When Chelsea Football Club revealed its tiered loyalty‑point ticket system for the season‑closing fixture against Nottingham Forest Football Club, the buzz spread faster than a Saturday morning replay. The match—officially titled Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest Premier League matchCity Ground—is set for Sunday 25 May 2025 with a 4:00 pm BST kick‑off at the 38,000‑seat stadium in West Bridgford, Nottingham.
Ticket Sale Structure
The loyalty‑point windows are razor‑sharp. From 10:00 am to 11:30 am BST on Thursday 8 May, only members holding 108 or more points can snag a single ticket. The next slot, noon to 1:30 pm, drops the bar to 103 points, and a third window, 2:00 pm–3:30 pm, opens at 98 points. After 4:00 pm, the floor vanishes—any remaining Chelsea member gets one ticket, points aside. All sales are strictly online; there’s no phone or box‑office option.
"Tickets will be sold online only," the club’s Ticketing Department warned in its press release. The one‑ticket‑per‑person rule aims to curb scalping, a problem that has haunted Premier League crowds for years.
Accessibility and Parking
Supporters who need accessible seating can file an application during each sales window. The form lives on Chelsea’s ticketing portal, and a dedicated access line—0371 811 2012 for UK callers, +44 207 915 1950 for internationals—will handle reservations.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest has set aside exactly six accessible parking bays for away fans with a valid Blue Badge, each costing £10.00. To claim a space, fans must provide a contact number and email during booking and agree to share that data with the Forest.
It’s a tidy contrast to the club’s October 2025 home clash with Chelsea, when broadcast obligations forced Forest to offer no dedicated away‑accessible parking, pushing fans toward the nearby Nottingham Rugby Club car park on a first‑come‑first‑served basis.
Nottingham Forest Away Ticket Scheme
The Forest’s Away Ticket Scheme for the 2025/26 season opened on Tuesday 8 July 2025 and closed a week later. It features three price tiers:
- Priority Plus – £70, capped at 400 tickets, with a 24‑hour priority window for every Premier League away game.
- Priority One – £65, capped at 1,000 tickets, giving a 20‑hour second‑priority window.
- Priority Two – £50, capped at 3,000 tickets, allocated via a ballot.
Forest’s policy is iron‑clad: any supporter caught buying a ticket and reselling—or even passing it on—outside the official process will have eligibility revoked without appeal.
Reactions from Fans and Officials
Long‑time Chelsea season‑ticket holder Jamie Harrison (a 112‑point member) said, "I appreciated the clear windows. It felt fair, and I snagged my seat before the price‑cutoff."
Nottingham’s chief executive, Mike Newton, defended the limited accessible parking, noting, "Six bays might look small, but they’re fully reserved for away supporters with Blue Badges. It’s about certainty, not quantity."
On the ownership side, Todd Boehly, co‑owner of Chelsea, remarked in a brief interview, "Our loyalty‑point system rewards fans who have stuck with us through thick and thin. It’s a small way to say thanks before we head into the off‑season."
What This Means for the Season
The final league game could decide European places for both clubs. A win for Chelsea would cement a top‑four finish, while Forest’s survival hopes hinge on a positive result. The ticket rollout, therefore, isn’t just administrative—it carries financial weight. Assuming a modest sell‑out, Chelsea could generate upwards of £1.4 million from the 40,000‑plus member base, while Forest’s modest parking fees add another £60 in revenue.
Beyond the numbers, the structured rollout signals a broader shift toward data‑driven fan engagement across the Premier League. Clubs are experimenting with loyalty metrics, tiered access, and strict resale bans—all in a bid to protect the match‑day experience.
Key Facts
- Match: Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest – 25 May 2025, 4:00 pm BST.
- Ticket windows: 108 pts (10‑11:30 am), 103 pts (12‑1:30 pm), 98 pts (2‑3:30 pm), open to all (post 4 pm).
- Accessible parking: 6 bays at £10 each, Blue Badge only.
- Forest Away Ticket Scheme: 4,400 total allocations, three price tiers.
- Ownership: Chelsea – Todd Boehly; Forest – managed by Nuno Espírito Santo.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do loyalty points affect my chance of getting a Chelsea ticket?
Points act as a priority filter. The higher your point total, the earlier you can purchase a ticket. Once the 4 pm cut‑off hits, points no longer matter—any member can buy one ticket.
What should I do if I need an accessible seat?
Submit the online accessibility form during your ticket‑sale window, then call the dedicated access line (0371 811 2012 UK, +44 207 915 1950 international) to confirm your request.
Can I sell or transfer my away ticket after purchase?
No. Nottingham Forest’s policy states any resale or transfer outside the official process results in immediate revocation of the ticket without appeal.
Why are there only six accessible parking spaces?
The six bays are reserved exclusively for away fans with Blue Badges to guarantee availability. Forest plans to review the allocation after the season, but for now the limited number ensures guaranteed access for those who need it.
What impact could this match have on European qualification?
A win secures Chelsea a top‑four spot, guaranteeing Champions League football for next season. For Nottingham Forest, a positive result could be the difference between staying up and facing a relegation battle.