I was signed up in the earlybird and got the cheapest price, so I’m not negatively impacted from a personal perspective. But like most fans I desperately want the ground filled with more actual Charlton fans, and I want to keep growing our younger support.
So what is the strategy?
We have a ground where on current ST sales for next season, we’ll have around 10-14,000 home seats to fill every week. We also have an older than average fanbase.
We have just had a trigger event that can deliver momentum.
Slapping an immediate big increase in price is an instant demotivator to a large majority of those carrying a bit of excitement from the weekend. The likelihood is that it will reduce those now looking at season tickets. Particularly once the initial excitement wears off and people then balance KO games are changed, they can mostly be viewed on Sky+ etc. We’ve lost the opportunity then to get casuals in as regulars.
I get completely the club want and need to put up prices. There’s money to be made from the rising number of occasional foreign football tourists to London, and increasing North Upper Matchday price they can then charge away fans more.
But if there is one thing we learned from Saturday looking around is that Charlton is at its core the ultimate Family Club. And we need to incentivise getting families in, getting more local kids back supporting Charlton again.
I’d suggest two things:
1. A short offer of the month of June to ‘thank everyone for their amazing support and to come with us on the journey’ to everyone currently on the clubs database to buy STs at an appropriate discount to the new prices (I’d suggest something £20 off Zone 3, £40 off Zone 2, £30 off Zone 3 so still higher than the pre-Sunday levels).
2. There’s a real lack of availability now in the Family Stand so I’d offer an incentive of something like 10% off Families buying 2 adults, 2+ kids STs in Zones 2 and 3) or 5% off 1 adult, 1+ kid STs in Zones 2 and 3). Getting that family of 4 to pay £1400 to sit in Zone 2, £1740 in Zone 3 is massively challenging, £1260 and £1566 would still be great committed income to the club.
Incentivise now to see more over the next month committing for the year, yet retain the higher price structure to max on matchday sales.
Spot on. This is exactly the kind of feedback that could have been provided in a proper consultation.
Also looks like the 16-20 zone has moved to the blocks adjacent to the JS.
Think this is a bit of an own goal. The buzz about the semi final/final and the huge demand should have been capitalised on by keeping things reasonably affordable. Get people in, and then put the prices up when you’ve got them hooked is a better way to go
I'm more than happy to stick to my 10 games (plus 5 for the boy) 6 shirts between us, other tat and VG, just pointing out that the incentive for people to commit to more is decreasing.
It's great that some fans just spend the cash no matter what, but there's a big % where that extra £90 tips the budget over the scales... take the piss out of that all you like.
So you're far better off saving on the shirts and VG (ST will get you better priority anyway) and spending on a ST even if you don't get to enough games. You'd have enough left for a shirt each as well tbf.
Not saying I agree with the price increase though and not only because this is gonna be the phase 1 price next year
I was thinking the same and I fully appreciate we all have different finances, circumstances and priorities.
But if I was concerned about affordability of my team's matches, I would choose to go to £300 worth of games rather than buy £300 worth of shirts.
I'm not criticising nor suggesting what you or anyone should do. I'm just saying I would choose going to games rather than buying shirts.
I buy me and my son shirts to wear, certainly won't stop doing that just to buy a ST for games I cant attend as that's perceived as being more loyal to the club. Also, me not buying a shirt, doesn't all of a sudden make 8pm kick offs on a Tuesday more viable... I still have work to do and/or away child to collect from school and feed.
I think you should re-read the thread and my comments. I've already said if a S/T is not cost effective for someone then it makes no sense to buy one.
I repeat, I go to all the games so it makes sense for me. You live much farther away and can't attend most of the games, so it doesn't make sense for you (nor would it me if I lived a fair distance).
You would be crazy to buy a S/T if you can't attend most of the games and I never suggested otherwise.
I see you home and away and know you're a loyal fan.
That's me - crazy (as most people I know refer to me as!).
