Bristol Bears Return Premiership Semi-Final Tickets As Bath Blamed For Overcharging Fans 4hr11

The price of Bath Rugby tickets is under scrutiny after local rivals Bristol Bears returned some of their allocation for Friday’s Premiership semi-final clash.

Despite the short distance and heated local contest, Bristol failed to sell out their 2,135 ticket allocation.

The exact number of tickets returned to Bath for resale is not confirmed.

But it is believed to be well into the hundreds, with many blaming Bath’s sky-high ticket prices.

Bristol’s allocation included tickets ranging from £45 to £105, distributed across various sections of the ground.

However, most were in the uncovered East Stand, with the potential for rain also being a factor.

Home fans quickly bought up their share of tickets, with Bath hoping for a sell-out at the 14,500-capacity Recreation Ground.

But for a club as big and well-ed as Bristol, failing to sell their allocation could be seen as a major embarrassment for a local derby.

𝗥𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲! 🎟️

A limited number of tickets have been released for Friday’s SOLD OUT play-off showdown against Bristol Bears. Returned from the away allocation, these tickets won’t last long!

Don't miss the derby of the season… grab yours… pic.twitter.com/BcBlFAkaVm

— Bath Rugby (@BathRugby) June 4, 2025

Bristol Bears Boss Pat Lam Blames Bath Prices For Low Ticket Sales 47a5y

But while Bristol fans are reluctant to make the 14-mile trip to Bath this weekend, Bears Director of Rugby Pat Lam sympathises.

He said: “I think it has more to do with the price and the facilities. Even my wife was keen to go, and when I went to buy a ticket, I said, ‘Love, I don’t think you want to get drenched in that rain. I love you and I know you me, but I don’t need you getting drenched and wet.

“It’s all good. The prices they are putting out there are huge, and at the end of the day, if people are going to pay it, they’re going to pay it, and it’s going to be a sell-out.

Ready for Play-Offs rugby 🦏

After he missed Round 18 through injury, Pat Lam confirmed that Ellis Genge will be fit for the Friday night lights 🔥#GallagherPrem pic.twitter.com/CVw8WvmWSB

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) June 1, 2025

“Fair play, it’ll help Bath and their income, but ultimately, for us, it is about what happens on the field and despite a lot of Bristol people not going, it doesn’t change the fact they are right behind us as a team and are rooting for us,” continued Lam.

“I think for the Bristol fans, I think the really good thing out of it is they realise what a bargain we have at Ashton Gate, with our prices and what they can get for season tickets and the stadium and the facilities and so forth.”

Bath Rugby Tickets The Most Expensive In The Gallagher Premiership 4ln3j

There is growing concern among rugby ers’ groups about ticket prices.

Poor Premiership attendances and the cost of living crisis are seen by many as a good reason for clubs to lower the cost for match-going families.

Fellow semi-finalists Sale Sharks have enjoyed great success from lowering their ticket prices in recent years.

But with clubs under greater financial strain than ever, there is a need to balance this with maximising gate receipts.

Bath are taking this to the extreme, though.

According to Data collected by City A.M., Bath have the most expensive tickets in the Premiership.

A half-way line seat in the main stand costs £74 on average. Newcastle have the cheapest, at £48, while Bath charge more than £100 for an equivalent ticket.

Thinking about going to a Premiership game this month so checked to see if there are tickets left for Bath v Saracens. £104 for an adult seat behind the sticks. Fair play to Bath for managing to get people to pay that but think I’ll give it a swerve. pic.twitter.com/mmuanvNirU

— Chris Roderick (@cgroderick) April 2, 2024

Even Bath’s cheapest standing ticket comes in at £69. Comparatively, Sale Sharks charged around £20 for an adult standing ticket this season.

Venting their anger at the cost of Bath Rugby tickets, some fans took to social media following the announcement that Bristol had returned part of their allocation.

On said: “That’s what happens when you price the fans out of the game!”

Another added: “The p***-taking of Bristol for not seeking our their allocation is a reason why rugby is on a road to its own ruin.

“Bristol have great fans but the ticket prices from Bath are way too high to justify.

“Instead of taking the p***, let’s stand together to demand cheaper tickets.”

When Are The Premiership Rugby Semi-Finals? 2f4r4s

The Gallagher Premiership Rugby semi-finals are this weekend.

First up, Bath host Bristol at the Recreation Ground in a heated Westcountry derby on Friday night.

Then, Saturday sees Leicester Tigers welcome Sale Sharks to Welford Road.

The Final Four! 💪

Bring on the Play-Offs! 😍@BathRugby v @BristolBears, Friday 6 June 7.45pm @LeicesterTigers v @SaleSharksRugby, Saturday 7 June 3.30pm#GallagherPrem pic.twitter.com/RzrEGNB9bs

— Premiership Rugby (@premrugby) May 31, 2025

The winners of each semi-final will then head to Twickenham for the grand final next weekend.

This weekend also sees the URC semi-finals take place, with Leinster hosting Glasgow and the Bulls taking on the Sharks in South Africa.

Premiership Rugby Fixtures py5t

Semi-Finals:

• Bath Rugby Vs Bristol Bears – Friday, 6 Jun – 19:45 BST
• Leicester Tigers Vs Sale Sharks – Saturday, 7 Jun – 15:30 BST

Final:

• TBC Vs TBC – Saturday, 14 Jun – 15:00 BST