The London Stadium might be noticeably empty for West Ham’s Premier League season opener against Aston Villa, a situation that could surprise even the visiting fans.
When West Ham hosts Aston Villa in their first match of the Premier League season, both sets of claret and blue supporters will be watching closely. This game will be a significant debut for West Ham’s new manager, Julien Lopetegui, who will face fellow Basque Spaniard Unai Emery and his formidable Aston Villa squad.
Scheduled for a 5:30 pm kickoff on August 17th and set to be broadcast live, this match follows a lackluster international tournament that left West Ham and Villa fans disappointed over the minimal use of their star forwards, Ollie Watkins and Jarrod Bowen. Initial excitement for the game has turned into frustration for West Ham supporters.
The controversy stems from ticketing issues at West Ham. Despite the game’s prime TV slot, fans might stay away in protest. Supporter groups like Hammers United have voiced their displeasure, particularly over rising season ticket prices outpacing inflation and new restrictions on concessions for bands five and six, effectively pricing out young fans.
Adding to the discontent is the classification of the match against Aston Villa as a Category A game, with ticket prices reaching up to £105. This unusual designation for Villa has left many puzzled and further aggravated West Ham fans.
