— This story is sponsored by Ticketbis.
Nobody saw Chile’s remarkable 7-0 thrashing of Copa America favorite Mexico coming.
Mexico had ridden a wave of “hometown support” in the United States this month, but their exit has seen Chile emerge as the best-supported team left in the tournament.
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While U.S. fans have purchased 31 percent of tickets overall, Chilean nationals have snapped up a whopping 36 percent of tickets ahead of their semi-final clash with Colombia at Soldier Field in Chicago.
That is 50 percent more than those taken up by U.S. fans for the host country’s match-up with Argentina at NRG Stadium in Houston, according to Ticketbis sales data.
The NRG holds 17,000 more spectators than the 60,000 at Soldier Field, but it’s the Chileans who have forked out the most cash for the hottest ticket in town. The average price paid by followers of Chile stands at almost $100 more than the average of $317 paid for a seat for USA-Argentina.
Chileans are so desperate to see first-hand if their side can retain the title that one fan shelled out a $605.47, which dwarfs the $447.34 paid for a ticket to the match in Houston.
The average price of tickets for the tournament overall currently sits at $297.92.
