Arsenal supporters' excitement at reaching the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on May 30 has been tempered by the exorbitant cost of attending the match. The Gunners’ victory over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night sparked celebrations, but the financial burden of travelling to Hungary has left many fans dismayed.
Staggering Costs for Fans
Ticket resale sites are already offering seats at prices up to £6,160 for the European showpiece at the 67,000-capacity Ferenc Puskas Stadium. Budget airlines have seen one-way flights soar above £3,000 after Arsenal secured their place in the final. Hotel prices in Budapest for the weekend of the match are reaching £2,500 per night, bringing the total travel bill for some supporters to an estimated £15,000.
UEFA has issued a warning urging fans not to purchase tickets from unauthorised resale sites. Arsenal season ticket holders will enter a ballot for the official allocation of 16,824 tickets, with prices ranging from £60 to £800. However, even those who secure tickets face significant travel expenses and logistical challenges.
UEFA's Measures and Warning
UEFA has introduced additional measures to combat unauthorised resale. Fans must download the UEFA Mobile Tickets app and register their mobile phone to access the stadium. Tickets are non-transferable, and those unable to attend can resell at face value through the official UEFA resale platform. UEFA stated: “UEFA urges all football fans to refrain from purchasing tickets or hospitality packages from unauthorised sellers, as tickets obtained in breach of terms will be invalid.”
Arsenal Supporters' Trust Reaction
The Arsenal Supporters’ Trust expressed disappointment over the small ticket allocation, which they have campaigned against since the Baku final. They welcomed the club’s decision to hold a home screening at the Emirates Stadium, which could see up to 35,000 fans attend at a fair price. The Trust said: “UEFA needs to remember it is the fans who support the competition throughout the group stages and knock out rounds and show more respect to our position.”
With Declan Rice estimating that 200,000 supporters could travel to Budapest, the scramble for tickets and travel arrangements continues to drive demand and prices sky-high. Arsenal fans now await the ballot results, hoping to secure a place at the final without breaking the bank.
