'CHAOS' | The Arsenal Ballot System

[@TFSS]

Note: I made the mistake of saying the membership was £200+ a season, but it’s actually only £34 a season, I was doing it as every month. I’m a member myself so so am not sure how I made that mistake! Sorry!

[@TheTMythical]

Im an American and have been an Arsenal fan my whole life (20 years) I am wanting to go to a game next season, what would be the best way I could try to optain a ticket. It seems like they may change the ballot system but not to sure

[@philbrady2417]

Great video. I've been an Arsenal Red Member for 16 seasons, since the beginning of 08/09. The past two seasons it has been impossible to buy tickets. Its very frustrating. I hope things change. I keep applying for ballots and I've never once been successful. Ticket exchange is no better!

[@TFSS]

Thank you, it’s a shame to hear you are struggling too. I’ve won just one ballot, and have entered every one. Luckily the ticket exchange has worked well for me season though so I’ve still been to a decent amount of games. Good luck!

[@augusta8123]

I have entered the ballot 8 times and never won once. I"ve been a member since 2013.

[@TFSS]

I’ve entered every one and have only won once this season so far. However, I’ve been lucky on the ticket exchange so have managed to go a few times.

[@Toxophilus]

Unrequited love is very difficult to deal with. I learned that the hard way, from women. You guys are learning it from a football club! 😃

[@michaelmacleod9111]

Good reporting sir. There's a lot of clickbait about AFC tickets on youtube but top marks to you for putting in the work here. And good luck with the ballot. Persistence pays.

[@TFSS]

Thank you, I try to get all the right info across! I won my first ballot of the season the other day for the Liverpool game, which was a nice surprise! I’ve managed to go to a few other games too, via the ticket exchange. What’s your luck been like?

[@michaelmacleod9111]

@@TFSS Oh nice one mate, congrats on getting that! Shame about the result but hopefully you get to another game soon. I've only got lucky once with the TX... once in more than two years now but thankfully kind internet pals on Reddit and Instagram have sorted me out too. It really does pay to get to know people! But yeah in that time I've probably lost a whole day or two of my life to that bleedin' website. Keep up the good work

[@TFSS]

Sorry, I mean the Liverpool game in the league next month- hopefully a better result then! Yes, it’s very useful to know season ticket holders and have connections!

[@SuperChevelless396]

i refuse to purchase tickets through 3rd party sites it feeds the problem so i decided to purchase club seats through champion travel an official arsenal agent for the spurs and villa games in January not cheap but i got peace of mind at $1900 usd for spurs and $1500 usd for villa that's for 2 cannon club seats. tickets from 3rd party sites were the same price i will be traveling from Vegas and my airfare and hotel cost at me $2,050 for 2 travelers insane but a must. It frustrating for fans that live in London

[@TFSS]

Fair enough, if you’re coming over just for a short time then why not have some fun! I’ve managed to get a season ticket for next season luckily, but the ballot system is still in place for other fans unfortunately.

[@fedora3841]

I recently applies for some tickets and I was suprised to actually get them given that I only signed on as a red member a few weeks back (only supported arsenal for about a year), I got the Bolton and Southampton games specifically. while i'm super happy I got them I feel very bad that there are people who supported arsenal way longer than me, possibly their entire lives and can't even get a single game. I think definetly some kind of loyalty scheme is needed so lifelong fans can go and see the team they love. this would be much fairer. and someone like me would need to put in the work of applying for ballots and racking up points to then be able to earn a spot.

[@TFSS]

Thank you for saying that, it’s definitely a tricky situation and what you’re saying is true. It should 100% be a loyalty system! Enjoy the games nonetheless 😃

[@Red-lg9hv]

I don't think a loyalty system would work...hundreds of millions globally want to attend a high profile match. When you consider English football is being treated purely as an investment vehicle by new York stock brokers, Asian businessmen and the world's dictators and royalty...Id have to ask why would you wanna go. I've started supporting the youth teams and women's squad... 10 quid a ticket to watch a match at a pl ground Vs 100quid to watch the senior version...

