Season Tickets

[Ludwig]

Not sure thats correct, im 20 in November but still going to get a teen ST. I think its the age you are when you renew

 

It's the date on August 31/September 1, I believe.

[Nexstar]

Not sure thats correct, im 20 in November but still going to get a teen ST. I think its the age you are when you renew

 

So you'll be 19 on the first game of the season, meaning you pay teen.

[NorthamSteve]

Not sure thats correct, im 20 in November but still going to get a teen ST. I think its the age you are when you renew

 

I think you're both saying the same thing mate.

[saints_is_the_south]

So you'll be 19 on the first game of the season, meaning you pay teen.

 

Oh ya lol! I see now

[Dr Octopus]

I'm a existing ST holder, I'd be lying if I said I didn't want some kind of benefit from renewing. Even if it's just priority on my seat in block 42, or move back to the itchen north.

[miserableoldgit]

Look back up the thread then. Maybe only those asking for a discount are current STH.

 

I've given money to Cancer Research for the last ten years maybe my loyalty should be rewarded with a discounted direct debit. Get it.

Totally different and you know it! ST holders pay a lot of money in advance for a product and we have no idea what sort of product that we are going to get. Anyone who is prepared to take this gamble year after year deserves some small preferencial treatment (NOT reward). Why shouldn`t people who renew year after year be treated the same as someone who might or might not buy an ST because he bases his decision just on whether the team is successful or not?

[miserableoldgit]

common sense to anyone with half a business brain.

I think that most people with a business brain would look after regular customers and not alienate them.

[up and away]

Well i am a season ticket holder and Nick Illingsworth doest speak for me. Why do they Daily Echo continue to quote this clown on a daily basis ? Nobody is interested in what he says and he spent most of last season up Lowes backside.

 

I imagine if you are going to ask a fans representative, asking one that actually had a season ticket this last season would have some merit!

[70's Mike]

I think that most people with a business brain would look after regular customers and not alienate them.

 

agreed

if you follow the logic of some thay would have 20000 season ticket holder at £150 a ticket raising £3m

whereas 10000 at £325 equals £3.25m.

at the end of the day, imo, the number of season ticket holders will be about 10000 with lots finding every excuse under the sun not to buy one, which is their right.

the only way to boost gate income is a winning side at home, it has always been that way

[lordswoodsaints]

i would like to see all season ticket prices raised as i am not renewing mine this season,then perhaps drop to an all time low when i do decide to buy them in the future :-)

[Block 5]

Totally different and you know it! ST holders pay a lot of money in advance for a product and we have no idea what sort of product that we are going to get. Anyone who is prepared to take this gamble year after year deserves some small preferencial treatment (NOT reward). Why shouldn`t people who renew year after year be treated the same as someone who might or might not buy an ST because he bases his decision just on whether the team is successful or not?

 

I think that most people with a business brain would look after regular customers and not alienate them.

 

What he said.

[Mole]

Because he is the chairman of the Saints Trust. And seen as a fans representative. If other fans don't like it the way he "speaks" on behalf of us fans, then join the Trust and vote him out!

 

Joining the Trust is a bad idea because once you've become a member you are counted as a member for life - just like with SISA. The Trust have about 300 members, but Nick Illingsworth claims over 1000.

[Amesbury Saint]

agreed

if you follow the logic of some thay would have 20000 season ticket holder at £150 a ticket raising £3m

whereas 10000 at £325 equals £3.25m.

at the end of the day, imo, the number of season ticket holders will be about 10000 with lots finding every excuse under the sun not to buy one, which is their right.

the only way to boost gate income is a winning side at home, it has always been that way

 

my view is that ST should be as cheap as possible for next season to get people back to the club.

Future years the price can be rasied, especially with promotion.

 

I would leave match day prices fairly high to maximise the income.

[Mr Nice]

Or a bigger increase in commitment from fans?

 

 

A lot of businessess treat "loyal" customer differently. How many supermarkets have loyalty cards. I have been a ST holder for 34 years. Why shouldn`t I have a bit little bit of preferencial treatment?

 

You fail to see the fact that season ticket sales are going rapidly downhill and that something different needs be done.

[Mr Nice]

common sense to anyone with half a business brain.

 

Is that pro what im saying or not ?

 

As someone with half a business brain would be looking to increase sales rather than continue to see them crash.

 

What season ticket holders do not want to see is discounted ticket sales like last season.

