Why is the Mags+, Mags and Junior Mags Member Ballot changing?
Following a consultation process with supporters, Newcastle United is making changes to how Mags+, Mags and Junior Mags Members can apply for home match tickets for the upcoming 24/25 season.
Our most recent Home Ticketing Access (Ballot System) & Nominated Seating Process Survey invited members to provide their views on Home Ticketing Access & Operations for the 2024/25 season. The key findings, from almost 10,000 respondents, are below:
65% of fans surveyed supported the ballot method of ticket allocation
Results indicate that tickets were more fairly spread amongst supporters in the 2023/24 season than the 2022/23 season (when no ballot took place)
When offered the option of a split between ballot and first come, first served, 67% indicated they would be supportive of this.
80% of respondents wanted the opportunity to select their seat
Consultation and subsequent changes have been made with input and support from the Fan Advisory Board, based on the results of the survey.
What changes are being made for the 2024/25 season
Members will enter the online ballot as usual to apply for tickets in one of the following areas:
Family Stand
Rest of Stadium
Accessible tickets
Members that are successful in the ballot will be emailed. Lead bookers will then have 48 hours to log on to the booking system to select their seat and complete their transaction. Seats will only be available in the area you selected – either Family Stand, Rest of Stadium or Accessible.
If members/lead bookers do not select a seat and complete payment within the 48-hour period, they are no longer eligible for seats via the ballot.
It is the supporter’s responsibility to check their emails for club communications and to ensure contact details are up to date. There is no flexibility available within this deadline. If the deadline is missed, members can then still access the member general sale, however a ticket will no longer be guaranteed.
The member general sale will be online only and open to any member that doesn’t already have a ticket for the game.
What happens if I miss the 48-hour deadline to select a seat and complete payment?
If members do not select a seat and complete payment within the 48-hour period, they are no longer eligible for a seat via the ballot. It is the supporter’s responsibility to check their emails for club communication. There is no flexibility available within this deadline. They can access the Member General Sale, however a ticket is no longer guaranteed.
The Member General Sale will be online and only open to any Mags+, Mags and Junior Mags Members that don’t already have a ticket for the game.
What is the process for the Member General Sale?
Tickets will go on sale at a specified time.
Members will be held in an online queue until on-sale is live.
Once tickets go live, queue places will be randomly allocated. This stops supporters needing to log in hours in advance and supports efforts to combat ticket touting “bots”.
Once at the front of the queue supporters will have ten minutes to access the website to complete the sale.
If they do not access the site within this period, they will be moved to the back of the queue.
We advise that members do not leave their computer unattended so that they do not miss any important messaging.
The seats I selected are no longer available to complete the transaction – what now?
Another member who selected these seats has completed the transaction before you. Please select alternative seats.
Can I enter the Mags+, Mags and Junior Mags Member Ballot or buy a Member General Sale ticket at the box office?
No. All transactions must be completed online. If you require support, please email [email protected]
What happens if there are no tickets left?
Once sold out, members can access any seats put up for re-sale by season ticket holders. Seats can become available up to three hours before kick-off. These are sold on a first come, first served basis.
How do I enter the ballot for accessible seating?
Mags+, Mags and Junior Mags membersregistered with the club as requiring accessible seating should enter the Accessible Seating ballot. These members will be able to enter the ballot for tickets for themselves and a PA (if eligible). We are committed to ensuring equal access to all our members and recognise that you may have individual needs, if you require assistance, please contact the box office during the 48 hours the ballot is open. Please email [email protected] or call 0191 201 8457.
How are you addressing touting/bots?
We strongly encourage fans to report any information they have about tickets being re-sold outside the official club re-sale platform to [email protected].
Suspicious accounts are tracked and cancelled.
Last season, technology running alongside the ticketing system prevented almost all scalping attacks (“bots”). Bots cannot bypass our queue system.
If season ticket holders sell their ticket outside the official re-sale system – or members on-sell their ticket - this is a breach of the season ticket and membership terms and conditions. If proven, season tickets will be revoked, or memberships cancelled.
What about International Members?
International members (outside the UK) can access the ballot and member general sale. Those international fans that need to plan travel well in advance will have a short period to register their interest in attending games at St. James’ Park this season. Further communication will be emailed to international members in due course.