[@1258-Eckhart]

Of course loyalty should be rewarded with prioritisation on the ballot, but that means red/silver members registering with email on the ballot platform, so that their attendance can be logged. That is going to take a long time to feed through, probably the next season but one before individual members have so many match-presences logged that it makes a real difference.

[@TFSS]

Hopefully those changes are made. Loyal fans should be rewarded!

[@Toxophilus]

​@@TFSSRewarding loyalty is praiseworthy in general, but not here. Arsenal created a shortage by restricting the supply of seats and setting the prices below the market equilibrium price (the price at which the demand would match the supply). If you want seats to open up, you have to choke off the excess demand. This is the opposite of what a loyalty program does.

[@oozelumny]

​@@Toxophilus@tfss Exactly! But it won't be easy. Arsenal has the kind of fans who are so loyal that you could raise ticket prices until their eyes pop out! 🤣

[@manaviation]

As a United fan I know your struggles. I’m a full season ticket holder so have no issues with getting tickets, however for those who aren’t, they, like you, have to be members, and apply for them, and from what I’ve been told, many people are left dissapointed. Away tickets are even worse, even as a full ST holder I have no priority and have to enter ballots to get those, on average I only get about 4 out of at least 20 possible aways per season. Unfortunately it will never change. Hope it improves for you in future years

[@TFSS]

Thank you, and it’s somewhat of a relief to hear it’s happening at others clubs - maybe fans can get together in a way? Our away tickets scheme is shambolic too, random in person collections, you have to show ID, tickets getting into the hands of the wrong people.

[@LiamK1998]

I’m a Newcastle United fan and we’ve not got a ballot I’ve seen fans from countries like Australia and New Zealand get tickets over actual fans

[@luis123610]

Im from America. Ive been a fan since my childhood. Now that i am able to travel, I want to go to london to watch an arsenal game but i havent been able to catch a ticket or even know how to buy one.

[@TFSS]

You have to be a member, and then enter the ballots for the games. And if you’re not successful in a ballot, you can go on the Arsenal ticket exchange and look for spare ones on there.

[@luis123610]

Are all clubs working this way? I may be too ignorant but its way easier to buy a ticket for a game in the states than it is over there

[@TFSS]

I think Liverpool is similar. Yep, there’s a much higher demand for tickets here than the US, as there’s all the local fans plus the overseas fans and tourists coming over too.

[@shersaid7489]

Nice video but ive got a question. Im a supporter from germany since nearly 2 decades now and ive decided to finally visit and watch my beloved club through the "Red membership". While i was on the website to purchase it (while being logged in) the page keeps somehow throwing me out of my account and showing me a note which says that somethings wrong with my account and i should contact Box office. Unfortunately they havent answered my request yet. Maybe you can help me out, do you think the reason could be that im from germany? It wouldnt make sense since Arsenal gathers many international fans from all parts of the world, but it keeps saying it wont work otherwise when im not trying to purchase the red membership, the page is not throwing me out of my account. Please help a fellow gunner

[@TFSS]

I’m not sure why this is happening, you may want to phone the membership team with this number - 0344 277 3625

[@markhilbert6573]

As for wanting to sit in certain areas its not just for a liking for certain areas. There may be other reasons like me for instance my eyesight is not great, sitting at the back of a stand or even at one end of the stadium means i cant see whats going on. And no im not certified as sight impaired so cant get disabled seating

[@TFSS]

Absolutely, there’s a number of reasons, and it’s good to see that Arsenal have now introduced the feature to chose upper/lower tier, but of course it’s still not enough. I agree with Gav from the video that there should be a loyalty system that takes into account those games you attended.

