Season Ticket Prices debate next season

[castlehillterrier]

To take this away from the new manager thread. 

I am sure prices will increase, everyone needs to understand this we have had it way too good for way too long. I still expect we will be in the bottom 6 prices for a championship season ticket even with approx £100.00 price increase. Hopefully a better performing more attractive team to watch will mean season ticket sales will be high. Currently our prices are Cheap, they can still be affordable even with a fair increase. 


If we look at say £350.00 for the season ticket thats circa £15.00 per match its really amazing value for Championship football, a pint of beer is pretty much £5.00 everywhere now, with minimum wage increasing also in April its basically 2 hours work for the lowest earners per game after tax. I know some people are really struggling at the moment but if they are struggling for this amount they are also going to struggle for the current amount. Plenty of payment options and some special offers I think this sort of price would be accepted and paid by the majority.


I think a price point £300 - £370 per Adult ticket for championship football with a few simple tiers depending on where your seat is would work well (below jsut a quick example) 

£300.00 Lower tier behind goal (Big Red), Blocks 1-10 Core lower and Chadwick lawrence stand
£340.00 South stand, Chadwick lawrence stand 2-9, Big Red Upper. Core lower rest of blocks and upper blocks 1-3, 6-8
£370.00 Core upper 3-6. 

[castlehillterrier]

Just a note on the vote, dont all just vote £249 as I am sure we would all prefer to pay as little as possible but actually think about what price you think is fair here is a list of Championship ticket prices for example and L1..... for this season all I expect might increase next season.

Look at Barnsley £392 cheapest season ticket, they are simlar in size to us I would say and league below.

Norwich City - Lowest £534 / Average £635
Sheffield Wednesday - £510 / £623
Middlesbrough - £480 / £565
Blackburn Rovers - £420 / £475
Leeds United - £420
Millwall - £407 / £462
Rotherham United* - £405 / £422
Watford* - £402 / £460
Coventry City - £400 / £460
Sunderland - £390 / £533
Leicester City - £385 / £590
Bristol City - £375 / £492
Swansea City - £370 / £372
Plymouth Argyle - £370 / £422
Southampton - £359 / £571
Ipswich Town* - £353 / £398
West Brom - £349 / £407
Stoke City - £344 / £379
Hull City - £300
Preston North End - £280 / £320
Huddersfield Town - £249
Cardiff City - £249 / £327
QPR* - £242 / £482

L1 Cheapest
Fleetwood £269
Blackpool £289
Leyton Orient £289
Bolton £299
Charlton £310
Oxford £329
Derby £330
Stevenage £340
Wigan £345
Reading £350
Wycombe £362
Bristol Rovers £369
Lincoln £380
Exeter £385
Northampton £390
Cambridge £390
Carlise £391
Barnsley £392
Port Vale £405
Cheltenham £426
Peterbough £429
Burton £423
Portsmouth £464
Shrewsbury £475

[ben1987]

I’m bored of hearing how expensive other clubs pricing is. Their prices aren’t the going rate, they’re overpriced.

Dont complicate, we all watch the same game in the same stadium breathing the same air.

1 category, 1 affordable price. Not a penny over £300.

[Walton-on-the-Hill Terrier]

I pay £349 for a CONCESSION season ticket at Sutton United, bottom of L2 to sit in a 1950’s grandstand with a couple of posts (the only elevated part of the ground for home fans), with no amenities.

£350 for an adult ST at Town would still be fantastic value.

[castlehillterrier]

Feb 22, 2024 11:45:16 GMT 1 ben1987 said:

I’m bored of hearing how expensive other clubs pricing is. Their prices aren’t the going rate, they’re overpriced.

Dont complicate, we all watch the same game in the same stadium breathing the same air.

1 category, 1 affordable price. Not a penny over £300.

But some seats are much better than others, better view of the game for example, covered for example. 

Lower tier Big red should be cheaper, side blocks (end blocks) where you dont get a good view at all should be cheaper. 

£300.00 is cheap for what we get no doubt about that, being cheap and affordable are 2 very different things. Someone who cant afford to pay £300.00 probably cant afford to pay £250.00 either both however are still cheap. Everyones financial situation is different, Dean did a great thing with the low pricing but its just not sustainable to be so cheap any longer, but for sure we should be reasnable / affordable and £300 - £370 is in this catogory. 

If as your posts states we are all in the same stadium, same air etc then you can buy your ticket at the £300 mark and sit in the lower tier big red or end blocks with not as good view, I am sure you will be happy with this it is the same air, same stadium after all. 

This is all a debate and not something from the club just something I think need debating and I am sure the club will be reading this and other threads and take it into account when issuing next seasons pricing it wont have a big sway but it might help with some ideas. 

