Those who decide to shell out for premium access to the matches can enjoy made-to-order food, open bars, exclusive merch stations, and more

The weather for Saturday’s England vs. Panama World Cup match was decidedly British. At New York New Jersey Stadium (as MetLife Stadium is currently known), the rain was coming down steadily in the lead-up to kickoff. But inside the VIP lounge, you would barely know it.

Robb Report was lucky enough to join On Location, the group in charge of FIFA’s official hospitality programme, at the match over the weekend, enjoying the second-highest tier of its premium packages. While the 200-level sideline seats included with VIP access are exposed to the elements, the indoor VIP area allowed us to stay dry pre-match, and by halftime the rain was mostly a faint memory. Poncho-bedecked and taking advantage of the towels provided to wipe down our seats, I was able to enjoy the start of the game comfortably, and all the England fans seemed quite at home.

While you’re coming to the World Cup mostly for the on-field product, the off-the-pitch elements can make or break your experience. And the VIP package includes a host of perks that make the US$3,500 starting price tag seem worth it. (The price varies among hospitality packages and game to game. For the Round of 16 game at New York New Jersey, VIP starts at US$5,750 per person.) On game day, those benefits begin with avoiding all the hullaballoo around transportation to and from the game, thanks to a parking pass that allows you or your driver to park right outside the gates. From there, you simply head upstairs to the VIP area, where you’re greeted with Champagne or a mocktail, plus a voucher for a post-match gift.

Since anyone can purchase access to this area, it’s a pretty bustling space, removing some of the exclusivity you may get in a private suite. There are several open bars and various food stations serving up starters, entrees, and dessert. To me, this felt like the most luxe part of the experience: Rather than a buffet-style setup, chefs were making plates to order. I indulged in the prime fillet with truffled potato terrine, broccolini, and morel jus. Speaking as someone who covers restaurants and fine dining regularly, it wouldn’t have felt out of place at one of the restaurants I’ve written about. Definitely an upgrade from stadium hot dogs and chicken tenders. After the match, apt for an England win, they served up ham-and-cheese toasties and shepherd’s pie.

Outside of the food and beverage, the perks are more limited. Most notably, the VIP lounge has a mini merch stand, so you can snap up soccer scarves and T-shirts without waiting in the long lines outside. By the time I stopped by post-match, though, the offerings had been thoroughly picked over, and I settled on a very oversize concert-style tee that’ll be better suited as a beach coverup or sleep shirt. Still, you don’t get to attend the World Cup every day, and avoiding the crowds felt like a fine trade-off to me.

If you’re interested in something even more lavish, you can opt for the Pitchside Lounge, which is level with the playing field and comes with a seat in the 100 level. And for the truly soccer obsessed, On Location and FIFA are offering exclusive On the Pitch seating in NYNJ and Miami only. For the World Cup final, the dozen plush, cinema-like seats are selling for an eye-popping US$1 million each, with many of them already on hold. Advertised as the most expensive seat in sports, it’s a real goal-den ticket.

This story was first published on Robb Report USA. Featured photo by On Location