Ashes 2027: Michael Vaughan slams ticket price hike
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has criticized the price hike for Ashes 2027 tickets at Edgbaston, rising to £165 from £115 in 2023.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Hollies Stand tickets at Edgbaston increased from £115 in 2023 to £165 for the 2027 Ashes.
- Michael Vaughan slammed the price increase on social media as really poor.
- Lord's and the Oval feature higher peak ticket prices at £190 and £185.
- Every ticket purchase carries an additional £2.50 booking fee.
The upcoming 2027 Ashes cricket series between England and Australia has sparked controversy following the release of surging ticket prices for next summer's matches. The Edgbaston ground in Birmingham, which is set to host the third Test of the five-match series, has drawn sharp criticism as fans face escalating costs to attend premier sporting fixtures.
According to details released during the ticket ballot opening on Wednesday, tickets in the 6,000-capacity Hollies Stand will cost £165, marking a significant increase from the £115 charged back in 2023. While club members can secure seats for £92, the cheapest adult tickets across the first three days are set at £115, with all purchases subject to a £2.50 booking fee per ticket.
The announcement prompted an immediate reaction from former England captain Michael Vaughan, who took to social media to voice his disapproval over the steep pricing structure.
"This is really poor"
In response to the backlash, an Edgbaston Stadium spokesperson defended the pricing, stating that the rates for the 2027 Test are broadly aligned with other host venues and major British sporting events such as Wimbledon and Formula One at Silverstone. The venue also noted that tickets for the upcoming third Test against Pakistan, priced between £57.50 and £87.50, have not completely sold out despite reduced stadium capacity due to ongoing on-site hotel construction.
The ongoing debate over escalating ticket prices reflects a broader commercial trend across elite sports and major entertainment events in the UK and Europe. Similar pricing pressures have surfaced in golf, such as the upcoming Ryder Cup in Ireland where daily general admission passes reach 499 euros (£434). As event organizers face rising operational costs and high global demand, loyal sports fans are increasingly forced to weigh the financial burden of attending high-profile matches against the tradition of supporting their national teams live.
The 2027 Ashes series will get underway at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on June 18, followed by the second Test at Lord's on June 30, and the third Test at Edgbaston on July 8. The series will conclude at the Kia Oval starting July 29, with BBC Sport having contacted the England and Wales Cricket Board and venue operators for further comment.
Source: BBC Sport
Found something wrong in this article? Report an issue with this article
Comments
Leave a Comment