Purchasing tickets for Arsenal matches at the Emirates Stadium requires official club membership, with tickets sold primarily to Silver Members and Red Members through an exclusive ballot system. The club operates a tiered membership structure where Silver Members receive priority access to ticket ballots 6-8 weeks before home fixtures, while Red Members can enter ballots 4-6 weeks in advance. Arsenal no longer operates a traditional first-come-first-served ticket sale system, instead using ballots to allocate tickets fairly among thousands of members competing for limited availability at the 60,704-capacity Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal Membership Requirements
Arsenal requires fans to hold official club membership to purchase tickets for most Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup matches at the Emirates Stadium. The club operates two main membership tiers with Red Membership serving as the entry-level option costing approximately £34-39 per season, while Silver Membership costs an additional £56 per season for adults and £51 for senior citizens aged 66 and over. Season ticket holders receive guaranteed seats for all home matches but availability for new season tickets is extremely limited with thousands on a waiting list.
Red Membership provides access to ticket ballots for home matches, though competition for tickets remains fierce with far more members than available seats. Red Members are automatically placed on a waiting list to upgrade to Silver Membership, with progression strictly determined by purchase date on a first-come-first-served basis. The waiting time to upgrade from Red to Silver Membership typically ranges from 10-15 years depending on demand, making Silver Membership a highly sought-after status among Arsenal supporters.
Silver Membership is capped at approximately 30,000 members, creating scarcity that increases the probability of successful ballot entries compared to Red Members. Silver Members receive exclusive access to purchase tickets made available through the Ticket Exchange system between Silver and Red ballot periods, providing additional opportunities to secure matchday tickets. Both membership tiers include various benefits beyond ticket access including member-exclusive content, priority access to away tickets based on attendance points, and discounts at the Arsenal club shop.
Ticket Ballot System Explained
Arsenal implemented the exclusive ticket ballot system replacing the previous time-slot booking method that often crashed due to overwhelming demand. Under the ballot system, members register their interest for specific fixtures during designated ballot registration periods advertised by the club. Silver Members can register for ballots 6-8 weeks before home fixtures, while Red Members register 4-6 weeks in advance, with tighter turnarounds for cup competitions.
Members wishing to attend with friends and family can be balloted together by linking their memberships during the registration process. Successful ballot entries receive notification and must complete their ticket purchase within the specified timeframe, typically 24-48 hours after notification. Unsuccessful ballot applicants can try again through the Ticket Exchange system where members unable to attend matches can resell their tickets to other members.
The ballot system aims to distribute tickets fairly among the membership base rather than rewarding those with fastest internet connections during on-sale moments. However, success in ballots is not guaranteed even for Silver Members, particularly for high-demand fixtures against traditional rivals like Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Manchester City. Members can enter ballots for multiple fixtures throughout the season, with each match treated as a separate ballot opportunity.
Purchasing Through Official Arsenal Channels
Arsenal Members can purchase tickets online through their Online Box Office account accessible via the official Arsenal website. Members must log in using their seven-digit membership number found on their membership card along with their password and provide credit or debit card details to complete purchases. The online system processes all ticket purchases following successful ballot entries, with e-tickets typically delivered approximately 4 days before each match.
The Arsenal Box Office can be contacted for ticket inquiries via email at boxoffice@arsenal.co.uk or by telephone on 020 7619 5000. The Matchday Box Office located next to the Armoury Store at Emirates Stadium opens at 9am on matchdays and closes at half-time, providing in-person assistance for supporters requiring help with ticketing matters. Phone lines operate from 9am until 20 minutes after the final whistle on matchdays for urgent ticket-related queries.
Members experiencing technical difficulties or requiring special accommodations should contact the Supporter Services team through the official Arsenal Help Centre website or by calling the main box office number. The club provides accessible seating for supporters with disabilities including wheelchair-accessible positions and personal assistant tickets, which must be requested when entering ticket ballots or purchasing through official channels.
Arsenal Ticket Exchange System
The Ticket Exchange system allows Arsenal Members to buy and sell tickets for matches they can no longer attend, providing additional flexibility for supporters. Once a fixture sells out through the initial ballot process, the Ticket Exchange opens allowing season ticket holders and members to list their tickets for resale. Silver Members receive priority access to Ticket Exchange listings before Red Members, creating additional opportunities to secure tickets for sold-out fixtures.
Tickets sold through the Ticket Exchange are transferred between members at face value without markup, ensuring fair pricing while helping members recover costs for matches they cannot attend. The system operates through the official Arsenal website with all transactions processed securely through official club channels. Members should regularly check the Ticket Exchange, particularly as match dates approach when members may list tickets due to changed circumstances.
The Ticket Exchange typically becomes more active in the 2-3 weeks before each fixture as members’ plans change and tickets become available. Checking regularly and acting quickly when tickets appear maximizes chances of securing seats through this secondary market. However, availability varies significantly based on fixture importance and demand, with high-profile matches rarely seeing substantial Ticket Exchange activity.