[Essex Terrier]

Turkeys voting for Christmas.

This turkey won't be paying over £300.00

[terriersyndrome]

I can count on one hand how many games I've been to this season where I was happy at full-time. Twice this season is the earliest I've ever left a town match in over 30 years of supporting the club.

I don't feel, even at £249, we've had good value for money this season. Entertainment? Not even close for the majority of the season.

[Captainslapper]

Feb 22, 2024 11:45:16 GMT 1 ben1987 said:

I’m bored of hearing how expensive other clubs pricing is. Their prices aren’t the going rate, they’re overpriced.

Dont complicate, we all watch the same game in the same stadium breathing the same air.

1 category, 1 affordable price. Not a penny over £300.

If everyone else is charging way more, then that is the going rate surely. Ours has been way below the going rate for years now.

[Walton-on-the-Hill Terrier]

Feb 22, 2024 11:56:55 GMT 1 terriersyndrome said:

I can count on one hand how many games I've been to this season where I was happy at full-time. Twice this season is the earliest I've ever left a town match in over 30 years of supporting the club.

I don't feel, even at £249, we've had good value for money this season. Entertainment? Not even close for the majority of the season.

That’s a risk you take. There’s no certainty that any game will be exciting or that we’ll win. I’ve seen absolute dross many games this season in L2, but I’d still be going to Gander Green Lane this Saturday to see Sutton v Colchester if I wasn’t going to see Town at Vicarage Road instead. Guess what, Town could play utter crap yet again and lose. It’s football. £249 is not realistic for a ST at a Championship club. Sorry.

[castlehillterrier]

Feb 22, 2024 11:56:55 GMT 1 terriersyndrome said:

I can count on one hand how many games I've been to this season where I was happy at full-time. Twice this season is the earliest I've ever left a town match in over 30 years of supporting the club.

I don't feel, even at £249, we've had good value for money this season. Entertainment? Not even close for the majority of the season.

This is what supporting a football club is all about though isnt it ? the up the downs, yes this season so far has not been great on the pitch, but the club are trying to change this and it seems like they are in full agreement with you that on the pitch has not been good enough. Everything is in place for this to improve now and in the future. 

However season ticket prices and value for money should be judged around what others charge, what is affordable, the football on the pitch is not something that can be controlled by the fans, you have to hope the football is going to be good when you purchase a ticket. Our prices are cheap at the moment and I am suggesting we go from cheap to reasonable even at £300-£370 they can still be considered cheap or at least the lower end of all clubs in our league and the leagues below and therefore reasonable. 

If they go to £400 or more then this I think would be a step too far and put way too many off. 

[ben1987]

Feb 22, 2024 11:53:09 GMT 1 castlehillterrier said:

Feb 22, 2024 11:45:16 GMT 1 ben1987 said:

I’m bored of hearing how expensive other clubs pricing is. Their prices aren’t the going rate, they’re overpriced.

Dont complicate, we all watch the same game in the same stadium breathing the same air.

1 category, 1 affordable price. Not a penny over £300.

But some seats are much better than others, better view of the game for example, covered for example. 

Lower tier Big red should be cheaper, side blocks (end blocks) where you dont get a good view at all should be cheaper. 

£300.00 is cheap for what we get no doubt about that, being cheap and affordable are 2 very different things. Someone who cant afford to pay £300.00 probably cant afford to pay £250.00 either both however are still cheap. Everyones financial situation is different, Dean did a great thing with the low pricing but its just not sustainable to be so cheap any longer, but for sure we should be reasnable / affordable and £300 - £370 is in this catogory. 

If as your posts states we are all in the same stadium, same air etc then you can buy your ticket at the £300 mark and sit in the lower tier big red or end blocks with not as good view, I am sure you will be happy with this it is the same air, same stadium after all. 

This is all a debate and not something from the club just something I think need debating and I am sure the club will be reading this and other threads and take it into account when issuing next seasons pricing it wont have a big sway but it might help with some ideas. 

What’s affordable for you isn’t necessarily affordable for everyone else, Huddersfield is one of the poorest towns in the country.

We can debate this for days on end but if the prices go up, then there will be less fans that buy.

[boooothy]

Anything under £500 is “fair”

They always say don’t discount anything as you decrease the perceived value. Previous decisions have left the current regime with a dilemma.

[boooothy]

I demand cheap tickets, fantastic facilities, entertaining football and well paid players and management. I just don’t want contribute anything towards it.

[herefordaway]

Feb 22, 2024 12:13:06 GMT 1 boooothy said:

I demand cheap tickets, fantastic facilities, entertaining football and well paid players and management. I just don’t want contribute anything towards it.

Maybe a couple of pints thrown in.

