FIFA is charging $79 for fans to “have their name on the big screen at World Cup venues before matches,” according to Leon Imber of THE ATHLETIC. Through its “Super Shoutout” program, FIFA has “listed all 72 group-stage matches” at the tournament and fans “can pay $79 (not including tax) to have their name shown on the stadium’s scoreboard.” While the page “advertises a ‘shoutout slot’ you can reserve so your name appears ‘during the match’ and ‘at the right moment in the right game,’ the terms state the ‘Super Shoutouts will be displayed during pregame’ and ‘not be displayed during live match play.’” FIFA added that “availability is limited and processed on a first-come, first-served basis,” and that “exact duration, and placement are not guaranteed.” Imber noted users “cannot select a time slot for their name to appear during the initial purchase stage.” The program “prompts users to select which team they are supporting in the match, and how many shoutout slots they wish to purchase.” There is a “maximum of four per order,” thus four shoutout slots would cost $316 (before tax). Shoutout slots are “taken off sale 72 hours before kick-off, and credit cards are not charged until the shoutout has been approved at FIFA’s sole discretion” (THE ATHLETIC, 6/9).
INSPIRATION FROM: In Toronto, Dan Bilicki noted the Blue Jays offer similar packages for jumbotron messages, but with “two massive caveats.” While the price tag for a video board celebration during a Jays game at Rogers Centre “does cost more,” fans are “actually making a donation to the Jays Care Foundation and not sending money to the team.” The Jays version also is “much more extensive than FIFA’s offering, allowing fans to write short, personalized messages instead of merely seeing your name displayed amongst a group.” The Maple Leafs and Raptors both allow fans to submit requests to have their names displayed on their birthdays (TORONTO SUN, 6/9).