We’re talking about £50 or so - that a round at the green man once a year or £1 a week - if that’s the going rate and you wasn’t prepared to pay up front in case we were in league 1 then I’m sorry but you aren’t as committed as those who got it a bit cheaper by committing if we hadn’t gone up - let’s call it the price of success or the penalty for a shortfall in loyalty
We’re talking about £50 or so - that a round at the green man once a year or £1 a week - if that’s the going rate and you wasn’t prepared to pay up front in case we were in league 1 then I’m sorry but you aren’t as committed as those who got it a bit cheaper by committing if we hadn’t gone up - let’s call it the price of success or the penalty for a shortfall in loyalty
Perverse logic. Ignores the total cost for a start.
As someone else said the price won’t reduce in the event of relegation in all likelihood.
But the point is the ambition is to hook more people in on a regular basis and this does not help.
Maybe all merchandise / refreshments etc will rise by similar amounts too.
We’re talking about £50 or so - that a round at the green man once a year or £1 a week - if that’s the going rate and you wasn’t prepared to pay up front in case we were in league 1 then I’m sorry but you aren’t as committed as those who got it a bit cheaper by committing if we hadn’t gone up - let’s call it the price of success or the penalty for a shortfall in loyalty
Surely anyone that doesn't buy a season ticket isn't a committed supporter anyway, even if they can't make all of the games?
We’re talking about £50 or so - that a round at the green man once a year or £1 a week - if that’s the going rate and you wasn’t prepared to pay up front in case we were in league 1 then I’m sorry but you aren’t as committed as those who got it a bit cheaper by committing if we hadn’t gone up - let’s call it the price of success or the penalty for a shortfall in loyalty
I don't understand all these weird snipey digs at other fans.
So at the moment we have Season Ticket Half Season Ticket Or you don't get a Season ticket. All a few posters are saying is Is there no chance we can do a 10 /12 game ticket. Make the 12 game ticket more dearer than a season ticket but a little cheaper than a match ticket.
So at the moment we have Season Ticket Half Season Ticket Or you don't get a Season ticket. All a few posters are saying is Is there no chance we can do a 10 /12 game ticket. Make the 12 game ticket more dearer than a season ticket but a little cheaper than a match ticket.
Works for my position. If not I'll just pay the one of match price. Would be nice to commit money to the club up front on top of Valley Gold and CATV. Quite a bit comes their way in various forms from fans like myself even without a season ticket.
Valley Gold
CATV overseas subscription
Around 7-10 games per season depending on fixtures.
How do you manage a 10/12 game ticket? Do you have a set seat? Do you have to give notice on what games you will attend? What if every fan who had one wanted to turn up to the same game, should there be a very limited number available? You’re adding a layer of administration into the club…should you pay more for that?
Just some initial thoughts, but it seems like more hassle than it’s worth. Just buy your tickets on a game by game basis when you’re able to go.
Just get a season ticket! Just spread the extra over a few months, if you was gonna buy a ST then the bit extra shouldn’t really hurt should it? we have finally got out off this shit league and got some tasty games to look forward too, the team/club deserve backing, so back them! 🔴⚪️
If you look on the bright side if you buy a ST at today's prices you will probably get 26/27 ST at the same price, where the early birds for 25/26 ST will face an increase.
Just get a season ticket! Just spread the extra over a few months, if you was gonna buy a ST then the bit extra shouldn’t really hurt should it? we have finally got out off this shit league and got some tasty games to look forward too, the team/club deserve backing, so back them! 🔴⚪️
Glad that's all sorted then! There I was thinking that the increased prices would stop more people buying a season ticket meaning a 1/3 empty Valley next season but all they've got to do is get on with it. Just what was I worried about?
How do you manage a 10/12 game ticket? Do you have a set seat? Do you have to give notice on what games you will attend? What if every fan who had one wanted to turn up to the same game, should there be a very limited number available? You’re adding a layer of administration into the club…should you pay more for that?
Just some initial thoughts, but it seems like more hassle than it’s worth. Just buy your tickets on a game by game basis when you’re able to go.
