Football is one of the most popular sports in the world, and attending a live game is an experience that many fans look forward to. However, sometimes our plans change and the game we thought we were going to miss, is now in our sights and we can actually be there. So, it’s time to grab a ticket last minute…
In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of doing exactly that – buying your football ticket at the last minute.
The Pros and Cons of Buying Football Tickets Last-minute
Let’s Weigh Up the Pros
One of the most significant advantages of buying last-minute football tickets is cost savings. Many ticket resellers or secondary marketplaces often offer discounted prices on tickets for games that have not sold out. If you are flexible with your schedule and do not mind waiting until the last minute, you may be able to find a great deal.
Another advantage of waiting until the last minute to buy football tickets is the flexibility it offers. If you are unsure about your schedule or plans for the day of the game, grabbing that last-minute ticket allows you to adjust your plans accordingly.
Even more an option if you are travelling from out of town or need to make last-minute changes to your travel plans.
Now this final pro depends entirely on the stadium and the demand for the game, but sometimes waiting until the last minute to buy a ticket can provide you with better seating options. Often a premium seat, such as a box or club seat, can become available at a lower price as the game approaches and sellers looking to unload their tickets.
Like Anything, There’s Always a Downside
While buying last minute can offer some cost savings and flexibility, it also comes with the risk of limited availability. If the game is a popular one or is expected to sell out, waiting until the last minute could mean you miss out altogether – and you’d be gutted, right?
Last minute doesn’t always mean a cheaper deal too. When demand is high to attend, so are the prices because sellers know that fans will pay a premium to be there. Plus, let’s not forget that most football clubs have implemented membership-only tickets, so it’s important to research whether you can buy football tickets without a membership.
Buying your football ticket last minute could also mean having little control over where you’re actually sitting. Yes, you might have gotten a great deal, but you’re sat up in the gods, and the players are just tiny specs, and actually, you find yourself watching the big screens just to know what’s going on!
We haven’t even gotten on to the fact that getting a ticket last minute can lead to fewer options, and therefore being so desperate you buy from a less reputable source, and even worse, imagine getting to the gate only to be told your ticket is fake. Remember hearing about the Champions League final in 2022, where fans were scammed out of £19,000 to see their team? This is why, whether it’s in advance or last minute, that you should buy from a reputable ticket seller – like Vivaseats!
Now I don’t know about you, but I feel stressed out at the thought of all of this. Surely, it’s better to be able to relax and enjoy the game instead of worrying about finding a ticket or getting to the stadium on time? Buying last minute could take away from the overall experience of attending a live football game.
Final verdict
As we’ve highlighted, while it can save some money and offer flexibility, and better seating options, it also comes with the risk of limited availability, increased prices, unpredictable quality, and, let’s not forget, the added stress.
Whether or not to wait until the last minute to purchase football tickets depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If you value cost savings and flexibility and are willing to take the risk of limited availability, then absolutely go for it.