Edited 13 June, 2009 by Mr Nice

[Mole]

If the team do well then crowd will come to watch whatever the price.

 

I'd sell tickets at £18 a match for the goals/wings, £24 for the side stands.

 

Offer a £2 discount for members who purchase a £20 membership card.

 

Work ST prices at £14 a match for the goals/wings, £20 a match for the side stands.

 

Therefore ST price of £322 for goals/wings, £460 for the side stands.

[Amesbury Saint]

they should also give a free season ticket to everyone who has had a ST since SMS opened, provided they renew for the new season.

 

The ST holder can take his / her Mum Dad or friend

[SFC Forever]

I think a good start will see a jump in ticket sales. A lot of people may well go at the start of the season and if we are playing well will encourage others back.

It wouldn't be difficult to organise the prices for anybody who chose to get a ST after the season had started. Simple mathamatics really to make the savings comparable.

[SFC Forever]

One thing we seem to be forgetting is that we are a new club in many respects. Or will be once bought. The new owner won't owe us any bonuses at all.

[the scud]

Was it Charlton who said they will give a free season ticket to every current season ticket holder if the club are relegated?

[Fan The Flames]

Totally different and you know it! ST holders pay a lot of money in advance for a product and we have no idea what sort of product that we are going to get. Anyone who is prepared to take this gamble year after year deserves some small preferencial treatment (NOT reward). Why shouldn`t people who renew year after year be treated the same as someone who might or might not buy an ST because he bases his decision just on whether the team is successful or not?

 

For me its not, it depends on how you view SFC, you can see it a provider of a product or a cultural institution of the city. Everybody is entitled view SFC in any way they see fit and I see it as the later. After all that we have been through this year we should be grateful that we still have league football to look forward to and I think people should be happy to pay to support SFC.

 

Other than earning points at a few supermarkets, loyalty isn't really rewarded; Sky, gym, mobile phone, management fees, insurances, they all go up every year.

 

The preferential treatment a renewing season ticket holder gets is to keep their seat if they want to and that in my opinion should be enough. Maybe after ten years the club could invite people to St Mary's for a drink and to meet some players and after 25 years there could be a certificate presentation on the pitch at half time.

[miserableoldgit]

For me its not, it depends on how you view SFC, you can see it a provider of a product or a cultural institution of the city. Everybody is entitled view SFC in any way they see fit and I see it as the later. After all that we have been through this year we should be grateful that we still have league football to look forward to and I think people should be happy to pay to support SFC.

 

Other than earning points at a few supermarkets, loyalty isn't really rewarded; Sky, gym, mobile phone, management fees, insurances, they all go up every year.

 

The preferential treatment a renewing season ticket holder gets is to keep their seat if they want to and that in my opinion should be enough. Maybe after ten years the club could invite people to St Mary's for a drink and to meet some players and after 25 years there could be a certificate presentation on the pitch at half time.

I really want to argue with you but I can`t be bothered. I have been supporting Saints for over 50 years and a ST holder for 30-odd years. You are talking ****.

[Fan The Flames]

I really want to argue with you but I can`t be bothered. I have been supporting Saints for over 50 years and a ST holder for 30-odd years. You are talking ****.

 

Thanks, I reponded to your posts in a mature manner.

 

I hope you get your 10% discount, Southampton needs all ths fans it can get.

[rocknrollman no2]

For the last six seasons i have had a ST.

This doesnt make me a better fan than anyone else because getting a ST was my choice.But i have seen nothing but failure and disappointment.

Even though i hated Lowe with a passion,i still supported SFC and i still sang,shouted and bloody well prayed from my team to do well.Even on a wet Tuesday night when St Marys was less than half full.

Meanwhile a lot of fans stayed away or only went to the high profile games like the one against Manure.

So do i think ST holders should get preferential treatment over non ST holders?

Of course i bloody do!!!

[miserableoldgit]

Thanks, I reponded to your posts in a mature manner.

 

I hope you get your 10% discount, Southampton needs all ths fans it can get.

I will be there come hell or high water. Whether it is Lowe, Branfoot or whatever. If you really think that giving current ST holder a preference is a negative thing, then I really can`t be bothered to argue. I am Saints through and through. I will live and die a Saints fan and find this argument pathetic. We all want the same thing and shouldn`t be falling out about crap like this.