My thoughts entirely, but couldn't be bothered to type.
We’re talking about £50 or so - that a round at the green man once a year or £1 a week - if that’s the going rate and you wasn’t prepared to pay up front in case we were in league 1 then I’m sorry but you aren’t as committed as those who got it a bit cheaper by committing if we hadn’t gone up - let’s call it the price of success or the penalty for a shortfall in loyalty
I don't understand all these weird snipey digs at other fans.
A season ticket rewards commitment up front so does buying a season ticket before you know what division you are in - as did buying a 10 year ticket without knowing if the club was going to go bust in 92 - I’d be concerned if loyal fans could no longer afford their seat but not newbies who couldn’t commit a few weeks ago - not that I don’t want them on board but we have to charge the going rate rather than offer up something on the cheap
Renewed yesterday for me and dad. He’ll be 85 next Christmas Day and couldn’t wait to renew for next season. Loves getting to the games, although it’s likely that he’ll have to miss quite a few when the weather gets too cold for him, as he did this season. Bloody good job he’s not a City fan living in Manchester or they’d have it off him!! 🤦🏻♂️😉
You can buy heated socks, gloves, body warmers etc these days. I wore some heated socks and gloves for the midweek winter games and was not at all cold and everyone near me were freezing their bo&&%$ks off
We’re talking about £50 or so - that a round at the green man once a year or £1 a week - if that’s the going rate and you wasn’t prepared to pay up front in case we were in league 1 then I’m sorry but you aren’t as committed as those who got it a bit cheaper by committing if we hadn’t gone up - let’s call it the price of success or the penalty for a shortfall in loyalty
No offence intended, but blokes in their 50s (and early 60s in some earlier comments) in a completely different financial position aren’t the greatest barometer of the impact of price changes.
Most of our support in their 20s and 30s are situated in the North Upper, the most vibrant part of the ground. That’s just gone up £90. If you wasn’t already on board, jumping to a £550 outlay when you’re in the planning / moving out phase of life or when you’ve a young family and having to watch the pennies even more, it’s a big ask.
I’d rather have much more of these at a slightly lower rate and get them committed and coming regularly for a season, than miss out on them signing up and then drifting away.
We’re talking about £50 or so - that a round at the green man once a year or £1 a week - if that’s the going rate and you wasn’t prepared to pay up front in case we were in league 1 then I’m sorry but you aren’t as committed as those who got it a bit cheaper by committing if we hadn’t gone up - let’s call it the price of success or the penalty for a shortfall in loyalty
No offence intended, but blokes in their 50s (and early 60s in some earlier comments) in a completely different financial position aren’t the greatest barometer of the impact of price changes.
Most of our support in their 20s and 30s are situated in the North Upper, the most vibrant part of the ground. That’s just gone up £90. If you wasn’t already on board, jumping to a £550 outlay when you’re in the planning / moving out phase of life or when you’ve a young family and having to watch the pennies even more, it’s a big ask.
I’d rather have much more of these at a slightly lower rate and get them committed and coming regularly for a season, than miss out on them signing up and then drifting away.
If you're going to bring age into it I'm late 60's and recently retired. That extra £90 was the difference between me getting a season ticket and not. Older people have to watch the pennies to.
We’re talking about £50 or so - that a round at the green man once a year or £1 a week - if that’s the going rate and you wasn’t prepared to pay up front in case we were in league 1 then I’m sorry but you aren’t as committed as those who got it a bit cheaper by committing if we hadn’t gone up - let’s call it the price of success or the penalty for a shortfall in loyalty
I don't understand all these weird snipey digs at other fans.
A season ticket rewards commitment up front so does buying a season ticket before you know what division you are in - as did buying a 10 year ticket without knowing if the club was going to go bust in 92 - I’d be concerned if loyal fans could no longer afford their seat but not newbies who couldn’t commit a few weeks ago - not that I don’t want them on board but we have to charge the going rate rather than offer up something on the cheap
On that logic you think it may be unaffordable for existing supporters next season then?
