Who's the smartest club when it comes to ticket prices - Owls or Blades?

[Cerberus Blade]

Just been reading that it's going to cost £42 for a ticket to go to the derby game at Hillsboro. James Shield's has written a good article in The Star about it, saying it's just too much, and I agree.

http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/foot...city-derby-prices-are-just-too-high-1-8742878

I'm tempted to start calling Hillsborough horrible names now, like "The Sty" or "The Theatre of Rust" or "Swillsborough" or worse! I could go further and convince myself that all Sheffield Wednesday fans are a sub-human race not worthy of sharing the planet with us and that the charging of £42 is just further proof that they are all inhumane scum who should be prevented from breeding and cleansed from the earth's surface. But do you know what? I don't believe that for one minute. Their fans are being fleeced every other week, whereas we only get fleeced once a season - think of it that way!

But all this got me to wondering, who's the smarter of the two Sheffield clubs when it comes to ticket prices? Because despite all the furore two years ago when Chansiri put the ticket prices up, it soon seemed to blow over and they are getting gates similar to ours so far this season, despite charging a hell of a lot more (about £200 more in the best seats) for a season ticket compared to United.

Put simply, Wednesday are making a killing on ticket prices compared to United, and it's not had a major detrimental effect on attendances. So why wouldn't United to the same?

I know some of you like to think that Unitedites are a different breed to Wednesdayites - but we're not really. I'm sure if United put their ticket prices up to similar levels next season (which could happen) we'd have similar protests and threats of boycott from Blades as we saw from Owls when Chansiri did the same. In fact, it would probably be worse, because at least some Owls fans thought Chansiri was going to put some serious money into the club so it would be worth paying extra for, whereas we know full well that Kev and the Prince have got no capability or intention to invest big time.

So why don't United follow Wednesday's lead next season and put the prices up for everyone? It will cause a bit of a protest but at the end of the day the fans will still turn up, maybe in slightly lower number than they would have done, but in terms of making money, we'd be no worse off, and maybe even better off?

And the only reason I can think of is that United are the people's club. A club that set out to do things fairly and in the best interests of their supporters. They want to attract more and more people to come through the gates, of all ages, races, religions, etc. They want their supporters to feel they are getting value for money, at the turnstile, in the stadium and on the pitch. And that, to me speaks volumes about the main difference between the two city clubs.

 

[More Bladier than thou]

They are seriously struggling with ffp rules. Jordan Rhodes is slowly ruining them. He must see out his contract ! Chansiri is out of his depth. Evidently knows fuck all which is why carlos is still there.

 

[Rusty view]

Their attendance are good due to the 3 yr season tkt offer which is in its last season. This gave a fantastic discount compared to buying 1 each yr.

 

[LoughboroBlade]

Just been reading that it's going to cost £42 for a ticket to go to the derby game at Hillsboro. James Shield's has written a good article in The Star about it, saying it's just too much, and I agree.

http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/foot...city-derby-prices-are-just-too-high-1-8742878

I'm tempted to start calling Hillsborough horrible names now, like "The Sty" or "The Theatre of Rust" or "Swillsborough" or worse! I could go further and convince myself that all Sheffield Wednesday fans are a sub-human race not worthy of sharing the planet with us and that the charging of £42 is just further proof that they are all inhumane scum who should be prevented from breeding and cleansed from the earth's surface. But do you know what? I don't believe that for one minute. Their fans are being fleeced every other week, whereas we only get fleeced once a season - think of it that way!

But all this got me to wondering, who's the smarter of the two Sheffield clubs when it comes to ticket prices? Because despite all the furore two years ago when Chansiri put the ticket prices up, it soon seemed to blow over and they are getting gates similar to ours so far this season, despite charging a hell of a lot more (about £200 more in the best seats) for a season ticket compared to United.

Put simply, Wednesday are making a killing on ticket prices compared to United, and it's not had a major detrimental effect on attendances. So why wouldn't United to the same?

I know some of you like to think that Unitedites are a different breed to Wednesdayites - but we're not really. I'm sure if United put their ticket prices up to similar levels next season (which could happen) we'd have similar protests and threats of boycott from Blades as we saw from Owls when Chansiri did the same. In fact, it would probably be worse, because at least some Owls fans thought Chansiri was going to put some serious money into the club so it would be worth paying extra for, whereas we know full well that Kev and the Prince have got no capability or intention to invest big time.

