Rovers hit back at season ticket price report

Following a media report earlier today the debate around season ticket prices gathered new momentum. Rovers are concerned and disappointed that their positioning within the report does not truly reflect what they believe to be outstanding value, developed as part of an ongoing strategy to keep football affordable at Ewood Park.

Blackburn Rovers slashed the cost of season tickets by 25 per cent on average last year and the club also froze season ticket prices for the 08/09 season at £249 as part of the Early Bird deal. This deal was open to everyone for three months and as such those who took advantage would have seen no rise whatsoever in the cost of their ticket.

In fact the deal which was open to all saw almost 80 per cent of existing ticket holders renewing at a reduced rate and also attracted a number of new season ticket holders.

The other issue these recent reports failed to take into account was the fact junior tickets have remained at a maximum of £99, which is £16 cheaper than when the club returned to the Premiership in 2001

Even though the Early Bird deal has now ended, the cost of a season ticket for Blackburn Rovers still offers some of the best value in the Premier League, with prices starting at £275, or just £14.47 per game – rising to a maximum price of £439, which still costs less than the cheapest seat at some other clubs.

Simon Williams, Head of Commercial and Marketing, said: “Blackburn Rovers is a club dedicated to its fans and we have worked hard over the past few years to ensure we offer some of the most competitively priced tickets available in the Premier League.

“ We are disappointed that the report focused on percentage increases and took no account of the success of our early bird strategy which froze prices making football affordable for fans at Ewood Park.

“ Last year we invested £1 million of our TV revenue into subsidising a 25 per cent cut in season ticket prices after listening to the concerns of our fans and this innovative move was applauded by the industry.

“ Our prices remain extremely competitive as compared to other Premier League clubs and when you consider fans of other top teams could be paying around £1000 per season we offer very good value for money. A report showing a comparison of actual season ticket prices would produce very different results.

However, what really matters is the reaction of our own fans - and that has been extremely positive. Attendances increased by 12.9% last season and sales of season tickets so far this summer are very encouraging”.