[@Jon-rj2lc]

I'm a silver member and have had no successful applications this season whatsoever, it's a terrible system

[@Chorbit024]

lol damn, I’ve never been to an Arsenal game and have been a fan since 2011 (not a glory hunter, we were on a trophy drought during this time). I became a red member last season and I’ve been very confused as to how to get a ticket. But watching this video it seems impossible, hopefully I’ll get to go to a game soon 😢

[@TFSS]

@@Chorbit024 my tip - enter every ballot and spend a lot of time refreshing the ticket exchange. You’ll get at least 1 or 2 games this way!

[@Toxophilus]

Too many Arses, not enough Arsenal! 🤣

[@CodedByJosh]

I get peoples frustration of feeling like new members have the same chance of getting a ticket as a someone who has been a member for years. But acting like new members are just glory hunters is silly. What about mums who want to take their child to his/her first game? or someone who has just turned old enough to be able to afford to buy a ticket? I think gatekeeping can do a lot of damage to the atmosphere at the Emirates if we're not careful

[@TFSS]

That’s a fair point, I think loyalty should be rewarded though - most Carabao cup/ FA Cup games at home are very easy to get tickets for, I think last year one even went on general sale. You should be able to build up ‘credits’ that way and work your way up.

[@CodedByJosh]

@@TFSS Yeah for sure there should be a way build up credit, especially for fans who frequently go to away games. I also think the current set up is a bit rubbish. I came across your video as I want to take my Newphew to his first game and the whole process completely confused the hell out of me lool I just worry that some of the changes people are suggesting may lead to kids like my nephew never getting to go and watch competitive games

[@TFSS]

If you buy both yourself and him a membership, you can apply to the games, it’s really down to luck now.

[@SeanHogan.]

I’ve been a member since 2006 when the new stadium opened I use to go all the time I’m a silver member now but since the ballot has started I haven’t been as I can’t choose my seat plus I go with my partner & the thought of us not sitting together is crazy! I’m seriously thinking of cancelling my silver membership.. too many glory hunters now going!

[@TFSS]

It is a shame this is happening to so many people. I used to sit with my mum, but we haven’t been together for ages now.

[@BF1GUN]

I’m a Silver member and have never been successful in any ballot I’ve entered, yet I’m paying £50 a year for the “privilege” of being able to enter. That’s disgraceful. Pre COVID, I could get a ticket for any game via my Silver membership. My understanding is that there used to be 12,500 seats available for Silver and Red members, but when the club offered season ticket holders a bye for one season during the pandemic, they opened up those seats to people on the season ticket waiting list. However, the following season, instead of taking those tickets back when the original holders returned, they offered those on the waiting list, season tickets in areas previously held for Red and Silver members, and greatly reduced the number of seats available. This explains why so many people are unsuccessful in the ballot. The club should stop selling Red membership because they know the chance of being successful in the ballot is very slim. It’s pure greed.

[@TFSS]

I remember it being much easier before COVID too. I agree, there must be hundreds of thousands of red members now, loyalty isn’t rewarded at all

[@TheGoonerTalkTV]

When you said some are paying more than £200 just for red membership, where did you get that from?

[@TFSS]

Sorry, I thought of it as per month but it’s per season. I’m a member myself so not sure how I made that mistake! I’ve added a comment so people can see the actual amount.

[@mmacreate9642]

I was just wondering if you successful for a ballot are you garanteed a seat? E.g if i log a few hours after the ticket window opens i still can get seats?

[@TFSS]

To be honest I don’t know, I’ve never won a ballot (apart from today’s one for the Liverpool game), I just get tickets through the exchange.

[@islandman7694]

How much was the ticket for this game?

[@TFSS]

I paid £25, for a seat in block 26.

[@mmacreate9642]

Yh same I paid £27 for block 27

[@Trecesolotienesdos]

The len gth of red membership is moot and always has been. In the old system, any Red or Silver member could get tickets as it was first come first served.

