The rising cost of football tickets has become a significant point of contention among fans. This year, Tottenham Hotspur announced a 6% increase in season ticket prices, marking a shift from their previously modest increase of 1.5% since the stadium opened in April 2019. Consequently, the most affordable season ticket is now priced at £856, while the most expensive costs £2,367.
Additionally, the club revealed changes to the senior concession season ticket prices. These changes include phasing out the discounts for new applicants and reducing discounts for existing holders, a decision that faced backlash.
The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST), representing the fans’ concerns, expressed their dissatisfaction. In their statement, THST said they were “dismayed” and “hugely disappointed” by the club’s decision, particularly its effect on senior supporters.
The increase in ticket prices wasn’t limited to season tickets. For the second consecutive year, matchday tickets saw a rise. Tottenham confirmed an increase of £6 for category A tickets and £1 for category B and C tickets. As a result, category A matches against major teams like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United will range between £71 to £109 for adults.
Many fans expressed frustration over these increases, given the substantial revenue the club gains from other events at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, such as NFL games.
The THST said, “Spurs is one of the richest clubs in the Premier League, generating massive amounts of money through sound investment in the stadium and infrastructure and the additional events and activities this enables. We believe there is some hope that things can change with chairman Daniel Levy to meet with the Fan Advisory Board. The extra revenues raised should be reflected in ticket prices.”
The Trust highlighted that “In our recent survey of Spurs fans, 85% of respondents disagreed with the club’s decision to stop issuing new senior season tickets and to reduce the discount given to existing senior ST holders. It also sets a dangerous precedent and is already triggering a race to the bottom amongst other Premier League clubs.”
They also mentioned the success of their lobbying efforts, stating that “after months of THST lobbying, and the receipt of thousands of signatures on our petition, sharing of heart-breaking stories demonstrating the impact on senior supporters, and supporting fan-led demonstrations, we believe there is some hope that things will change.”
Discussions around ticket prices extended to the allocation and resale of away tickets. According to a THST survey, 45% of respondents were dissatisfied with the allocation process, while 38% felt that the club should do more to prevent the resale of tickets. Meanwhile, 57% supported digital away tickets to mitigate touting.
The THST emphasized the need for “a fair and sustainable pricing model” to prevent further ticket price increases, reinforcing their commitment to advocating for fan interests.
Lastly, fans can enjoy some Spurs nostalgia with the latest episode of “Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham” focusing on the 1990s, and explore exclusive Tottenham stories.
