WSL trials in-stadium alcohol for fans
WSL Football has expanded its trial allowing supporters to drink alcohol in the stands, with 14 clubs across its top two divisions set to take part in the 2025/26 season.
The women’s professional game is not covered by the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985, which prohibits the consumption of alcohol in view of the pitch at men’s football matches in the UK.
An initial version of the trial took place at four Barclays Women’s Super League 2 clubs during the 2024-25 campaign, running across 19 fixtures and involving over 51,000 supporters. Following a successful evaluation, which found 66% of fans were in support and no safety incidents were reported, the trial has been extended.
The clubs set to take part in the next phase are:
Barclays Women’s Super League
Arsenal (Emirates Stadium), Chelsea (Kingsmeadow & Stamford Bridge), Everton (Goodison Park), Liverpool (St Helens & Anfield), London City Lionesses (Hayes Lane), Manchester City (Joie Stadium) and Manchester United (Leigh Sports Village & Old Trafford)
Barclays Women’s Super League 2
Birmingham City (St Andrew’s), Bristol City (Ashton Gate), Crystal Palace (Sutton United), Newcastle United (St James’ Park), Sheffield United (Bramall Lane), Sunderland (Stadium of Light) and Southampton (St Mary’s Stadium)
The involvement of Chelsea, London City Lionesses and Newcastle United is subject to imminent SAG approval. Participating clubs will have the option to provide designated alcohol-free areas for supporters.
Holly Murdoch, Chief Operating Officer for WSL Football, said, “Expanding this trial for the new campaign, encompassing our Barclays WSL teams and additional Barclays WSL2 clubs too, is part of our strategy to offer a best-in-class experience for our fans attending matches.
Exploring giving supporters the choice to drink alcohol in the stands was something we were excited to trial and following such positive feedback from the proof-of-concept version, we’re looking forward to opening it up to more venues and equally, hearing from those at the heart of it – our clubs and supporters.”
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