West Ham United fans have taken to social media to express their outrage over the exorbitant ticket prices for home league matches at the London Stadium next season. The club’s decision to charge up to £120 for some seats has sparked widespread criticism, with many fans feeling priced out of attending live matches.
The controversy erupted after the club released ticket information for their upcoming home fixture against Manchester City, scheduled for August 31. Fans were shocked to discover that even Under-18s, OAPs, and those eligible for accessibility tickets would be charged the same top price of £120. Many have accused the club of reneging on their promise to keep football inclusive for fans, especially from the local area.
The match against Manchester City will be televised live, leading some fans to suggest that this may be the only way they can afford to watch the game. One fan posted on X, formerly Twitter, saying: “Driving families out of the game, absolutely disgusting from [Karren] Brady and the club.”
Fans will have to pay up to £120 to see West Ham play Manchester City at the London Stadium
A pricing table on the official West Ham website shows that tickets will be divided into six bands, with the lowest-priced ticket costing £55. However, even this price point has been criticized as being too high. Excluding premium tickets, the highest-priced tickets will cost £100.
Club executives, including vice chairman Baroness Brady and owner and chairman David Sullivan, have borne the brunt of fan criticism. Many have accused them of prioritizing profits over the needs of loyal supporters. West Ham fan-affiliated action group, Save Our Concessions, posted a screenshot of the general admission pricing table, captioning it: “No kids prices, no OAP prices, no shame from @WestHam @WestHamHelp @karren_brady.”
Fans on X expressed their disgust for ticket prices, saying the club has reneged on promises
Others have pointed out the historic significance of ticket costs today for local fans, with one posting: “Shameful from @WestHam… ‘Affordable Football’ they said when we moved. In the middle of a cost of living crisis and they decide these prices are affordable! I’ll be surprised if we sell out many fixtures this season as a result with this pricing strategy.”
The club’s decision to hike ticket prices has sparked concerns that it may drive away generations of families who have supported the team for years. One fan posted: “Ticket prices are ‘driving’ generations of families away from the game.”
One fan said ticket prices are ‘driving’ generations of families away from the game
The controversy has also raised questions about the club’s financial management, with some fans pointing out that West Ham’s rent for the London Stadium does not cover the cost of staging matches. A report last year suggested that the club were open to turning their rental of the stadium into a permanent purchase, but this has yet to materialize.
As the debate rages on, fans are left wondering whether the club’s priorities have shifted away from supporting loyal fans and towards maximizing profits. One fan summed up the sentiment, saying: “This is not the club I’ve supported all my life. Shame on you @WestHam.”