The most significant current issue for many supporters is the introduction of digital ticketing by the club for the new season, as well as related issues like the process for the transferring of tickets.
We recognise that ticketing is the most fundamental issue for many members, and the CST has stressed this point to club representatives during ongoing dialogue.
We know that digital ticketing was made a mandatory requirement for all Premier league clubs by 2026/27 season. Chelsea FC are included and there is no opportunity for any club to opt out of this process.
Since being advised by Chelsea FC last season that they planned to introduce digital ticketing for start of 25/26 season, the CST has communicated to club officials how important it will be that there is good and frequent communication to supporters on what will be for many supporters a significant and for many an unwanted change to how they purchase tickets and gain entry to games at Stamford Bridge. It is vital that the club fully and effectively engages with all supporters on this change.
The CST has said to the club that not all of our matchgoing Chelsea supporters regularly look at the club website or that they have opted out of receiving club emails so the more communication channels used the better to get this significant change across to all match going supporters. As the countdown to the new season continued over the summer we were still seeing social media messages from Chelsea supporters asking when their season ticket card was going to be sent out to them.
We emphasised to the club that before going live that there will need to be drop in sessions for supporters, easy step by step guide both by video and ideally if done in person explaining to supporters about digital ticketing, an improved stadium WI FI system, dedicated contact points and regular FAQs.
Digital Tickets | Official Site | Chelsea Football Club
Chelsea FC have posted a number of FAQs above on their website to explain digital ticketing and during the summer they have posted videos, sent direct emails to supporters, provided regular updates on social media channels and have held two in person digital workshops at Stamford Bridge and one on line digital workshop. We have said too that it would also help significantly if the club consider reduced price food and drink offers to incentivise supporters getting into the stadium early than usual in early home games as everyone gets used to digital.
For those supporters who are unable to make a game and wish to transfer their tickets to one of their friends and family in their network the club have provided a step by step guide below.
Guide to Forwarding Tickets | Official Site | Chelsea Football Club
The club have just had two pre-season friendlies at Stamford Bridge which they have used as trial events for supporters.
For those CST members who attended either or both friendlies we have circulated a survey to them to get feedback on how the trial events have been which we will share with the club.
