‘Exorbitant’ Travel Costs for Europa League Final Stir Fan Frustration
Supporters of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are facing eye-watering travel expenses as the two clubs prepare to meet in an all-English Europa League final in Bilbao on 21 May. With prices surging, many fans feel they are being taken advantage of by airlines, hotels, and Airbnb hosts.
Following Tottenham’s win over Bodø/Glimt and Manchester United’s victory against Athletic Bilbao in their semi-final second legs, attention swiftly shifted to the logistics—and cost—of attending the highly anticipated showdown at San Mamés Stadium. Both club managers, Ange Postecoglou and Rúben Amorim, have called the match “massive,” heightening excitement among fans eager to make the trip.
UEFA has allocated 15,000 tickets to each club, with an additional 11,000 available through general sale, from the venue’s 49,000 total capacity. Official allocation ticket prices start at €40 (£34), holding steady from the previous year. However, general admission prices have climbed sharply, with top-tier Category 1 tickets now costing €240 (£203), a significant jump from €150 last year.
As airfares and hotel rates spike in response to the increased demand, alternate travel options are being explored by budget-conscious fans. Some supporters are even considering two-day ferry journeys to keep costs lower, underscoring the lengths many are willing to go just to witness their teams compete on one of Europe’s biggest stages.
The financial strain on fans has reignited criticism of how hosting decisions and commercial dynamics surrounding major football fixtures increasingly price out loyal supporters.
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- Source: SCCGManagement.com
