This week it emerged that current season ticket holders now have to pay a non-refundable £75 deposit to secure their season ticket for next season. This deposit is due by April 17th or there is no guarantee of a ticket for next season. At that point, season tickets will be offered to those on the waiting list.
This decision makes some sense from a business and administration point of view, drumming up interest for season tickets at an earlier date and potentially raising more funds simultaneously. Although the deadline for the full payment remains the same, it does beg the question of why loyal season ticket holders are the ones being made to pay a deposit at an earlier date than ever before?!
In comparison to the cheapest season tickets at Upton Park and for all other Premier League sides, West Ham place 4th highest on the list behind just Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool. With a 5% increase in prices for next season as well as the added complications of a deposit, along with the likes of Chelsea, Southampton and Man Utd having cheaper prices, it is no wonder there is some discontent amongst supporters.
Karren Brady points towards the recent reinforcements in the squad and the plans for further investment in the summer as reasons for the increase. After the price freeze of last season it softens the blow a little but many fans are still unhappy with this rise. To be more expensive than clubs playing in the Champions League and Europa League does seem strange, but perhaps with the ambitions of the current squad this may not be too far off.
One of the main reasons for moving to the Olympic Stadium stated by the board, was the ability to offer “affordable family football.” Season ticket prices for Under 10s and Under 16s have been frozen, in a bid to achieve this currently. If the board doesn’t at least replicate this for adult and concession prices after the move to the new stadium then there may be a significant backlash.
Having said all this, this is a great time to be a West Ham season ticket holder this season and exciting prospects ahead. I know that I personally will be paying my deposit, getting my season ticket for next year and guaranteeing my place at a game that I know I will never forget, the last at the Boleyn.
The fans wanted better football and aspire to a top four finish. Doesnt matter how you look at it, you cant have this on a budget. A look at transfer fees and wages necessary to attract top players, managers etc tells you this. Some ‘affordable family football’ may be possible, but in general admission charges are going to need to keep pace with the oppositions just to keep in the spending game it has become. Im not saying its right, but you cant have it both ways.