West Ham United have made their pre-season friendly against Southend United available to season ticket holders without an additional charge.
Other supporters can purchase a West Ham TV match pass for £5, giving those unable to attend the sold-out fixture an affordable way to follow Nuno Espírito Santo’s side.
The Hammers travel to Roots Hall on Saturday, 18 July, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm BST. Live coverage will begin 15 minutes earlier at 2.45pm.
West Ham’s away allocation of 2,753 tickets has already sold out. Supporters attending the fixture can find travel and matchday information in Read West Ham’s guide to the Southend clash.
West Ham offer season ticket holders free stream
The decision rewards the more than 50,000 supporters who have bought season tickets following the club’s relegation to the Championship.
Season ticket holders must sign into the West Ham account connected to their ticket to access the coverage. All other supporters can buy their pass through the club’s official West Ham TV streaming page.
West Ham have faced criticism over their relationship with supporters in recent seasons. However, providing free pre-season coverage as a season ticket benefit represents a welcome and straightforward decision.
The Southend fixture will be the first public friendly of the summer for Nuno’s squad. West Ham have already beaten Colchester United 3-2 in a behind-closed-doors match at Rush Green.
Saturday could also provide supporters with their first extended look at several young players hoping to earn a place in the senior squad. The Hammers are expected to wear their new white away kit at Roots Hall.
Pre-season results carry limited importance, but the match will offer an early indication of Nuno’s plans before the Championship campaign begins. Supporters unable to secure a ticket will now be able to watch without paying more than the price of a single match pass.
