Getting tickets to see a Premier League football match can be a challenging but rewarding experience for fans. With high demand and limited ticket availability, it pays to be prepared and strategic when trying to secure seats. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the key steps and provide tips for boosting your chances of success.
Plan Ahead
The first key to getting Premier League tickets is planning ahead. Tickets can sell out months or even a full season in advance, so you’ll need to act early if you want the best chance at seats. Here are some tips for planning ahead:
- Know the schedule. The Premier League schedule is released in mid-June each year, so be ready to check dates and start making plans.
- Join fan clubs. Many Premier League clubs offer early access to tickets for official fan club members.
- Sign up for team emails. Register your email with your favorite clubs to receive presale codes and ticket updates.
- Get the lay of the land. Research stadium seating charts and pricing zones so you know what you want to target.
Giving yourself lots of lead time—ideally 3-6 months if possible—will open up far more options than waiting until right before match week.
Purchase Options
Once you’ve picked your match and planned ahead, it’s time to actually secure some tickets. Here are the main ways you can purchase Premier League tickets:
From the Club Directly
The best and safest way to buy tickets is directly from the club. Most Premier League teams sell tickets through their official club website. Here are some tips for buying from the club:
- Create an account. You’ll need to register for an account and provide fan verification info.
- Join presales. Look for presale windows for fan club members, season ticket holders, etc.
- Check for general sales. Any remaining tickets are sold during general on-sales.
- Opt for ticket packs. Clubs often sell bundles with perks like food and drinks included.
Buying directly from the club ensures you’ll get authentic tickets and have recourse if any issues come up. The downside is that tickets sell out extremely quickly during general on-sales.
Ticket Reseller Websites
If you strike out with the club’s official website, the next option is using a ticket reseller platform. Here are some top sites fans use:
- StubHub – World’s largest ticket marketplace, offering resale Premier League tickets.
- LiveFootballTickets – Reputable reseller with cheap Premier League tickets.
- SeatGeek – Aggregator that compiles listings from multiple sellers.
- Ticketmaster – Global ticketing giant also offers verified resale tickets.
Reseller sites charge buyer fees but give you much greater inventory and selection. Be sure to review seller ratings and purchase guarantees offered.
Ticket Exchange Groups
Dedicated ticket exchange groups are another option for finding resale Premier League tickets from fans. Popular groups include:
- Facebook Ticket Exchange – Largest ticket group on Facebook.
- Twitter – Follow team hashtag exchanges like #AFCtickets.
- Reddit – Subreddits like /r/footballtickets.
- Supporter Forums – Check club fan forums.
Exchanges offer greater risk but can also yield big rewards like face value ticket transfers. Make sure to vet sellers and use payment platforms with buyer protection.
General Tips
Here are some general tips to boost your chances of scoring tickets:
- Be flexible – Consider weeknight or Sunday matches instead of high-demand Saturdays.
- Buy singles – Singles often open up even when multi-seat purchases are sold out.
- Get to the gate – Some clubs release a limited number of tickets at the box office on match day.
- Try general admission – GA standing terrace tickets are more readily available at some grounds.
- Keep trying – Tickets can open up as game day approaches so persist in checking.
While nothing guarantees tickets, being flexible, thorough, and diligent in your search gives you a great shot at seeing a Premier League match live.
Where to Sit?
Choosing where to sit in a cavernous Premier League stadium is key. Here are some factors to consider when selecting seats:
- Viewing Angle – Prioritize sideline seats at midfield over endline views.
- Atmosphere – Sections with boisterous supporters like The Kop at Anfield.
- Comfort – Legroom and seat width vary across stadiums.
- Protection – Overhangs can shield you from rain or sun glare.
- Price – Weigh options across different pricing tiers.
Consult stadium seating charts to find the right balance for your needs and budget. Floor seats closest to mid-pitch offer the prime Premier League viewing experience.
How Much Do Tickets Cost?
Premier League ticket prices vary significantly depending on the club, seat location, and match. Here are some rough ballpark ranges:
Area | Average Price Range |
---|---|
Lower Level Sideline | £50 – £150 |
Upper Level Sideline | £30 – £80 |
Behind the Goals | £20 – £60 |
Corner Sections | £15 – £50 |
Premium matches like derbies and games against top table rivals command the highest prices. Secondary cup ties and late-season matches with less on the line tend to be cheaper.
Can You Get Discounts?
There are some ways to potentially get discounted Premier League tickets in certain situations:
- Kids – Many clubs offer discounted kids tickets for younger fans.
- Students – Select clubs provide student ticket rates with valid ID.
- Senior – Reduced senior tickets are available at some grounds.
- Last-minute – Keep an eye out for late discounts as game day approaches.
- Packages – Opting for ticket + meal/drink deals can yield savings.
Opportunities vary by club, so check each team’s specific ticket policies closely for any discount programs that may apply to you.
joining Fan Clubs
Joining an official supporters club or fan club of your Premier League team can provide some great ticket benefits. Here are a few key perks:
- Presales – Get exclusive first access during presale ticket windows.
