OT ticket price hikes for rest of season

[Champ]

Again, our club are the ONLY ones who have removed all concession pricing in the middle of a season - it's not difficult to understand but seems you continually need it spelling out to you

You're right, other clubs removed concessions at the start of the season, that makes it better for sure right?

 

[pacifictheme]

For sake of argument let’s say that 66 quid becomes the normal price and they do away with the concept of season ticket holders.

They build a 100k capacity stadium charging 66 a ticket. They’ll be printing money

Or they could be sitting with a half empty stadium

It won't be empty but it'll be even more full of tourists than it is now.

The atmosphere at old trafford these days is so bad compared to when I first started going, i love it there but it's an absolute shadow of it's former self.

Last season I was at Fulham at home and the whole place was so flat all game on the pitch and in the stands. When we equalised the place got a bit noisier, and then Fulham scored the winner, absolutely what the crowd and team deserved that day. Was quite funny really.

 

[Devil_forever]

Ah so its our fault! How embarrassing. Will bin it off from tonight.

If you're complaining but still paying for the tickets, what incentive does the club have to not increase prices?

 

[Devil_forever]

What do you mean? Unless fans say no, clubs will keep price creeping

If the fans are buying the tickets then they are saying yes.

 

[golden_blunder]

If the fans are buying the tickets then they are saying yes.

Well yes I guess for most, but there will be some who are going because they’ve promised their kids or whatever but can’t really afford it, or those who go who have to cut back elsewhere in order to afford it or those who are finally priced out. Off course they should kick up a fuss. Those who don’t are probably tourists

 

[Utd heap]

If you're complaining but still paying for the tickets, what incentive does the club have to not increase prices?

Can't be arsed with you mate.

 

[MancunianAngels]

It won't be empty but it'll be even more full of tourists than it is now.

The atmosphere at old trafford these days is so bad compared to when I first started going, i love it there but it's an absolute shadow of it's former self.

Last season I was at Fulham at home and the whole place was so flat all game on the pitch and in the stands. When we equalised the place got a bit noisier, and then Fulham scored the winner, absolutely what the crowd and team deserved that day. Was quite funny really.

The atmosphere has been mostly shite since the early 2000s. Keane's prawn sandwich comment came in the 00/01 season. Fergie's it's like a funeral comment came in 2008 when we were the best team in the world.

By all accounts, Liverpool last season and city the season before were as good as anything atmosphere wise since that period.

 

[eiknaldo]

So are people going to protest the ticket prices by protesting in their thousands inside the ground, having bought the tickets?

As I've mentioned in the other thread about protest ideas I think it would be a good form of protest to boycott all the facilities (merchandise, food & beverage) on the property of Old Trafford before, during and after the match. This way the match going fans can still fully support the team, but the club will have a significant loss of revenue.

As already mentioned by others, if supporters just don't buy tickets anymore, the place will still be filled by others and the club don't care. But if we don't buy stuff during the game the club will feel it somehow.

Apart from that, the least thing anyone can do is write an email to feedback@manutd.co.uk
and ticketingandmembershipservices@manutd.co.uk
and raise their concerns. The more people complain, the more seriously the matter will be taken.

 

[Dec9003]

I don't have a ST and go every week at £33 a ticket. It's still good - need to fight to keep it that way.

Are you getting tickets at £33 direct from UTD? Usually when I look on the site it is dearer than that at a minimum bar a very small number of tickets.

 

[Moriarty]

I would be interesting to know where local kids watch live football these days. Back in the day, most kids went to either Old Trafford or Maine Road. Some went to Bury and some to Stockport. They went because their dads went and their dads before them. United, under Matt Busby, knew full well that the future of the club was in its ability to bring in local kids, both as players and as supporters. It was that sense of solidarity that made Old Trafford a cauldron on match days.

 

[pacifictheme]

The atmosphere has been mostly shite since the early 2000s. Keane's prawn sandwich comment came in the 00/01 season. Fergie's it's like a funeral comment came in 2008 when we were the best team in the world.

