Legends' $70 World Cup Entry Policy Sparks Debate in Long Beach
The Belmont Shore sports bar says the policy includes a $20 cover charge and a $50 refundable security deposit for select World Cup matches following several disruptive incidents.
Emily Nguyen
LONG BEACH, Calif. For many soccer fans, Legends Sports Bar has become one of the go-to places in Long Beach to watch the FIFA World Cup. But during several high-demand matches, customers were met with an unexpected requirement: a $70 payment at the door.
While the amount quickly caught people’s attention online, the policy isn’t as straightforward as it first appears.
According to Legends, $20 is the cover charge, while the remaining $50 is a refundable security deposit. If there are no incidents involving a customer’s party during the match, the deposit is returned.
The policy has sparked plenty of discussion across social media, with some praising the move as a practical way to keep crowds under control, while others say the upfront cost is enough to make them watch the game somewhere else.
Why Did Legends Introduce the Policy?
In a statement shared on social media, Legends said the decision came after several incidents during recent World Cup matches.
According to the business, those incidents included customers throwing drinks and glassware, an alleged assault on a staff member, people forcing their way inside, and others ignoring occupancy restrictions by climbing over barriers.
The bar acknowledged the policy isn’t popular, but said its priority is protecting customers and employees during some of the busiest events of the tournament.
Legends also claims the security deposit has significantly reduced disruptive behavior during matches where the policy has been used.
Mixed Reactions From Customers
The policy has generated mixed reactions online.
Some customers say they understand the reasoning behind it, arguing that a refundable security deposit is a small price to pay if it helps prevent fights and keeps the atmosphere enjoyable.
Others disagree, saying they don’t like the idea of paying $70 upfront, even if most of it is eventually refunded. Some also questioned whether the policy unfairly affects customers who had no intention of causing problems.
The debate has continued across social media, with opinions split between those who see it as a reasonable safety measure and those who believe it’s simply too much to ask.
What Do You Think?
Whether you agree with the policy or not, it’s certainly one of the more unusual approaches taken by a Long Beach sports bar during the World Cup.
Would you pay a $20 cover charge and leave a $50 refundable security deposit to watch a big match, or would you head somewhere else? Let us know what you think in the comments.
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