Hereford FC have released details of their decision about ticket prices for next Saturday's rearranged FA Vase game against Leicester Nirvana.
After meetings at Edgar Street this morning, and discussions with opposition officials and the Football Association (FA), the following pricing structure has been agreed.
Admission prices for Saturday’s rematch will be £4 for adults and concessions, and £1 for Under 16s. These prices will be in operation across the board, whether or not you attended the abandoned game.
Taking into account the advice we have received from the FA relating to rules for cup competitions, we will not be offering refunds to supporters who cannot attend the re-arranged fixture.
Explaining the pricing structure, Hereford FC’s Chief Executive Officer, Ken Kinnersley, said:
‘Saturday’s abandonment was hugely disappointing, but was completely unavoidable. The pitch was perfectly playable at kick off, but became so saturated that it still remains unplayable in several areas today.
‘The abandonment means we have had to make some difficult decisions ahead of the rearranged fixture and are aware that whatever we agreed with Leicester Nirvana and the FA, some supporters would unfortunately be disappointed.
‘However, we feel we have a pricing structure that is not just fair, but one that also ensures we can cover our costs for hosting both the original and the rearranged game.
‘Common practice amongst other clubs, and guidelines given to us by the FA, are to offer a 50% reduction to those fans who attended the original fixture, and who are in possession of their match ticket stub. There is also a minimum adult ticket price for FA Vase matches of £4.
‘As this is a first for Hereford FC we have decided to go a step further by offering a 50% reduction on the normal admission price to everyone. However, we would make the point that we advise supporters to always retain their ticket stubs until after every game. In future reduced admission will only be available to those who retain their original ticket stub.
‘We also hope fans will understand that although Saturday’s game was abandoned at half time, our costs for hosting the game remain the same. We have to pay in full for the match officials, the stewards, food for both sets of players and officials, and the travelling expenses of our opponents. All the stadium and ground costs have to be met regardless of whether the game is completed.
‘As this relates to an FA Vase game then, after deduction of agreed expenses, then the rule is the two clubs share the balance of the gate receipts. This will also apply for the rearranged game. Therefore, we have to try to secure sufficient income to meet the cost of hosting both games whilst being as fair as possible to our fans.
‘Making the admission price the same across the board also means that administratively things are much more straightforward. To try to honour tickets from the abandoned game, and then sell tickets to fans who were not at the previous game could have caused safety issues with regard to stand capacity in several areas. For example A, B and C Block all sold out on Saturday, and we would have been unable to sell any more tickets for these areas for the rearranged game.
‘Tickets for the rearranged game are now on sale online, and will be on sale in the Club Shop at Edgar Street tomorrow morning from 10am. I’m also pleased to report that, thanks to our fantastic volunteers, we are going to be able to sell tickets from the Club Shop every day this week, thus affording fans every opportunity to purchase tickets before Saturday.
‘The usual ticketing policy will be in operation on Saturday ahead of the game so fans will be able to buy from the ticket office windows until fifteen minutes before kick off. The two cash turnstiles will also be in operation for the Meadow End as normal.
‘Finally, I do understand that fans who were here on Saturday but who cannot come next weekend may well be disappointed they will not receive a refund. We are, of course, sympathetic to this issue, but having taken on board advice from the FA and liaised with Leicester Nirvana officials, we do feel that the decision we have made is right for the club and the vast majority of fans.’