Season tickets 2023-24 - what could/should be offered ?

[Wheelton Blue]

14 minutes ago, Ossydave said:

It absolutely might yes i agree. We've got a marketing department who are paid to find things like this out though. I'm exactly the type of ex season ticket holder they should be targeting but they simply can't be arsed.

It's very narrow minded (and also wrong) to pass it off as 'fact' that the price is the sole reason people don't get a season ticket just cos matty effing blue says so though.

I was paying 4.75 a pint whilst out yesterday enjoying the sun, did I think it was expensive? Yes, did I still pay it? Also yes. 

To be fair to Matty, he's implied that price is the main factor for most, not the only factor.

I agree with him in the main; the price is the first thing which most people will consider.

But of course, for some people, other factors take precedence.

[rigger]

13 hours ago, wilsdenrover said:

I imagine even the ‘oldies’ have more than just Rovers in their lives. 😀

If you live away from Blackburn, public transport is not all that good for getting home from night matches or bank holidays.

[47er]

I see Chelsea have frozen their cheapest season tickets----at £705!

[JHRover]

13 hours ago, chaddyrovers said:

Yes I think in future All football clubs are going to have to be flexible with the ST/ticket prices and what fans can attend and not with the new TV contract coming into played in 24/25 season. 

I can attend every game and I don't missed league games but for many fans they can't make every game so clubs need to flexible in the future, and they need to talk and consult the fans on what is going to need going forward 

Lets stop with the suggestion that our problems are created externally by Sky tv and fixture changes (along with other factors beyond our control). Such talk is just playing right into Waggott's hands. He would love nothing more than to convince everyone that he's done all he can and that our problems are the result of external issues. Poor us, it's Sky's fault.

Our biggest issue is that we are too expensive. That isn't Sky's fault, it isn't caused by games being moved. If anything having such a large number of games moved due to TV should see our prices drop further as we get more income from TV to offset it.

Our issues are caused by a short sighted attitude and approach installed by absentee owners with no interest or understanding of the fanbase or its long term health. In a little over a decade they have reduced our ST base by over half, down from 18,000+ in 2011 to limping our way to 7000 in 2023.

Like most other problems at this club that is ultimately the fault and responsibility of Venkys. Not the big bad FA/EFL/FFP/Sky.

The other problem we have is complete and utter laziness and lack of imagination on sales. Other than occasional tweets and website posts I've seen zero promotional material for season tickets. Looks like they've completely given up on the idea of sending renewal packs or even advertisements out to people, and I live but a few miles from Ewood and there's no posters, banners, nothing. They can't be arsed because they know ultimately that their jobs are secure come whatever happens. Why bother making more effort?

[rigger]

1 hour ago, Ossydave said:

Well maybe it's not as simple as that, just because it's your opinion it doesn't mean it's everyone else's.....

Of course we have a database, it wouldn't be that hard to you know, ask people why they've no interest. 

I think it probably is.

[Sweaty Gussets]

The trouble with pricing tickets at £429 (BBE) is that it doesn't take many missed games for the ST to be poor value. 

At £25 per match day ticket you could buy 17 and it would be only £425.00. Miss 6 home games and it's cheaper not buying a ST (especially when you factor in the cheap match-day deals they do during the season).

There are other factors involved (convenience, habit, mates etc) but price is obviously key for a lot of people at the moment. 

[Ossydave]

1 hour ago, rigger said:

I think it probably is.

No its not, there is far, far more to it.

Its a lazy response to just shrug our shoulders and say damn it, too expensive, that's it.

I'm a prime example, the price is NOT the reason I'm not getting a season ticket and I know many others who are the same.

I'm not a marketing expert, nor am I a financial services expert. But I know there's more the club could be doing in both areas. Klarna, clear pay, BNPL, do they even know what these things are? Do they know what a dormant customer is or how to engage with these people? It costs peanuts to do so if you have an ounce of business acumen. We have a wet behind the ears kid heading up our marketing department. You can read all the textbooks there is and get all the qualifications under the sun, but if you're not adapting to your target customers it's useless and I find it utterly bonkers there's not a senior, experienced person in that role. What's he done? A few bits at Bournemouth who have a garden shed of a ground to fill in a completely different area, predominantly in the premier league. Completely different ball game to us. 

It angers me that behind the scenes the club lacks passion or ideas, the only person who seems to have anything resembling that is commercial and partnerships manager Yasir Sufi. His focus seems more on diversity though and he can't do everything. Get a few more driven people like him in and we might actually get somewhere.

[Mattyblue]

Dave, of course there are other reasons, my father in law has just knocked his season ticket on the head after 60+ years due to the Sky deluge, he just couldn’t be arsed with the  trip over from Lytham at his age when there’s a good chance at least every other game will be on TV.

You have other reasons too, as will others, but price is by far and away the reason that sales have collapsed here, and *only* here since Covid, our prices have gone up by hundreds of quid since 2018/19,  whilst other local clubs have done the exact opposite, it is the main reason we have now slipped even far behind PNE, never mind being currently at HALF the figure of bloody Bolton.

