Former England captain Michael Vaughan has criticised the sharp rise in ticket prices for next year’s Ashes Test at Edgbaston, calling the increase “deeply regrettable.” The third match of the five-Test Ashes series between England and Australia will be played at Edgbaston on July 8.
Tickets for the Hollies Stand, which has a capacity of around 6,000 spectators, have increased by 43% to £165 compared with 2023. The cheapest tickets for general admission for the first three days have been set at £115, while a £2.50 booking fee will also be charged per ticket.
Vaughan, reacting to the announcement of the ticket prices on social media, described the decision as “deeply regrettable.” All matches in the 2023 Ashes series were already sold out, with more than 545,000 fans attending the matches in total. Ticket ballots for the 2027 Ashes have also opened, with prices for the best seats at Lord’s and The Oval reaching £190 and £185, respectively.
Edgbaston Stadium has defended its ticket pricing for the 2027 Ashes, saying its rates are broadly comparable with those charged at other major sporting venues across Britain, including Wimbledon and the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
A spokesperson for the stadium said the cheapest tickets for the Ashes Test were roughly in line with inflation compared with Australia’s most recent visit to Edgbaston in 2023. However, the venue is also facing rising operating costs and is attempting to keep price increases under control.
The ticket ballot for the 2027 Ashes opened on Wednesday, with prices varying significantly between venues. The most expensive tickets are being offered at Lord’s and The Oval in London, where premium seats are priced at £190 and £185 respectively.
The pricing has drawn attention because Edgbaston is currently operating at a reduced capacity due to the construction of a hotel on the stadium site. Despite the limited capacity, tickets for next week’s third Test between England and Pakistan have yet to sell out, with adult tickets currently priced between £57.50 and £87.50.