TSG Hoffenheim has drawn renewed criticism from opposing fan groups over its ticket pricing structure ahead of a Bundesliga fixture, with supporters of FC Schalke 04 facing charges of up to 90 euros for seats that cost significantly less against other opponents, WELT reported.

While seating for matches against promoted sides like SV Elversberg drops as low as 25 euros in comparable categories, tickets for the upcoming Sunday clash at the SNP Arena in Sinsheim command a steep premium.

Schalke Director Criticizes Pricing Strategy

Schalke fan culture director Sebastian Buntkirchen voiced strong disapproval during an appearance on Sky, pointing directly at the financial mechanics targeting travelling supporters. “They know: Schalke comes with many fans, so we set higher ticket prices because we know they will be bought by Schalkers,” Buntkirchen stated. “That is a development that we view very critically.”

Official allocations grant visiting teams roughly 3,000 tickets inside the 30,150-seat stadium. However, up to 11,000 supporters from Gelsenkirchen are expected to make the journey, building on historical precedents such as the April 2023 fixture when roughly 15,000 travelling fans packed the venue despite Schalke’s relegation struggles.

Hoffenheim Defends Tiered Pricing Model

In response to mounting scrutiny, club officials defended their approach through a statement issued to the German Press Agency (dpa). “For particularly high-demand games, there are correspondingly higher-priced ticket categories,” the club communicated. “At the same time, even for these encounters, we offer seats starting at 29 euros for adults and 18 euros for children.”

Management maintained that the tiered system allows them to subsidize family packages, school groups, and local clubs across the entire campaign while keeping season ticket rates stable. Premium pricing structures historically apply to matches against high-draw clubs including Bayern München, Borussia Dortmund, VfB Stuttgart, and Hamburger SV, with Eintracht Frankfurt expected to join that bracket for the return fixture.

Hoffenheim Faces Attendance Challenges Despite Finishing Fifth

The economic friction highlights attendance challenges for Hoffenheim, which remains one of the few Bundesliga outfits that routinely works to fill its home ground. Last season saw an average attendance of roughly 25,000 supporters for a club that finished fifth in the final standings. When major travelling contingents arrive, visiting fans frequently capture acoustic control of the stadium.

Similar complaints surfaced earlier in the season when supporters of Hamburger SV protested on social media over comparable 90-euro pricing for regular seating categories outside the standing blocks. Meanwhile, ticket options for subsequent home fixtures against smaller clubs like FC Augsburg drop significantly, ranging between 15 and 30 euros.

Karlsruher Supporters Target Tickets for Sturm Graz Fixture

Beyond the domestic clash against Schalke, logistical curiosities loom on the horizon for Hoffenheim’s international calendar. Ahead of a UEFA Europa League home fixture against Sturm Graz scheduled for November 26, supporters of Karlsruher SC have circulated calls within their fan base to snap up tickets. Karlsruhe’s stadium sits only 60 kilometers from Sinsheim, and the 2. Bundesliga club shares a long-standing fan friendship with the Austrian side.