Getting tickets to Premier League games can be quite challenging for the average fan. The Premier League is the top football league in England and one of the most popular sports leagues in the world. With millions of fans wanting to attend matches, ticket demand far outweighs supply at most grounds. This makes getting tickets a competitive and often expensive endeavor. However, with some preparation and persistence, it is possible for dedicated fans to get into Premier League matches.
Why are Premier League tickets so hard to get?
There are several key factors that make Premier League tickets difficult to obtain:
High demand
The Premier League has a massive fanbase both domestically and globally. Teams like Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea have supporters all over the world. Even mid-table sides like Leicester City and Everton have large followings. With only 20 teams in the league and limited seating at stadiums, supply is very low compared to demand.
Limited capacity
Premier League stadiums typically hold between 20,000 to 60,000 spectators. Old Trafford, home of Manchester United, has the largest capacity at around 75,000 seats. These stadiums are usually sold out or close to it for league matches. Expansion is difficult due to space constraints and local planning regulations.
Season tickets
A large portion of seats at Premier League grounds are allocated to fans who purchase season tickets. Season ticket holders get guaranteed entry to all home league matches. This leaves far fewer seats available for individual matchday tickets. Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium has only about 4,000 tickets per game available to non-season ticket holders.
Traveling fans
Teams are required to allocate a portion of tickets to traveling supporters of the away side. This further limits seats available to neutral ticket buyers. Away fan allocations are generally 3,000+ tickets per match.
Hospitality packages
Many seats at grounds are set aside for corporate hospitality customers. These luxury experiences can include fine dining, an open bar, and prime views. They come at a steep price, often £300+ per match. Still, businesses and wealthy patrons snap them up. This monetization reduces normal tickets available.
When do Premier League tickets go on sale?
Knowing the on-sale dates for tickets is key to having a chance to buy them. Here are the typical times that clubs release Premier League tickets:
Preseason
A limited number of individual match tickets go on sale to the general public during the preseason, usually in July or August. These first offerings are largely snapped up by fans registered with the club.
Early August
Most Premier League teams launch additional ticket sales in early August just prior to the new season. This is a second chance for fans to secure seats before they sell out.
One month prior
Tickets for a specific matchday are typically put on sale around 4-6 weeks in advance. Away tickets will be available first followed by home seats. This is the most common window for fans to purchase individual game tickets.
Week of the match
In the final days leading up to matchday, some clubs will free up a small number of tickets. This could be returns from the away team allocation or seats held for players and staff. Prices often increase the closer you get to kickoff.
Matchday
A limited number of walk-up tickets may be sold on matchday directly at the stadium box office. This practice varies by club and availability is extremely low. Prices are usually highest on matchday.
Where can you buy Premier League tickets?
Knowing the right channels for purchasing is key to getting your hands on the precious few tickets available. Here are the main options:
Official club channels
The best place to buy tickets is directly from the club’s official website or box office. This ensures you are getting legitimate seats at face value prices. Arsenal even offers an online ticket exchange for season ticket holders to resell unused seats.
Ticketmaster
Many Premier League teams partner with Ticketmaster to sell and distribute tickets. Fans can purchase tickets conveniently from Ticketmaster online or by phone.
StubHub
StubHub is a major secondary ticket marketplace where fans can buy and sell spare tickets. Prices are often above face value but it still may be cheaper than scalpers outside the stadium.
Hospitality packages
Club partners like Eventmasters and Sportsbreaks sell luxury hospitality tickets bundled with food, drinks and more. These are very expensive but guarantee entry with a first-class experience.
Third party agents
Some smaller agencies have ticket allocation deals with clubs to sell international packages. These can combine match tickets, flights, hotels, and more. Thomas Cook Sport and Gigantic Tickets are two reputable providers.
Scalpers
Buying from touts outside the stadium is extremely risky and often illegal. But for high-demand matches, they may be the last option to get in. Be wary of scams and make sure to check tickets thoroughly.
How much do Premier League tickets cost?
Premier League ticket prices vary significantly between clubs and seating categories. Here are some average costs:
Club | Cheapest Ticket | Most Expensive Ticket |
---|---|---|
Arsenal | £26 | £97 |
Chelsea | £30 | £85 |
Liverpool | £9 | £59 |
Manchester City | £35 | £60 |
Manchester United | £24 | £58 |
As you can see, the cheapest tickets typically start around £20-30 but prices can go well over £100 for prime seating. Manchester City and Tottenham have the most expensive average ticket costs. Matches against rival clubs usually command the highest prices.
Here are some other key pricing factors:
– Category A marquee matches cost more than Category C games against lesser opponents
– Seats closer to the pitch or in club areas are most expensive
– Away fan tickets are usually cheaper than home seats
– Hospitality packages run £200+ per match
– Prices often rise later in the season for key/unplayed games
– Club memberships can provide discounts on tickets
Tips for getting Premier League tickets
Here are some best practices for securing elusive Premier League seats:
Register with your club
Signing up for a free membership with your team provides early access to tickets during presales. This is crucial to avoid them selling out right away.
Follow ticket announcements
Keep a close eye on club websites and social media for on-sale announcements. Sign up for ticket newsletters so you don’t miss any release info.
Be ready to buy immediately
Have your account prepped with payment details saved so you can finalize checkout in seconds once tickets drop. Hesitation means missing out.
Aim for less popular games
Instead of chasing massive rivals matches, target midweek fixtures or new signings’ debuts when demand is lower.
Be open to restricted view seats
Partial view or obstructed seats are more readily available and cheaper. You still get inside the ground at least!
Check constantly for returns
Cancellations and seat releases happen frequently. Keep monitoring club channels for new availability.
Consider hospitality packages
Guaranteed entry comes at a huge premium but may be worth it for critical games you can’t miss.
Partner with other buyers
If ticket maximums limit you, team up with friends and family to expand buying power.
Use ticket resale markets
Authorized resellers like StubHub offer tickets at inflated prices but are more trustworthy than scalpers.
Conclusion
Obtaining tickets to see the superstars of the Premier League live in action is no easy task. Thanks to tremendous demand that vastly exceeds the limited supply available, buying tickets requires speed, dedication, flexibility and often deep pockets too. While nothing can guarantee tickets to the biggest fixtures, fans who do their research, leverage club resources, and persist through all sales channels stand the best chance of getting that treasured seat inside a Premier League ground. The thrill of seeing your club battle face-to-face makes all the effort worthwhile.
For the truly devoted, obtaining those precious match tickets is a labor of love. The Premier League boasts many of the world’s best players and clubs, creating an atmosphere and product that is hard to top. Whatever it takes and whatever the costs, English football’s most ardent supporters will go to great lengths to secure entry into that cathedral of football.