Arsenal tickets/red membership question

Weebull · 10 Dec 2010 at 10:48

So I signed up for Red membership a little while back, and am finally getting myself over for my first game at the Emirates - for the FA Cup 3rd round game. Trouble is, I'd wanted to take my Leeds supporting mate along, but it seems I can't purchase unassigned tickets, is that right? Unfortunately he's not a member of Leeds' away scheme, so he can't get tickets through them currently, despite the 8,500 allocation they've got.

Basically, are we screwed? There doesn't appear to be any obvious way around the system.

reefoid · 10 Dec 2010 at 10:56

If he's going to be in London anyway, take him with you and lurk around the front of the main shop. This is where some season ticket holders sell unused tickets (my dad does it sometimes). The stadium is totally open once inside, so you just go through with the ticket holder and then you have the freedom of the stadium. Seats in the away section aren't really an issue - nobody sits down there anyway!!

DanH84 · 10 Dec 2010 at 11:48

Have you tried checking on supporter forums? On the caf at least you'll often see spare tickets being sold at face value or less.

Greenlizard0 · 10 Dec 2010 at 13:09

Aye it's a 3rd round FA Cup game, lots of people these days will be selling their seat for a day.

It's hard work being an Arsenal fan...

Weebull · 10 Dec 2010 at 14:20

DanH84 said:
Have you tried checking on supporter forums? On the caf at least you'll often see spare tickets being sold at face value or less.

From what I can see, most people simply send them back to the club, and get paid back for them. The trouble is that you need a membership card with the ticket or something? So it's not just like the old paper slips you can give to anyone.

DanH84 · 10 Dec 2010 at 14:22

They obviously do it differently at the Emirates so I couldn't really advise. I know I see people selling their tickets on on redcafe and no one ever complains about having any problems. Good luck finding one!

Clipsey · 10 Dec 2010 at 14:43

Just a random question, what's the best way to go about 'trying' to get Arsenal tickets?
I'm in England over Xmas and the only home game is against Chelsea lol

BaZ87 · 10 Dec 2010 at 14:50

Not sure how Arsenal sell their tickets but there's got to be a decent chance that this game won't sell out. Surely there will be some sort of general sale where you'll be able ot pick up tickets fairly easliy?

Clipsey · 10 Dec 2010 at 14:54

This is my thinking Baz, what with it being on Boxing day (people away at families or whatever).
But I don't think you can just buy general admission with Arsenal, think you have to be a member etc?

BaZ87 · 10 Dec 2010 at 14:57

Clipsey said:
This is my thinking Baz, what with it being on Boxing day (people away at families or whatever).
But I don't think you can just buy general admission with Arsenal, think you have to be a member etc?

Sorry, I was replying to Weebull. The Chelsea game will certailly sell out and other than paying way over the odds from a tout, you've got no chance of getting a ticket for that game.

edit: Just checked Arsenal's site and it's already showing up as sold out I'm afraid.
edit2: So's the Leeds game which is a surprise.

Clipsey · 10 Dec 2010 at 15:03

I've found a few tickets but like you say they were 219pounds each!

BaZ87 · 10 Dec 2010 at 15:13

To be honest with you, that's cheaper than what I would have expected for that game.

Weebull · 10 Dec 2010 at 15:16

Well the thing is, even though its "sold out", there have been "ticket exchange" tickets available, which are basically season ticket holders who've decided not to attend (I believe). But as I said, annoyingly, without another red membership number (and, I believe, the actual card upon going to the ground), I can't purchase more than one of these.

I think those tickets do eventually go on general sale, if any are left, but it's a bit of a gamble. There's barely 10 or 15 on there at the moment.

foz2000 · 10 Dec 2010 at 17:11

The best way to get a ticket for the game is to go outside the shop or redcafe.

The admission into the emirates is usually via cards for home fans but for example in the carling cup games they issue paper tickets if it goes to general sale.

I went every home game last season and there was always someone selling tickets by the tube station (arsenal), just round the corner where they sell the programmes. For everton last season a guy wanted £120 for two tickets.

Failing that you're screwed unless some1 who has a gold/red/silver membership is willing to go online and use the ticket exchange for you and send you the card or get your mate to sign up to the red membership and use it himself.

Hope that helps you out a little.

HangTime · 12 Dec 2010 at 00:53

There isn't an easy option here I'm afraid - 1 red membership, 1 seat (except for preseason games and the ilk). Had the game not sold out to red members, additional (paper) tickets would have become available.

It may seem a bit harsh/awkward but to be fair the idea is to stop people who are paid up members being denied potential tickets by randomers (such as your Leeds supporting mate), not to mention touting implications. A lot of people I speak to were really surprised when I said I could only buy one ticket as at less popular clubs you can often buy multiple tickets (although my wife is now a member so I can get two).

BTW regarding Chelsea even though games sellout occasionally you get tickets come available at strange times, last season I somehow blagged myself a ticket to the Chelsea game just by going on the site days after it had gone on sale to red members.