[Saint_clark]

I dont think the poster means one price for adults/kids/oaps. Its more scrapping the renewal season ticket pricing then discounted tickets then straight price tiering. You just have one price structure that obviously is going to be the lowest figure for everyone. There needs to be a BIG incentive for people to buy season tickets. You could then slowly build up the season ticket base ala Norwich city.

 

But then I could lose my seat from last season, whereas with the renewal process I will get first choice on it.

[70's Mike]

my view is that ST should be as cheap as possible for next season to get people back to the club.

Future years the price can be rasied, especially with promotion.

 

I would leave match day prices fairly high to maximise the income.

 

I agree the aim is to maximise income but the fear is that if match day prices are high you will give people an excuse to not go, the club then cut prices to attract people and because season tickets were low in the first place you do not maximise income.

the problem with season tickets is twofold one the price but more of an issue is the fact that the majority have to find the cash now, i know the club has had schemes to spread payment but i have no idea how widely they were used.

[1960saint]

The price of season tickets is the main factor as you are paying in advance for watching great football ,excellent results ,entertainment and of course your seat .

The fact that southampton was a premiership club is not enough justice to charge 'a near on premiership price'.why these people who set the prices for tickets think the average punter is a mug who will be blinkered into paying whatever price is set.

Overprice it and more teams will play to empty seats

Do they not take into account that there is a global downturn ,plus from a string of bad results from southampton fc .

Whats to say (HATE to say it)that the team will go on a downward run of form and carry on the way they finished off last season .i am sure that will be firmly in any existing / new season ticket holders minds.

If they price it right ,then the rest will follow to watch sfc.

[ShirleySaint]

If the team do well then crowd will come to watch whatever the price.

 

I'd sell tickets at £18 a match for the goals/wings, £24 for the side stands.

 

Offer a £2 discount for members who purchase a £20 membership card.

 

Work ST prices at £14 a match for the goals/wings, £20 a match for the side stands.

 

Therefore ST price of £322 for goals/wings, £460 for the side stands.

 

For third tier football - this would ensure the lowest gates in the league.

[Kenilworthy]

In the days of the Dell having a season ticket was something of a privilege, because for many years there was a waiting listing. So being able to keep yiour seat was sufficient reward for renewal. But SMS is completely different since there is much greater capacity and everyone who wants a season ticket can have one.

 

However, all I look for for renewal this season is to get the same three seats I have in the Family Centre at the same price I paid last season. For future years though I would like to see some sort of built-in discount scheme for renewal of 5% discount per season, building up to a maximum of 50% after 10 years. The possible loss of that discount would provide a really good incentive for people to keep renewing.

 

Also, the club needs to be smarter in looking at other season ticket options, such as deals for two to five years. It would bring in more money when the club needs it now. But could also be a great option to fix your price for future season tickets, especially if we go up.

[alehouseboys]

In the days of the Dell having a season ticket was something of a privilege, because for many years there was a waiting listing. So being able to keep yiour seat was sufficient reward for renewal. But SMS is completely different since there is much greater capacity and everyone who wants a season ticket can have one.

 

However, all I look for for renewal this season is to get the same three seats I have in the Family Centre at the same price I paid last season. For future years though I would like to see some sort of built-in discount scheme for renewal of 5% discount per season, building up to a maximum of 50% after 10 years. The possible loss of that discount would provide a really good incentive for people to keep renewing.

 

Also, the club needs to be smarter in looking at other season ticket options, such as deals for two to five years. It would bring in more money when the club needs it now. But could also be a great option to fix your price for future season tickets, especially if we go up.

 

I'd go along with just about all of this, the problem with it now being so late to start selling STs it may have to be one crazy prize for all. I fear many who'd normally renew in March may very well have (or the missus has!) already spent that money some 3 months on and, although a cheaper 2-year ST is something I've championed, a longer-term ST may be out of reach now for many.

[Neil]

Good debate, and a crucial one for the new owner.

 

I'd go along with adult STs checking in at under £300 (that's for new business). With some additional reward for previous STs.

 

The sooner we can get on with this the better, as I'm already spending some of the cash I'd earmarked...

[eharty9]

they should also give a free season ticket to everyone who has had a ST since SMS opened, provided they renew for the new season.

 

The ST holder can take his / her Mum Dad or friend

 

or from our last year in the premier league to now ...

[Saint Lindford]

Of course existing ST holders should get preferential treatment and prices. People who gave theirs up last season, for what ever reason, should be treated just the same as someone who has not had one and wants to buy for next season.

