Skip to content

Watching the Football with a Couple of Pints at the Pub will save UK fans money

John Stirzaker·Feb 11, 2020

According to many British footy fans, the cost of following the beautiful game in this country is spiralling out of control.

When ever-increasing football TV deals are signed worth billions of pounds, clubs can splash the cash in the transfer market and hand out multi-million pound contracts to star players like England captain Harry Kane, Manchester United’s record signing Paul Pogba and £75 million Dutch defender Virgil Van Dijk.

Top managers including José Mourinho, Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti also draw in huge TV audiences across the UK.

But it doesn’t help fans finances. Sky Q HD with sports costs £40 a month and BT sports will set you back another £29.99, totalling £69.99 – or £839.88 over a year – with Amazon Prime, Premier Sports and the BBC license fee also required for full football coverage at home.

Our money saving specialists here at NetVoucherCodes have come up with a solution though, that will allow supporters to watch Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool march to the Premier League title, see the drama of the Championship promotion race unfold and soak up the spectacle of the UEFA Champions League, all while reducing your spending – go to the pub.

Many football followers enjoy the social atmosphere of watching with likeminded friends and family at the pub on special occasions, such as cup games and local derbies, but wrongly think it’s cheaper to watch most games at home.

But taking the average cost of a pint across England, Wales and Scotland, we’ve crunched the numbers and found that cheering on your favourite team with fellow fans and a couple of pints in hand is cheaper than tuning in from your sofa at home.

Pubs tend to show as many matches as they can to draw in custom, but football supporters can typically watch up to two big games a week at their local and still be quids in.

A pint of beer costs £3.77 on average across the UK, so having a drink in each half of a big European game midweek and then during your team’s game at the weekend will cost £60.27 per month (£7.54 per game x 8) – or £9.72 less than monthly Sky and BT subscriptions at home.

In parts of the country serving cheaper beer, such as Herefordshire and Shropshire (£3.48 and £3.46 a pint respectively), the saving rises to well over £14 per month.

Fans in the footballing hotbed of Yorkshire would save £13.51 by our calculation, whilst Welsh supporters would find an extra £12.07 in their pockets at the end of the month.

Even football followers based in the heart of London, which is the priciest part of the country at £4.57 per pint of beer on average, could watch seven games per month at the pub for less than the price of signing up to Sky and BT sports channels.

Watching four matches per month, meanwhile, could save more casual football fans in the UK £39.83 on average per month and give them the funds to celebrate or drown their sorrows after important fixtures.

Neutrals can also enjoy watching the best footballers on the planet at the pub, without the contractual commitment of home subscriptions – including Cristiano Ronaldo at reigning Italian champions Juventus and Lionel Messi at the current Spanish title holders Barcelona.

Canny fans who want to avoid the pub can save cash by streaming games with a Now TV pass with access to Sky Sports coming in at £33.99 per month.

See here for our full data:


Full Data correct as of 07/02/2020

Hidden Costs You’re Probably Paying For - And How To Stop

Hidden Costs You’re Probably Paying For - And How To Stop

Dec 17, 2024

With the cost of living seemingly always on the rise, keeping track of your monthly budget is a necessity! But what happens when you find additional or unexpected costs that are eating away at your hard-earned money? The best way to regain control of your finances is to avoid hidden costs. Although it may seem […]

Winter Car Care Tips to Save Money on Repairs and Fuel

Winter Car Care Tips to Save Money on Repairs and Fuel

Dec 16, 2024

Winter can be a tough period for commuters, and neglecting seasonal maintenance on your car can lead to costly repairs or inefficiencies that drain your wallet. From keeping your engine in peak condition to improving fuel efficiency during colder months, these tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and help you save money. Whether you’re […]

Affordable Tech Dupes to Save Money

Affordable Tech Dupes to Save Money

Dec 5, 2024

If you don’t want to spend a fortune on the latest tech gadgets, there are plenty of affordable alternatives out there that can give you similar results for a fraction of the cost. Often costing as little as 20% of their branded counterparts, these budget-friendly options are perfect for those of you looking to keep […]

10 Ways to Save when Booking your next Holiday

10 Ways to Save when Booking your next Holiday

Dec 5, 2024

If the chilly British winter has you dreaming of a sun-soaked getaway, NetVoucherCodes is here to make it happen without breaking the bank. Our team of money-savers has uncovered the best and most cost-effective times for booking your upcoming holidays! Plus, we’re sharing our top tips to help you cut costs while planning stress-free travel. […]

From Hidden Gems to Big Payouts: Why the UK’s Pre-Owned Gaming Market is Worth Exploring

From Hidden Gems to Big Payouts: Why the UK’s Pre-Owned Gaming Market is Worth Exploring

Dec 4, 2024

Whether you’re a collector hunting for rare finds, a gamer looking to relive childhood favourites, or just curious about the value of that old console gathering dust in your attic – the UK’s pre-owned video game market has something for everyone. From valuable retro games to sought-after special edition consoles, this market is full of […]

The Best Christmas Food and Drink Deals 2024

The Best Christmas Food and Drink Deals 2024

Nov 25, 2024

Christmas isn’t just about the presents under the tree – it’s also about getting together with loved ones and enjoying plenty of festive feasting! Whether you’re hosting the big day or simply bringing a dish to share, the cost of Christmas food and drink can quickly add up. That’s why we’ve put our money-saving expertise […]

34 Ways to Save Money this Christmas

34 Ways to Save Money this Christmas

Nov 13, 2024

A Budget Guide to Christmas 2024 The countdown to Christmas has begun, with shops already brimming with festive gifts and treats for the big day! While we all love the magic of the season, many of us are feeling the pinch more than ever this year. From gifts to food and decorations, Christmas can quickly […]

Master Online Sales: A Complete Guide to Scoring the Best Discounts

Master Online Sales: A Complete Guide to Scoring the Best Discounts

Oct 2, 2024

Learn how to navigate Clearance Sale Sections and Seasonal Sale Events to maximise your savings Staying up to date with the latest sales can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available at your favourite online stores. And just when you find the perfect deal, your size may already be sold out! That’s why we’ve […]

Unlock Hidden Savings: 28 Types of Discount Codes to Use Online

Unlock Hidden Savings: 28 Types of Discount Codes to Use Online

Sep 30, 2024

Looking to save money on your online shopping? We’ve compiled 28 different types of discount codes and strategies to help you unlock hidden savings. From common first-order discounts and flash sales to more elusive offers like live chat codes, abandoned cart deals, and exclusive discounts for students, military personnel, and NHS workers, this guide covers it all. With these tips, you’ll discover how to find the best deals – even when they aren’t advertised – and maximise your savings on every purchase.