Wrexham Tickets: A Fan’s Guide to Attending a Match
For football or soccer enthusiasts, securing Wrexham tickets and embarking on a journey to experience a match live and in person is a bucket-list-worthy adventure! As the oldest football club in Wales, the Red Dragons have captured the hearts of fans worldwide thanks to the documentary series “Welcome to Wrexham” and its Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.
This was why we traveled over 5,000 miles to Wrexham to witness the magic firsthand! The excitement surrounding Wrexham AFC and the town of Wrexham has reached new heights and we think the team has a great chance to go all the way to the Premier League! It won’t happen overnight as it takes years to rise through the ranks of the English Football League (EFL) system, but this new momentum will keep the team and the town going strong.
Securing Wrexham tickets is easier than you might think. However, getting to the match, well, that is another story. In this blog, we’ll explore how you can make your dream of visiting Wrexham and getting tickets to see the Red Dragons play in person a reality!
Where is Wrexham?
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of the Wales countryside lies the town of Wrexham. Although it’s very close to the border with England, and about 45-60 minutes south of both Liverpool and Manchester, Wrexham is in Wales and not in England.
To make this more confusing, Wrexham and the country of Wales are part of the UK (the United Kingdom), and a part of Great Britain, but again, a separate country from England. The Welsh people have their own language, their own government, and a unique cultural identity not found in other parts of the UK. Rob and Ryan give us a crash course on this in “Welcome to Wrexham.” It’s like a comedic PSA, but seriously, don’t forget it when you hit the town!
Wrexham History
Wrexham was once a highly industrialized town, characterized by coal mines, steel works, and other labor-intensive industries that dominated its landscape. However, the last coal mine closed in 1914, and the town is experiencing a rebirth thanks in part to “Welcome to Wrexham”.
Wrexham is not only known for its rich history, but also for its stunning landscapes, and passionate football culture. From imposing stone castles that served as medieval strongholds to breathtaking national parks to the friendliest locals we’ve met in the UK, both Wales and the Welsh people provide even more reason to make the trip across the pond!
The home of Wrexham AFC football: STōK Cae Ras aka ‘The Racecourse’
Experiencing the electric atmosphere of Wrexham on match day and stepping into the iconic Racecourse grounds, the STōK Cae Ras, will make your eyes water. Cae Ras is Welsh for ‘race field’ and STōK is for STōK Cold Brew Coffee, the current sponsor of the stadium.
As one of the oldest football clubs in Wales and the oldest international football stadium still in use, the Racecourse boasts a passionate fan base and a storied legacy that dates back to 1864! In addition, conveniently located at Racecourse, right outside the gates, is one of the best pubs in Wrexham, The Turf.
Before we dig deeper, If you haven’t seen the documentary ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ yet, now in its third season, watch the trailer below! We highly recommend catching up with the boys on FX or Hulu as season 3 begins May 2nd! Rob McElhenney, Ryan Reynolds, the entire Wrexham football team and staff, and members of the Welsh community do a fantastic job of introducing you to the area, its people, and all things Wrexham!
Getting Wrexham Tickets
While scoring Wrexham tickets to see a match at the STōK Cae Ras may seem challenging and expensive, as an American fan it was a straightforward process. Thanks to the club’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, tickets were readily available for both home and away matches starting at around £20 or $25 US dollars! If you’ve ever tried to buy tickets for a Premier League or UEFA Champions League match, purchasing Wrexham tickets is very, very different.
Our seats were in the new Four Walls Kop Stand in a section dedicated to Wrexham’s international fans. After the match, we were able to connect with other visitors from the U.S. and from around the world who love the Red Dragons just as much as we do!
The first step to getting Wrexham tickets is to visit the official Wrexham AFC website, where you’ll find detailed information on match schedules, tickets, membership, and more. We recommend becoming a Wrexham AFC Member first, as opposed to searching for single match day tickets.
Here’s the benefits of a Wrexham Membership:
- You directly support Wrexham AFC
- Get discounts on merchandise
- Receive a member e-newsletter
- Can purchase tickets to both home and away matches
- Not wasting fees on third-party websites
The cost of becoming a Wrexham AFC member was about £15 for adults ($18 US dollars) or £7.50 ($9.40 US dollars) for kids. Membership for the 2024/2025 season will open sometime this summer before the season gets underway.
If it’s too late for you to become a member, or you just want the single match day Wrexham tickets, visit the Wrexham AFC website and apply for the match you’d like to attend. Once you apply, select the number of tickets, and submit payment in advance. There are a certain amount of tickets available for international supporters, so you will be entered in a lottery. If you have been successful, you’ll receive an email confirmation. Then tickets are sent via email and are also downloadable to your Apple Wallet making entry into the Racecourse a breeze!
Keep in mind, the pricing listed above and the ticket allocation process may change over time as Wrexham AFC advances into higher leagues. Lastly, if you just happen to be in the area and want to catch a match, try the ticketing office on-site at the Racecourse, or ask around at the Turf bar!
Why You Should Not Buy Wrexham AFC Tickets from a Third-Party Seller
Football match tickets for Premier League matches, the UEFA Champions League, the Europa League, and all the way down to the lower EFL levels should never be purchased through a site like StubHub or another third-party vendor.
First, these tickets are often sold at inflated prices, making them more expensive than face value. Additionally, there’s a risk of purchasing fake or invalid tickets, resulting in disappointment and potentially missing out on the match entirely. Finally, buying from unauthorized sellers undermines the integrity of the club’s ticketing system and can contribute to issues like ticket scalping.
Getting to Wrexham for Match Day
Once you’ve secured tickets, the next step is determining how you will get to Wrexham on match day. For international travelers, the closest international airports include Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport. From either Manchester or Liverpool, there are convenient connections to Wrexham via train or taxi and this takes just under an hour.
