Birmingham: Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan has expressed dissatisfaction over a 43% increase in ticket prices for next year's men's Ashes Test at Edgbaston, labeling the hike as "really poor". The iconic Birmingham ground is set to host the third Test of the five-match series between England and Australia, with the tickets in the Hollies Stand, accommodating nearly 6,000 spectators, now priced at £165 compared to £115 in 2023.
According to BBC, the ticket prices for other areas in the stadium reveal that members can purchase tickets for £92, while the cheapest adult tickets for the first three days are priced at £115, each incurring a £2.50 booking fee. Vaughan took to social media to voice his discontent, emphasizing the unfairness of the price increase.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) reported that the 2023 series, which concluded in a 2-2 draw after Australia clinched victories in the first two Tests, saw every day sold out ahead of time. Total attendance exceeded 545,000, underscoring the event's popularity.
An Edgbaston Stadium spokesperson defended the pricing, stating that the 2027 Ashes Test prices are comparable to other major sporting events in the UK, such as Wimbledon and the Formula One at Silverstone. They noted that ticket prices have adjusted in line with inflation since Australia's last visit in 2023, while also acknowledging the challenge of managing increased costs.
Despite the ongoing construction of an on-site hotel reducing Edgbaston's capacity, tickets for next week's third Test against Pakistan, priced between £57.50 and £87.50 for adults, remain unsold. The 2027 Ashes ticket ballot opened on Wednesday, with even higher prices at Lords and the Oval in London, where top tickets are £190 and £185 respectively.
The Ashes series will commence at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on 18 June, followed by the second Test at Lords on 30 June and the third at Edgbaston on 8 July. The Utilita Bowl in Southampton will debut as a men's Ashes Test venue with the fourth Test on 21 July, and the series will conclude at the Kia Oval from 29 July.
Ticket pricing has been a contentious issue across various sports. Last month, Birmingham's Alexander Stadium saw only 13,623 spectators for the European Athletics Championships, with high ticket prices cited as a deterrent. Similarly, the Ryder Cup's centenary event in Ireland next year has faced criticism for its ticket costs, significantly higher than those in Italy in 2023.