Hammers News brings you a big West Ham attendance update ahead of the Europa League opener against Serbian side TSC Backa Topola.
West Ham kick off a third consecutive European campaign when they welcome TSC Backa Topola to the London Stadium on Thursday night.
On Monday Hammers News reported that the London Stadium was – at the time of writing – set to be half empty for the clash with over 20,000 tickets unsold.
Hammers fans have loved every minute of their European adventures over the last two years.
West Ham made the semi-finals of the Europa League two seasons ago before going on and winning the Europa Conference League last term.
They have travelled in their thousands – at great expense – to follow the Hammers over land and sea in the last two years.
Over 25k went out to Prague for the final despite UEFA’s choice of venue meaning just 5k could actually attend the match.
The lower than usual uptake in tickets has caused something of a debate among Hammers fans online.
Some who are attending have told those who are staying away out of choice not to moan if they cannot get tickets should West Ham make the knockout stages again.
But many have pointed out the club’s pricing and the cost of living crisis make it difficult for thousands of supporters.
Others believe the little known opposition is also a factor.
In truth it is likely a combination of factors.
Here’s a West Ham attendance update ahead of the Europa League opener against Serbian side TSC Backa Topola.
With less than 24 hours until kick-off, the attendance has been boosted by the sale of around 6,000 tickets.
Because as things stand at the time of writing there are 15,500 tickets unsold for the match.
It is unclear what allocation Backa Topola have been given but visa issues for their supporters mean a crowd of around 500-1,000 is expected at best for the Serbian league leaders.
So the official attendance – not factoring in no-shows for tickets that have been sold – looks set to be at least 46,500.
That in itself is a more than respectable figure given the circumstances.
And West Ham will be hoping to sell more between now and kick-off at 8pm on Thursday night.
The weather, according to hourly forecasts, looks set to behave itself for the actual game itself too after today’s torrential downpours.
You can search for and purchase tickets on the West Ham website here.
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