Blackburn Rovers - Ticket Prices Slashed.

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Press release:

Blackburn Rovers are to cut the cost of the average season ticket at Ewood Park by a quarter next season. Rovers will pass on savings totalling more than £1million to supporters in a bid to boost falling attendances witnessed over recent seasons.

The Lancashire club join Chelsea, Everton, Bolton and Sheffield United in confirming a reduction or freeze in prices for next term following the Premier League’s signing of a new overseas television rights deal worth £625million. That cash windfall has increased pressure on Barclays Premiership clubs to cut prices.

And Rovers chairman John Williams insists the reductions are necessary to win back supporters whose absence has been so noticeable this term at the likes of the Reebok Stadium, JJB Stadium and his own Ewood Park. He said: “We believe that the best way to enjoy Premiership football is watching it live in the stadium.

“We hope these prices will not only retain existing supporters but also attract those who have not been for some time through the turnstiles next season to offer the team even greater vocal backing.

“In setting this price structure we have recognised the concerns of supporters who feel that the cost of watching live football has become too expensive. We have addressed this issue and at the same time made sure we remain competitive on the pitch.

“Fans want to see the best players in action at Ewood Park and for the club to continue to be a force in the Premiership. We will

continue to look at different ways to add extra value for season ticket holders as they are the lifeblood of the club.”

Rovers’ average crowd this season has been little over two thirds of Ewood Park’s 31,000 capacity and manager Mark Hughes believes a fuller stadium would have implications on the pitch, as well as off it.

“The players all want to play in front of full stadiums and it makes a huge difference to them,” he said. “The supporters really can act as the 12th man and lift the players. I’ve been lucky enough to play in front of packed stadiums across Europe and I know the positive effect it can have, so it would be great to see Ewood packed every week next season.

“When the ground has been full for games this season against the likes of Liverpool and Bolton the atmosphere has been amazing. Football is a passionate game and we want passionate supporters in Ewood Park to help inspire the team.

“Cost is an issue and we have taken the bull by the horns and reduced prices and hopefully this will encourage even more supporters to come to games.”

Under the new pricing scheme, 5,500 season tickets will be available at £249, while the average for the Blackburn End will fall by 30% from £425 to £299.

The most expensive ticket will come down from £595 to £399. Rovers will also launch a “We Believe” campaign to demonstrate their commitment to grassroots fans.

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