 

Would assume that talks will have taken place already regarding prices for next season during the last couple of weeks.

[beatlesaint]

One thing we seem to be forgetting is that we are a new club in many respects. Or will be once bought. The new owner won't owe us any bonuses at all.

 

That is very true BUT you must allow for the Matthew Le Tissier factor.

He knows whats gone on here for the last few years, he knows what we, as supporters have put up with, and he knows, unlike some who have gone before, that we are the life and soul of the football club, as any supporters are for any club.

 

If he has a pivatol role in the new set up I am sure he has not been left out of talks regarding how to attract the support back to the club.

 

If he has and we get screwed then MLT out !! : - )

(and yes before the sense of humour by-pass brigade start up that is a joke ! )

[SaintRichmond]

agreed

if you follow the logic of some thay would have 20000 season ticket holder at £150 a ticket raising £3m

whereas 10000 at £325 equals £3.25m.

at the end of the day, imo, the number of season ticket holders will be about 10000 with lots finding every excuse under the sun not to buy one, which is their right.

the only way to boost gate income is a winning side at home, it has always been that way

 

 

 

Absolutely correct ........ IF we had had a winning Team last season, moving Upwards, we would have had gates over 20000 to match ....

 

Success breeds Success .....

 

Simples ....:cool:

[mcjwills]

If the team do well then crowd will come to watch whatever the price.

 

I'd sell tickets at £18 a match for the goals/wings, £24 for the side stands.

 

Offer a £2 discount for members who purchase a £20 membership card.

 

Work ST prices at £14 a match for the goals/wings, £20 a match for the side stands.

 

Therefore ST price of £322 for goals/wings, £460 for the side stands.

 

Let me have a guess Stanley, you sit behind the goal, and think everyone in the Kingsland are old farts that deserve to pay an increase of £70 on last years prices to pay for the fact we watch all the way through last season as more season ticket holders on on the sides than at the ends.

[SaintRobbie]

Whichever way its priced the main effort has to be in filling SMS each week. If that means £1 on the day for U18s and OAPs against League 1 minnows I dont care. Just pack the ground!

 

Atmosphere through support... the rest will then follow.

[Mr Nice]

But then I could lose my seat from last season, whereas with the renewal process I will get first choice on it.

 

You would choose your own seats as normal.

[SaintBobby]

I sent this email to David Luker a few weeks ago. I got a pleasant and swift reply, saying he'd raise the issue with the new owners at the appropriate time.

 

 

 

Dear David,

 

 

 

I wanted to drop you a short note about next season’s ticket prices.

 

 

 

I know the whole future of the club remains very uncertain and my thanks go to you and our other staff for continuing to do such an excellent job in such trying circumstances.

 

 

 

My thinking for League One, runs something like this:

 

There’s a loyal base of maybe 10,000 fans and if the prices are relatively high, they will be rattling around in a largely empty stadium.

 

Cutting ticket prices to, say, £10 a game might mean high attendances but would mean the “hard core” are spending much LESS on tickets than they are otherwise willing to (I’m probably willing to pay £500 for a season ticket even in League One – but obviously wouldn’t just hand over extra money for the sake of it if the listed price is, say, £250)

 

Because of the club’s diminished league status and the wider prevailing economic environment, the corporate suites are likely to have considerable spare capacity next season.

 

My solution would be to issue “gold season tickets” in addition to standard season tickets. These would retail at about twice the price – say c.£500 rather than c. £250. The principal benefit of “gold membership” would be that for a certain number of games per-season (say, four or five), you could upgrade to the Mike Channon - or one of the other - hospitality suites. The marginal cost to the club of using this spare capacity must be pretty minimal (I’m assuming an average spare capacity of about 200 seats in corporate per game). If, say, 1,000 fans were willing to take out gold membership, this would increase revenues by £250,000 next season.

 

 

There could be other possible benefits of gold membership too – for example:

 

Advance booking of away tickets (this might be very valuable in League One, given the very limited capacity of many of the stadia – but again costs the club nothing).

List of gold members printed in the first programme of the season

Special access to other benefits – a “meet the players evening”, chances to win a signed ball/shirt etc.

 

 

I know you have more immediate worries to concentrate on, but would appreciate any thoughts you may have.

[Beer Engine]

i would assume that the new owners have a business plan ...

 

why?