Cerezo Osaka has unveiled three key initiatives for its Feb 7 opening match against Gamba Osaka: a free ticket‑transfer service that lets fans give unused tickets to friends, the appointment of former player and analyst Royal Roland as official club ambassador, and a firm warning against illegal ticket resale. These moves aim to boost attendance, strengthen community ties, and protect fans from inflated prices.
Free Ticket Transfer Service Rebuilds Fan Community
The new free ticket‑transfer service, launched on the club’s official website, allows supporters who cannot attend a home game to transfer their ticket to a family member, friend, or colleague at no cost. Transfers are limited to Cerezo Osaka’s J1 League and YBC Levain Cup home fixtures and must be completed between the general sale start and the Gold‑member pre‑sale window. By channeling surplus tickets back to the fan base, the club aims to reduce waste, correct the post‑COVID attendance imbalance, and deepen local engagement.
Royal Roland Serves as Official Ambassador for Opening Match
Renowned commentator and former player Royal Roland will attend the Feb 7 derby as Cerezo Osaka’s official ambassador. His presence is expected to energize supporters across age groups and will be complemented by fan‑interaction events inside the stadium and live social‑media streams. Past ambassador appearances have driven significant ticket‑sale lifts, and the club anticipates a full‑house crowd, with attendance projected to exceed stadium capacity.
Strict Warning Against Ticket Resale
Alongside the new initiatives, the club issued a stern notice that any purchase or resale of tickets for profit violates J‑League regulations. Violators may face refund denial, entry refusal, and further penalties. The warning targets third‑party resale platforms that have historically listed derby tickets at prices far above the official 9,900 yen rate. Cerezo Osaka urges fans to use only the official ticket portal or the free‑transfer system to secure genuine seats.
Feb 7 Derby Ticket Details and Market Trends
The opening derby kicks off at 16:00 at Yanmar Stadium Nagai, with standard tickets priced at 9,900 yen, varying slightly by seat category. While legitimate listings appear on the club’s website, unauthorized sellers have posted the same tickets for 15,000 yen or more. The club advises supporters to avoid these offers and report suspicious activity through its dedicated hotline, reinforcing a safe and fair purchasing environment.
Future Outlook and Message to Fans
Cerezo Osaka’s three‑pronged approach—free ticket transfers, ambassador involvement, and anti‑resale enforcement—reflects a broader strategy to create a shared football culture. The club targets a 20 % increase in attendance compared with last season and aims for zero illegal resale cases. Fans are encouraged to buy or transfer tickets via official channels, ensuring an affordable, vibrant atmosphere for the season’s most anticipated match.