By all accounts, Liverpool last season and city the season before were as good as anything atmosphere wise since that period.

Yeah, but I would say it's worse than ever these days. Noticeably worse than a decade ago.

 

[Utd heap]

Yeah, but I would say it's worse than ever these days. Noticeably worse than a decade ago.

The atmosphere at OT is far better than a decade ago IMO. That was its lowest.

Are you basing this opinion off Fulham at home in the worst season we've had for decades?

 

[clarkydaz]

I do get the feeling that the PL are sleep walking into destruction. Pricing young people out of games is bad enough but they have also priced out average people being able to watch live football on TV, from what i can recall you can only watch a handful of live FA cup games without a subscription. This wouldn't be a problem if the subscription was a reasonable price but you are looking at shelling out almost a £100 a month for all the packages which will enable you to watch all your team's games. This is also compounded by the fact that modern football has become more tactical and robotic where athletic ability dominates over skill and flair. Most games are tactical bore fests and the game lacks skillful and creative players across the board. It doesn't capture the imagination of young people anymore.

And it is having an impact on the ground, whenever i speak to my kids or nieces & nephews on what they are into football is rarely mentioned anymore.

Didnt they make an effort to remove the exec seats in the middle of the stretford end to cater for younger people under 25? Now they want to charge them £66 for the pleasure. Yes many games are borefests now, and with VAR and that stupid offside rule its hard to get fully immersed in games like before. Even if this move gets squashed due to fan outcry its revealed who they are and where its going.

with the new system of euro league tables to squeeze a few more un neccesary games out of you, its not worth the outlay for me anymore, im finding little joy going OT nowadays. so when the inevitable ST increase comes in the summer ill be more at peace letting it go

 

[sparx99]

I forgot to reply to this earlier, but I'm surprised that you can even afford to go to those matches. I can only afford a TFC season ticket at this point, and even that's getting expensive enough that I need to now cancel a couple of subscriptions for my football fill.

What INEOS is doing is exactly what we've seen happen in the U.S. and Canada already. I wouldn't be surprised if United eventually have the most expensive tickets in the PL, especially if both Arsenal and Spurs can get away with them (despite their recent successes and relatively higher levels compared to United).

I think Utd are limited by local incomes being lower than London.

As for Leafs games its very much a treat and my wife works for the NHLPA so we get occasional free tickets and discounts. I don't spend on other hobbies particularly so get to indulge on that somewhat. I go to away games as often tbf!

 

[Rood]

Yeah, but I would say it's worse than ever these days. Noticeably worse than a decade ago.

Not my experience at all - the atmosphere has improved massively in last few years due to standing coming back but you need to be in those areas, if you arent then it's probably worse than ever as the majority who want to sing have moved to those areas

There are some other pockets around Stretty and K Stand where it can be decent too

 

[MancunianAngels]

Yeah, but I would say it's worse than ever these days. Noticeably worse than a decade ago.

I don't think it's changed that much since 2014. If anything, it's marginally better.

The biggest noticeable drop off was after the Treble.

There was another then after the takeover in 2005 when loads of "hardcore" fans gave up/got involved with FCUM. There was a gradual decline after that for a few years.

For all the shite the support has gone through though, United's support is still the best in the league on its day.

 

[Utd heap]

I don't think it's changed that much since 2014. If anything, it's marginally better.

The biggest noticeable drop off was after the Treble.

There was another then after the takeover in 2005 when loads of "hardcore" fans gave up/got involved with FCUM. There was a gradual decline after that for a few years.

For all the shite the support has gone through though, United's support is still the best in the league on its day.

Always enjoy your posts mate, sensible stuff.

 

[mazhar13]

I think Utd are limited by local incomes being lower than London.

As for Leafs games its very much a treat and my wife works for the NHLPA so we get occasional free tickets and discounts. I don't spend on other hobbies particularly so get to indulge on that somewhat. I go to away games as often tbf!

