The most common question we receive is: **”Can you help me find tickets to a game in England?”**

Below, you’ll find an insightful piece Peter recently wrote for Bob Sturm’s Substack, offering valuable guidance on this topic. Following that, there’s a podcast featuring an interview with Adam, an English ticket broker who has become a trusted resource for Bob, our team, and many P1 listeners looking to secure tickets.  If you’re interested in utilizing Adam, send us an email, and we’ll reply with details. 

(Click here to read Bob’s full post on this topic)

Navigating the Ticketing Process for Football Games in England

Securing tickets for football games in England is significantly different from the U.S. system. It requires preparation, flexibility, and an understanding that the schedule may not align with Norm’s ideal of a “Schedule for Humans.”

Planning Ahead
The first step is deciding which games to attend and how many tickets you’ll need. This information is crucial as it’s the first thing any broker, app, or club will request.

However, planning isn’t straightforward due to the dynamic nature of the European football calendar. Match schedules can change with as little as a few weeks’ notice, depending on a club’s progress in concurrent tournaments like domestic cups or European competitions.

For instance, a Saturday Liverpool vs. Newcastle game might shift to Sunday or another date entirely if one of the teams advances in a midweek tournament. This uncertainty can disrupt travel plans, so seasoned travelers advise having a backup plan with alternative games to attend. Fortunately, if you’re in a city like London, there will likely be plenty of matches to choose from.

Ticket Acquisition Options
There are three primary ways to secure tickets: directly through the club, via ticketing services, or through brokers.

1. **Club Memberships**
Purchasing tickets directly from a club is often the least expensive option, but it comes with unique challenges.
– Clubs allocate seats specifically for their fans, so buying tickets often requires becoming a registered member of the club.
– Membership processes vary but are usually straightforward. Once registered, you can purchase single-game tickets, though availability may depend on demand and whether the match is home or away.

2. **Ticketing Services**
Online ticketing platforms, such as StubHub, offer convenience but require caution.
– While the industry has become more secure, scams still exist. It’s essential to research the platform and ensure the tickets are legitimate.
– This route typically incurs higher costs due to service fees and resale markups.

3. **Brokers**
Brokers can be a useful option, especially for high-demand matches, but they come with potential risks.
– Brokers often resell season ticket holders’ seats, bypassing club membership requirements.
– Recommendations from trusted sources are vital to avoid fraud.
– This is generally the most expensive option, but it provides access to tickets for premium matches.
– Be aware that sitting in a home fan section while supporting the opposing team can be an intense experience.

Additionally, some hotel concierges offer ticket acquisition services, which can be a convenient and reliable option in this category.

Final Tips
Be flexible and mentally prepared for potential schedule changes. Having a Plan B for alternative games ensures you won’t miss out on the football experience entirely. In cities like London, the abundance of matches provides plenty of fallback options.