Press release: BSM calls on Arsenal to freeze ticket prices
12 January 2012
Despite widespread concern at Arsenal’s plans to raise ticket prices for the 2011-12 season, fans were hit with an increase of 6.5% and as a result many more supporters were priced out of watching their team.
In response to the negative press received after announcing these rises, the club issued a release outlining its approach to ticket pricing. This contained quotes from Ivan Gazidis about the decision taken, and the article stated that “Mr Gazidis has also pledged to undertake an entire review of the approach to ticketing at the stadium”.
Our followers will know that in our meetings with Arsenal we have presented numerous suggestions and initiatives around the subject of ticketing, to which we await a full response. However our biggest concern by far is the threat of further price rises, come season ticket renewal time in May 2012.
From our discussions with the club we get the impression that within Arsenal there is belief that ticket prices could be pushed even higher, without affecting attendance figures or the morale of supporters. We firmly believe that this is an extremely short-sighted and potentially damaging view.
We are now in 2012 with nothing forthcoming from Arsenal in relation to the ticketing review, and with the threat of finishing outside of the Champions League qualifying positions this season (and the negative effect this will have on income) many fans are rightly concerned that there may be more rises planned by the club to cover potential losses, or simply as a way of generating further revenue.
It is well known that the club is working to rectify the situation which leaves our commercial income way off that of our closest rivals, but the fans cannot once again be expected to pick up the tab because of failings elsewhere. The economy shows no sign of improving in 2012 and as such, people are struggling to cope with the cost of day-to-day living. Arsenal Football Club, a profitable business, should act responsibly and not look to cash in even further from its loyal fan base.
We recommend that match going fans contact the club if they are concerned about the cost of tickets going up even further. If the message resonates, we hope it will help to influence any decision yet to be made.
Ultimately we call on the Board of Arsenal Football Club to consider its position carefully. We ask, again, that our suggestions in relation to ticketing are given full consideration, as these will serve to help match going fans in tough economic times. Most importantly, we ask that there be no increase in ticket prices for Arsenal matches at Emirates Stadium for season 2012-13 at the very minimum.
- ENDS -
NOTES TO EDITORS
Where Has Our Arsenal Gone? is a pressure group formed by a number of like-minded Arsenal fans, concerned that the club they’ve supported for many years is losing touch with its core support. That the current Board is more interested in making quick money (to the detriment of the team) ignoring the values of the club and not caring that long-term fans are walking away. We want the club to treat its loyal supporters with respect, act responsibly and not see fans simply as a pound note.
Contact: info@blackscarfafc.co.uk
Web: www.blackscarfafc.co.uk
Despite widespread concern at Arsenal’s plans to raise ticket prices for the 2011-12 season, fans were hit with an increase of 6.5% and as a result many more supporters were priced out of watching their team.
In response to the negative press received after announcing these rises, the club issued a release outlining its approach to ticket pricing. This contained quotes from Ivan Gazidis about the decision taken, and the article stated that “Mr Gazidis has also pledged to undertake an entire review of the approach to ticketing at the stadium”.
Our followers will know that in our meetings with Arsenal we have presented numerous suggestions and initiatives around the subject of ticketing, to which we await a full response. However our biggest concern by far is the threat of further price rises, come season ticket renewal time in May 2012.
From our discussions with the club we get the impression that within Arsenal there is belief that ticket prices could be pushed even higher, without affecting attendance figures or the morale of supporters. We firmly believe that this is an extremely short-sighted and potentially damaging view.
We are now in 2012 with nothing forthcoming from Arsenal in relation to the ticketing review, and with the threat of finishing outside of the Champions League qualifying positions this season (and the negative effect this will have on income) many fans are rightly concerned that there may be more rises planned by the club to cover potential losses, or simply as a way of generating further revenue.
It is well known that the club is working to rectify the situation which leaves our commercial income way off that of our closest rivals, but the fans cannot once again be expected to pick up the tab because of failings elsewhere. The economy shows no sign of improving in 2012 and as such, people are struggling to cope with the cost of day-to-day living. Arsenal Football Club, a profitable business, should act responsibly and not look to cash in even further from its loyal fan base.
We recommend that match going fans contact the club if they are concerned about the cost of tickets going up even further. If the message resonates, we hope it will help to influence any decision yet to be made.
Ultimately we call on the Board of Arsenal Football Club to consider its position carefully. We ask, again, that our suggestions in relation to ticketing are given full consideration, as these will serve to help match going fans in tough economic times. Most importantly, we ask that there be no increase in ticket prices for Arsenal matches at Emirates Stadium for season 2012-13 at the very minimum.
- ENDS -
NOTES TO EDITORS
Where Has Our Arsenal Gone? is a pressure group formed by a number of like-minded Arsenal fans, concerned that the club they’ve supported for many years is losing touch with its core support. That the current Board is more interested in making quick money (to the detriment of the team) ignoring the values of the club and not caring that long-term fans are walking away. We want the club to treat its loyal supporters with respect, act responsibly and not see fans simply as a pound note.
Contact: info@blackscarfafc.co.uk
Web: www.blackscarfafc.co.uk