Arsenal has announced a transformation of its season ticket pricing and structure for the 2023/24 season, involving a reduction in the number of home matches included in a season ticket from 26 to 22, alongside a few other crucial changes.

The most significant amendment for the forthcoming season is the decrease in home matches incorporated in a season ticket. This decision, shaped by consistent feedback from fans, allows season ticket holders more adaptability and certainty, given that they will only be charged for matches that are confirmed to take place, eliminating premature payment for potentially unplayed games.

A General Admission season ticket under the revamped plan will encompass all 19 Premier League and three European group-stage matches, after Arsenal qualified for the Champions League. This marks a change from the former 26-match season ticket which included all home Premier League games, five European matches, and two home Emirates FA Cup games.

These modifications, arising from season ticket holders’ wish for more flexibility in attending matches, align with Arsenal’s objective to increase ticket availability for its burgeoning member base. By excluding the four cup credits from the season ticket, Arsenal plans to make an additional 150,000 match tickets available for members to buy next season.

Simultaneously, Arsenal is introducing an average 5 per cent increase on General Admission season tickets for the coming season. The cost of event tickets, particularly for popular sports events, have been on the rise globally, and Arsenal’s decision is in alignment with this trend. Prices in the lower tier will experience a 6 per cent hike, and a 4 per cent increase in the upper tier. This price rise is uniform across all match-by-match tickets.

Despite the price increase, Arsenal’s qualification for the Champions League translates to an average cost reduction of £113 per season for full-price adult general admission season ticket holders, compared to the equivalent price if Arsenal had been in the Champions League this season. If Arsenal had qualified for the Europa League next season, full-price adult season ticket holders would be spending an average £76 less than they did this season.

In a more encouraging development, Arsenal is extending the 25 per cent discount on season tickets and match-by-match tickets, previously available to individuals up to the age of 21, to those up to 24. This is in addition to discounts offered to Cannon members aged 17 and 18, who already enjoy a 57 per cent discount outside the Family Enclosure. Junior Gunners (16 and under) will still receive a 66 per cent discount on tickets within the Family Enclosure.

The practice of issuing season tickets has a long history at Arsenal Football Club, dating back to the 1888-89 season. Initially, these tickets not only provided game access but also conferred club membership, including voting rights in committee elections. As technology progressed, so did the ticketing process, from the manual examination by a gateman to the digital access controls at the Emirates Stadium.

With the latest round of changes, Arsenal continues to adapt and evolve its ticketing policies to cater to the needs of its diverse and passionate fan base.