The Club is pleased to give supporters advance notice of the launch of a controlled 2020/21 season ticket campaign in anticipation of the start of the season. At this stage, we are unable to guarantee the return date of competitive matches at Victoria Park however we are continuing to liaise with the governing bodies and believe it is right to take a proactive approach in planning for the return of elite football.
This initiative will also coincide with the return to training of our players and coaching staff, as well as a phased return of our administrative staff, as their current furloughed status shifts back towards full time employment in coming weeks.
Like every other club, the Covid-19 crisis has required us to look at our business and operating activities to ensure that we emerge with a sustainable football club model devoid of outdated practices and behaviours. We invite you to join us on this journey.
We really do understand that not all supporters will be able to commit to 2020/21 season tickets for personal reasons. However, those who wish to renew their existing tickets (or apply for the first time) will be able to do so from next week when details of the application process will be made available. If you feel unable to commit to a season ticket at this time, then you will be able to apply when you feel the time is right for you and we completely respect your decision to do so.
We are extremely aware that price and category changes made for the forthcoming season may adversely affect some of you. In evaluating our approach to season tickets, we have consulted with a number of supporters, sponsors and suppliers and also benchmarked our existing prices and categories against other clubs. We feel it is a business necessity to align our season tickets closer to our needs and the offerings of other clubs.
The overwhelming feedback we have received is that the changes we are implementing from this season are long overdue. It is essential that we do the right things now, more than ever, and we hope you will understand that tough decisions are required to protect the Club's future and sustainability.
At this stage it is our intention to sell 1,000 season tickets on a first come, first served basis. These tickets will be allocated across respective categories in line with our current profile of adults and concessions. Successful applicants will be advised accordingly and any applications in excess of our restricted numbers will be placed on a waiting list pending the release of further tranches of season tickets as further guidance from governing bodies emerges.
From the 2020/21 campaign onwards, season ticket holders will be rewarded with 30 ‘Loyalty Points' which will be used to determine access to tickets for future matches where there is high demand and ticketing restrictions in place, such as cup-ties both home and away. In addition, season ticket holders will also be entitled to participate in supporter surveys to be carried out by the Club in coming months.
Pricing
Regardless of your choice of stand and whether you prefer to stand or sit, the following table sets out the 2020/21 prices:
(1) Concessions include:
- Aged 65 or over as at 1 August 2020 – proof of age to be provided on application;
- Students (full time student with current NUS card);
- Under 19 (aged 16-18 inclusive) as at 1 August 2020 – proof of age to be provided on application;
- Armed Forces (veterans or serving personnel with Armed Forces ID or Service Card);
(2) Under 16s (aged 12-15 inclusive as at 1 August 2020):
- Proof of age to be provided on application;
(3) Under 12s (aged 5-11 inclusive as at 1 August 2020):
- Under 12 tickets must be purchased within the same transaction by the parent/legal guardian/grandparent and within the same area of the ground – with proof of age to be provided on application;
(4) Under 5s (aged 4 or under as at 1 August 2020):
- Under 5 tickets must be purchased within the same transaction by the parent/legal guardian/grandparent and within the same area of the ground – with proof of age to be provided on application
(5) Carers:
- Ambulant/wheelchair disabled fans pay their relevant age category and are entitled to a free carer if in receipt of high rate DLA or enhanced rate PIP (relevant paperwork must be produced at the time of purchase)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Club only selling 1,000 season tickets?
We are extremely mindful of the ongoing and ever-evolving uncertainties around the return of crowds to elite football in a safe environment and in accordance with government regulations. As a result, and with full regard for previous years' season ticket sales and knowledge of our working ground capacity, we feel that an initial restriction to the first 1,000 applicants is reasonable and likely to be practical on resumption of fixtures, within a controlled stadium environment. A further tranche of sales will be released as government guidance emerges.
Can I buy a ticket at an Early Bird price?
No. Unfortunately the ongoing challenges caused by Covid has meant that it is not a practical option for us to offer an Early Bird campaign this season.
Why has the concession age increased from 60 to 65?
Through a detailed benchmarking exercise, we have established that our concession categories are outdated and not aligned with other clubs' practices. This has resulted in reduced income as well as practical challenges when allocating age concession tickets received from other clubs. Arguably, the increase from 60 to 65 should have been implemented some years ago. For anyone adversely affected by this change, we really do understand your situation, however we also hope that you understand the very real need for the Club to modernise its approach and practices in meeting the challenges that lie ahead.
Can I secure my usual, or preferred, seat?
Yes, you can secure your preferred seat now. However, depending on emerging government advice on social distancing within sports stadia, your seat may not be available on a match by match basis. Should this be the case, we will proactively advise you how social distancing measures will be safely deployed throughout the ground. At this stage, we simply cannot give a definitive answer on what those measures will be.
What if the government guidelines mean that matches will be played with no, or reduced, crowds and I am unable to use my season ticket at all?
If this situation arises, we will establish the most appropriate way of ensuring that we comply with government regulations and manage supporters' expectations in good time and with full transparency.
In the event of a reduced crowd, how will the Club decide which season ticket holders will be allowed in?
Again, if this situation arises, we will manage supporters' expectations in good time and with full transparency, however the allocation of season tickets on a first come, first served basis will most likely provide the initial priority of season ticket holders' eligibility to attend.
What are ‘Loyalty Points'?
Loyalty Points will not only apply to the initial 1,000 tickets allocated, but also all subsequent season and match day ticket sales.
Loyalty points are used to determine access to tickets for matches where there is high demand and ticketing restrictions in place, such as cup-ties both home and away.
Supporters will receive Loyalty Points for:
- Buying a season ticket – 30 points;
- Booking a ticket for a home match in advance through the central ticket office – 1 point per match;
- Booking tickets for an away match in advance through the central ticket office, where advance sales apply – number of points will vary depending on fixture;
Loyalty points will start to build from the 2020/21 season and will be valid with immediate effect. All points allocated over a 3-year rolling period will be accumulated and provide supporters with their points total.
Unfortunately we are not able to retrospectively apply previous years' season and match day ticket sales within this loyalty scheme initiative – the 2020/21 season will be the first year that points will start to build for you.
How will I be able to buy my season ticket?
You will need to complete and return a ‘Season Ticket 2020/21 Application Form' which will be available to download from the official website, or can be picked up from the Club's main reception, from next week. The Club's ticket office is to remain closed in the short term given the ongoing operational challenges around Covid – we will duly advise supporters when the ticket office and retail shop will be reopening.
When will I be able to apply for my season ticket?
We will advise you early next week when the Application Forms will be available to download or collect from the Club's main reception.
Will I be able to buy my season ticket online?
Unfortunately it will not be possible to purchase your ticket online at this stage. This is due to the restricted nature of this initial tranche of 1,000 tickets going on sale and the system and administrative limitations we have in order to control applications on a first come first served basis.
We are hopeful that the numbers to be allocated on any subsequent release of season tickets will allow us to offer online facilities at that stage.