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Manchester United have confirmed that season ticket prices are to increase by five per cent for the third successive year as part of their efforts to raise more revenues.
Although under-16s will see ticket prices frozen, all other categories are to suffer a rise of around £2.50 per game.
Additionally, the applicable ‘senior’ discount will now align with the state pension age of 66 and will be set at a flat 25 per cent, replacing the previous system where some fans received tickets at half price.
United have also announced a 15 per cent increase in car parking charges, while seats next to the Old Trafford dugouts will be repurposed for hospitality, citing the “high value of this unique location.”
The club further state that they are introducing game categorisation for match-by-match tickets in a bid to come up with pricing structures for higher-profile fixtures.
Late last year, United confirmed a mid-season ticket price hike, removing concessions for children and people over 65. All remaining tickets for home games in the ongoing campaign were priced at £66 each, irrespective of the holder’s age. This unpopular move sparked fan protests against the Glazers and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
United chief executive Omar Berrada said about this latest development, “We appreciate the loyal and patient support of our fans, and particularly our Season-Ticket holders who represent the core of our match-going support base. We understand the importance of their backing for the team and have worked hard to come up with a pricing package that is fair and reasonable.”
“After 11 consecutive years of price freezes, we increased prices by five per cent for the past two seasons and intend to do the same for next season to offset continued rises in operating costs. Prices remain significantly lower than a decade ago when adjusted for inflation, and at similar levels to peer clubs in the north-west of England.”
“We understand that any price rise is unwelcome, especially during a period of underperformance on the pitch, and we listened carefully to the strong arguments put forward by the FAB in favour of a freeze. However, the club has decided that it would not be right to keep prices unchanged while costs rise and the club continues to face financial issues.”
“We have kept the increase to the lowest possible level and protected our youngest Season-Ticket holders from any rises, while ensuring the club remains financially strong enough to invest in improving the team.”
He continued, “Our overall strategy is to price tickets at levels that keep every seat filled for every game, maximising support for the team, and providing a variety of options for different fans, including concessions for our young and elderly supporters.”
“While they did not agree with all the decisions, we would like to thank the members of our FAB for their tough but constructive advice throughout the consultation process. We believe that, taken together, these measures represent a fair and balanced outcome for fans, while generating additional revenues to strengthen the club.”
FAB noted that while they did not get the freeze they were looking for, they are “relieved” the club limited the price increases to the same percentage as recent seasons and froze prices for holders under the age of 16.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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