Todd Boehly and associates have incurred the wrath of loyal Chelsea supporters by establishing an astonishing £5,000 ($6,300) price tag for seats behind Mauricio Pochettino’s home dugout during the upcoming clash against Manchester United in April.
This exorbitant fee is linked to Chelsea’s ‘Dugout Club’, a premium hospitality package introduced following changes in ownership. The announcement of this unprecedented price hike has triggered strong reactions from both fans and officials.
Dom Rosso, vice-chair of Chelsea’s Supporters’ Trust, voiced concern over the £5,000 ticket, echoing the worries of many fans regarding potential increases in season-ticket prices.
Rosso remarked to The Telegraph: “£5,000 is an alarming amount to spend on a ticket and is totally unaffordable for your ‘average football supporter’. It is concerning that these influential seats behind the bench are being occupied by corporate guests.”
“More and more general admission seats at Stamford Bridge are being made unavailable and transferred to Club Chelsea. Many fans feel the club is favoring Club Chelsea guests over loyal supporters. Record-breaking premium pricing has evidently boosted matchday revenue, and we hope this extra income will be taken into account when determining future season ticket prices.”
Similarly, officials from rival Premier League clubs have expressed astonishment at Chelsea’s pricing strategy.
“There cannot be a more expensive matchday ticket in the League than £5,000,” a source told The Telegraph, with an official from a Premier League rival being “wow-ed” by the price.
Despite the steep cost, Chelsea aims to enhance the matchday experience for fans opting for the ‘Dugout Club’ package. The club promises luxury padded seating behind the home dugout, offering spectators a unique vantage point just meters away from Pochettino and his team. Additionally, ticket holders will have the opportunity to greet players upon their arrival at Stamford Bridge, witness the pre-match warm-up from the pitchside, and enjoy exclusive ‘Club Chelsea’ hospitality before and after the game.
Chelsea’s eye-watering ticket prices contrast with those of other Premier League clubs. Manchester City previously held the record for the highest premium matchday price, with their ‘Autograph’ package priced at £4,200 ($5,300). Meanwhile, West Ham United offers a £4,000 ($5,100) ticket inclusive of a helicopter ride over the London skyline, and Fulham’s non-executive season ticket is priced at £3,000 ($3,800).
Apart from concerns over affordability, Chelsea’s ownership has faced criticism for using the ‘Dugout Club’ seats for promotional purposes. Recent incidents, including the promotion of the film Argylle and the installation of a bed for a supporter during a women’s game, have drawn scrutiny and further fueled debate over the club’s priorities.
Chelsea’s decision to introduce such high-priced tickets comes amidst a turbulent season for the club. Despite the potential opportunity to clinch the Carabao Cup against Liverpool on Sunday, the team finds themselves languishing in 10th place in the Premier League table.
Chelsea performance and stats
Chelsea
Chelsea is currently in the Carabao Cup with points.
In the last 6 games, it has won 4 times, drawn once, and lost once. In its last match, Chelsea won 6-1 against Middlesbrough.
It has a even goal difference after scoring goals and conceding .
Chelsea will play the next match in Carabao Cup against Liverpool on Sunday 25th of February in London. The prediction is Liverpool winning the match.