[@meropealcyone]

The club's website says Red memberships cost 34 pounds, but you state that "...some people are paying 240 pounds a season for Red membership". Can you explain the difference?

[@TFSS]

When I made this video, the membership prices were cheaper (I think 29 a month). Now it's been increased to 34, which is 272 pounds a season.

[@alexschiavi9279]

@@TFSSit’s a year not month

[@meropealcyone]

It's 34UKP per season, not per month. You need to correct your video.@@TFSS

[@TFSS]

I have a membership, I always thought it was per month. Unless I’ve read it wrong, I’ll check

[@MicksDementia]

I’ve been a Red member forever and it’s definitely per-season.

[@piotrkrysiak9414]

I'm just wondering if buying two memberships is worth having a chance in a ballot system. But if I apply as a pair, is it guarded that the seats will be together or is it random?

[@TFSS]

If you apply as a pair, the seats will be together. Although it’s still very unlikely you will win the ballot. I haven’t won a ballot all season yet, and have been using the ticket exchange to get tickets instead.

[@piotrkrysiak9414]

Is it possible to have two tickets together in a ticket exchange? Or also very unlikely?

[@TFSS]

It’s extremely rare that it happens, most of the time it’s just single tickets.

[@piotrkrysiak9414]

:( so less than 1% chances to get a pair of tickets from now to the end of the season?

[@TFSS]

Yea pretty much, unless you win the ballot

[@LinkInthanakornwiwat]

I am wondering whether they selling the ticket at the stadium on the matchday?

[@TFSS]

No, ask tickets are sold via the online ballot, a couple of months before the game. There are some unofficial, dodgy people outside the stadium selling tickets, but you can’t really trust them.

[@TA-mr6bv]

Wait so would that mean you would have to sit and watch the game on your own without and friends and family next to you?

[@TFSS]

If you buy through the exchange after failing the ballot- yes.

[@cey4916]

How do you find the 7 digit membership number???

[@TFSS]

There’s a few ways, log into the ticketing website and click profile picture; it should also be in your emails sent to you; it will be on any letters or membership packs sent to you.

[@cey4916]

@@TFSS thank you

[@cey4916]

@@TFSS when I click on the profile picture it only says become a member or playlist

[@TFSS]

Do you pay for a membership?

[@cey4916]

@@TFSS no, I’m trying to get the cannon junior membership but when I proceed to checkout it asks for my member code even though I am not a member yet

[@pyramidhomespk]

I'm a fan from Pakistan and planning a trip to Emirates in april or may. Can you suggest the best way/website to purchase tickets from where it's not ridiculously high? I've checked champions travel, but the prices are extremely high.

[@TFSS]

Hi, thanks for watching. The reason champions travel is so high is because their tickets are in hospitality/VIP, not normal seats. I wouldn’t recommend any websites to be honest, most are scams and/or are really expensive. The best way to do it is buy and Arsenal membership for the season, and try and get a ticket through the club, legally. It’s also a lot cheaper.

[@pyramidhomespk]

Thanks for your reply & suggestion. Will i be able to get the tickets for May ? Or will the membership money go to waste? And what is the cost of a good seat usually from the official website?

[@TFSS]

There’s a very small chance you’ll win in the ballot for your game, but it’s worth a try. Depending on the game, it can range from 25-90 £.

[@markhilbert6573]

There is no reward for loyalty at this club. Its not right to blame this all on new members. As a red member for years i used to go to all the poorly attended UEFA games and other cup games if we got through to 1/4 finals or further i could not get a ticket as all the silver and season ticket holders who couldnt be bothered to go to the other games all suddenly decided they would go.

[@renatoruizbay84]

Hi! I am going to be visiting London soon and I am trying to get tickets. What is the best way to secure tickets. Can I buy a membership and still not get a ticket. Appreciate any help.

