Quote: tommy "I've always found the idea of simply reducing gate prices a bit risky and all a bit 'made up'. People think you're suddenly going to get twice as many people just because you take a fiver of all prices. It just doesn't work like that. For each pound you take off you would need around 250 extra people to come in to equal what you were already getting (based on an average home gate of around 2,400).
Being clever with family tickets and kids tickets is what Fax need to do more of (it's not like they don't any way). Then maybe a few 'special' days like the retro kit/cheaper ticket idea above. Thereafter, the only thing that will increase gates is a team performing well against decent opposition in a competitive match. For all the hard work and price planning the Club does though, they'll always be another stupid suggestion and game killer that the RFL come out with which will put people off.'"
The aim is to increase crowds. You are not going to get sustainable increases unless prices come down. Families may come one week with the incentive of free tickets, but given the option of then spending £50 plus the following week to watch Halifax v Hunslet......Halifax's prices would be okay if we were in Super League, but they are too high for the Championship.
With the right marketting before any game with reduced pricing, I don't see why you can't get way more than 250 extra people in. I attended a game at Thrum Hall in the 1989/90 season against Runcorn Highfield, RL's then perennial whipping boys and the crowd was over 6000. Where are these fans now?
As for the season ticket holders being a bit miffed, all I am suggesting is a trial for a few games this year. If it works, then I'd suggest it is implemented across the board next year but in the meantime, would any true fan with a season ticket object to a genuine attempt by the club to increase numbers?
