Heads are gradually turning from Euro 2024 to the return of the Premier League, but Aston Villa’s opener could be missing an integral element.
Villa resume their league duties in exactly one month and one day, starting off their next journey at the London Stadium, home of West Ham United. Unai mery and Co will be aiming to at least maintain the achievement of last season when they finished fourth, but why not dream of going one better?
Given Villa’s strong finish last term and the Hammer’s appointment of a new manager in Julen Lopetegui, the fixture promises to be an exciting clash and so has been handed the Saturday 5:30pm slot on August 17. However, Sky Sports cameras may be greeted by a half-empty stadium for one specific reason – ticket pricing.
This is a problem Villa supporters know about all too well, with the club themselves recently announcing price hikes for the new season. West Ham appear to have done the same as in previous years, which impacts the pricing ranges for home supporters hoping to attend matches against the best opposition.
As Villa qualified for the Champions League next season, they have been labelled as ‘Category A’ opponents for the Hammers – meaning the cheapest general admission seats in the London Stadium will cost supporters £45, whilst the most expensive can reach as high as £105.
Season ticket holders are also impacted as West Ham’s ‘Category A’ fixtures remove concessions for children. That means a child’s ticket for the opening match of the season will cost the same as that for an adult.
Supporters group Hammers United have been particularly vocal about the price hike, even starting an online petition calling for the club to revert to their pricing strategy of previous seasons. A report from Hammers News claims club fans could take action against the hike by avoiding the game in protest and watch on TV instead.
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