So why don't United follow Wednesday's lead next season and put the prices up for everyone? It will cause a bit of a protest but at the end of the day the fans will still turn up, maybe in slightly lower number than they would have done, but in terms of making money, we'd be no worse off, and maybe even better off?

And the only reason I can think of is that United are the people's club. A club that set out to do things fairly and in the best interests of their supporters. They want to attract more and more people to come through the gates, of all ages, races, religions, etc. They want their supporters to feel they are getting value for money, at the turnstile, in the stadium and on the pitch. And that, to me speaks volumes about the main difference between the two city clubs.

I personally don't think the lack of punishment in the form of reduced attendances for charging too much is a good enough reason to consider following suit. It might be smart in a purely business sense, but it's somewhat heartless to take advantage of a loyal fan base that way. I think by an large we've struck a reasonable balance over the years with our ticket pricing between appreciating what fans can realistically afford and in ensuring a reasonable revenue stream.

 

[Small Mendonca]

*pigs

 

[Tyler Durden]

I couldn't care less what the subhuman detritus scum are doing.

I support a club that has increased and retained its match-going support over the course of 15 or so years, largely as a result of not fucking people over.

 

[Aston max]

I may be wrong but raising prices would only be a pittance added onto the budget and would put fans off ,don't know about anyone else but when I go (don't have a season ticket only just got clearance after 4 years from the surgeon ) I spend a good £50 on the shop and catering, so putting bums on seats needs to be the priority

 

[S64 Blade]

One thing to consider when increasing the prices is young fans.

Any kids in and around Sheffield without any predisposed loyalty for either club are going to go and watch United over them, every day of the week, if given the choice. Cheaper tickets, better location, same league and currently playing better and more exciting football.

Price them out, like the pigs have and it's harder in the long term to attract fans.

 

[Esablade]

I may be wrong but raising prices would only be a pittance added onto the budget and would put fans off ,don't know about anyone else but when I go (don't have a season ticket only just got clearance after 4 years from the surgeon ) I spend a good £50 on the shop and catering, so putting bums on seats needs to be the priority

I wondered this also...it can't be that much compared t'pigs overall budget and considering the amount of grief it has caused and will cause, I reckon it will bite them in the bum in the long run.

One thing about about McCabe is he's got the pricing bang on, particularly re: the young generation of Blades.

 

[SouthEssexBlade]

Through probably a decade of decline on the field, including six years in the third tier, the club have managed to not only retain the support but actually increase it. When the various 2-3 year Carlos dream offers have finished and more have to pay the inflated Chansiri prices their crowds may well decline. Keep doing what you're doing (applies to both )

 

[snootyfenooty]

I'm tempted to start calling Hillsborough horrible names now, like "The Sty" or "The Theatre of Rust" or "Swillsborough" or worse! I could go further and convince myself that all Sheffield Wednesday fans are a sub-human race not worthy of sharing the planet with us and that the charging of £42 is just further proof that they are all inhumane scum who should be prevented from breeding and cleansed from the earth's surface. But do you know what? I don't believe that for one minute.

I thought you was spot on there until you got to the last sentence.

 

[Bayingblade]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Look at the number of young lads with United shirts on and compare to young SWFC fans around town these days. That will demonstrate how United's ticket policy has worked over the last 10 years or so. We are now reaping the benefits of a policy put in place post PL and retained to this very day and has been a significant factor in United not losing (in fact gaining) fans during our 6 long years in the 3rd division.

 

[Tyler Durden]

And besides which, football clubs these days have a variety of revenue streams, from merchandise to sponsorship deals to TV rights to live online match subscriptions to name a few.
There's no reason whatsoever not to keep the financial burden on the average supporter to a minimum.
Sheffield United understand this, which is why my season ticket is worth just £12.50 per game. They value our support over our money.
The dolphin killer at S6 on the other hand is merely out to screw those gullible cunts for all they're worth.

