Season-ticket tonic for fans

Alan Hardy

Prices frozen - and there are sweeteners

LATICS ROUND UP: ATHLETIC have frozen season ticket and admission prices for next season, with existing holders receiving extra discounts and a chance to get their season ticket completely free.

The freeze means season tickets for the 2010-11 season will be the same price as they were five years ago — in real terms, taking inflation into account, making them even cheaper.

The discounts for existing holders are only on offer until May 20, in a bid to encourage fans to commit early so as to boost the club coffers near the start of the off-season.

It reduces the cost of a renewed adult ticket in the Leesfield Developments Rochdale Road End to £279, or £12.13 per game, if purchased before the deadline.

After that, tickets go up to £308, or £13.39 per game, until June 3, and fans are able to take advantage of that price as of this week.

A concessionary ticket in the Rochdale Road End will be £118, or £4.70 per game, while the cheapest adult season tickets are in the Pentagon Vauxhall Main Stand lower tier at £276, or £12 per game.

All season ticket holders also get vouchers for £15 off shop purchases, plus four 10-per-cent discount vouchers, as well as bring-a-friend for £5 deals and free entry to a home pre-season friendly. The total value of those ‘extras’ is at least £40.

There is also a free draw to win back the cost of the season ticket after sales of 500, 1000, 1500 and every 500 tickets sold thereafter.

The new initiative means the previous plan to refund the entire cost of season tickets in the event of England winning the World Cup in South Africa this summer has been scrapped.

“We have listened to supporters. We have had a number of emails from fans saying that the World Cup offer was not attractive to them and they would rather have a guaranteed cash discount,” said Athletic’s chief executive Alan Hardy.

“The directors have had another look and come up with these additional offers which we think will be attractive to fans.

“Season tickets are now on sale both online and at the ticket office for personal callers where payment can be made by cash, cheque or debit card.”

Athletic are again offering an easy payment plan for those wanting to spread the cost of their season ticket. Details are available from the club office.

Boundary Blues season tickets for under-16s remain at £50, with admission for under-12s at £3.