WSL Fans Can Now Drink Pitch-Side, Premier League Fans Still Banned

Seven Women's Super League clubs – Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Everton, and London City Lionesses – will allow fans to drink alcohol in their seats during matches this season. This policy eliminates the need for fans to hide spirits or rush to finish drinks at halftime.

This expansion follows a successful pilot program in the second tier (now WSL2) last season. Over 50,000 fans participated in the pilot, with 66% supporting the policy. Crucially, there were zero reported incidents, no fights, no pitch invasions, and match officials reported no change in fan behaviour, leading to the decision to implement it in the top tier.

This policy marks a significant contrast with men's professional football in England and Wales, where drinking alcohol in view of the pitch has been banned since 1985 due to historical hooliganism concerns. The article highlights the women's game's different atmosphere, emphasizing family-friendly spaces, decent food, and quality drinks alongside the football.

The change aligns with the WSL's record growth, including total attendance reaching 902,000 this season, Arsenal Women averaging over 30,000 fans at Emirates Stadium, and sold-out derbies. Strong business considerations also drive the policy. Major commercial deals are being struck, exemplified by Asahi Super Dry signing a multi-year global partnership as Arsenal's Official Beer Partner. This deal, involving exclusive pouring rights at Emirates Stadium, is expected to earn Arsenal £3-4 million per season. Similar deals exist with other clubs like Manchester City under Asahi, and Heineken sponsors major UEFA women's competitions. These investments indicate the market sees a clear financial return in women's football.

The article concludes that by allowing in-seat drinking, the WSL is not only pioneering but also outpacing the men's game in terms of respecting fans and generating revenue from them.