Chelsea supporters can now secure tickets for Xabi Alonso’s first game in charge at Stamford Bridge, as the club prepares to face Real Sociedad in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, August 15, 2026, according to official club announcements. The fixture kicks off at 2:00 PM local time and marks the final preparation ahead of the new Premier League season, which starts the following weekend.
First Meeting in a Decade
The encounter against La Liga opposition is the first meeting between the two clubs in 12 years. It also provides the opening opportunity for Chelsea’s latest signings and their new manager to be introduced directly to the Stamford Bridge crowd. According to club ticketing updates, general sale tickets launched on Wednesday, July 29, allowing supporters to purchase up to eight seats per person.
Staged Lower-Tier Seating
Initial stadium operations will keep only the lower tiers open. Ticket sales are subject to monitoring, with additional areas opening only in response to sustained demand. Season ticket holders and members from categories including True Blue+, True Blue, CFC Blue, and Junior Blue retain access to tickets online. Unlike standard league fixtures, season ticket holders will not have their usual seats reserved due to the restricted lower-tier opening, but they remain eligible to purchase any available seats.
Tiered Pricing and Family Offers
Ticket pricing across the general sale spans multiple tiers. East Lower, East Upper, and West Lower sections range from £40 to £50 depending on the specific block. Matthew Harding Lower and Upper tiers, alongside Shed End Lower and Upper sections, are priced between £40 and £47. A family offer covering four tickets is available at £135 for general purchasers. Season ticket holders and members receive discounted rates ranging from £30 to £40, with a corresponding family offer set at £95. Junior supporters under 20, senior citizens aged 66 or over, and young adults under 23 qualify for a 25 percent reduction on standard adult ticket prices.
Loyalty Points and Attendance Rules
Loyalty points allocation for the match carries specific criteria. Season ticket holders and members receive six loyalty points, which are awarded strictly for attendance rather than purchase alone. Points post to eligible accounts following each game, provided the ticket scans successfully at the turnstile. Digital dispatch handles ticket delivery, with further administrative details expected closer to matchday. Access requirements mandate that any attendee under the age of 16 must sit next to a companion aged 18 or older.
Copa del Rey Champions Come to London
Supporters requiring specialized access can submit applications via the club’s dedicated online form or contact the access team directly by phone. Real Sociedad arrive in West London following a successful campaign in Spain, having claimed the Copa del Rey trophy last season. Live scores, pre-match statistics, head-to-head records, and tactical momentum graphs will be tracked across digital platforms including Sofascore as the teams finalize their preparations.