[@TFSS]

Hi, yes there’s a slim chance you will get tickets with a membership as you have to enter a ballot, which only a few thousand will win. If you’re coming for one time only, the best thing to do is go through Champions Travel. They do tickets in the hospitality section for games, so it’s a bit more expensive, but it’s catered to people coming on holiday. So it includes a club shop voucher, I think some come with a hotel.

[@crystalwolf]

What’s platinum membership? Or silver/gold or red? Sorry it’s new to me.

[@TFSS]

No worries, red is starting membership, anyone can sign up. Silver is offered to those who have been red for around 10/15 years, it’s gives a better chance of getting a ticket. And then gold is a season ticket in the normal stands, which you have to be on a waiting list for. It’s about 90,000 people long right now. Platinum is a season ticket in hospitality, so it costs more but food/drink, programme is included. The waiting list for that is a lot shorter because of the higher cost.

[@tatendamadamombe2725]

Mate do you know if a red member can get 2 tickets transferred to them ?

[@TFSS]

It’s one ticket per member, so you’d have to have 2 red memberships, one for each ticket.

[@jman47_15]

Been declined 8 times now, whereas I know of numerous people that have been successful 5-7 times to consecutive home games….i see no fairness in this BS system. I am 100% not renewing my membership.

[@TFSS]

Same here. I’ve won 1 ballot, and know people who have won almost 10. Luckily I’ve managed to get a few tickets via the exchange, but it’s still not good enough!

[@XCristianxX]

I wasted my money on getting the club membership and they don't have tickets for sale 😢 when I will be visiting London.

[@TFSS]

All you can do now is try and find some tickets for the game on the ticket exchange.

[@XCristianxX]

@@TFSS how do I get to the ticket exchange?

[@TFSS]

go onto the arsenal website and click on the online box office. Then, scroll to the bottom of the page and click 'view all events'. Click 'find tickets' for the match of your choice, and login. Then, keep clicking on and off the ticket exchange toggle on the screen to refresh, until a ticket pops up. If one does eventually pop up, click on it and purchase. You man spend hours on their until a ticket comes up, and they disappear very fast, so be quick! Also, if the game you want to come to isn't until next month/next year, the ticket exchange may not be open yet. In this case, check back regularly until it is. Good luck! @@XCristianxX

[@XCristianxX]

@TFSS thank you

[@chicagogamer420]

@@XCristianxXyou can also purchase hospitality tickets for like $500-600. Not ideal, but worth telling noting that it’s an option

[@terminalrex]

Whats shit is you pay your £34 a year dont get a single ticket (for me the last 3 seasons), which wasnt an issue a few years back, but you still see 100s of tickets on tout site its fucking bollox. Ive been a member for 25 - 30 years, we had silver and let it drop one season. I think im only 1 or 2 seasons from getting silver again, but it sucks that a memeber that is brand new has the same chance of getting a ticket, which is basically fuck all anyway.

[@TFSS]

It’s a shame about the changes they’ve made. Luckily the ticket exchange has been really good for me this season, so despite only winning one ballot, I’ve still been to a lot of games. Good luck, keep on trying! Hopefully it will be better when you’re a silver again.

[@وجدانزياد-ر5ن]

I want book Tickets 🎟️ 2 person Arsenal vs Leverpool , in 27 October 2024 please 🙏🏻

[@Trecesolotienesdos]

It's an imperfet soliution. but whislt KSE are still wastemen, they should be commended somewhat for truing to reslve the problem. they didn't have to since they get their money all the same.

[@Toxophilus]

First!

[@_ABC_123]

Nice video bud. Almost got scammed on Twitter today. Quick question if i join as a Red member would i be able to get 2 sitting together tickets on Ticket Exchange for say Arsenal v Porto or Brentford without entering Ballot? Think i may have missed the Ballot slot for these games

[@TFSS]

You have to have entered the ballot for that game to be able to access the exchange for said game. The chances of you getting 2 tickets together is extremely slim anyway though.