Chelsea and Manchester City took a reformative decision for their Women’s team ahead of the Women’s Super League openers to men’s grounds.
Manchester City and Chelsea took a laudable step to promote Women’s football as both the teams will play their opening matches of Women’s Super league in their respective main stadiums, which belong to the men’s teams on current basis.
Manchester City will host their city rivals Manchester United at the Etihad stadium on September 7 and Chelsea’s clash with Tottenham the following day at the Stamford Bridge.
The decision to move the most high-profile WSL season-openers to large stadiums is part of a wider initiative by the Football Association, which runs the league, and the 12 member clubs to build on the interest generated by England’s Women’s World Cup campaign.
For the London Derby at the Stamford Bridge, fans can claim up to four free tickets, while City is offering up to three free tickets for under-16s per paying adult, with adult tickets at £7. Any additional child’s ticket will cost £2.
It is understood that Manchester City are considering to promote the league among younger generation for long term interest from them, but at the same time they want adults to pay for it to view the event as worth paying.
However, at the same time the club decided to set the prices for adults on the level of cheapest tickets were available in the Women’s World Cup.
Keeping aside all the financial aspects, this will be the first Women’s Manchester Derby and it makes it special as it will be at the main home ground of Manchester City.
“We are all very excited to play our first home game of the season at the Etihad Stadium and, better yet, in a Manchester derby,” said Houghton in a statement.
“Big games like this are the ones you want to be in as a player and every one of us Manchester City players is looking forward to getting on that pitch and giving you all a performance to be proud of.”
On the other hand, Spurs are a good side, but will face a stiff competition from Emma Hayes’ experienced Chelsea side. The game will kick-off at 12.30pm on September 8, and Chelsea has told fans to only order tickets if they are sure they can attend, as they are expecting a full house.
How twitter reacted
https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1148215156884877312
https://twitter.com/HerFootballHub/status/1147982988879310848
On this, I know many feel free admission can be insulting. But I think it’s a good way of attracting new fans. Those who are regulars would pay either way but you might just get a few more next time after they’ve experienced it for free. It’s about branching out and expanding. https://t.co/S2y23yD5H4
— Emma Sanders (@em_sandy) July 8, 2019
We can't let the hype stop after the world cup! Check out WSL, check out NWSL, W-League! There's women's football out there every year if you want it ! https://t.co/qgUj7fdqho
— Sarah (@SarahCMcK) July 6, 2019
https://twitter.com/PaulUK82/status/1147891358427955200
Those wanting higher pay for our excellent women footballers have a sure way of achieving that aim; start going to WSL matches, thereby boosting the revenues generated (also start watching the Women's Football Show).
— Patrick O'Flynn (@oflynnsocial) July 8, 2019
