HOUSTON – KPRC 2 News followed two families through Fan Fest and tracked spending on parking, food, drinks and merchandise to answer a simple question: What does a “free” day at Fan Fest really cost?
Before heading inside, one fan estimated the day could get expensive.
“Maybe $100 for me,” the fan said. “And with the kids? I would say $200.”
The first expense: Parking
While admission to Fan Fest is free, some visitors told us they started spending money before they even entered.
One group of six — a family of four plus a friend and her daughter — paid $25 to park.
“We spent $25 on the parking lot which is across the street,” one mother said.
Snacks add up quickly
After parking, the family grabbed snacks.
“My chips were $6 and we’re gonna share,” she said.
She also bought popsicles for the children.
“One popsicle and each one for each one of them. I spent $35. I think they were $9 each.”
The group found one way to keep costs down.
“The water is free,” she said. “There’s refillable stations there. We’re not spending on drinks.”
The family also planned to skip a full meal inside the event.
“After we leave here, we’re going to go out like to a little restaurant,” she said.
Food and merchandise push totals higher
A second family of five told KPRC 2 they had already spent around $80 on food and drinks.
“$80 bucks so far... Just food and drinks,” one family member said.
Then, they added tacos for the children.
“Three sets of tacos. For three kids,” another family member said.
When asked how much the tacos cost, the family said they spent $40.
Merchandise was another major expense.
“We got a few shirts for $110. It’s a little pricey, but...” one family member said.
When asked how much a family of five should expect to spend for a full day at Fan Fest, they estimated the total could climb significantly.
“We’re at probably 200 right now,” one family member said.
“So, probably four hundred.”
What one reporter spent
KPRC 2’s Joy Addison also tracked her own spending as a solo visitor.
“As far as myself, I got pizza for $15 and a bottle of water for $6. That’s not including tax”
The takeaway
While Fan Fest does not charge admission, families told KPRC 2 expenses can add up quickly depending on parking, food choices and whether fans purchase merchandise.
For budget-conscious visitors, bringing a refillable water bottle and limiting purchases inside the venue may help keep costs down. But for families planning to eat, shop and spend the day at the event, costs can easily reach into the hundreds of dollars.