If the ownership can recognise the local incomes being lower, then maybe these price increases won't be astronomical, but as it stands, the current increases are already pricing out so many people. We've seen this happen to the Toronto Raptors, and not only has its atmosphere worsened but also the majority of fans there are to enjoy a good basketball match regardless of who wins or loses instead of supporting the Raptors and wanting them to win.

 

[TMDaines]

From 21:30 onwards (depending on your ad length):

 

[TMDaines]

Don't think I have ever heard Mitten and Anka quite so angry.

 

[LittleP14]

So this is the response I have had back from the club this morning;

Dear XXXX

Thank you for your email.

As a club, we are committed to building a successful and financially sustainable club and we will continue to explore all options to grow revenues while minimising the impact on match-going fans.

We have been focused on cost-saving to put us on a stronger financial footing. That also means raising revenues, so we can continue to invest in football and infrastructure.

We have reviewed discounts applied to match-by-match general admission tickets this season and while this was a difficult decision, the changes we are making will affect a small number of fans but will go some way to supporting the club’s efforts to operate more sustainably.

We welcome feedback and we would just like to take this opportunity to provide some additional context / information on the back of this decision:

• All sales so far have had the ‘age-related’ discounts applied.
• This will only be applied to the 3% of tickets remaining
• The ballots for our games vs. Arsenal and City will still have all age and location discounts available, as will home cup games in the FA Cup, Carabao Cup Semi-Final and any knock-out round Europa League games.
  

Our decision will not affect opted in Season Ticket holders, or Cup Season Ticket holders.

We are very conscious of the cost of attending a football game and the dedication and commitment of our fans does not go unnoticed and is appreciated.

In closing, we will ensure that your concerns are formally documented and shared with Senior Club Officials, however we are unable to comment on this matter further.

Kind regards,

 

[U-N-I-T-E-D]

So this is the response I have had back from the club this morning;

Dear XXXX

Thank you for your email.

As a club, we are committed to building a successful and financially sustainable club and we will continue to explore all options to grow revenues while minimising the impact on match-going fans.

We have been focused on cost-saving to put us on a stronger financial footing. That also means raising revenues, so we can continue to invest in football and infrastructure.

We have reviewed discounts applied to match-by-match general admission tickets this season and while this was a difficult decision, the changes we are making will affect a small number of fans but will go some way to supporting the club’s efforts to operate more sustainably.

We welcome feedback and we would just like to take this opportunity to provide some additional context / information on the back of this decision:

• All sales so far have had the ‘age-related’ discounts applied.
• This will only be applied to the 3% of tickets remaining
• The ballots for our games vs. Arsenal and City will still have all age and location discounts available, as will home cup games in the FA Cup, Carabao Cup Semi-Final and any knock-out round Europa League games.

Our decision will not affect opted in Season Ticket holders, or Cup Season Ticket holders.

We are very conscious of the cost of attending a football game and the dedication and commitment of our fans does not go unnoticed and is appreciated.

In closing, we will ensure that your concerns are formally documented and shared with Senior Club Officials, however we are unable to comment on this matter further.

Kind regards,

If it is just for the 3% of remaining league tickets, it’s not the greatest impact.

The reply makes it sound like it won’t carry through to next season but I’m not sure how much I trust this tbh.

Glad it won’t count for any cup or European games this season

 

[MancunianAngels]

If it is just for the 3% of remaining league tickets, it’s not the greatest impact.

The reply makes it sound like it won’t carry through to next season but I’m not sure how much I trust this tbh.

Glad it won’t count for any cup or European games this season

That's still too much.

I'm also not sure of the business case for doing that. A midweek home match v someone like Southampton is gonna be a hard sell at £66.

 

[Hammondo]

Can't be arsed with you mate.

How are they wrong?

 

[Sandikan]

Had a read of the opening post and scan read.

Are they really saying EVERY single ticket not sold, for any home game will be a fixed cost of £66?

Or is only for certain seats?

Surely no-one is paying £66 for a midweek Europa game against Ruddy Budgewadge

 

[T00lsh3d]

Had a read of the opening post and scan read.

