Friday, November 22, 2024

Premier League ticket price rises: What do fans think?

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At Tottenham, fans from the Save Our Seniors campaign group have protested at the club’s decision to phase out a 50% discount that supporters over the age of 65 currently receive, from the 2025-26 season.

Spurs fan Alan Fisher spoke to BBC Sport at April’s North London derby.

“It is an atrocious decision,” he said. “It’s a message from the club to us as seniors that we’re not wanted, and it is a message to every single fan about how they value loyalty. They don’t.”

“All they want is someone sitting in that seat who is prepared to pay full price.”

In response, Tottenham said the number of senior concession season tickets has increased “four fold” since they left White Hart Lane, and the increase “is clearly not sustainable” and will limit choice for others.

Many Crystal Palace fans were among the 129 respondents who said their ticket will remain the same price in 2024-25. The club announced a price freeze on season tickets in all four stands of their Selhurst Park home.

While at Brentford, although prices are going up slightly, fans have now been allowed to spread the cost of their ticket over 12 months, rather than 10.

However, last week one “appalled” Wolves supporters group called for a boycott of Molineux after significant prices rises in some stands. One example was tickets for under-14s in the Billy Wright Upper increased in price from £105 to £290, a rise of 176%.

Other supporters have felt the impact of last minute kick-off changes for TV scheduling. And for clubs who set rules that mean fans must attend a minimum number of games across the season to keep hold of their ticket, this also creates problems.

Manchester United announced their season ticket holders would have to attend 17 of their 19 home matches for next season, or risk losing the opportunity to renew their ticket. After a response from the fans, this was reduced from 17 to 15, and supporters are able to transfer their ticket back to the club or to another member without losing a match.

“For those with disabilities, old age or mental health issues, personal circumstances can mean that last minute you physically can’t make it,” said Adrian, a United fan.

“It is like saying if I bought a ticket to a concert and couldn’t go, then I would in effect be banned from going again – even though I’ve been a loyal fan for decades.”

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