Wembley Stadium is one of the most iconic venues in world football, hosting some of the biggest matches and events each year. With a capacity of 90,000, it’s the largest stadium in the UK and the second largest in Europe. Understandably, demand for tickets is incredibly high, especially for cup finals and international matches. So how does the ticket buying process work and what do you need to know to secure your seats?
When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets for most events at Wembley go on general sale around 4-6 weeks before the event. However, exact on sale dates vary depending on the event. Here are some general guidelines for when tickets go on sale:
- England internationals – on sale around 8 weeks before the match
- FA Cup Final – on sale in early April
- Carabao Cup Final – on sale in December/January
- Play-Off finals – on sale in April
- Concerts – on sale around 6 weeks before the show
Wembley also holds back some tickets to sell closer to the event once initial sales have finished. These tickets are often made available around 2 weeks before. It’s always worth checking the Wembley website leading up to an event for late releases.
How to buy tickets
There are a few different ways to purchase Wembley tickets when they go on general sale:
Online
The main way most people buy Wembley tickets is online via the Wembley website. Tickets sales usually open at 8am on the advertised on sale date. The Wembley site uses a queue system, so you may need to wait in a virtual queue before reaching the ticket booking page. Persistence is key – keep refreshing and don’t give up if initial sales are busy.
Phone
You can purchase over the phone by calling the Wembley ticket hotline – 0844 453 9056 (booking fee applies). Phone lines open at 8am on the on sale date. As with the website, queues are likely so be patient and keep trying. Phone booked tickets must be paid for with a credit or debit card.
In person
It is possible to purchase tickets in person from the Wembley box office, located near the Bobby Moore statue on Wembley Way. Opening times vary but the box office is generally open from 9am-5pm non-event days. Again, expect queues on the first day of ticket sales.
Ticketmaster
Some events like concerts will have tickets on sale via Ticketmaster. Check individual event pages to see if Ticketmaster sales apply. You can book online or by phone in the same way as via Wembley.
Ticket limits
To ensure fair access, Wembley enforces ticket limits per person. This stops people buying large numbers of tickets in one go. Limits vary between 4-8 tickets per transaction depending on the event. Any orders found flouting the limits may have additional tickets cancelled without refund.
Ticket pricing
Pricing varies greatly depending on the event and seat location. As an example, here were the ticket prices for the 2022 FA Cup Final:
Area | Category | Price |
---|---|---|
Lower tier sides | Adult | £115-£150 |
Lower tier sides | Concession | £57.50-£75 |
Lower tier ends | Adult | £95-£115 |
Lower tier ends | Concession | £47.50-£57.50 |
Upper tier sides | Adult | £70-£90 |
Upper tier sides | Concession | £35-£45 |
Upper tier ends | Adult | £50 |
Upper tier ends | Concession | £25 |
Concession prices are for over 65s and under 16s. Premium pricing applies for category A matches and events.
Booking fees
On top of the ticket face value, you will also pay a booking fee per ticket. This covers administration costs. Booking fees at Wembley are typically around £5-£7 per standard ticket.
Accessibility tickets
Wembley has dedicated seating areas for wheelchair users and other accessible tickets. Disabled supporters can purchase up to 2 companion seats with their accessible ticket. To qualify for accessible tickets, you must be in receipt of one of the following:
- PIP (Personal Independence Payment)
- Higher Rate DLA (Disability Living Allowance)
- Higher Rate AA (Attendance Allowance)
- Registered Blind
Accessible tickets go on sale at the same time as standard tickets. There is no additional charge for accessible seating above the standard ticket price.
Hospitality tickets
As well as regular tickets, Wembley also offers premium hospitality packages for many events. These include an event ticket along with extras like:
- Pre-match/event meals
- Drinks packages
- Reserved seating
- Exclusive lounge access
Hospitality packages are sold directly through Wembley Stadium’s hospitality department. Prices start from around £299 per person + VAT.
Official ticket resale
If an event hasn’t sold out, Wembley operates an official ticket resale in the weeks leading up to an event. Fans can return unwanted tickets to be resold at face value. Resale tickets are released in batches around 2 weeks pre-event. Check the Wembley site for resale updates.
Buying tickets from toutss
We strongly advise against using touts or unofficial resale sites. Wembley operates a strict no-tout policy and any unofficial tickets may be rejected at the turnstiles without refund. Beware of fake tickets being sold online at inflated prices.
Collecting tickets
There are two main options for receiving your Wembley tickets:
Mobile tickets
Increasingly, Wembley uses mobile ticketing where your ticket barcode is sent directly to your smartphone. You simply show your phone screen to the stewards to gain entry. Mobile ticketing helps cut down on ticket fraud.
Hard copy tickets
For some events, printed paper tickets may still be issued. If you haven’t selected mobile tickets, hard copy tickets will be posted out around 2 weeks before the event. Check tickets carefully on arrival and keep them safe as duplicates won’t be issued for lost tickets.
Getting to Wembley
Wembley Stadium is well connected by public transport. Here are the best ways to get there on event day:
Train
Wembley Stadium station is right next to the stadium, served by trains from London Marylebone and London Euston. Additional matchday services run from central London stations.
Underground
The nearest tube station is Wembley Park on the Metropolitan and Jubilee lines. It’s around a 10 minute walk from the stadium.
Bus
Wembley Central is the main bus hub near the stadium. Routes include 83, 92 and 182. Additional special buses run from local stations on event days.
Parking at Wembley
There is very limited parking at Wembley Stadium itself and nearby residential streets are usually closed off. If driving, planned designated parking is recommended. Spaces can be booked via the stadium website from around £20.
There are also several Wembley Park parking options nearby including:
- Wembley International Complex (500 spaces)
- London Designer Outlet (600 spaces)
- Wembley Point (500 spaces)
Allow plenty of time to park and walk if driving to events.
Searching at Wembley
Be aware, there are airport-style security searches to enter Wembley Stadium. Bags will be thoroughly checked and any prohibited items confiscated. To avoid delays, only bring essential items and arrive early.
Prohibited items include:
- Alcohol
- Glass bottles or containers
- Cans
- Umbrellas
- Large banners
- Knives or weapons
- Smoke canisters
- Airhorns
- Professional cameras
Food and drink at Wembley
Food and drinks are available inside the stadium but expect long queues and inflated prices. To save money, eat before you arrive. There are limited exceptions allowing fans to bring small snacks and soft drinks for medical requirements.
Alcohol is only served to fans with seated tickets, not general admission standing tickets. You will need ID to purchase alcohol – either a passport, driving licence or PASS hologram card.
Matchday programmes
Make sure to pick up a matchday programme as a souvenir. Programmes are sold around the concourses for around £5-£10 depending on the event.
Shopping at Wembley
The main Wembley shop is located opposite Wembley Park station. There is a large range of merchandise including replica shirts, souvenirs and stadium tours. The shop is generally open 9am-6pm non-event days.
There are also smaller outlets around the stadium selling programmes, merchandise and snacks on event days.
After the event
Allow plenty of time to exit Wembley after the final whistle or encore. The stadium will empty out slowly. There will be crowds around the transport links, so expect delays and queues for trains and tubes.
Published: October 16, 2023