- Allocations – Fan clubs are given blocks of seats for matches.
- Away tickets – Increased chances for scarce away match tickets.
- Members-only sales – Special ticket opportunities open only to members.
- Discounts – Some fan clubs provide discounted membership rates.
The annual fee to join fan clubs ranges from £10-40 depending on the club. Well worth it for die-hard supporters seeking ticket access.
Hospitality Tickets
If regular tickets sell out, another option is securing premium hospitality seats. Here’s an overview:
- Packages – Combine match tickets with an inclusive pre/post-match meal and drinks.
- Premium areas – Access to exclusive club lounges and restaurants.
- Guaranteed seats – Reserved spacious seating in prime locations.
- Gifts – Often come with club merchandise gifts.
- Price – Roughly £200-£500 per person.
While expensive, hospitality tickets provide a ultimate luxury experience and are more widely available than standard tickets.
Travel Packages
Booking a Premier League travel package is another route for securing match tickets. These packages combine tickets with travel and accommodations.
- Flights – Roundtrip airfare included from your home city.
- Lodging – Hotel stay for one or more nights.
- Transportation – Local transit passes or options like bus transfer to the stadium.
- Tickets – Guaranteed tickets bundled into the package.
- Convenience – All logistics handled in one booking.
Packages simplify the experience for travelers but come at an inflated cost. Packages typically start around £400-500 per person for a weekend trip.
StubHub
StubHub is one of the most popular and reputable websites for buying Premier League tickets online. Here are key tips for using StubHub:
- Wide inventory – Over 2 million Premier League tickets sold each year.
- Real-time marketplace – New listings appear right up until match time.
- Sort and filter – Refine search by section, row, quantity, price, etc.
- Buyer protection – Guarantee provided on all purchases.
- Mobile app – Scan tickets directly from your phone.
StubHub charges 10-20% buyer fees but gives you access to tickets even when box offices are sold out. Just be sure to shop early as prices trend higher closer to match day.
Authorized Resellers
When shopping for Premier League tickets from resellers, stick to authorized platforms approved by the league and clubs. Here are examples of authorized resellers:
- StubHub – Official partner of multiple Premier League clubs.
- Ticketmaster – Global ticketing leader trusted by teams.
- LiveFootballTickets – Endorsed reseller for EPL matches.
- SportsEvents365 – Authorized agent for select Premier League packages.
- Fan-to-Fan – Legitimate face value ticket exchanges.
Authorized resellers offer genuine tickets and a safer buying experience. Avoid unauthorized websites or scalpers to steer clear of fraud.
Joining a Supporters Trust
Supporters Trusts are non-profit fan organizations you can join for another potential ticket source. Benefits include:
- Ticket access – Trusts get allocations to sell to members.
- Travel – Organized away trip packages with tickets.
- Discounts – Partner discounts like reduced team merchandise.
- Community – Meet-ups, social events, and networking with fellow fans.
- Ownership – Some Trusts own equity stakes in clubs.
Trust memberships help connect you to the club community and provide ticket avenues. The fan-run organizations offer annual memberships starting around £10.
Hospitality Packages
For a premium matchday experience, hospitality packages offer another avenue for guaranteed tickets. Typical hospitality package features include:
- Gourmet dining – Multi-course pre-match meal in a hospitality lounge.
- Drinks – Beer, wine, champagne, and open bar options.
- Premium seats – Reserved spacious seating in exclusive sections.
- Amenities – Private bathrooms, concierge service, memorabilia.
- Meet & greets – Chance for photos with club legends and players.
Hospitality packages start around £300 per person but deliver a luxury matchday VIP experience full of perks and access.
Booking Far in Advance
No matter which route you take to get Premier League tickets, the key is booking early. Here’s why it pays to buy months in advance:
- Availability – Far greater inventory further from match week.
- Sales windows – Access presales like fan club and season ticket holder sales.
- Price – Early birds get better deals before demand surges.
- Choice – Wider selection of ticket quantities, seat locations, packages.
- Peace of mind – Avoid the last-minute scramble for tickets.
Ideally, start the ticket search 6+ months prior to the season and purchase as soon as desirable seats become available.
Avoiding Scams
When shopping for Premier League tickets on the secondary market, you’ll want to be vigilant avoiding potential scams. Here are some tips:
- Vet sellers – Check reviews and only buy from reputable platforms.
- Meet in person – Never send money without getting hard tickets handed over.
- Check security features – Ensure holograms, QR codes, etc. to confirm authenticity.
- Use payments with protection – Avoid bank transfers, pay only through services like PayPal.
- If it seems too good to be true, it probably is – Be wary of prices well below market rate.
As long as you thoroughly vet sources, meet in-person for exchanges, and leverage buyer protections, you can avoid scams and buy with confidence.
Conclusion
Seeing a live Premier League match in person is a dream for football fans worldwide. While in high demand, tickets are attainable for the strategic fan who plans far in advance and uses all resources at their disposal. Focus your efforts, be diligent, and don’t give up hope—you’ll likely be cheering on your club in person during the season’s most important matches.