 

[SW12 to S12 to S18]

Just been reading that it's going to cost £42 for a ticket to go to the derby game at Hillsboro. James Shield's has written a good article in The Star about it, saying it's just too much, and I agree.

http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/foot...city-derby-prices-are-just-too-high-1-8742878

I'm tempted to start calling Hillsborough horrible names now, like "The Sty" or "The Theatre of Rust" or "Swillsborough" or worse! I could go further and convince myself that all Sheffield Wednesday fans are a sub-human race not worthy of sharing the planet with us and that the charging of £42 is just further proof that they are all inhumane scum who should be prevented from breeding and cleansed from the earth's surface. But do you know what? I don't believe that for one minute. Their fans are being fleeced every other week, whereas we only get fleeced once a season - think of it that way!

But all this got me to wondering, who's the smarter of the two Sheffield clubs when it comes to ticket prices? Because despite all the furore two years ago when Chansiri put the ticket prices up, it soon seemed to blow over and they are getting gates similar to ours so far this season, despite charging a hell of a lot more (about £200 more in the best seats) for a season ticket compared to United.

Put simply, Wednesday are making a killing on ticket prices compared to United, and it's not had a major detrimental effect on attendances. So why wouldn't United to the same?

I know some of you like to think that Unitedites are a different breed to Wednesdayites - but we're not really. I'm sure if United put their ticket prices up to similar levels next season (which could happen) we'd have similar protests and threats of boycott from Blades as we saw from Owls when Chansiri did the same. In fact, it would probably be worse, because at least some Owls fans thought Chansiri was going to put some serious money into the club so it would be worth paying extra for, whereas we know full well that Kev and the Prince have got no capability or intention to invest big time.

So why don't United follow Wednesday's lead next season and put the prices up for everyone? It will cause a bit of a protest but at the end of the day the fans will still turn up, maybe in slightly lower number than they would have done, but in terms of making money, we'd be no worse off, and maybe even better off?

And the only reason I can think of is that United are the people's club. A club that set out to do things fairly and in the best interests of their supporters. They want to attract more and more people to come through the gates, of all ages, races, religions, etc. They want their supporters to feel they are getting value for money, at the turnstile, in the stadium and on the pitch. And that, to me speaks volumes about the main difference between the two city clubs.

Your last paragraph sums it up nicely. We've built up our fan base over the last few years by charging very reasonable gate prices and encouraged fans to come. With the rubbish we've had to put up with over the last few years our crowds are truly amazing and I think prices have a lot to do with it. For us suddenly to whack our prices up would be a betrayal of what we have been building on and although we would still turn up week on week I'm sure that numbers would slowly trail off particularly when the eventual down turn in results arrives.
I feel very well looked after by United and long may it continue.

 

[snootyfenooty]

And besides which, football clubs these days have a variety of revenue streams, from merchandise to sponsorship deals to TV rights to live online match subscriptions to name a few.
There's no reason whatsoever not to keep the financial burden on the average supporter to a minimum.
Sheffield United understand this, which is why my season ticket is worth just £12.50 per game. They value our support over our money.
The dolphin killer at S6 on the other hand is merely out to screw those gullible cunts for all they're worth.

My smugness is off-scale when discussing ticket prices. My ST means I pay slightly less than a tenner per game and that's for the SS. OK, that's for an OAP ticket but they start at 60 at the Lane unlike others. I've been following the club for six decades now and pricing has always been fair. That will not change, it's against the club's ethos. What I can't understand is how the pigs wear the high ticket prices as a badge of honour and ridicule ours as being too cheap, they really are that fucking stupid.

 

[blade too long]

simply put its whether you follow a club thats empathetic towards its fans and consults with them in regular forums to talk about costs
or whether you follow a club that s only priciple is to make money for the shareholders and doesnt give two fucks about any fans as is seen by the tawdry tarpaulin covered up lego stand they are charging us 42 notes to squeeze into seats made for 7 year olds
safety has always been a back burner issue at the mercenary S6 museum of oxidisation

whats taken in gate reciepts is chicken feed by comparison and prem clubs can offer 30 quid tickets as it barely effects them
the days of gate receipts affecting a clubs size have long past, tv revenue is king
clubs like the pigs and Fulham charging extorntionate match day ticket prices deserve all the criticism they righly get
is hardly enough to cover one expensive forwards wages
a club should reveer its fans not rear end them

 

[Fanny magnet]

I've seen quite a few posts on Facebook from our fans moaning about ticket prices so God knows how they would go off if we were paying the same as the truffle hunters

 

[Sheffsteel]

Wednesday's gates will be well down this season, may even end up less than 25K.

