19th August 2010
I am pleased to advise that WHU have softened its approach to access to Match Tickets for international visitors. I have been advised as follows:
Each member of the OzHammers may now contact the WHU ticket office direct, as WHU now acknowledge that they receive requests from fans travelling from over the globe and whenever they can they always look to accommodate requests and appreciate the effort international visitors put into attending matches.
WHU estimate that they currently allocate around 200 tickets to overseas fans each home match, mainly from groups around Europe but a number from America and Australia. Again, whilst WHU has commitments to UK members, when possible they will always look favourably on OzHammers and other international supporters.
With the above in place, whilst possibly less rigid than I wanted, there is now a mechanism in place for direct dealings with the WHU Ticket Office.
The best email address to forward any ticket requests would be hammersworldwide@westhamunited.co.uk this is checked daily and the supporter will always receive a prompt and informative response from a member of the ticket office staff.
Of course, if you don't get an adequate response or actual purchase of tickets, please get back to me and I will do my best to assist!
Forever Blowing Bubbles...
DPL
1st August 2008
I receive a substantial number of requests from OzHammers seeking advice on how to purchase tickets to West Ham matches at Upton Park. Therefore, I set out below the 'official' mechanism and process through which OzHammers may book tickets.
As always, if you REALLY get stuck, send me an email and I will see what I can do to assist!
1. Home Fixtures
The majority of West Ham United home fixtures sell out in advance and tickets are rarely available on the day. Upton Park only holds just under 35,000 people and over 26,000 of these seats are held by Season Ticket Holders. These Season Ticket Holders can purchase a limited number of additional tickets in priority after Club Members.
2. Academy Membership
Supporters may join 'The Academy' Club of WHU and get priority booking rights even before Season Ticket Holders. Therefore, it is EFFECTIVELY COMPULSORY that you become an Academy Member of WHU to enable you to purchase tickets. You can join online at the
WHU website - the annual fee is £35 for non-UK residents and you get various other privileges as a Member.
Most of the EPL clubs do this now so they can track and manage ticket sales. Often fixtures DO NOT go on General Sale, that is to the general public, as all available tickets are sold to either Season Ticket Holders, WHU Bond Holders or Academy Members. Do not buy Membership Cards from other persons as there is a scam selling these cards that have no seat for the required game.
3. Ticket Information
All ticket information can be found by visiting
the official WHUFS website
If the information for your desired fixture isn't shown, then it has yet to be confirmed. This is a problem as often the fixtures for which tickets are available are no more than two months ahead. In most cases, OzHammers plan travel to the UK several months in advance! However, the Club has made it clear that: "Whilst we appreciate the effort it must take to attend matches from such a distance, we cannot allow these supporters to have priority over our more local supporters."
I have discussed this matter at length with WHU management in an attempt to make some better arrangements for travellers, however, the Club cannot offer special privileges to occasional international fans. They have assured me that where they can assist they will do everything they can. It has been my experience that the Club is VERY HELPFUL in this regard so please ask nicely!
4. Online Sales
Once you are an Academy Member, you can buy tickets online. Generally, only Category B fixtures will have spare tickets available for late purchase. Tickets to see Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool or Manchester United at Upton Park are very difficult to obtain and any extras are sold the same day they are made available. Therefore, you must watch the
WHU Box Office Website or contact the Club well in advance to have any chance.
For season 08/09, WHU have launched an online booking system and you can actually select your seat via an image of the stadium. You must register and then Login before this option is active.
5. Phone Bookings
In addition to online sales, OzHammers can also book tickets over the telephone dialling +44 870 112 2700 or by Faxing a request to +44 208 548 2757. Please ensure that all information WHU would require to process a booking is contained on this fax (Fixture, number of tickets, contact details of each applicant & credit card details). Your Academy Membership number will also be required unless the fixture is on General Sale.
6. Postage
Tickets are usually posted to you in advance. If there is insufficient time for posting, WHU advise you enter the address of where you will be staying during your visit (this can always be amended at a later date).
7. General Sales
If a fixture is on 'General Sale' then all that is required is for a name and an address to be allocated against each ticket you are applying for. Membership would not be required.
8. Change of Dates
Fixtures are regularly switched and both the DAY and TIME of matches is subject to review based on either team's commitments in European or Cup Competitions or due to changed TV requirements. This is one of the reasons why the Club cannot sell tickets months in advance of the game.
9. Groups
Groups consisting of 10 or more will be considered as a group and may be booked together. Please note however that group bookings are restricted to Category B fixtures only. Group bookings should contact the Ticket Office by
email or by fax on +44 208 548 2719. If you have a large group travelling, please send me an email if you REALLY need more assistance.
10. Hospitality
WHU have a large number of corporate boxes and other Corporate Hospitality options. Contact the Commercial Department by phone on +4420 8548 2777, by fax on +44 208 548 2719 or by
email for prices and more information.
11. Other Alternatives
An alternative source of tickets, if you can't get any from the club, is the secondary market such as the
KUMB Website. I CANNOT recommend this approach, as with all due respect to KUMB and others, it is more of a risk and an absolute last resort. The secondary market is not a legal way to obtain tickets and therefore not a good option for international visitors.
Some of us have family and friends back in the UK with Season Tickets and whilst you may 'borrow' their membership this too is a risk as they may lose their entitlements if you do the wrong thing.
Even worse is buying these tickets from scalpers. If you do need to go to the secondary market make sure its a trusted source!
Forever Blowing Bubbles...
DPL