Are they really saying EVERY single ticket not sold, for any home game will be a fixed cost of £66?

Or is only for certain seats?

Surely no-one is paying £66 for a midweek Europa game against Ruddy Budgewadge

Spoken like someone who’s never seen Ruddy Budgewadge play

 

[VeevaVee]

feck that. It wasn’t exactly worth the money before this. There isn’t £66 of entertainment on offer, that’s for sure.

 

[McGrathsipan]

If it is just for the 3% of remaining league tickets, it’s not the greatest impact.

The reply makes it sound like it won’t carry through to next season but I’m not sure how much I trust this tbh.

Glad it won’t count for any cup or European games this season

It will 100% carry on into the future and on a wider basis.

Now the increase to £66 is causing widespread anger and people will whinge for a few weeks , they may protest, ....but the protests blah blah will die down. The club will lose a few fans blah blah. They know and expect this reaction.
Next year they will "reduce" to £61 or something nominal, but less than 66, and people will lap it up ..... and the club has its massive increase set in stone then!! This is a long term decision and we are being fed the high prices now in order to get them perceptive credit when the real increase figure is released , they already know I bet.

Classic corporate strategy

 

[LittleP14]

It will 100% carry on into the future and on a wider basis.

Now the increase to £66 is causing widespread anger and people will whinge for a few weeks , they may protest, ....but the protests blah blah will die down. The club will lose a few fans blah blah. They know and expect this reaction.
Next year they will "reduce" to £61 or something nominal, but less than 66, and people will lap it up ..... and the club has its massive increase set in stone then!! This is a long term decision and we are being fed the high prices now in order to get them perceptive credit when the real increase figure is released , they already know I bet.

Classic corporate strategy

I dont think anyone would have a problem with £60 for an adult but having the same price for a child is apalling.

 

[Hammondo]

I dont think anyone would have a problem with £60 for an adult but having the same price for a child is apalling.

I would agree with that.

 

[U-N-I-T-E-D]

I dont think anyone would have a problem with £60 for an adult but having the same price for a child is apalling.

I think that would be fair

 

[Rood]

You're right, other clubs removed concessions at the start of the season, that makes it better for sure right?

It's still shit and there should be regulations stopping it from happening but off season is the normal time to announce such things

As it is, many fans paid for memberships (especially Junior ones) in the summer based on certain prices being announced and now it's more than double in some cases

It's completely unprecedented to make this kind of change in the middle of a season

 

[JJ12]

feck that. It wasn’t exactly worth the money before this. There isn’t £66 of entertainment on offer, that’s for sure.

It's not just £66 either with refreshments and travel costs

 

[MancunianAngels]

I dont think anyone would have a problem with £60 for an adult but having the same price for a child is apalling.

£60 for an adult is still too much ffs. Why have we become so accepting of these prices?

Clubs have no problem spending hundreds of millions every summer on shite. Why are fans so accepting of paying a tiny % of that bill?

All of these FFP concerns are self inflicted.

 

[Utd heap]

£60 for an adult is still too much ffs. Why have we become so accepting of these prices?

Clubs have no problem spending hundreds of millions every summer on shite. Why are fans so accepting of paying a tiny % of that bill?

All of these FFP concerns are self inflicted.

Yep, I don't think £60 is reasonable at all. Majority of tickets for members are now £51 after a 10% rise over two years - they should now be frozen.

 

[JB7]

Still a far cry from North American sports though I might add.

North American sports take place over 3000 miles away in a very different country on a completely different continent, I hardly think they are any barometer to be looked at. We may as well compare with prices for sports on the moon.

 

[VeevaVee]

It's not just £66 either with refreshments and travel costs

Exactly. You’re hitting £100 quite easily, even if you’re in and out.

 

[mazhar13]

Still a far cry from North American sports though I might add.

North American sports aren't community-oriented events are one of several entertainment options. Football in most of the world isn't like that, but they want to go in that direction after seeing how much money most of the American teams make off of their matchdays.

 

[Tom Van Persie]

Looking forward to this

 

[Rolaholic]