And once the 3 season ticket deal finishes then next season they'll be back to their normal 20K to 23K average gates. Under Wilder the future is bright, the future is red and white.

 

[snootyfenooty]

Wednesday's gates will be well down this season, may even end up less than 25K.

And once the 3 season ticket deal finishes then next season they'll be back to their normal 22K to 23K average gates.

What? No more 29k sell-outs?

 

[blade too long]

wednesday fans have always always been gullable and believed every lie they were told by their board
they still defend Strafford who was probably the biggest liar they ever had and was prepared to sell the club to some dubious yanks for 5m
but they took it hook line and sinker
so if Chantseerie oh solly for inclease but its dem dirty mongorians , they take it in and its gospel
"we charge more because we are massive," and they bought it
what a set of dipsticks

 

[Rodley]

Just been reading that it's going to cost £42 for a ticket to go to the derby game at Hillsboro. James Shield's has written a good article in The Star about it, saying it's just too much, and I agree.

http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/foot...city-derby-prices-are-just-too-high-1-8742878

I'm tempted to start calling Hillsborough horrible names now, like "The Sty" or "The Theatre of Rust" or "Swillsborough" or worse! I could go further and convince myself that all Sheffield Wednesday fans are a sub-human race not worthy of sharing the planet with us and that the charging of £42 is just further proof that they are all inhumane scum who should be prevented from breeding and cleansed from the earth's surface. But do you know what? I don't believe that for one minute. Their fans are being fleeced every other week, whereas we only get fleeced once a season - think of it that way!

But all this got me to wondering, who's the smarter of the two Sheffield clubs when it comes to ticket prices? Because despite all the furore two years ago when Chansiri put the ticket prices up, it soon seemed to blow over and they are getting gates similar to ours so far this season, despite charging a hell of a lot more (about £200 more in the best seats) for a season ticket compared to United.

Put simply, Wednesday are making a killing on ticket prices compared to United, and it's not had a major detrimental effect on attendances. So why wouldn't United to the same?

I know some of you like to think that Unitedites are a different breed to Wednesdayites - but we're not really. I'm sure if United put their ticket prices up to similar levels next season (which could happen) we'd have similar protests and threats of boycott from Blades as we saw from Owls when Chansiri did the same. In fact, it would probably be worse, because at least some Owls fans thought Chansiri was going to put some serious money into the club so it would be worth paying extra for, whereas we know full well that Kev and the Prince have got no capability or intention to invest big time.

So why don't United follow Wednesday's lead next season and put the prices up for everyone? It will cause a bit of a protest but at the end of the day the fans will still turn up, maybe in slightly lower number than they would have done, but in terms of making money, we'd be no worse off, and maybe even better off?

And the only reason I can think of is that United are the people's club. A club that set out to do things fairly and in the best interests of their supporters. They want to attract more and more people to come through the gates, of all ages, races, religions, etc. They want their supporters to feel they are getting value for money, at the turnstile, in the stadium and on the pitch. And that, to me speaks volumes about the main difference between the two city clubs.

Which is better, having a clean bill of health or gonorrhea?

The Pigs ticketing is a disgrace. Their Chairman has more clover than most others in the league and he's rinsing every single penny out of their support. And those mugs are lapping it up.

 

[Fanny magnet]

Wonder how those plaques on the seats have sold

 

[beatific blade]

S6 museum of oxidisation

First time I've heard that one! Brilliant!

 

[mattbianco1]

It's remarkable to think that the Premier League, for all its worth has capped tickets at £30 for away fans.

Liverpool for example visit Man Utd tomorrow and their fans will be paying no more than £30. Now what is the most lucrative game, SWFC v SUFC or MUFC v LFC? Obviously for us it's the Steel City Derby but for powerhouses such as MUFC and LFC to be able to visit proper stadiums for a maximum of £30 fantastic value for money.

Part of me wants us to charge the pigs £20 to prove a point, the other part of me wants us to charge them £35 (which is the maximum we can).

Are we allowed to ban away fans??

 

[Bladesthorpe]

It's remarkable to think that the Premier League, for all its worth has capped tickets at £30 for away fans.