Premium Hospitality Packages
Arsenal offers premium hospitality packages providing guaranteed match access without requiring membership or ballot entry, though at significantly higher prices than standard tickets. Hospitality packages through Seat Unique and official Arsenal hospitality channels start from approximately £449 per person and vary based on fixture importance, opponent quality, and package inclusions. The Cannon Club Package represents the entry-level hospitality option with multiple price tiers depending on seating location within the Emirates Stadium.
Premium packages typically include pre-match dining, complimentary bar service, padded seating in exclusive areas, and various amenities creating enhanced matchday experiences. Hospitality tickets are located in home supporters’ areas with guests openly supporting opposition teams or wearing away colors subject to entry refusal or ejection without compensation. Dress codes for hospitality areas typically require smart casual attire with specific requirements communicated upon booking confirmation.
Hospitality packages represent the most reliable method for non-members or international visitors to guarantee Arsenal match attendance, though costs significantly exceed standard ticket prices. Various hospitality levels exist ranging from basic packages to luxury suites accommodating corporate groups and special occasions. Booking hospitality packages well in advance is recommended, particularly for high-demand fixtures where even premium packages sell out quickly.
Secondary Market and Resale Platforms
Various secondary ticket marketplaces including SeatPick, 1BoxOffice, and other resale platforms offer Arsenal tickets when official channels are unavailable. These platforms aggregate listings from multiple sources allowing price comparison and availability checking across the secondary market. Ticket prices on secondary markets typically exceed face value significantly, with average resale prices around £125 per ticket though varying dramatically based on fixture quality and demand.
High-demand matches against top opponents can see secondary market prices reach £300-600 per ticket or higher, while less attractive fixtures may be available closer to face value. Secondary market tickets do not require Arsenal membership to purchase, making them accessible to international visitors and casual fans unable to obtain official membership. However, Arsenal FC warns that tickets purchased through unofficial secondary markets risk being invalid or cancelled if identified by the club.
Buyers using secondary markets should understand the risks involved including potential entry denial if tickets are flagged as resold in violation of Arsenal’s terms and conditions. Official Arsenal tickets are intended for registered members only with resale permitted exclusively through the club’s Ticket Exchange system. While secondary markets provide access when official channels are exhausted, buyers assume all risks associated with unofficial ticket purchases.
Away Match Tickets
Arsenal allocate away match tickets based on a loyalty points system rewarding supporters who have attended previous matches. Season ticket holders and members earn points for each match attended, with points tracked throughout supporters’ membership history. Away ticket allocations from host clubs typically provide approximately 3,000 tickets for Arsenal supporters, creating intense competition for limited availability.
Supporters with the highest accumulated points receive priority access to away ticket ballots, with allocation working downward through points totals until the allocation is exhausted. Building sufficient points to regularly secure away tickets requires years of consistent match attendance both home and away. Silver Members and Season Ticket Holders earn more points per match than Red Members, creating additional incentive to upgrade membership tiers.
Away ticket sales operate on a first-come-first-served basis once ballot periods open for eligible points totals, requiring quick action when booking windows open. The club announces away ticket details including points requirements and sale dates well in advance through official channels. International members and those without significant points accumulation find away tickets nearly impossible to secure through official channels, making home fixtures the more realistic attendance option.
International Visitor Guidance
International Arsenal supporters visiting London face particular challenges securing match tickets due to membership requirements and limited availability. The most reliable approach for international visitors involves purchasing Red or Silver Membership well in advance of planned travel, though membership alone does not guarantee ticket access through ballot systems. International supporters should plan trips around multiple potential match dates allowing flexibility if ballot entries for preferred fixtures prove unsuccessful.
Arsenal America and other official supporters’ clubs sometimes offer ticket access to members through allocated quotas, providing alternative routes for international supporters. Checking with official supporters’ clubs in your country may reveal ticket access programs, though these typically require supporters’ club membership maintained over time. Hotel packages and tour operators occasionally offer Arsenal match tickets bundled with accommodation, though these command premium prices.
International visitors should be prepared with contingency plans including watching matches at Arsenal-themed pubs or attending less popular fixtures where ticket availability improves. Midweek fixtures, early-round cup matches, and games against lower-profile opponents typically see lower demand making ballot success more likely. Planning London visits during periods with multiple Arsenal home fixtures increases probability of securing tickets for at least one match.
Ticket Pricing Structure
Arsenal ticket prices vary significantly based on match category, seating location, and opponent quality. Standard admission prices typically range from £30-90 for adults depending on category, with premium seating and high-demand fixtures commanding higher prices. Junior tickets for supporters aged 16 and under are priced lower encouraging family attendance, while senior citizen and young adult concessions offer reduced pricing for eligible categories.
