Elche’s season tests, but fans stay loyal
Elche CF has shown remarkable loyalty from its supporters. After a sequence of disappointing seasons, including relegation from the Primera Division and a challenging start back in the second tier, the club faced another setback following a tough result in Gijón. Yet the Franjiverdes remain steadfast, backing the squad and keeping faith alive as the team presses forward into the season’s next challenges.
Ticket sales opened this Thursday morning for the regional derby against Eldense, set to be played in two days. The match is scheduled for Sunday, October 15, at 16:15, at the Nuevo Pepico Amat stadium, with Eldense as the opponent and a crowd expectation built on strong local support.
The south-side ticket offices opened at 10:00, and fans were already in line hours before the doors opened. Early reports indicated the 400 available seats would likely sell quickly, priced at 25 euros each. The club confirmed the sale of these 400 tickets at the stated retail price. There was also an attempt to set a 15 euro price for both league matches through the Franjiverde supporters group, a strategy used by some clubs but not approved in this instance.
Ticket sales are prioritized for subscribers. On Thursday, October 5, the Fondo Sur Ticket Office at the Martínez Valero stadium operated from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00. If any tickets remain unsold after these windows, additional Fondo Sur sales points would open at the same times on Friday until inventory is exhausted.
Fans waiting to purchase tickets were observed in long queues, illustrating strong support for the club as it prepared for a high-stakes match against Eldense. The scene underscored the bond between the club and its community, a relationship that continues to shape attendance and atmosphere on match day.
Ticketing regulations for LaLiga matches are strictly enforced. Tickets are issued in the purchaser’s name and require a valid photo ID for entry. Non-transferable guest tickets for visiting supporters can only be purchased through the visiting club offices, and sales in that sector do not take place on match days at the home venue.
In a broader move, the United Supporters Agreement plays a significant role. Elche CF, aligned with a joint effort by Aficiones Unidas and LaLiga, has allocated 300 tickets priced at 15 euros plus a small administration fee for visiting supporters. This initiative operates independently of direct club negotiations and targets the visiting fans sector at Nuevo Pepico Amat as part of a wider commitment to inclusive matchday access.
Purchasing these tickets requires fans to download the Aficiones Unidas app and register. After the purchase is completed, the relevant club president and the Federation must approve the transaction. Tickets are issued to the fan via email or within the app, typically 24 to 48 hours before the match. The window to buy these tickets runs from Tuesday, October 3, to Thursday, October 5 at 20:00.
In another development, Elche CF works with the Federation of Fan Clubs to support travel for Eldense-Elche attendees. Fans may buy tickets at Martínez Valero or through the Aficiones Unidas app, with the price set at 8 euros per person. Departures are organized for Sunday at 13:30, with a return following the game’s conclusion. This arrangement emphasizes the community spirit underpinning the club’s operations and the willingness of supporters to travel together in support of their team.
United supporters remain actively engaged in these arrangements, reflecting a broader commitment to affordable attendance and shared passion among the fan base. The club continues to balance competitive aims with the loyalty and voice of its supporters, highlighting the dynamic link between football, community, and regional identity in this region.