The Emirates FA Cup is back in full swing, and one of the most anticipated First Round ties pits Barnsley Football Club against York City Football Club at Oakwell Stadium on Saturday, 1st November 2025, 3:00pm. It’s not just another cup game — it’s a classic David vs Goliath matchup, with League One’s Barnsley hosting League Two’s York City in a fixture that could define cup runs for both clubs this season. For York fans, it’s a rare chance to travel south in force; for Barnsley supporters, it’s a chance to welcome a spirited underdog to their historic ground.
Who Gets Tickets, and Where?
York City Football Club has been allocated 2,000 tickets for the away end — all in the North Stand at Oakwell. That’s a generous slice for a club of their size, especially considering the stadium’s 23,000 capacity. The allocation is unusually large, and York City’s official statement made it clear: no season ticket holder priority. "We have been handed an initial allocation of 2,000 tickets and away fans will be housed in the North Stand for the game," they wrote. "Due to the large allocation we have for this fixture, we will not be running a season ticket exclusive window. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause." Ticket prices for York supporters are straightforward: £15 for adults, £10 for seniors (65+) and young adults (19-21), £5 for under-19s, and just £3 for under-14s. Tickets go on sale at 10:00am on Tuesday, 21st October 2025 via their online portal, with digital tickets emailed directly to supporters’ inboxes. No paper tickets — just scan your phone at the turnstiles.Barnsley’s Ticket Timeline — Priority, Pricing & Deadlines
Barnsley FC’s approach is more layered. Tickets for this match aren’t covered by season tickets — a key point. "Season tickets are not valid for this fixture," the club emphasized. That means every fan, even those who pay monthly for access all season, must buy again. The pricing mirrors York’s: £15 adults, £10 seniors/young adults, £5 under-19s, £3 under-14s. Sales happen in two waves. First, at 10:00am on Tuesday, 21st October, only 2025/26 season ticket holders and Barnsley FC Lottery members get first crack. Then, at 10:00am on Thursday, 23rd October, it opens to the general public. The club warns: "Tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis." And with only three stands open — the Rapid Response Upper and Lower East Stand, plus the Palmers Family Area — seats are limited. The North Stand? Reserved for York. The South Stand? Parking only. Postage for mail-order tickets closes at 2:00pm on Friday, 28th October. After that, it’s box office or online only. And yes, prices go up on matchday. At 10:00am on Saturday, 1st November, the same tickets will cost £2 more across all categories. Don’t wait.Access, Parking & Matchday Logistics
For fans with accessibility needs, the only way to secure a seat with a personal assistant is to call the Barnsley FC Box Office directly at 01226 211183. Their hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 10:00am–4:00pm. No online option. No walk-up availability. Plan ahead. Parking is tight. The South Stand car park — the only one open for this match — costs £5 per vehicle. It closes at 2:30pm sharp. No exceptions. Season ticket holders with parking passes will have their permits automatically updated, but they still need to arrive early. Traffic around Grove Street will be heavy. Fans are being urged to consider public transport.
Why This Match Matters Beyond the Scoreline
This isn’t just about advancing in the FA Cup. For York City Football Club, it’s a chance to shine on a national stage. Their last FA Cup win came in 2019, and since then, they’ve battled relegation threats and financial strain. A strong showing here could mean more exposure, more sponsorship interest, and a boost to morale in a city still proud of its football heritage. For Barnsley, the stakes are different. After years of mid-table mediocrity, they’re trying to rekindle cup magic. Oakwell hasn’t hosted a major FA Cup upset since 2008, when they knocked out Manchester United. This match could be the start of something bigger — or another missed opportunity.What’s Next?
The winner advances to the Second Round, where they could face a Championship or Premier League side. The draw for that round happens on 5th November 2025. If York City pulls off the upset, they’ll be in the spotlight for weeks. If Barnsley wins, expect the club to push hard for a deep run — and for ticket demand to spike.
Background: Two Clubs, One Cup
Barnsley Football Club has been at Oakwell Stadium since 1887. It’s one of the oldest continuously used grounds in England. Their best FA Cup run? The 1910 final, where they lost to Newcastle. They’ve reached the semi-finals twice since then — most recently in 2008. York City Football Club, founded in 1922, plays at Bootham Crescent — a ground they’re expected to leave soon as part of a redevelopment plan. This FA Cup run could be one of their last major appearances before moving. Their 2012 FA Cup run to the Fifth Round remains their modern peak. The Emirates FA CupWembley Stadium began on 9th August 2025 with the Extra Preliminary Round and will crown its champion on 16th May 2026. This tie is one of 124 First Round matches — the first round where EFL clubs enter the competition.Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy tickets at the gate on matchday?
No. All tickets must be purchased in advance. The match is expected to sell out, and only limited standing tickets may remain at the box office after the 28th October postage deadline. Prices increase by £2 per ticket on matchday, so buying early saves money and guarantees entry.
Why isn’t York City offering a season ticket holder priority window?
York City received a larger-than-usual away allocation of 2,000 tickets, which means they can meet demand without prioritizing season ticket holders. The club stated they wanted to give all fans an equal chance to attend, especially since many supporters travel long distances. This is unusual but reflects the high interest in the fixture.
Are children under 14 really only £3? Is that safe?
Yes, the £3 price for under-14s is confirmed by both clubs. The Palmers Family Area at Oakwell is designated for families and offers a secure, supervised environment with dedicated stewards and family-friendly facilities. The low price encourages attendance and reflects the FA Cup’s tradition of making football accessible to all ages.
What happens if I lose my digital ticket?
If you lose your emailed ticket, contact the issuing club’s support team immediately. Barnsley FC can reissue tickets via the box office at 01226 211183, and York City can resend the email if you’re logged into your account. Turnstile staff can also verify purchases using your name and booking reference — but don’t wait until matchday.
Will the match be televised?
No official broadcast has been confirmed yet. While FA Cup First Round matches are rarely televised live, the FA sometimes selects one or two for streaming on their YouTube channel or the iFollow platform. Fans should check barnsleyfc.co.uk and yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk closer to the date for updates.
What’s the history between these two clubs?
Barnsley and York City have met only 12 times in competitive matches, with Barnsley winning 7, York 3, and 2 draws. Their last meeting was in the 2004-05 League Two season. The FA Cup tie will be their first competitive encounter in over 20 years — making it a historic occasion for both sets of supporters.
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