Price is Right - Villa and Forest Show the Rest How it’s Done with Cut-Price Europa Semi-Final Tickets

Villa and Forest Praised for Budget Tickets

Just a few days ago, we made the statement to footballing authorities that football clubs need to do better in regards to ticket prices and costs for football matches in the UK, or risk alienating the loyal supporters to all of these sporting bodies across the nation.

As such, it only feels right that we veer credit towards those clubs looking to make a difference, and put their fans at the hearts of their operations. Namely, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.

Very happy to see the prices staying down. Well done Forest https://t.co/lAXjNajiBI

— Louis Wheeldon (@LouisWheeldonNS) April 17, 2026

The two Premier League sides are set to square off in the Europa League Semi Final, with the matches played on the 30th of April at the City Ground and the 7th of May at Villa Park.

For the second leg, the Villains are advertising their tickets at a starting price of £55 for adults, whereas the Reds are advertising tickets for the first leg of the tie in Nottingham at a starting price of £40.

These prices come from two clubs who were criticised at stages of the European season and in general for their lofty prices placed on tickets - League Phase fixtures in the Adult bracket came at a starting point of £55 for most games, but a meeting with the Supporters Trust has seen a necessary effort from the club to assist their supporters with more affordable match tickets, and frozen season card prices for the 26/27 domestic season.

The Growing Price of Football

Data pulled from UEFA's European Club Finance and Investment Landscape report, which was released in February of this year, reveals that the 'Big Six' of the Premier League generated 20% more matchday ticket revenue in the 2024/25 campaign than the season prior. The Gunners led the way in pricing, with an average of £89 per ticket. Across the whole 20-team Premier League, ticket sale revenue came up by £90m from the previous campaign for a total of £920m.

Proud to stand with supporters yesterday and full credit to every Red who took a stand against the club’s decision to increase ticket prices over the next three seasons.

At a time when football and LFC is generating more wealth than ever, it’s simply unacceptable to ask more… pic.twitter.com/IOciam6EIu

— lan Byrne MP (@IanByrneMP) April 12, 2026

For this season, the 2025/26 campaign, 13 out of 20 Premier League clubs implemented further increases to ticket costs, after a period wherein 19 of the 20 clubs had brought prices up over the 2024/25 season. Arsenal's average season ticket price rose by 4% to reach £1,127, whilst Chelsea's prices increased by 9% and Manchester United by 5%, with the latter also adjusting the discounts available for senior citizen's in certain areas of Old Trafford. Liverpool were on the receiving end of instant backlash after announcing inflation-linked rises for the next three years, whilst Everton and Newcastle also saw increase come in at 12% and 5% respectively. Manchester City, Brentford and Wolves were amongst the clubs who deployed freezes, but these were the exceptions rather than the rules.

Matchday tickets have come the same way. A full day out in the Premier League, including travel, the ticket and any refreshments, can routinely exceed £100 for many fans, even in standard areas. And, finally, hospitality and premium packages have upped as well - some single-match options can reach thousands of pounds now.

However, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa are standing in place as two clubs on the right side of the argument. Of course, tickets toeing around the £50 mark are not 'cheap' by definition, but for a European Semi-Final? It's a certain step in the right direction.