Leicester Tigers have backed Matt O’Connor’s on-field revolution by freezing season ticket prices at Welford Road in a bid to pack their stadium throughout the 2017-18 campaign.
Tigers’ decision follows a season of turmoil which saw long-serving rugby director Richard Cockerill and head coach Aaron Mauger sacked, but ended on a high note with the re-signing of England star George Ford and a 13th successive appearance in the play-offs.
A Rugby Paper survey reveals that some Premiership clubs have increased their annual prices by more than the rate of inflation. However, Tigers chief executive Simon Cohen believes the decision to peg back his club’s prices will pay dividends.
He told TRP: “The economic climate for rugby clubs is difficult and there’s clearly some uncertainty across the nation in general, which has a knock-on effect in sport.
“Wages have risen at every club by more than the revenue they’re bringing in but you have to put the fans first if you want to entice them to games in greater numbers. That’s our approach and although it’s early days, the response has been encouraging.”
Cohen, above, added: “Last year was a record in terms of people through the gate at Welford Road and with the signing of George Ford and the return to fitness of Manu Tuilagi and Matt Toomua, we’re doing everything we can to encourage as many people as possible to come and see what should be one of the most exciting backlines in Europe.”
With Exeter‘s capacity rising from 12,500 to 13,500, the Premiership champions have reacted by holding prices, and in some cases reducing them, in attempt to gain new followers.
Worcester have slashed their cheapest seat from £305 to £255, while Gloucester have reduced their bargain terrace ticket from £225 to £206 – just £12.88 per game.
By contrast, Bath, Harlequins, Newcastle, Northampton, Sale, Saracens and Wasps have raised prices by between five and ten per cent, although the latter can claim to offer the league’s best value with corner seats at the 32,000 capacity Ricoh Arena costing £13.75 per match.
European champions Saracens offer high value with seats available from £280, although the north London outfit also boast the league’s highest priced season ticket with platinum-plus seats in the main stand costing an eye-watering £1,080.
Premiership newcomers London Irish are priced competitively, with some highly attractive reductions aimed at attracting younger adults.
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