group
- Local fan zones are typically organized in the host city's downtown core before and after matches