Football fans to benefit from new ticketing page

Virgin Trains have introduced a new football fans booking page, which will stop supporters being left out of pocket when a fixture is moved – whether it be TV-meddling or cup fixture clashes. 

Newcastle United and Sunderland supporters using the east coast mainline this season can use the new Virgin Trains football tickets page to book advance travel and will be free to change the tickets if their game ends up being moved for TV.

Along with astronomical ticket prices, late fixture changes are one of the biggest gripes travelling fans have.

Virgin Trains have been developing the idea in consultation with Newcastle and Sunderland fan groups – the rival fans coming together to secure common benefits in the spirit of a A Derby to be Proud of.

Football fans often miss out on the cheapest advance fares, as late fixture moves can leave many out of pocket if they book earlier – this page directly addresses that.

Presently, it is only available to supporters of Newcastle United and Sunderland AFC who have a club membership number. It’s not just for away games however, fans based in London or Edinburgh for example, can use it for travelling to home games in the north east. Virgin Trains hopes it could be rolled out across its lines if it proves to be successful. 

FSF national council member Rick Duniec said fans have been pushing for a facility like this for a number of years and said the east coast mainline is an ideal testing ground for the scheme.

“It’s marvellous and represents a sea-change in attitude.” he said. “It’s our job now to keep pushing and make sure it’s introduced across the country.”

• Want to see a similar scheme from your rail operator? Email [email protected]
• Visit the Virgin trains football fans booking page here…

Thanks to Aubrey Morandarte for the image used in this article, reproduced here under CC licence.