[Baby Ate My Eight Ball]

How much did we pay this year?

[castlehillterrier]

Feb 22, 2024 12:28:28 GMT 1 Baby Ate My Eight Ball said:

How much did we pay this year?

£249

[Solihull Terrier]

I like the simplicity of Town's ticket prices so I wouldn't want to lose this too much but I do think an element of differential pricing might help.

Eg Big Red Lower keep prices lower to reflect that its less desirable and to get a few more people behind the goal. But keep majority of prices equal.

[dugnet]

There is a simple economic principle that the price will be determined by what the market will bear. When you look at those prices across the Championship and League 1 the question should be how have these teams average season ticket holders have held up as prices increase. The economic position in Kirklees will determine the market locally.

Irrespective of what we think the club will need to determine the revenue target they want to achieve from season ticket sales. They will forecast how many they can hope to sell and will also shape the offer to accommodate different tiers.

Football clubs in this country play heavily on loyalty, which drives demand and that enables some of, what on the face of it are astronomical, prices seen quoted here. There are enough people who are prepared to pay for that to be acceptable. In terms of pricing, irrespective of how you think the club has been run, Town cannot be in any way accused of exploiting fans.

There is another factor with regard to demand. If Town under Brietenreiter finish this season well the demand for tickets will soar. If we struggle you could reduce the price and many would think twice about making a commitment (to buy).

What do I think they should be? I don't know as I don't know the numbers the club are working to. I will make a judgement when they are announced.

[pieceofbread1]

Who is voting for a price increase ?
So we increase ticket prices by 100 quid loose a few thousand off the attendance ? To pay for a few signings. Have they even suggested there putting prices up why the hell are you even talking about price rises . Instead of spending 1 million on replacing managers every 4 months just keep ticket prices same ta . Actually can’t believe people are asking for price increases utter mad that . Imagine paying more buying players for more and still being utter shite

[royrace]

It's nice to have a simple one price for everywhere approach, BUT I think tiered pricing is a great idea.

It basically allows the club to increase revenue but hopefully doesn't price anyone out of attending. I know there will be some who object to moving but they at least have a choice and can either pay more to stay put or move.

Also add value to the tickets, bring back friend for a fiver or tenner, encourage season ticket holders to bring along friends and family. Might result in new supporters but at a minimum it gives the season ticket holder added value and whoever they bring along will likely be buying drinks and food.

I'd reserve the Panasonic lower tier for kids and their families, make it cheap or free. Also fill the other empty seats with families/young people every game by distributing free or cheap tickets to schools, clubs, colleges, uni.

I'd make the South Stand singing section cheap and do cheaper pay on the day prices in there. Discounts for students, apprentices, young people. There will be a lot of young people who'd love to go to the odd match but can't afford a season ticket due to circumstances.

Also do a simple interest free installment plan over 12 months to soften the blow of a price increase. Could the club arrange better cheap/free finance? It wouldn't be hard to repossess a season ticket on non payment!

[turbo2]

Feb 22, 2024 12:51:20 GMT 1 pieceofbread1 said:

Who is voting for a price increase ?
So we increase ticket prices by 100 quid loose a few thousand off the attendance ? To pay for a few signings. Have they even suggested there putting prices up why the hell are you even talking about price rises . Instead of spending 1 million on replacing managers every 4 months just keep ticket prices same ta . Actually can’t believe people are asking for price increases utter mad that . Imagine paying more buying players for more and still being utter shite

interesting, but its those who are paying the lowest prices in the championship that are demanding we sack the manager every 4 months isnt it?

[boooothy]

Feb 22, 2024 12:36:05 GMT 1 Solihull Terrier said:

I like the simplicity of Town's ticket prices so I wouldn't want to lose this too much but I do think an element of differential pricing might help.

Eg Big Red Lower keep prices lower to reflect that its less desirable and to get a few more people behind the goal. But keep majority of prices equal.

Might sound bonkers to most, and i might be wrong, but i think some liked paying more to be in that Upper Tier near the posh seats. It was something to brag about having a season ticket in there.

Any cup game where they opened it up to the plebs i always went in, thinking i was getting a bargain.

[KingNeil]

I have voted for the 400 quid option...£17.39 per game is not too much to ask

But this would be on the understanding that there is a pay monthly facility for EVERYONE who wants a ticket and the club underwrites anyone with a poor credit history

Not hard to work either...miss a payment and your card no longer works at the turnstiles

[andyboothscat]

You can't really create a poll and tell people not to vote for one of the options (as well as describing said option as 'unlikely').

If the question is "What price level do the fans believe to be fair" - just leave it at that.

