Concession stand sandwiches range from $1.50 to $3 at the Masters this year. Andrew Redington/Getty Images
Andrew Redington/Getty Images
The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National in Georgia captivates attendees not just with the game but with its remarkably low concession prices, reminiscent of a bygone era. These prices have remained unchanged for decades, despite global inflationary pressures and geopolitical tensions such as the Iran conflict affecting other goods.
This year, the iconic pimento cheese sandwiches are priced at $1.50, a cost unchanged since 2002. This staple has been on the menu since the tournament’s inception in 1934, originally priced at 30 cents—equivalent to over $7 today when adjusted for inflation.
“From the items offered to the price paid, Masters morsels are a mode of concessions consistency,” the tournament shared on Instagram.
This year’s menu, including meat sandwiches, breakfast items, and the Georgia Peach Ice Cream Sandwich, is capped at $3.00 per item. Alcoholic beverages, such as beer and wine, are priced at $6.00 each.
An attendee with a hearty appetite could acquire all 27 menu items for a total of $78.75. “After paying elevated prices at other sporting events, this is actually a real pleasant surprise to actually pay these prices,” said spectator Monica Johnson to NPR last year.
Masters organizers emphasize the importance of maintaining an affordable and straightforward menu. “We take certain things very, very seriously. Like the cost of a pimento cheese sandwich is just as important as how high the second cut (of grass) is going to be,” said Augusta National Chairman Billy Payne in 2007.
Originally, the limited menu was a practical choice due to a shortage of hotel accommodations nearby, encouraging patrons to make day trips. The simple offerings allowed for affordable pricing and were initially prepared by local caterers until 2013, when concessions were moved on-site.
The menu has seen some changes over time. In recent years, a chicken salad wrap transitioned to a brioche sandwich in 2021, and a savory tomato pie was introduced in 2025. New this year is the Masters Candy Bar ($2.25), replacing peanuts, while the cost of blueberry muffins and cheese straws increased by 50 cents.
The Cost of Attending the Masters
One coveted lawn gnome costs $59.50, almost as much as the entire food menu added together. Andrew Redington/Getty Images
Andrew Redington/Getty Images
While concessions remain affordable, ticket prices tell a different story. The Masters’ ticket prices continue to rise, with practice-round tickets priced at $125 and $150, individual tournament rounds at $160, and four-day tournament badges at $525, compared to $450 in previous years. Tickets are obtained through a lottery system held nearly a year in advance, with a waitlist for patron badges that hasn’t opened to new applicants since 2000.
Resale tickets, although prohibited, frequently appear on secondary platforms with substantial markups. For instance, single-round tickets for the tournament’s final days were listed at over $6,000 on StubHub, while a four-day badge was priced above $20,000.
For those fortunate enough to attend, souvenirs are a popular choice, albeit costly. A sought-after lawn gnome, this year’s favorite merchandise, is priced at $59.50 — a $10 increase from last year. Each customer is limited to purchasing one, with around 1,000 available daily, according to Front Office Sports.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Masters gnome, which changes attire annually. With rumors suggesting this might be the last year for gnomes, their popularity continues to surge.
While official revenue figures are limited, Forbes estimated the Masters’ earnings at $141 million in 2022, with merchandise leading at $69 million, followed by badges, international TV rights, and $8 million in concessions.
Comparing Classic Concessions
Honey Deuce cocktails, a staple at the U.S. Open, cost $23 (souvenir cup included) in 2025. Monica Schipper/Getty Images
Monica Schipper/Getty Images
Signature snacks are a hallmark of many U.S.-based sporting events. The U.S. Open is known for its “Honey Deuce” cocktail, priced at $23 with a commemorative cup. The Kentucky Derby’s iconic mint julep, also served in a souvenir cup, was $22 last year. Its price has climbed from 75 cents in 1940.
Baseball stadiums across the country have also introduced creative food options for this season. For example, the Seattle Mariners offer tenders or nachos in a ferry boat for an additional $8, while the Boston Red Sox feature a $39 “Lobstah poutine.” The Miami Marlins have a $26 two-foot-long quesadilla in a unique carrying case, and the Texas Rangers offer a $40 9th-inning rally wearable nacho sombrero for $40.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
