Opinion: Priced out of passion: The effect of Tottenham’s ticket price surge
Following a season where Spurs made headlines for all the wrong reasons both on and off the pitch, the club has decided that it is the supporters who should be forced to give more. The Lillywhite faithful went through a lot during the 2022/23 season. From finishing outside the European spots, to the banning of […]
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Following a season where Spurs made headlines for all the wrong reasons both on and off the pitch, the club has decided that it is the supporters who should be forced to give more.
The Lillywhite faithful went through a lot during the 2022/23 season. From finishing outside the European spots, to the banning of sporting director Fabio Paratici, the club was in a crisis.
The managerial drama dominated headlines. Antonio Conte publicly criticised the players and questioned the ambitions of the club before his sacking (BBC).
Caretaker manager Cristian Stellini was shown the door after barely over a month in charge. Any act of endearment toward the loyal supporters would have been a welcome move.
Rising ticket prices
Instead, the club has chosen to demand more from the supporters. A move which is completely unjustified following an underwhelming season. Despite freezing season ticket prices, the costs of individual tickets have risen.
Prices for some tickets have risen by 20%. Some matches have also been moved to higher categories (Football.London).
The most common argument in Tottenham’s defence is that inflation has risen. It is usual for a business to adjust itself in line with the current economic environment. This does not consider that the tickets were already overpriced.
Supporters have been condemned to dull, unimaginative football for nearly four years. It is over fifteen years since Tottenham last won silverware.
The club must recognise that it is not a European giant. A grand stadium and a state-of-the-art training facility does not compensate for poor performances on the pitch.
Tickets should be priced in line with the team’s success. The best achievement in the last decade has been reaching a final, rather than winning a trophy. The supporters have endured difficult times and deserve better.
With the promise of entertaining football under Ange Postecoglou, the upcoming season was meant to be a time for rebuilding bridges between ENIC and the fans. This cannot happen when the supporters have already been alienated.
(Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Backlash from supporters
The consequence of the price hike is that some supporters have cancelled their memberships. The cost of living crisis rumbles on, making it unaffordable for some to continue attending matches.
The combined costs of membership, travel and a matchday ticket are too significant, especially for those wanting to bring their children.
Tickets may still sell out each week, but there is no guarantee those purchasing them are long-term supporters. The club ultimately risks losing a generation of fans who are unable to attend matches.
The alternative consequence is that the fanbase will continue to grow, but with more watching on from afar rather than being present at games.
Tottenham is not a team known for big spending in the transfer market. The club is most likely in a better financial position than many of the supporters. The rise in ticket prices is simply unnecessary.
There was no consultation with the Supporters’ Trust regarding the changes (Independent). This is a negative sign, particularly with the newly established fan advisory board coming into place.
Questions may be asked about how much difference it will make when the club clearly wishes to push things through without the fans’ approval.
The bottom line is that some supporters will stop attending matches due to a rise in ticket prices.
A rise which is nothing but greed from the owners of a club which just finished 8th in the Premier League under three different managers.
If trust is to be restored, the supporters must be treated with respect.
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