Bill Thomas comments on Next Season's Admission Prices at Edgar Street.
Before I start, I have to say that I sympathise with our directors, as deciding what next season's admission prices should be must have been very difficult.
I'm happy with the season ticket prices, and I shall definitely buy one. I do think it would be a good idea though, if there was an easy payment option, that would allow fans to buy their season ticket with three equal payments over the close season. Whilst I would rather pay for my ticket in one go, I think an easy payment option would be popular with many. I also think it would a good idea to sell, five, ten, and fifteen match passes. Frankly, I think we need to sell anything that people are prepared to buy!
As for the match day prices, I applaud the freezing of standard prices, but am horrified that people who don't buy their ticket by twelve o'clock on match days for Saturday games, or four o'clock for midweek games, will be asked to pay £2 extra. Some of our less well off supporters probably can't decide whether they can afford to attend matches until the last minute, and I don't think it is right that they should be asked to pay more than everyone else. In my opinion this could be penalising the poor and could price them away. We could lose more money from this plan than we gain.
I think that a much better way to increase gate revenue would be to make life easier for supporters who don't want to buy on line. This could be achieved by either letting them pay at the turnstiles, or by keeping the ticket office open until the turnstiles close. I think this could increase attendances by about 10%. Not everyone wants to buy on line, and a lot of supporters like to arrive at the last minute. Convenience for supporters is the key.
As well as watching the Bulls, I also watch Bath City and Bradford Town as second and third teams, and when I watch these teams I always pay at the gate. If I had to buy tickets at a separate ticket office that closed at 2:45, I may watch them less often. Bath City have doubled their gates over the last few seasons, and I don't think they could have done this if they didn't let people pay at the gate. Their attendances this season are their highest since 1978.
Last but certainly not least, it was great to read the wise words of club legend Rob Purdie after the Brackley game. He talks so much sense. Is there any way the club could persuade him to join the board? His experience and knowledge could be a huge asset. No need for him to put any money in. We just need his wisdom.
Bill Thomas ... Bradford on Avon