Arsenal announce 3% ticket price increase:
Statement from the Black Scarf Movement
13 December 2013
Today Arsenal have announced that ticket prices will increase by 3% "in line with inflation" for the 2014-15 season.
As a group which has always campaigned for fair ticket pricing for our fans, we are extremely disappointed that the club has taken this decision.
Although Arsenal have pointed out this is "only" the third price increase in nine seasons since moving to Emirates Stadium, it should be noted out that our pricing is already among the most expensive (if not the most expensive) in English football. These rises we feel will only serve to drive more financially hard-pressed fans away from watching the club they love.
Ivan Gazidis has previously stated that he realises our matchgoing fans have had to bear the brunt, due to previously signed long-term commercial deals being pumped into the construction of Emirates Stadium. He commented that improved commercial activity would come, and the reliance on fans' wallets would decrease. Indeed, in November 2012 Arsenal announced a £150m sponsorship deal with Emirates and they are due to announce a roughly similar figure arrangement through a new kit provider deal (widely reported to be with Puma). In addition, new Premier League TV income from the start of 2013-14 will have significantly boosted the club's turnover.
This latest move by Arsenal makes it even more vital that they engage closely with supporters' groups to ensure matchgoing fans are given full consideration. We have already put forward various ticketing and repayment options which we feel would relieve some financial pressures on our core support, as well as atmosphere boosting ideas to enhance the matchday experience for our fans. We look forward to discussing these further with the club, given today's news.
Without the fans, football is nothing.
Up The Gunners
Today Arsenal have announced that ticket prices will increase by 3% "in line with inflation" for the 2014-15 season.
As a group which has always campaigned for fair ticket pricing for our fans, we are extremely disappointed that the club has taken this decision.
Although Arsenal have pointed out this is "only" the third price increase in nine seasons since moving to Emirates Stadium, it should be noted out that our pricing is already among the most expensive (if not the most expensive) in English football. These rises we feel will only serve to drive more financially hard-pressed fans away from watching the club they love.
Ivan Gazidis has previously stated that he realises our matchgoing fans have had to bear the brunt, due to previously signed long-term commercial deals being pumped into the construction of Emirates Stadium. He commented that improved commercial activity would come, and the reliance on fans' wallets would decrease. Indeed, in November 2012 Arsenal announced a £150m sponsorship deal with Emirates and they are due to announce a roughly similar figure arrangement through a new kit provider deal (widely reported to be with Puma). In addition, new Premier League TV income from the start of 2013-14 will have significantly boosted the club's turnover.
This latest move by Arsenal makes it even more vital that they engage closely with supporters' groups to ensure matchgoing fans are given full consideration. We have already put forward various ticketing and repayment options which we feel would relieve some financial pressures on our core support, as well as atmosphere boosting ideas to enhance the matchday experience for our fans. We look forward to discussing these further with the club, given today's news.
Without the fans, football is nothing.
Up The Gunners