Arsenal Football Club have announced plans to increase men's season ticket prices and introduce a safe standing area at the Emirates Stadium from the next season. This move marks the fifth consecutive year that the Premier League leaders have raised their prices.
The Gunners are offering two types of season tickets for 2026-27 - a 23-match offer that includes Champions League home matches, and a 19-game option that only includes Premier League games. These tickets will see an average price rise of 3.9% compared to the previous year's rates, with club level season tickets also becoming more expensive by the same percentage.
Despite this increase, Arsenal will continue its community outreach by offering 1,000 free tickets to local residents for the upcoming season. The club attributes these price hikes partly to escalating operational matchday costs.
Reaction from supporters trust
The Arsenal Supporters Trust (AST) expressed disappointment over this decision, stating it disregards the Football Supporters Association's proposal for a ticket price freeze across all Premier League clubs.
Arsenal already boasts one of the most expensive season tickets in Premier League football and ranked third in gate receipt income during the 2023-24 season (£127m), trailing only Real Madrid (£153m) and Paris St-Germain (£139m).
In response to these developments, AST issued a statement: "We firmly believe that with football sector benefiting from ever-increasing broadcast and commercial revenues it is time to stop squeezing match-going supporters so hard." They further criticized both Arsenal and Premier League for not seriously considering a universal freeze on ticket prices as an effective measure against escalating costs.
Introduction of safe standing areas
In addition to raising ticket prices, Arsenal also plans on introducing safe standing areas after extensive consultation and engagement with stakeholders. Starting next season, there will be "standing rails in areas where we know our supporters stand" in the Clock End's lower tier.
The North Bank lower tier will follow suit from the start of the 2027-28 season, accommodating approximately 13,500 supporters, including away fans, in licensed standing areas at the Emirates. This move towards safe standing is a significant step for Arsenal and its fans. It demonstrates a commitment to improving fan experience while ensuring safety and comfort during matches.
While Arsenal's decision to increase ticket prices may not be well-received by all fans, it is clear that they are making strides to enhance matchday experiences with initiatives like safe standing areas. However, it remains crucial for clubs like Arsenal to balance these improvements with affordable access for their loyal fan base.
