A sky box is a private suite in a sports stadium which is designed to appeal to the more well-heeled sports fans. Sky boxes can get extremely expensive, especially for major events, and they come with a wide range of amenities, from climate control to catered food. Many sports arenas utilize the maximum amount of space for sky boxes since these suites are so profitable, sometimes evoking protest from ordinary fans, who are irritated by their displacement into higher sections of the stands.
You may also hear a sky box called a luxury box, private box, or luxury suite. The earliest examples of sky boxes appear to date from stadium constructions in the 1960s, although certainly historical precedent paved the way. Theaters, for example, have long had private boxes for wealthy patrons, and these boxes have typically offered a superior view of the stage in addition to some privacy and luxury.
At the minimum, a sky box is simply an enclosed, climate-controlled area in the stands with luxurious seating and perhaps a table or counter, which may be stocked with food at additional expense. However, it is also possible to find sky boxes with couches, big screen televisions, and a variety of other amenities, along with private service from catering crews. A sky box may also come with private dedicated parking, and a private entrance which allows the users to avoid the crush of the crowds. It is also not uncommon for a sky box to include outdoor seating, or to have windows which open.
Depending on the stadium, sky boxes may be rented out on a by-event basis, leased with a contract for a season or set period of time, or purchased, much like condominiums. Fees for a sky box vary widely, depending on the size, amenities, and length of contract; in the United States, they can skyrocket up to $250,000 US for a single event! It is common for major firms to lease sky boxes so that they can give out tickets as perks to special clients, or as rewards for high-performing employees.
While fans in the stands might feel jealous sometimes, not everyone likes watching sporting events from inside a sky box. The enclosed environment can create a sense of isolation which makes attendees feel cut off from the game, and sometimes the architecture of the stadium does not permit optimal viewing from a sky box. Especially in smaller boxes, the environment can also feel extremely cramped, which detracts from the enjoyment of the experience.
