Albion gear up for first sell-out

Albion are gearing up for their first sell-out of the season on Saturday as fans respond to the Premier League feel-good factor at the Hawthorns.

The Baggies, who also unveiled prices for half-season tickets today, are hopeful of the first 26,000 capacity crowd of the season for the visit of Fulham.

The club experienced a weekend rush for tickets thanks to the 2-2 draw at Manchester United and a discount scheme offering season ticket holders the chance to buy a second seat for £10 for adults and £5 concessions.

They hope the deal, combined with the impressive form of the team and the return of Baggies old-boys Jonathan Greening, Zoltan Gera and Diomansy Kamara, will have fans flocking to the turnstiles.

Having sold out almost every game in their last Premier League season, they have not broken the 24,000 barrier so far this term.

Chief executive Mark Jenkins said: "Ticket sales for Saturday's game have rocketed since our 2-2 draw at Manchester United at the weekend and we're on course for a sell-out in home sections."

The Cottagers have decided against taking their full allocation, enabling Albion to accommodate 1,300 more home supporters in the Smethwick End.

Tickets for the 'Bring a Friend' offer are not available online, but they can be purchased by phone on 0871 271 9780 or in person from the East Stand box office.

Albion are also offering half-season ticket prices from £229 for adults, as they look to cash in on the team's flying start to the season.

The tickets will cover the final 10 home league matches of the season with seats in the Smethwick End and Birmingham Road Ends costing £229 for adults - a £132 saving on matchday prices - and £85 for juniors.

They are valid from the December 28 meeting with Blackburn and incorporate matches against Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea as well as the derby with Villa.

Jenkins said: "We believe this half-season ticket deal offers excellent value for money to the supporters.

"We've already enjoyed some outstanding results in the Premier League this term and it promises to be an exciting second half to the season."

Half-season ticket prices: Birmingham Road/Smethwick Ends, £229 adults, £155 concessions (pensioners, under-18s, students), £85 juniors/disabled; East Stand upper, £289 adults, £189 concessions, £85 juniors; East Stand lower, £259 adults, £175 concessions, £85 juniors, £99 disabled; West Stand, £289 (no concessions).