|
Post by Keithsson on May 26, 2022 17:29:46 GMT
Within the latest very excellent Rebel Yell podcast which I listened to today Barry Hunter discussed at length the dilemma they have deciding where to pitch the season ticket and 'pay on the gate' (POTG) prices for next season.
Off the top of my head I think he said the average NLS price LAST season (so bound to rise) was £14.
Again quoting from memory, every £1 on a ticket works out to £30,000 for the club over the season... as he outlined that could be the running cost of a top player.
Interestingly regarding season tickets the average 'discount' on NLS season tickets last season was 15% (against the POTG price paid for each match)... and yet in the ILPD our season ticket price worked out at a 25% discount.
They are going to consult about it but it seems we've had it good for some time regarding admission prices and they are bound to rise... the question is how much?
Too much and, with the team inevitably not going to be so imperious when it comes to results, gates could drop.
Too little and we put ourselves at a disadvantage financially to our competitors.
I don't envy that decision.
|
|
|
Post by wwrebel on May 26, 2022 18:21:13 GMT
Season tickets should have been put on sale before last season ended in my opinion. Offering some sort of early bird discount and with the excitement of promotion I reckon many would have been snapped up by people who had may not have considered buying one before. Eastleigh have early bird at £175 before rising to £200. Woking are £219 and Bromley have currently got an offer on, season tickets at £97 for 97 hours to celebrate their Trophy win last weekend. All in the National League.
In National South Eastbourne are £275, whereas Havant are £149, which is tremendous value and could see a few Pompey season tickets buy one aswell for when fixtures don't clash.
Tough decision for the club. Increase prices to a level people don't think are fair could see lower crowds especially if results are poor and that's before considering the cost of living etc. that many will be experiencing over the coming months.
|
|
|
Post by Kenty in Weardale on May 26, 2022 18:33:20 GMT
We also have to factor in that our gates are highly likely to be lower next season as compared to the one just gone; no derbies v Bog, Lewes and Horsham (Eastbourne have much lower gates than us so probably not much of a turnout from them) and with the exception of Hamlet, I'm not aware of any other clubs that will travel in numbers
|
|
|
Post by Bally on May 26, 2022 18:40:55 GMT
We should also remember the number of Albion season ticket holders who fell for the non-league experience and were thinking about switching to Woodside Road. An attractive price would reap dividends on the atmosphere and number in the crowds. I wonder what price the club put on our fans? I'm sure the noise and support each week is as attractive as some £££ to players who love the theatre!
|
|
|
Post by wwrebel on May 26, 2022 18:44:32 GMT
Dorking are pricing theirs at £230 for those that commit before the end of the month. Decent price for 23 games especially as they won promotion.
|
|
|
Post by portlandred on May 27, 2022 6:52:47 GMT
Interesting debate and as said, a really tough decision for the club. I fear that season ticket prices are going to be pitched high and listening to Barry on the podcast I’m not even sure whether early bird prices are going to be included. I have to say there was very little mention of fan loyalty on the podcast and it appears that there is an assumption that crowds will be maintained or even increased. My opinion is that this will only be the case if we are riding high in the league. At home to Concord Rangers on a wet cold Tuesday night in November with Champions League on TV and us sitting mid table will struggle to attract 500 fans. I fully get that expenditure including player wages will increase considerably and that the club want to be competitive at least next season. As such it comes as read that admission prices will have to increase to at least £14. However season tickets are another matter and are the lifeblood of the club. As mentioned by another user I fear the club have dragged their feet and missed a great opportunity to entice new season ticket holders before the end of the season by offering early bird prices at attractive rates. It’s how you grow your fan base and become more sustainable in the longer term. IMHO it’s a great opportunity to be a little more creative and at very least offer value for money season tickets to the younger fans whilst the enthusiasm levels are as high as they are. Maybe offering a free beanie hat or scarf with each season ticket. I don’t envy the decision makers on this but I do hope that the loyal existing season ticket holders are rewarded and that there are incentives for potential new season ticket holders to sign up. Speculate to accumulate is the phrase that springs to mind
|
|
|
Post by wwrebel on May 27, 2022 8:37:54 GMT
Spot on Portland Red.
