AMEX season tickets... particularly for 16-21 year olds.

[Titanic]

Hi Paul,

We met, briefly, on the train home from the very enjoyable SoL session with Gus last week.

You said ST prices would be out this week, and we were in for a pleasant surprise.

I know that you can’t please all of the people all of the time, but…

my price at Withdean this year, for me, my 19 (who is a low paid apprentice firefighter) and 15 year old sons was £425 + 144 + 118 (early bird South Stand) = £687

Based on todays announced priced, the equivalent Cat D would be £545 + 545 + 272 = £1362

Or cheapest (behind the goal) would be £395 + 395 + 197 = £987.

Doubling my price is not what I would call a pleasant surprise… and even if we go and sit with the ruffians behind the goal it is a near 50% hike.

The 12 monthly payments is obviously a good feature, and obviously the AMEX would be a fantastic improvement on Withdean… but I must say I am disappointed that a Dad and his two teenage sons are not a demographic that the club want to encourage,

Have I missed something or is the club deliberately discouraging 16 to 21 year olds by these massive hikes in ticket prices, at the expense of adults and younger children who seem to do OK?


Regards Chris.

 

[Insider]

Have obviously answered this by email, but for the benefit of others...

I totally appreciate it is not ideal for your personal situation, you are possibly in the worst position possible - as your 19-year-old would have been able to take advantage of the under-21 price for a season or two more - but we do feel the prices are extremely competitive for a brand new stadium which has cost £93m to build.

The West Stand Upper tier offers the same (wings) or a mid-range option (centre) - and a fantastic view.

I assure you that we would not want to discourage any supporters, but also the club has to be commercially viable. The board strongly believe these prices are competitive (of course, we could well be playing Championship football) and are confident we will sell out, possibly to season ticket holders.

I will pass on your comments to the board, but I can assure you that your support is appreciated.