[turbo2]

Feb 22, 2024 12:58:27 GMT 1 royrace said:

It's nice to have a simple one price for everywhere approach, BUT I think tiered pricing is a great idea.

It basically allows the club to increase revenue but hopefully doesn't price anyone out of attending. I know there will be some who object to moving but they at least have a choice and can either pay more to stay put or move.

Also add value to the tickets, bring back friend for a fiver or tenner, encourage season ticket holders to bring along friends and family. Might result in new supporters but at a minimum it gives the season ticket holder added value and whoever they bring along will likely be buying drinks and food.

I'd reserve the Panasonic lower tier for kids and their families, make it cheap or free. Also fill the other empty seats with families/young people every game by distributing free or cheap tickets to schools, clubs, colleges, uni.

I'd make the South Stand singing section cheap and do cheaper pay on the day prices in there. Discounts for students, apprentices, young people. There will be a lot of young people who'd love to go to the odd match but can't afford a season ticket due to circumstances.

Also do a simple interest free installment plan over 12 months to soften the blow of a price increase. Could the club arrange better cheap/free finance? It wouldn't be hard to repossess a season ticket on non payment!

Big group of us attend with SCs have a whatsapp group. Many not bothering turning up as its been so poor or have other stuff to do. Cant give away our SC most weeks.

[JG Mellor]

Feb 22, 2024 11:56:55 GMT 1 terriersyndrome said:

I can count on one hand how many games I've been to this season where I was happy at full-time. Twice this season is the earliest I've ever left a town match in over 30 years of supporting the club.

I don't feel, even at £249, we've had good value for money this season. Entertainment? Not even close for the majority of the season.

If you're looking for entertainment go watch Man City. Either your a WUM or you've completely missed the point of supporting your local club.

[pieceofbread1]

Feb 22, 2024 13:00:21 GMT 1 turbo2 said:

Feb 22, 2024 12:51:20 GMT 1 pieceofbread1 said:

Who is voting for a price increase ?
So we increase ticket prices by 100 quid loose a few thousand off the attendance ? To pay for a few signings. Have they even suggested there putting prices up why the hell are you even talking about price rises . Instead of spending 1 million on replacing managers every 4 months just keep ticket prices same ta . Actually can’t believe people are asking for price increases utter mad that . Imagine paying more buying players for more and still being utter shite

interesting, but its those who are paying the lowest prices in the championship that are demanding we sack the manager every 4 months isnt it?

Put them up to 1000 pound then fucking guaranteed prem winners by 2026 .

[royrace]

Feb 22, 2024 13:02:44 GMT 1 turbo2 said:

Feb 22, 2024 12:58:27 GMT 1 royrace said:

It's nice to have a simple one price for everywhere approach, BUT I think tiered pricing is a great idea.

It basically allows the club to increase revenue but hopefully doesn't price anyone out of attending. I know there will be some who object to moving but they at least have a choice and can either pay more to stay put or move.

Also add value to the tickets, bring back friend for a fiver or tenner, encourage season ticket holders to bring along friends and family. Might result in new supporters but at a minimum it gives the season ticket holder added value and whoever they bring along will likely be buying drinks and food.

I'd reserve the Panasonic lower tier for kids and their families, make it cheap or free. Also fill the other empty seats with families/young people every game by distributing free or cheap tickets to schools, clubs, colleges, uni.

I'd make the South Stand singing section cheap and do cheaper pay on the day prices in there. Discounts for students, apprentices, young people. There will be a lot of young people who'd love to go to the odd match but can't afford a season ticket due to circumstances.

Also do a simple interest free installment plan over 12 months to soften the blow of a price increase. Could the club arrange better cheap/free finance? It wouldn't be hard to repossess a season ticket on non payment!

Big group of us attend with SCs have a whatsapp group. Many not bothering turning up as its been so poor or have other stuff to do. Cant give away our SC most weeks.

I've been looking for excuses to miss games myself this season! Obviously everything depends on the product on the pitch. Need to get the feel good factor back first and formost, no guarantees but the money spent on Jan and the new manager suggests that will hopefully happen.

[boooothy]

Slightly off the point but some sort of creativity is needed with season tickets. I liked Hoyle’s Premier League £100 pledge of whatever it was called. Some kind of incentive to renew.

10 years seasons in a row gets you a gold season ticket, 5 gets you silver with rewards that don’t cost much like invites to meet Kevin, name in the program, free shirt every 10th year, name on your seat, that sort of stuff

[andyboothscat]

I'd also point out that one of the reasons we've 'had it way too good for way too long' is that the club retained the 2020/21 season ticket money in full in exchange for a price promise of £250 for the next 3 seasons.

So ultimately those people haven't been paying £250 for the last 3 seasons - they've paid around £330 per season.