Fan loyalty should,indeed, be rewarded.
We saw a good increase in crowds over the course of last season and the momentum and number will be difficult to maintain especially if people don't see the set prices as value for money.
No real rivals in the National South and if I'm honest, there are no fixtures that particularly stand out.
I just hope the club get it right. The proposed £70 cost to attend the end of season awards night recently hints to me that they won't.
|
|
|
Post by Keithsson on May 27, 2022 11:47:15 GMT
Ha ha, yeah I'd forgotten that, I nearly spat my coffee out laughing when I got to the punchline.
Social stuff really isn't my bag anyway so I was never going to go anyway. But right up to the last paragraph I though 'well at least it's nice to get an invitation, shows the club recognised my support'... then, oh 'light bulb moment', this isn't an invitation at all 🤣
I never realised that was a thing. Armed with this knowledge for my next significant birthday, or 'occasion' (still got one more daughter to marry off!) I shall follow the spirit of the WFC Awards Night and send out my 'invitations'... inviting them to pay for their attendance to cover the cost of hosting the event in its entirity.
Great idea WFC, thank you 👍🏻
|
|
|
Post by wwrebel on May 27, 2022 12:40:49 GMT
Apparently the awards night took place at the club in the end, can think of 70 reasons why!!!
|
|
|
Post by gobboagain on May 27, 2022 14:35:04 GMT
£70 to attend a players presentation evening? If I didn’t go home with a trophy myself I’d be bitterly disappointed at that price 😳 Crikey. I know you’ve had a FANtastic season,but jeez.
|
|
|
Post by dutchboy74 on May 27, 2022 16:15:30 GMT
I think if they announced the prices for the season tickets just before or just after the season ending, a lot of people would have bought a season ticket. Riding high on gaining promotion. Now we are a few weeks down the line and the euphoria might have died down a bit. Think the club missed a trick there. Saying that the people who want one will buy one. But they could have sold a few to people on the fence about buying one
|
|
|
Post by rebeldale on May 27, 2022 17:11:24 GMT
I mentioned the possibility of a Season Ticket being seen as something more at the recent Fans evening. This should be seen as an opportunity that the club could really involve the local community with. Given the "cost of living" issues, I would imagine local outlets would be interested in offering, say, 10% discount on meals, drinks etc to attract custom, especially if the number of season tickets sold is large for the new season. Equally, some discount at the club shop would be a good incentive. I like the idea of season ticket exclusives, Lewes offer Owner-only beanies etc. If they are quality, then thats going to be another incentive.
|
|
|
Post by dutchboy74 on May 27, 2022 19:47:09 GMT
I mentioned the possibility of a Season Ticket being seen as something more at the recent Fans evening. This should be seen as an opportunity that the club could really involve the local community with. Given the "cost of living" issues, I would imagine local outlets would be interested in offering, say, 10% discount on meals, drinks etc to attract custom, especially if the number of season tickets sold is large for the new season. Equally, some discount at the club shop would be a good incentive. I like the idea of season ticket exclusives, Lewes offer Owner-only beanies etc. If they are quality, then thats going to be another incentive. I would like a allocated seat like they do down the road. But the beanies sound good as well!
|
|
|
Post by worthingwire on May 27, 2022 20:48:47 GMT
£250 for a season ticket, and £14 pay on the gate for home games would seem to be fair price points for me.
|
|
|
Post by Bally on May 27, 2022 21:09:32 GMT
£250 for a season ticket, and £14 pay on the gate for home games would seem to be fair price points for me. If Havant are £149 and Eastleigh (prem) are £200 as stated, then £250 would seen steep. The club should prioritise commercial sponsorship imo rather than fans filling the financial gap. Not that it's an easy solution either. How many would begrudge this increase if it was the difference between survival and a return to the Isthmian in 11 months time?! How many would come to see a relegation threatened team play each week?
|
|