Beijing Guoan Opens Away Fan Tickets for Upcoming Match Against Shanghai Shenhua

In a notable change for the Chinese Super League, Beijing Guoan has begun selling tickets for the away fan section to the public for the first time in history, coinciding with their highly anticipated match against Shanghai Shenhua. Traditionally, clubs in the CSL have shared approximately 1,000 tickets for visiting fans, which has often led to frustrations regarding the limited availability during high-demand games.

Over the years, supporters have frequently voiced that the allocation of 1,000 tickets does not adequately satisfy the demand for significant matches, prompting some fans to buy tickets in the home area and move to the assigned away section once inside the venue. An official from Shenhua expressed support for Guoan's decision, noting that it simplifies the process for traveling fans seeking to secure their seats. A representative from Guoan emphasized that this change not only caters to fans but also aims to boost the local economy and respond to the increasing enthusiasm for live football.

The ticket sales for the eagerly awaited game commenced on Sunday and sold out quickly, reflecting the excitement surrounding the event. In the CSL, it is common practice for clubs to keep a portion of seats, around 20 percent, unsold as a safety measure, which usually limits maximum capacity to about 80 percent. However, notable exceptions exist, such as Dalian, which has consistently drawn large crowds this season.

Beijing Workers' Stadium has a total capacity of 68,000, with the current attendance record standing at 54,309, set earlier this season during a match against Shandong Taishan. Sources within the club have indicated that ticket sales for the upcoming match could surpass the usual 80 percent limit, leading to expectations that the game will create new attendance records for both the stadium and the season in the CSL, particularly given the significance of this matchup between two top teams.