KIDS will carry on paying a fiver to watch Everton play, under the club's ticket plans for next season.
The need to encourage a new generation of fans and the economic realities of life in England's North-West appear to be at the forefront of EFC's prices for the 2013/14 season.
But the club says the loyalty of their fans also played “a significant part” in their decision to freeze season ticket prices for all junior school children at £5 per game.
The £95 junior season ticket – brought in at the beginning of the present campaign – has proved a big hit with fans. The number of under-16s securing a full season ticket went up by 39 per cent for the 2012/13 season, followed by a 157 per cent increase in juniors becoming half season ticket holders since December.
An EFC spokesman said: “To continue bringing youngsters through the turnstiles and make football affordable for families, the club has committed to maintain the low-price season ticket for children in Year 6 or below, and junior Blues (school years 7-11) will have their prices frozen in all areas of the stadium, including the family enclosure.”
Prices were decided after consultation with supporters' groups and the club is giving the biggest discounts to supporters renewing their season tickets.
Discounts
Season tickets for 2013/14 will go on sale on March 11 – with discounts for those getting in early – and returning adult season ticket holders will see an increase of only £1.03 per Premier League game, on average.
So an adult season ticket holder in the Lower Gwladys or Lower Bullens who paid £474.75 for this season, will pay £494.25 for the next campaign; in the Main Stand £546 (£565.50); and in the Park End £560.25 (£579.75).
Those purchasing on or before the early bird deadline of 19 April will benefit from a minimum 25 per cent discount based on individual match prices.
Match ticket-purchasing fans planning to upgrade to season ticket holder status for the first time in 2013/14, will receive a minimum 20 per cent discount during the early bird window.
This season saw a 6.35 per cent increase in the number of supporters securing their seat at Goodison Park and to date, attendances are up 10.64% compared to the same time last year.
Everton's prices overall compare pretty favourably with other clubs at their level but they can't really afford for it to be otherwise. While the near neighbours across the park can rely on fans across the UK and abroad to put bums on seats, the Blues' fanbase is rooted firmly in the North-West, which is suffering more than most as the economy continues to flatline.
Chief Executive Robert Elstone said: “Every year we spend a lot of time considering season ticket pricing. We appreciate that buying a season ticket is the single biggest commitment that a supporter can make to the club.
“On the other hand, season tickets make up the biggest proportion of our matchday income, so we have to make sure the pricing is right for us and it’s right for the fans too.”
