THFC has today announced a 1.5% rise in the price of season tickets for the 2020-21 season, adding between £12 and £33 to the cost of the 19 League game package, in absolute terms. The Club has committed to hold that price for two seasons, until the end of the 2021-22 season. Despite strong lobbying from THST, the Club has declined to freeze prices at this season’s levels for Junior, Young Adult and Senior concessions, or to re-examine the 1882 offer.
We asked the Club to review their concessionary pricing policy and to reinstate cup credits. They were not prepared to do so. We will be discussing match categorisation, group stage packs for any future European competition and other benefits to reward season ticket holders for putting substantial amounts of money up front at our next meeting with the Club’s Executive Board and will work to ensure the Club revises its approach in these areas. We ask that fans keep up the pressure, alongside the Trust, on the Club to achieve practical benefits for supporters.
While we recognise that a 1.5% price rise is below the rate of inflation, we consider any rise unjustified at a stadium where fans already pay some of the highest ticket prices in Europe. Ultimately, it is the Club’s place to justify its decision and we encouraged them to provide a full explanation, but we were told the official pricing announcement would be a straight statement with little background detail.
Tottenham Hotspur is the eighth biggest club in world football by revenues and gate receipts are dwarfed by TV income and commercial deals. The simple fact is that the Club is not forced to raise ticket prices. It is choosing to do so, just as it chooses to make its other business decisions.
We made it clear to the Club’s Board that we do not support any price rises: rises that will result in more season ticket holders picking and choosing the games they attend, with the subsequent effect on atmosphere. We pointed out, again, that the cost of a season ticket to most season ticket holders is 19 Premier League home games plus home cup games – at least – and a good run in both domestic competitions and in Europe adds roughly 35-40% to the price of a season ticket.
However, we are conscious from previous experience that a section of our support will not consider the 1.5% rise excessive. So we are left with trying to make the best of the situation we have, with the resources we have.
In the coming weeks, we will be taking on board the response of members and the wider fanbase as we consider what, if any, further courses of action can be taken.
THST Board
13 February 2020