The going rate need not be as high as it is. We used to be proud to boast about how affordable it was at this club.
Attracting new support remains the ambition but is being undermined more than if need be.
The price point should be measured against alternate spend for fans not alternate clubs.
Given how few family stand seats are available and how sparcely populated the NW quadrant is, the club could potentially look at another family stand there.
We’re talking about £50 or so - that a round at the green man once a year or £1 a week - if that’s the going rate and you wasn’t prepared to pay up front in case we were in league 1 then I’m sorry but you aren’t as committed as those who got it a bit cheaper by committing if we hadn’t gone up - let’s call it the price of success or the penalty for a shortfall in loyalty
I don't understand all these weird snipey digs at other fans.
A season ticket rewards commitment up front so does buying a season ticket before you know what division you are in - as did buying a 10 year ticket without knowing if the club was going to go bust in 92 - I’d be concerned if loyal fans could no longer afford their seat but not newbies who couldn’t commit a few weeks ago - not that I don’t want them on board but we have to charge the going rate rather than offer up something on the cheap
If the club follow their previous processes, these will be the early bird prices for the following season, irrespective of what division we are in.
Also based on these process it will probably be a minimum of £35 for the most expensive seats and £27 for the cheapest (no doubt part of that will be to charge the away supporters as much as possible with expected full turnouts in the JS)
If the new Liaison Board is not consulted on ticket prices, then what is there remit?
A lot of these issues could have been raised and thrashed out in a latter day Target 40k Group or with the advisory board but it seems that didn't happen.
As I've said I expected a price rise and £50 or £60 feels about right. £90 is pushing it IMHO but where are the projections of uptake and income at different price pounts?
As the club didn't seek the advice of the advisory board I suspect there aren't any which begs the question of how that board is set up.
I'd already renewed and next year will get the Over 65 discount but I still want to see a full Valley which generates significant income why remaining affordable.
Is pisstake imo I've had season tickets for years and yes you get discount price but why is it only valid for a short time whilst the season hasn't even ended yet I'm bombarded with emails and this special offer whilst also forking out for away tickets,play off tickets and wembley and then the day after we win hit with a massive price hike.
I still think the American owners are social engineering the supporter base. They want the well to do middle classes. To start to emulate those in the Prem and the American tourist market.
I still think the American owners are social engineering the supporter base. They want the well to do middle classes. To start to emulate those in the Prem and the American tourist market.
Stupidest thing I've read on here in a while, congratulations
Ultimately the issue here isn’t the prices so much as they lack of warning the prices were going up and the lack of consultation with the advisory board. The prices definitely seem a little high though and the club could have avoided an own goal with a tiny bit more planning
Comments
Season Ticket
Half Season Ticket
Or you don't get a Season ticket.
All a few posters are saying is
Is there no chance we can do a 10 /12 game ticket.
Make the 12 game ticket more dearer than a season ticket but a little cheaper than a match ticket.
we have finally got out off this shit league and got some tasty games to look forward too, the team/club deserve backing, so back them!
🔴⚪️
Just what was I worried about?
I'm late 60's and recently retired. That extra £90 was the difference between me getting a season ticket and not. Older people have to watch the pennies to.
The going rate need not be as high as it is. We used to be proud to boast about how affordable it was at this club.
Also based on these process it will probably be a minimum of £35 for the most expensive seats and £27 for the cheapest (no doubt part of that will be to charge the away supporters as much as possible with expected full turnouts in the JS)
If the new Liaison Board is not consulted on ticket prices, then what is there remit?
A lot of these issues could have been raised and thrashed out in a latter day Target 40k Group or with the advisory board but it seems that didn't happen.
As I've said I expected a price rise and £50 or £60 feels about right. £90 is pushing it IMHO but where are the projections of uptake and income at different price pounts?
As the club didn't seek the advice of the advisory board I suspect there aren't any which begs the question of how that board is set up.
I'd already renewed and next year will get the Over 65 discount but I still want to see a full Valley which generates significant income why remaining affordable.