Football is more than just a sport—it’s a passion, a tradition, and for many, a way of life. Whether you’re cheering for your local club or traveling to see your national team on the world stage, getting football tickets can be an exciting yet sometimes challenging endeavor. With high demand, fluctuating prices, and varying sources, navigating your way to the best seat in the house requires insight, strategy, and preparation.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the best ways to get football tickets, providing you with smart tips, reliable resources, and step-by-step advice to make the process smooth and successful. From official club websites to resale platforms and fan memberships, here’s everything you need to know.
1. Understand the Demand and Plan Ahead
The very first step in securing football tickets is understanding the level of demand for the match you want to attend. Games between big clubs, local derbies, international tournaments, and season-defining matchups usually sell out quickly.
Similarly, clubs with massive global followings—such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, or Bayern Munich—often see high ticket demand even for less significant games.
Why Planning Early Matters
Planning early means you’ll have access to a broader range of options and potentially better prices. Major clubs usually release tickets weeks or months in advance, often following a schedule.
Key tip: Check the fixture list as early as possible and mark the ticket sale dates on your calendar.
2. Purchase Directly from Official Club Websites
Most Reliable Source: The Club’s Own Platform
Buying directly from a club’s official website is the safest and most straightforward way to get authentic football tickets.
Clubs generally allocate a certain number of tickets for sale to the public (non-members), and these are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to Buy from a Club Website
Create an account on the club’s website ahead of time.
Sign up for ticket alerts if available.
Be ready the moment tickets go on sale—high-demand games can sell out in minutes.
Use a credit card or secure payment method to finalize the transaction.
Clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Juventus, and Barcelona offer user-friendly ticketing platforms. The official site will always guarantee the legitimacy of your purchase and provide real-time seat availability.
3. Become a Club Member or Season Ticket Holder
Early Access and Priority Seating
One of the most effective ways to get football tickets—especially for high-profile matches—is to become a member of the club. Most top-tier clubs offer membership programs that give early access to tickets, priority windows, and discounts.
Types of Memberships
Standard Membership: Early access to single-match tickets.
Premium Membership: May include hospitality packages and exclusive events.
Season Ticket: Guarantees a seat at every home game.
For frequent attendees, season tickets are not only convenient but also cost-effective over the long term.
Pro Tip: Memberships can also come with perks like club merchandise, digital content, and exclusive invites.
4. Use Authorized Ticketing Partners and Travel Packages
Partner Platforms and Official Resellers
Some football clubs partner with authorized ticket resellers, especially for international fans. These platforms guarantee valid tickets, often combined with hospitality packages or travel arrangements.
Examples include:
- SportsBreaks
- Thomas Cook Sport
- P1 Travel
- Viagogo (only when officially partnered with a club)
These platforms are particularly useful if you’re flying in for a game and want a complete travel and ticket package, including hotels, transfers, and even stadium tours.
Note: Always ensure the platform is listed as an official partner on the club’s website.
5. Explore the Resale Market Safely
Secondary Market for Last-Minute or Sold-Out Games
If you missed out on primary ticket sales, the resale market can be a viable solution. However, it’s essential to navigate this market carefully to avoid scams, inflated prices, or invalid tickets.
Trusted resale platforms include:
- StubHub
- SeatGeek
- LiveFootballTickets
- Ticketmaster Resale
These sites typically offer money-back guarantees and buyer protection. Make sure you verify the seller’s reputation and review the seating chart carefully before purchasing.
Warning: Avoid buying tickets through classified ads, social media, or unverified third-party sellers, as this carries a high risk of fraud.
6. Leverage Supporters’ Clubs and Forums
The Power of Fan Communities
If you’re a die-hard supporter, joining an official supporters’ club can be incredibly helpful. These clubs often have ticket allocations, especially for away matches or international tournaments. They also provide valuable resources and may coordinate group travel and ticket purchases.
You can also explore:
- Online fan forums (e.g., RedCafe for Manchester United, RAWK for Liverpool)
- Facebook groups
- Discord communities
Fans in these groups often trade or resell tickets at face value or less, particularly for fellow loyal supporters.
7. Buy Through Hospitality and VIP Packages
Premium Experience, Guaranteed Tickets
For those who value comfort, exclusivity, and guaranteed access, hospitality packages are an excellent choice. These packages include premium seating, catering, and additional perks like meet-and-greets or behind-the-scenes access.
Hospitality tickets are available directly from club websites or official hospitality providers.
Top clubs offer branded experiences such as:
- The Tunnel Club (Manchester City)
- Club Level (Arsenal)
- VIP Suites (Real Madrid)
While pricier, they eliminate the stress of last-minute hunting and provide an unforgettable matchday.
8. Check Local Box Offices or Stadium Ticket Counters
Low-Tech but Occasionally Effective
For smaller matches or lower-division clubs, simply showing up at the stadium box office can work. Tickets for local league games, friendlies, or cup matches might be available right up to matchday.
Advantages:
- No additional fees
- Direct club pricing
- Spontaneity
This approach works best in lower leagues (EFL Championship, Serie B, Ligue 2) or for early-round cup fixtures.
9. Look Out for Special Promotions and Bundles
Combo Deals and Discounted Packages
Occasionally, clubs or resellers offer ticket promotions, such as:
- Multi-match packages (e.g., 3-game bundles)
- Discounted student or senior tickets
- Family packages
These are particularly popular during the holiday season or off-peak periods when clubs want to boost attendance.
Signing up for newsletters from clubs or travel agencies is a great way to stay informed about these offers.
10. Attend Less Popular Matches
Better Availability and Lower Prices
If you’re flexible with your schedule, opt for:
- Midweek games
- Cup matches
- Games against lower-ranked opponents
These typically have more availability and offer a more relaxed experience. It’s a great way for newcomers or families to enjoy live football without the hustle of a derby-day crowd.
Conclusion
Getting football tickets doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With the right combination of planning, club loyalty, and trusted sources, you can unlock access to some of the most thrilling live sports events in the world.
To summarize:
Always buy from official or verified sources.
Plan early, especially for popular games.
Consider memberships and supporter clubs.
Use resale markets wisely and avoid scams.