Liverpool for example visit Man Utd tomorrow and their fans will be paying no more than £30. Now what is the most lucrative game, SWFC v SUFC or MUFC v LFC? Obviously for us it's the Steel City Derby but for powerhouses such as MUFC and LFC to be able to visit proper stadiums for a maximum of £30 fantastic value for money.

Part of me wants us to charge the pigs £20 to prove a point, the other part of me wants us to charge them £35 (which is the maximum we can).

Are we allowed to ban away fans??

Not defending these terrible prices that are being charged but it's got to be easier for Prem teams to charge £30 with the massive subsidy they receive from Sky.

 

[Blackheath Blade]

Mrs BB was a season ticket holder at the Sty for many years in their North Stand until Chansiri took over the club from Mandaric. Subsequently, her season ticket increased by nearly £200 which she simply couldn't afford. When she didn't take advantage of the "early bird offer" she started receiving calls from the ticket office enquiring why she'd not renewed. She told them in no uncertain terms why she'd not renewed which was at the time of the vocal protests by their fans.

Although there was the option of spreading the payments or putting them on a credit card, she basically took the stance that the increase wasn't justified in view they were still in the same league. She eventually told them to stop calling her and only takes a passing interest in their games now. In fact, she's been a regular visitor to the Lane with me over the last two seasons and thinks we play some great football now although she was bored shitless when watching Adkins' dross. Sunday 24th should be interesting to say the least !!

In answer to the OP, although I can see both sides of the argument with regards ticket prices, I think United have struck the right balance since we got promoted to the Premier League over ten years ago. Even in the top division, season ticket and day ticket prices were kept at a reasonable and affordable level which the Board should be applauded for.

 

[finlaytheblade]

Up until McCabe came on the scene (chairman owner) the ticket price ethos was similar at both clubs.
He has had this ticket philosophy going for a long time and we are now seeing the benefits.
. McCabe has taken a lot of stick over the years due mainly to his poor Choice of manager,his mistakes have cost him a lot of money but he has stu k to the principal
of being a family club..
Can't beleave this ethic will change we have a ground which holds 30000 much better to have it full rather than half empty.
The club has been growing steadily ,Blades in the community has played a big part in this ( Mark Todd runs this side of the club )
Long term project M cave deserves a lot of
credit for supporting this.
It's all systems go with everyone on board
with a football manager that bleeds red a d white.

 

[FriethBlade]

Martin Edwards was interviewed on Radio 5 today about his time at Manure and one of the points he made was that a percentage of the Sky TV money should have been pit aaide to keep premiership ticket prices within the reach of ordinary fans.

If I remember rightly one of the excuses Chansiri used when he put prices up was it was to help finance the push for the premiership. I wonder how the pigs feel knowing they are paying more to subsidise a centre forwards wages who won't take a penalty !

 

[Aston max]

I wondered this also...it can't be that much compared t'pigs overall budget and considering the amount of grief it has caused and will cause, I reckon it will bite them in the bum in the long run.

One thing about about McCabe is he's got the pricing bang on, particularly re: the young generation of Blades.

I wondered this also...it can't be that much compared t'pigs overall budget and considering the amount of grief it has caused and will cause, I reckon it will bite them in the bum in the long run.

One thing about about McCabe is he's got the pricing bang on, particularly re: the young generation of Blades.

My grandson is only 2 when he is 5 him and grandad are definitely having season tickets (he threw the piggy shirt my daughter in laws family bought him in the bin )
But on sales low ticket prices mean bums on seats and cash turnover through shop and catering macabe has got it right

 

[FATTYFOULKE]

I'm tempted to start calling Hillsborough horrible names now, like "The Sty" or "The Theatre of Rust" or "Swillsborough" or worse! I could go further and convince myself that all Sheffield Wednesday fans are a sub-human race not worthy of sharing the planet with us and that the charging of £42 is just further proof that they are all inhumane scum who should be prevented from breeding and cleansed from the earth's surface.

Unitedites are a different breed to Wednesdayites.

And the only reason I can think of is that United are the people's club. A club that set out to do things fairly and in the best interests of their supporters. They want to attract more and more people to come through the gates, of all ages, races, religions, etc. They want their supporters to feel they are getting value for money, at the turnstile, in the stadium and on the pitch. And that, to me speaks volumes about the main difference between the two city clubs.

That's a great post and one I think we can all agree with 100 %