Edited May 14, 2023 by Mattyblue

[rigger]

49 minutes ago, Ossydave said:

No its not, there is far, far more to it.

Its a lazy response to just shrug our shoulders and say damn it, too expensive, that's it.

I'm a prime example, the price is NOT the reason I'm not getting a season ticket and I know many others who are the same.

I'm not a marketing expert, nor am I a financial services expert. But I know there's more the club could be doing in both areas. Klarna, clear pay, BNPL, do they even know what these things are? Do they know what a dormant customer is or how to engage with these people? It costs peanuts to do so if you have an ounce of business acumen. We have a wet behind the ears kid heading up our marketing department. You can read all the textbooks there is and get all the qualifications under the sun, but if you're not adapting to your target customers it's useless and I find it utterly bonkers there's not a senior, experienced person in that role. What's he done? A few bits at Bournemouth who have a garden shed of a ground to fill in a completely different area, predominantly in the premier league. Completely different ball game to us. 

It angers me that behind the scenes the club lacks passion or ideas, the only person who seems to have anything resembling that is commercial and partnerships manager Yasir Sufi. His focus seems more on diversity though and he can't do everything. Get a few more driven people like him in and we might actually get somewhere.

Did you notice that I started my post with the words "I think". That is because I am giving the view of the only person, I know 100% the reason they are not getting a season ticket, and that person is me, and the reason is price.

[wilsdenrover]

2 hours ago, Mattyblue said:

Dave, of course there are other reasons, my father in law has just knocked his season ticket on the head after 60+ years due to the Sky deluge, he just couldn’t be arsed with the  trip over from Lytham at his age when there’s a good chance at least every other game will be on TV.

You have other reasons too, as will others, but price is by far and away the reason that sales have collapsed here, and *only* here since Covid, our prices have gone up by hundreds of quid since 2018/19,  whilst other local clubs have done the exact opposite, it is the main reason we have now slipped even far behind PNE, never mind being currently at HALF the figure of bloody Bolton.

Price can solve nearly all the other issues (for most, but not all people) - but it isn’t the only way if solving these issues.

 

[JHRover]

Those people who are not getting one or considering not getting one because of the Sky deluge and fixture changes would presumably be much more willing if they were being asked to pay £219 rather than £379-429. 

That's the point here - if we adopted pricing say the same as at Bolton then even if you were to miss half the games you'd still be getting admission for less than £20 a game which most people would consider excellent value.

It comes back to price. What we are charging is too much, with or without Sky games, but obviously exacerbated further by the fact we have been on so much in the second half of the last 2 seasons. 

A proactive CEO would recognise this and do something about it. Ours hasn't, instead carting on with the same policy that has set us back years and reduced numbers every year.

[OldEwoodBlue]

If phase 3 was a £219 sale promotion, there would be uproar.

 

[rigger]

6 minutes ago, OldEwoodBlue said:

If phase 3 was a £219 sale promotion, there would be uproar.

 

If it is, I will plait sawdust

[chaddyrovers]

6 hours ago, JHRover said:

Lets stop with the suggestion that our problems are created externally by Sky tv and fixture changes (along with other factors beyond our control). Such talk is just playing right into Waggott's hands. He would love nothing more than to convince everyone that he's done all he can and that our problems are the result of external issues. Poor us, it's Sky's fault.

Our biggest issue is that we are too expensive. That isn't Sky's fault, it isn't caused by games being moved. If anything having such a large number of games moved due to TV should see our prices drop further as we get more income from TV to offset it.

I was talking from next year when they new TV deal kick in and they will be 10 EFL fixtures not being played at Saturday 3pm kick off each week. That was my point. 

Some fans have been put buying ST's cos of games being moved for Sky TV coverage and lack of Saturday 3pm kick off. People like @PeteJD13have been put off buying ST for him and his children cos of the lack of value and the games they can get too which great shame for them. Yes it doesn't affect me of you about games being moved but it does for others cos value of ST over the number of games they can get to meaning no point being a ST. So Yes, Rovers should be trying to do more about trying get more fans in attend to games and I applaud the efforts of people from Rovers trust or Fans forum trying to get their message over. Cheaper ST's would allow them to make game ticket cheaper meaning more fans in the stadium creating a better atmosphere at Ewood Park. I have bought a ST for the coming season as for me its value for money and I can make every game, but others can't for various reasons. So the clubs has come up with different ideas like maybe loyalty scheme or membership scheme in the future  

6 hours ago, JHRover said:

Our issues are caused by a short sighted attitude and approach installed by absentee owners with no interest or understanding of the fanbase or its long term health. In a little over a decade they have reduced our ST base by over half, down from 18,000+ in 2011 to limping our way to 7000 in 2023.

As I said the lack of understanding of people current financial and working situation is massive problem from Rovers as I and others have said. 

