As ticket prices increase and travel expenses draw down on purse strings, following Arsenal home and away has never been more expensive. But is it possible, using a bit of know-how and foresight, to become a regular staple of matchdays without draining the savings account?
Supporting Arsenal has never been about passion and pride, but also tense Saturday afternoons. Nowadays, though, it’s about as expensive as well. Whether taking your seat in the North Bank at the Emirates or singing your heart out from the away end at Selhurst Park, today’s matchday experience is not simply about football but also affordability.
Although supporters historically loved to mock exorbitant pies or that fundamental budgeting issues have replaced £5 pint, these trivial complaints are. A season watching Arsenal, home and away, will likely cost several thousand when you include entrance fees, distance travelled, food and accommodation. As the cost-of-living crisis has hit, supporters ask: Is it feasible anymore?
The Battle Begins
Getting Arsenal Tickets today is like playing a game by itself. Even if you’ve paid for membership, there is no guarantee of entry to major games. Spurs, United or City matches sell out in minutes regarding these marquee games. And the cost? Tickets to cat A games cost £67 to join from £67 up to well beyond £100 based on position.
Secondary markets cost double that and while some fans unwillingly pay, others boycott on principle. Not only is it expensive, but it’s also stressful. Flash sales, website crashes and resale market disruption make the entire process a hassle.
But clever Gooners adapt. Less demanding games—Europa League group games, League Cup ties or games against strugglers near the bottom of the Premier League table—are frequently priced lower and have better availability. The secret is knowing when to pounce and where to sit.
Making it Without Flying First-Class
If you go to an away game regularly, you know the routine: wake up in time, search for the most economical train fare, pray that nothing goes wrong and rush back in panic at the last whistle. Rail fare, particularly at short notice, can kill you—at times more than the match itself!
Club regulars book well ahead or opt for coach options using official club schemes or third-party supporter groups. Far from glamorous, £25 on a coach is preferable to a £90 fare on a train at any time of day. Another method of saving money is car-sharing, particularly for northern day trips.
For home games, supporters living outside of London tend to turn to group ticket specials or off-peak fare season tickets. It is not merely about arriving—it is about arriving there with an empty wallet.
Food, Drink And The Matchday Spend
Matchday expenses don’t end when you get to the turnstiles. Whether it’s an entrance pint before kick-off or food close to the ground, it quickly adds up. At Emirates, you can pay over £6 for a pint and a pie is not much cheaper.
The local pubs just outside the stadium are cheaper and more atmospheric. Spots like The Twelve Pins or The Gunners pub are favourite haunts for supporters looking for an inexpensive pint and a decent pre-match discussion. A few even pack food or grab something from street vendors that is cheaper, quicker and frequently more delicious than what is served inside the stadium.
Fans also recommend the “bring a flask and a sandwich” tactic. It’s old-school, but if you do this every other weekend, the ten quid saved each game adds up quickly.
London Nights on a Budget
An overnight stay in London is often unavoidable for those coming from farther afield. But as hotel prices soar on matchdays, finding cheap lodgings can seem impossible. Inevitably, some supporters opt for hostels or cut-price chains such as Premier Inn and Travelodge, provided that they book well in advance.
The rest get inventive—couch-surfing with fellow supporters, staying outside central London and commuting in or using last-minute discount apps to secure cut-price rooms. It’s not exactly luxurious, perhaps, but it works. An evening’s sleep that won’t cost an arm and a leg is money that can be spent on the next match.
Is It Still Worth It?
Despite the expense, it’s still a definite yes for most supporters. There is nothing quite like the thrill of being on the ground, that deafening roar of an assembled crowd and the memories that result from a battled-out away victory or a stunning last-gasp goal. But don’t be mistaken—it takes planning, sacrifice and creativity to do it.
Social media has made it easier than ever to share tips and tricks. Whether it’s sharing discount codes, ride-share strategies or even spare tickets, online forums and supporter groups provide a lifeline to those working to stay in the game while not going broke.
Ultimately, being an Arsenal follower is not just an amusement—it’s a passion or lifestyle. Although it’s no longer inexpensive, it’s still within reach for cost-conscious supporters.
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