Aston Villa tickets: The high price of success
Hundreds of Aston Villa supporters voiced their frustration on X this morning after struggling to secure tickets for the club’s upcoming FA Cup semi-final clash with Crystal Palace at Wembley.
Tickets were due to go on sale at 9 am, but many Villans claimed they didn’t become available until after 10 am.
Fans also reported frequent website crashes and technical glitches that booted users from the queue, forcing some to lose tickets they had already placed in their basket.
The initial allocation was released to season ticket holders and General Admission Plus members who had attended at least one FA Cup home fixture this season.
With Villa chasing their first major trophy since lifting the League Cup in 1996, demand for Wembley tickets on April 26 has been expectedly high.
Unai Emery’s side remains in contention on three fronts, battling in the FA Cup, facing a Champions League quarter-final second leg against PSG next week, and pushing for European qualification in the Premier League.
But for many fans, Villa’s progress has come at a steep financial cost.
Winning isn’t cheap
Adult tickets for the FA Cup semi-final start at £30 for ‘Category 4’ seating and climb to £150 for ‘Premium Level 2’ tickets.
Villa’s fan advisory board has been critical of Villa’s Champions League ticketing policy, with most supporters paying between £70 and £97 per home game.
At the start of the season, Aston Villa Supporters’ Trust (AVST) said the prices were “extremely disappointing,” while the Football Supporters’ Association called Villa’s ticket prices “truly eye-watering.”
AVST said: “Loyal Villa fans who’ve waited as long as 40 years to celebrate this momentous season are being punished and exploited.”
Season tickets increased by 5% for the 2024/25 campaign, costing between £640 and £944.
Costs have piled up for regular attendees, especially season ticket holders who follow Villa into additional cup competitions.
This doesn’t take into account extra expenses, such as match travel costs, or away days, with flights, accommodation, and other matchday costs stretching budgets even further.
Every supporter dreams of a deep run in every competition, but many are finding that the joy of success is tempered by the strain it places on finances.
Time for change?
Supporters of a handful of Premier League clubs have staged protests over ticket prices this term, who feel their unwavering commitment is being taken for granted.
In December, Liverpool, Everton, Manchester United and Manchester City supporters set rivalries aside to support the FSA’s #StopExploitingLoyalty campaign.
This was triggered by rising ticket prices and clubs abolishing concessionary rates, with United removing discounted rates for children and seniors.
Gareth Roberts, spokesman for Liverpool supporters’ union Spirit of Shankly, said: “It’s time for clubs to remember that their wealth and success are built on the unwavering loyalty of their supporters.
“Raising prices when financial pressures on fans are at an all-time high is an insult. We’re proud to unite with fans from Manchester in this campaign to fight for fairness.”
Everton Fans Supporting Foodbanks’ Dave Kelly added: “This isn’t about the colour of the shirt or the badge upon the chest. It’s about the future of the beautiful game, protecting and making it affordable for all fans.”
Earlier this week, City announced they have frozen the cost of general admission season tickets and individual match tickets for next season.
The news broke a week after fans protested outside the Etihad Stadium over ticket prices and other ticketing issues.
Collaboration between all Premier League supporters is crucial for real change to occur, and to get the people at the top who set the prices to listen.