The most affordable tickets are typically in upper tier corners and behind goals, while central lower tier and club level seats command premium pricing. Category A fixtures against top opposition cost significantly more than Category C matches against lower-ranked teams. Season tickets provide best overall value for regular attendees, costing approximately £1,200 for general admission seats and averaging £3,700 for club-level premium locations across all home fixtures.
Members should budget for membership costs in addition to individual match tickets, with total costs for attending multiple matches quickly accumulating. Premium hospitality packages starting around £449 per person provide all-inclusive experiences but at prices several times higher than standard ticket face values. Understanding the full cost structure including membership, individual match tickets, and travel expenses helps supporters budget appropriately for Arsenal match attendance.
Tips for Increasing Success
Maximizing chances of securing Arsenal tickets requires strategic approach and understanding the ticketing system. Registering for every available ballot increases opportunities, as each fixture represents independent chance to secure tickets. Silver Membership significantly improves success rates though requiring years on Red Member waiting list, making early membership purchase worthwhile for long-term attendance goals.
Targeting less popular fixtures including midweek games, early cup rounds, and matches against lower-ranked opponents improves ballot success probability. Being flexible with seating location and willingness to accept any available seats rather than holding out for preferred sections increases likelihood of successful allocations. Regularly checking the Ticket Exchange particularly in weeks immediately before fixtures catches newly listed tickets from members whose plans changed.
Building relationship with Arsenal supporters’ groups and staying connected to membership communications ensures awareness of all ticket opportunities and special allocations. Acting immediately upon receiving successful ballot notifications and completing purchases within specified timeframes prevents losing allocated tickets. Patience and persistence prove essential, as regular ballot entries over multiple seasons eventually yield successful allocations for dedicated supporters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Arsenal membership to buy match tickets?
Yes, Arsenal requires official club membership to purchase tickets for most matches at Emirates Stadium, with tickets sold through exclusive ballots to Red Members and Silver Members rather than general public sales.
How much does Arsenal membership cost?
Red Membership costs approximately £34-39 per season for adults, while Silver Membership costs an additional £56 per season for adults and £51 for senior citizens aged 66 and over.
What is the difference between Red and Silver membership?
Silver Members receive priority ballot access 6-8 weeks before fixtures compared to 4-6 weeks for Red Members, plus exclusive Ticket Exchange access and higher probability of successful ballot entries due to capped membership numbers.
How does the Arsenal ticket ballot system work?
Members register interest for specific fixtures during designated ballot periods, with successful applicants notified and given 24-48 hours to complete ticket purchases at face value through the official Arsenal website.
How long is the waiting list for Silver Membership?
The waiting time to upgrade from Red to Silver Membership typically ranges from 10-15 years based on first-come-first-served progression as current Silver Members do not renew, with membership capped at approximately 30,000.
Can I buy Arsenal tickets without membership?
Non-members can purchase through premium hospitality packages starting around £449 or secondary market resale platforms, though both options cost significantly more than face-value member tickets and carry various risks.
How can I contact Arsenal Box Office?
Contact Arsenal Box Office via email at boxoffice@arsenal.co.uk or telephone on 020 7619 5000, with Matchday Box Office at Emirates Stadium open from 9am until half-time on matchdays.
What is the Arsenal Ticket Exchange?
The Ticket Exchange allows members to buy and sell tickets at face value for matches they cannot attend, with Silver Members receiving priority access before Red Members once fixtures sell out.
How much do Arsenal tickets cost?
Standard Arsenal ticket prices range from £30-90 for adults depending on match category and seating location, with premium seating and high-demand fixtures against top opponents commanding higher prices.
Can international visitors buy Arsenal tickets?
International visitors can purchase Red or Silver Membership and enter ticket ballots like UK members, though hospitality packages and secondary markets provide more reliable but expensive alternatives for guaranteed match access.
How do I buy tickets with friends and family?
Members can link accounts during ballot registration to be balloted together, ensuring successful groups all receive tickets for the same match rather than some receiving allocation while others miss out.
When do Arsenal tickets go on sale?
Ballot registration opens 6-8 weeks before fixtures for Silver Members and 4-6 weeks for Red Members, with specific dates advertised by the club and available to sync to personal calendars.
Are Arsenal season tickets available?
New season tickets are not available to prospective buyers, with interested supporters required to join the club’s waiting list where thousands wait for existing season ticket holders not to renew.
How do away tickets work for Arsenal matches?
Away tickets are allocated based on loyalty points system rewarding consistent match attendance, with highest points totals receiving priority access to limited away allocations of approximately 3,000 tickets per match.
What are the best matches to target for first-time buyers?
Midweek fixtures, early cup rounds, and matches against lower-ranked opponents typically see lower demand improving ballot success probability compared to weekend games against top-six rivals.
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