The FA Community Shield is the traditional curtain-raiser for the English football season, a prestigious clash that brings together the winners of the Premier League and the FA Cup. Held annually at Wembley Stadium, the event serves as a symbolic kick-off to the domestic calendar, pitting two of the country’s top sides against each other in a one-off showdown. For fans, it’s a rare opportunity to witness a high-profile encounter before the league campaign begins, with silverware immediately on the line.
For supporters eager to experience the excitement of Wembley and watch elite teams battle for early-season honours, the Community Shield remains an unmissable occasion. Whether you’re a dedicated club fan or a neutral football lover, securing tickets to this special event can be competitive. FanSeats offers fans a convenient and reliable way to compare prices across trusted ticket resellers, ensuring supporters don’t miss their chance to be part of this annual tradition.
The origins of the Community Shield date back to 1908, when it was created as the successor to the Sheriff of London Charity Shield. Initially contested between the Football League and Southern League champions, the format evolved over time into its current form – a match between the Premier League and FA Cup winners. It has grown in stature and now commands significant attention from fans and the media alike, despite being classified as a ‘friendly’ in the official record books.
Over the decades, the fixture has showcased some of the most dominant sides in English football history. During the 1970s and 1980s, clubs such as Liverpool and Everton frequently featured, while Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea have all been mainstays in more modern editions. The game has also served as a debut platform for new signings and managers, often setting the tone for the season to follow.
One of the most memorable Community Shield matches came in 2005, when Chelsea and Arsenal faced off in a highly charged encounter. Played in Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium due to Wembley’s reconstruction, the match saw a fierce London rivalry play out in front of a packed crowd, with Chelsea emerging victorious. Another classic moment unfolded in the 2011 edition, when Manchester United staged a thrilling comeback against Manchester City, overturning a two-goal deficit to win 3-2 with a dramatic late goal.
These moments, while sometimes underplayed in the wider scheme of competitive honours, have gone on to hold significant emotional weight for supporters, and have added to the storied legacy of the competition.
Atmosphere
The Community Shield offers a unique blend of anticipation and celebration. Held at Wembley, the national stadium provides the perfect backdrop, with tens of thousands of fans from both clubs converging in the capital. Though not as intense as a league or cup final, the atmosphere is far from subdued – fans sing, chant, and display flags, creating a vibrant scene that reflects the optimism of a new season. Traditionally, supporters view the day as both a competitive match and a family-friendly outing, often bringing younger fans to experience Wembley for the first time.
Pre-match festivities around Wembley, including fan zones, merchandise stalls, and community activities, further contribute to the sense of occasion. The trophy presentation, national anthem, and team lineups are all conducted with full ceremony, making the event feel every bit like a major final.
Ticket Demand Insights
This fixture is often a sell-out, especially when it features clubs with large national or international fanbases. As it’s held at Wembley, ticket allocations are usually split between the two clubs, but high demand means resale tickets are sought after well in advance.
Ticket demand is strong among all supporters and international fans alike, particularly as it represents one of the few chances to see two elite English sides face off outside of the league campaign. With FanSeats, fans can easily compare prices and availability across several trusted sellers to secure seats at competitive rates.
Year |
Winner |
Runner-Up |
2014 |
Arsenal |
Manchester City |
2015 |
Arsenal |
Chelsea |
2016 |
Manchester United |
Leicester City |
2017 |
Arsenal |
Chelsea |
2018 |
Manchester City |
Chelsea |
2019 |
Manchester City |
Liverpool |
2020 |
Arsenal |
Liverpool |
2021 |
Leicester City |
Manchester City |
2022 |
Liverpool |
Manchester City |
2023 |
Arsenal |
Manchester City |