Getting tickets to see a Premier League match can be difficult, especially if you don’t have a membership with one of the clubs. However, there are still ways to get tickets even if you’re not a member. In this article, we’ll outline the main options available for purchasing Premier League tickets without a membership.
Understand the Difficulty of Getting Tickets
Premier League matches are some of the most in-demand sporting events in the world. With only 20 teams in the league and relatively small stadiums, tickets are scarce commodities. Premier League clubs prioritize selling tickets to their members first. They offer members exclusive pre-sale windows to purchase tickets before the general public. This gives members the best chance at getting seats for big matches.
As a non-member, you’re limited to buying tickets in general sale, if any are even made available. Usually the only tickets left are singles here and there or seats with partially obstructed views. For the most popular matches against top 6 clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool, general sale tickets often sell out completely to members.
Trying to get tickets for yourself as a non-member requires luck, perseverance, and flexibility. You can’t be fixated on one specific match or seat location. But with the right approach, landing Premier League tickets without membership is still achievable.
Purchase Directly from Clubs
The best way to buy Premier League tickets without membership is directly from the club’s box office. Most clubs release a portion of seats for every match into general sale. This gives non-members at least a shot at buying tickets, even if inventory is minimal.
Below are some tips for attempting to get tickets directly from Premier League clubs:
- Check club websites frequently – New tickets can become available anytime
- Be ready right when general sale opens – Tickets get snatched up quickly
- Consider less desirable matches – Better chance versus top 6 clubs
- Aim for single seats – More likely to be available than pairs/groups
- Have backup stadium/seat preferences – Be flexible if first choice sells out
- Use pre-sale registration – Some clubs offer this for non-members
- Contact the club – They may hold last minute tickets at the box office
While buying directly from the clubs takes effort and flexibility, it offers the best value. You can avoid inflated secondary market prices and fees. Persistence and timing are key.
Use General Ticketing Websites
Some Premier League tickets get listed for sale on general ticketing websites like Ticketmaster or LiveNation. This usually only happens for less popular matches where the club can’t sell out to members.
The main advantage of these ticketing sites is convenience. You can buy tickets online without interfacing directly with the club. However, there is very limited quantity available. Popular matches likely won’t have tickets on these sites at all.
Below are some general ticketing sites to check for Premier League tickets:
- Ticketmaster – Official ticketing partner for many clubs
- LiveNation – Large ticket marketplace
- StubHub – Resale site with some club ticket allotments
- Viagogo – Swiss ticket exchange with global inventory
While selection on these sites is minimal, they do provide another option for finding Premier League tickets as a non-member.
Purchase Reseller Tickets
If you strike out getting tickets directly from clubs or ticketing sites, the secondary ticket market is an alternative. Reseller sites like StubHub allow season ticket holders to re-sell their seats for in-demand matches. This provides more ticket inventory, but usually at inflated prices.
Below are some of the largest Premier League ticket resellers:
- StubHub – Owned by eBay, charges 15% fees
- Viagogo – Swiss reseller, charges 25% fees
- LiveFootballTickets – UK-based marketplace, cheaper fees
- SeatGeek – US reseller with inventory from brokers
Reseller tickets should be a last resort, as you’ll pay a hefty premium over face value. But when general sale is fully sold out, it may be the only way to get seats. Be sure to research the site’s fees, buyer guarantees, and ticket delivery policies before purchasing.
Purchase Hospitality Tickets
If you want a Premier League experience with extra comforts, hospitality tickets are an option. Various agencies work with the clubs to sell ticket-and-hotel packages for matches. These include amenities like premium seating, multi-course meals, open bars, behind-the-scenes tours, and meet-and-greet opportunities with players and legends.
Below are some leading Premier League hospitality providers:
- Premium Seats
- SportsBreak
- Eventmasters Travel
- Captain Sport Travel
- SoccerBreaks
Hospitality tickets deliver luxury treatment at a premium cost. Packages typically start around £500 per person but can reach £1,000+ for marquee matches. While expensive, it’s a unique way to attend a top-tier Premier League clash in style.
Use Membership Exchanges
If you have the time to plan ahead, using a membership exchange service can help land tickets. These companies connect fans looking to swap club memberships temporarily in order to attend specific matches.
Typically, you would pay a fee to borrow another fan’s membership for 1-3 matches. In return, they could use your own club membership later on. This allows fans to attend more matches without purchasing multiple memberships.
Below are some membership exchange sites:
- Twickets
- Members Ticket Exchange
- Ticket Exchange UK
The benefit of membership exchanges is guaranteed ticket access if you swap far enough in advance. The downside is the logistical coordination with other fans swapping memberships. You also need your own existing club membership to participate.
Conclusion
As a non-member, buying Premier League tickets takes creativity and persistence. Your best options are to purchase directly from club box offices or monitor ticketing sites constantly for general sale releases. Joining fan forums can help uncover ticket tips and opportunities as well. For sold out matches, hospitality packages or ticket resellers provide a high-cost alternative.
While challenging, getting Premier League tickets without a membership is doable with flexibility and diligent effort. Set ticket alerts, check regularly, and don’t get fixated on specific seats or matches. With smart planning, you can still experience one of the most thrilling atmospheres in sports.