If you are only in town for a short period, and sticking around Wrexham, Liverpool, or Manchester, there is really no need to rent a car. Plus you have to be comfortable driving on the other side of the road! More on this in a bit.
We do not recommend flying into London Heathrow unless you:
- Book a fast train on Avanti West Coast from London Euston Station to Liverpool Lime Street (travel time: 3-4 hours)
- Are not traveling during a busy holiday week
- Have lots of wiggle room to reach Wrexham with plenty of time before the kickoff
- Are EXTREMELY comfortable driving on the other side of the road!
Our Journey to Wrexham
As an example of what not to do, our flights were into London, we traveled over the Easter holiday break, there was a train strike, and we had a limited amount of time to get to Wrexham for the afternoon match.
In addition, while on a map Wrexham does look close to London mileage-wise, it’s less than 200 miles away, it took over five hours for us to get there by car!! That doesn’t even include the time it took to get out of London to pick up our car at Heathrow Airport! Not only were we running late, we almost missed the entire match!
If you do plan to drive, make sure you are:
- Very confident in driving a small car with a manual transmission (automatic cars are expensive and often unavailable)
- Comfortable driving with the steering wheel and gear shift (if it’s a manual) on the opposite side of the car
- Enjoy driving on narrow roads with dozens of roundabouts, all the while on the other side of the road!
Wrexham Match Day Experience
Attending a Wrexham AFC match is more than just watching a game; it’s an immersive experience that celebrates the spirit of community and camaraderie. From the pre-match rituals at nearby pubs to the jubilant cheers of the Red Dragons faithful inside the stadium, every moment is infused with an undeniable energy that captivates fans of all ages.
Whether you’re a seasoned football aficionado or a first-time spectator, the warm hospitality and infectious enthusiasm will make you feel right at home.
If you get there early enough, you might catch some of Wrexham’s star players as they enter the Racecourse. If you forgot your team colors, or still don’t have a Wrexham scarf, stop by the Club Shop onsite before the match. Then if you happen to meet Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer, Elliot Lee, Jordan Davies, or goalie Arthur Okonkwo as they walk in you can snag a signature! We always pack a black Sharpie for such occasions.
Speaking of what to bring with you to the Racecourse, here are a few must-haves:
- Dress in layers. It was the end of March yet I had on thermals under my jeans!
- Bring a rain jacket. It was sunny when the match began, and pouring sideways by halftime.
- Wear a hat or a beanie and take gloves with you
If you’ve never been to a football (aka soccer) match, teams play two forty-five-minute halves with a short halftime in between. 15-20 minutes max. There are no TV timeouts, no water breaks, and extra time gets added onto each half for things like injuries and other occurrences that stop the match play.
Plan to stay in your seat for the full forty-five minute half, plus any extra time, and then make a quick run out to grab a pint, a snack, or use the toilet at halftime. Unlike in the U.S., fans cannot bring alcohol back to their seats. So drink up quick!
Then it’s back inside to stand, cheer (it’s ‘Up the Reds’ instead of ‘Let’s Go Reds’), sing (make sure you learn a few songs!), and make friends with those seated around you. Ask them where they’re from, how long they’ve been a supporter, and if they are a local, now is your chance to get insider tips on Wrexham and the surrounding area!
The Turf
One of our favorite parts of visiting Wrexham was spending time at The Turf meeting other fans and local supporters after the match. We sang, we danced, we met the bar owner Wayne, and together we celebrated a big win for the Red Dragons against Mansfield Town, a high-ranked team also seeking promotion in the EFL!
We also can’t thank locals like Cav enough for befriending us and giving us lots of tips on things to do in the area. We happened to be staying in Liverpool for three nights after the match, and he recommended Cooper’s pub (absolutely fantastic!) along with a side trip to Crosby Beach to see the wild ‘Another Place’ art installation by Antony Gormley!
Where to Stay in Wrexham
Once you arrive in Wrexham, exploring the town and the area surrounding the Racecourse is a breeze. The town center is easily navigable on foot, allowing you to stroll along its charming streets lined with historic buildings, quaint shops and cafes.
Keep in mind, Wrexham is a small town with a population of 45,000 people and offers fewer choices for places to stay compared to larger cities in the UK. However, you will find Airbnbs, cozy bed and breakfasts, and a handful of modern hotels. Hotels including the Wynnstay Arms Hotel and the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham offer convenient access to the town center and decent amenities for a comfortable stay.
places to stay near Wrexham: Liverpool and Manchester
If you plan to stay in Manchester or Liverpool and only come to Wrexham for match day, both cities have dozens of hotel options that will suit every traveler’s budget. There’s also an abundance of shops, restaurants and pubs in both Manchester and Liverpool. In addition, both cities have several train lines and more scheduled train services than Wrexham.
Wherever you decide to stay, remember to leave plenty of time to arrive at the match an hour or two before kickoff to enjoy the festive atmosphere. And of course, leave time after the match to hang at The Turf!
Exploring Wales Beyond Wrexham
While Wrexham serves as an excellent home base, it also serves as a gateway to exploring the diverse landscapes and cultural treasures of Wales. From towering granite peaks to breathtaking seashores to farms filled with sheep, there’s no shortage of sights to discover during your visit.
Here are a few stops to consider on your trip through the Welsh countryside:
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal, a marvel of engineering that spans the Dee Valley
- Majestic castles such as Chirk Castle, Caernarfon Castle, Penrhyn Castle
- Historic ruins of Valle Crucis Abbey
- Snowdonia National Park
- Hiking Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales
- Trefriw Woollen Mills- did we mention all the farms and sheep in Wales?
Final Thoughts on Scoring Wrexham Tickets and Attending a Match
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