A foreign tourist’s account of a game at Havana’s Latin American Stadium has captured the stark decline of Cuba’s national pastime, describing an experience so bleak the visitor called it “the cheapest funeral in the world.”
The tourist, who attended a match of Cuba’s 65th National Baseball Series on October 4, paid 20 Cuban pesos for entry—less than ten U.S. cents at the informal exchange rate of around 935 CUP to the dollar, CiberCuba reported. What they found inside the 55,000-seat stadium was a scene of decay: mostly empty stands, visibly worn facilities, and a food offering reduced to bread with seasoned pork and vinegar. “The show has been packing its bags for a while now,” the tourist summarized, observing the vacant seats.
The paradox is telling: the world’s cheapest ticket is not enough to fill the stadium. The symbolic price of admission does not erase the real cost of participation. For a Cuban who spends much of their day securing food, enduring power outages of over 20 hours, or finding transportation, spending several hours in a stadium under the sun becomes an inaccessible luxury.
The Economics of Attendance
The average state salary in Cuba barely exceeds 7,354 Cuban pesos per month—about eight dollars at the informal exchange rate—while a basic purchase of food can surpass 8,500 CUP, more than a full month’s salary. This economic reality creates a significant barrier for fans, even with a nominal ticket price. The cost extends beyond the entry fee, encompassing transportation, food, and the time away from essential daily survival tasks.
The Latin American Stadium, inaugurated in 1946 and expanded to its current 55,000 seats, was for decades the heart of Cuban baseball, a popular gathering space where interprovincial rivalries filled every corner of the blue stands. In July 2023, a farewell tribute for baseball player Alexander Malleta drew about 20,000 people, only 36% of the stadium’s capacity, and was described as the highest attendance recorded that year.
The Talent Exodus
A mass exodus of baseball players has further alienated fans from the teams. Over 40 Cuban players signed contracts with Major League Baseball organizations during the 2025-2026 international signing period alone, and it is estimated that more than 1,000 athletes have left the island in the last decade, including at least 700 young players with potential.
This continuous talent drain breaks the bond between the public and the teams. Following a prospect now implies assuming their stay will be brief, which erodes the creation of idols and references that for decades fueled passion for baseball.
Organizational Strain
The systemic crisis also affects the tournament’s organization. The 65th National Series, which began on October 4, was reduced from 75 to 44 games per team, and the 16 teams were divided into geographical zones to reduce fuel consumption. The Under-12, Under-15, and Under-18 youth championships were canceled outright due to the energy crisis.
The deterioration extends to the field of play. On October 31, a game between Matanzas and Mayabeque was suspended because the visiting players had no drinking water, no water for showers, or to cook in their accommodations.
A Symbolic End
The tourist’s account closed with a phrase that encapsulates more than a single sporting experience: “Welcome to the cheapest funeral in the world.” The sentiment reflects a broader sentiment of mourning for a once-vibrant institution.
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