6 hours ago, JHRover said:

The other problem we have is complete and utter laziness and lack of imagination on sales. Other than occasional tweets and website posts I've seen zero promotional material for season tickets. Looks like they've completely given up on the idea of sending renewal packs or even advertisements out to people, and I live but a few miles from Ewood and there's no posters, banners, nothing. They can't be arsed because they know ultimately that their jobs are secure come whatever happens. Why bother making more effort?

Rovers should be advertising ST offers on Blackburn with Darwen buses or on their advertise tv around Blackburn. As I said the other day, I would help we send renewal packs to our elderly ST holders who don't have email or use social media. I wouldn't renewal pack or advertisements coming to my house as I knew the offers and I received regular from Rovers but Rovers should have been sending advertisements letters to people who have purchases match day tickets throughout the season or at few emails during the early bird offer and I would expect them to send them even now.  

[roversfan99]

I have renewed yet I don't really see it as value for money. I think it says a lot about the current pricing that even you @chaddyrovers are calling the club out for it and fair play for doing so. 

[chaddyrovers]

11 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

I have renewed yet I don't really see it as value for money. I think it says a lot about the current pricing that even you @chaddyrovers are calling the club out for it and fair play for doing so. 

From my own viewpoint I think its value for money as I do buying a Rovers shirt but others don't. I think clubs needs to understand Different people financial and work commitments situations. For example as me and @Miller11was saying that not everyone can afford or commit to ST right now but in August or September they might be able to if their Job situation like secure a permanent job or promotion they shouldn't be penalised cos of this. 

[Sweaty Gussets]

2 hours ago, OldEwoodBlue said:

If phase 3 was a £219 sale promotion, there would be uproar.

 

It would be funny though. 

[Ossydave]

5 hours ago, JHRover said:

Those people who are not getting one or considering not getting one because of the Sky deluge and fixture changes would presumably be much more willing if they were being asked to pay £219 rather than £379-429. 

That's the point here - if we adopted pricing say the same as at Bolton then even if you were to miss half the games you'd still be getting admission for less than £20 a game which most people would consider excellent value.

It comes back to price. What we are charging is too much, with or without Sky games, but obviously exacerbated further by the fact we have been on so much in the second half of the last 2 seasons. 

A proactive CEO would recognise this and do something about it. Ours hasn't, instead carting on with the same policy that has set us back years and reduced numbers every year.

If they scrapped the traditional season ticket as I suggested, the prices could become dynamic on a match by match basis, if a game is moved for sky the entrance fee becomes 15 quid, or even a tenner if we're feeling generous. It's without a doubt a big factor in many peoples decision making process when parting with cash for a season ticket.

The best thing about Leeds coming down would be they'll be on every week instead of us mind.... 

[Hasta]

Waggot will be wincing at the reduction in turnover he can fleece from away followings. We’ve lost Burnley, Sheff U, Wigan and Blackpool and so far the confirmed replacements are Southampton, Plymouth and Ipswich.

Matchday prices will need to rise to get that back on budget.

Edited May 14, 2023 by Hasta

[wilsdenrover]

1 minute ago, Hasta said:

Waggot will be wincing at the reduction in turnover he can fleece from away followings. We’ve lost Burnley, Sheff U, Wigan and Blackpool and so far the confirmed replacements are Southampton, Plymouth and Ipswich.

Matchday prices will need to rise to get that back on budget.

Burnley’s no real loss, they only brought 2,000…

[Ossydave]

Southampton, Plymouth and Ipswich will probably all bring decent followings to be fair. New ground/one they've not been to for ages factor coupled with Southampton presumably being up there doing well.

Leicester, Leeds, Everton or Forest would too.

[Hasta]

6 minutes ago, Ossydave said:

Southampton, Plymouth and Ipswich will probably all bring decent followings to be fair. New ground/one they've not been to for ages factor coupled with Southampton presumably being up there doing well.

 

Not on a Friday night in November on Sky they won’t.

 

[superniko]

1 hour ago, Hasta said:

Waggot will be wincing at the reduction in turnover he can fleece from away followings. We’ve lost Burnley, Sheff U, Wigan and Blackpool and so far the confirmed replacements are Southampton, Plymouth and Ipswich.

Matchday prices will need to rise to get that back on budget.

Got his fingers crossed for 8k Leeds and Everton! (Sheff Wed dead in the water now - so he prob wants Bolton there)

Edited May 14, 2023 by superniko

[chaddyrovers]

2 hours ago, Ossydave said:

If they scrapped the traditional season ticket as I suggested, the prices could become dynamic on a match by match basis, if a game is moved for sky the entrance fee becomes 15 quid, or even a tenner if we're feeling generous. It's without a doubt a big factor in many peoples decision making process when parting with cash for a season ticket.

The best thing about Leeds coming down would be they'll be on every week instead of us mind.... 

scrap the traditional ST? utter madness. 

[Ossydave]

8 hours ago, chaddyrovers said:

scrap the traditional ST? utter madness. 

Why? 

As things stand, the only real benefit from having one is you sit in the same seat every game really, given that kick off changes mean many can't make every single game.

Next season you won't even need one to secure high demand away tickets with Burnley out of the equation, unless we get a particularly good cup draw ay some point.