http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23723537 OK - You know that I wouldn't have it any other way - but if you look at the cheapest matchday tickets, you could go and watch games at the venue of 9 Premier league sides for less than it it possible to pay at Priestfield stadium. ( and I don't think you'd have to pay for photo I.D. etc )
Not really a fair comparison considering the amount of other revenue that comes into premier league sides, tv money, higher sponsorship money, other revenue streams etc. they can afford to take a hit on ticket prices.
I can sense this thread going down hill fast Sorry guys but it does amuse me. Just remember why exchange an ST for one seat when you can stretch out over two...alwaysright knows what I mean and I'm still waiting for Scally's reply on it.
With respect - I do understand your point. Perhaps I should have clarified - I was talking about 'perceived' value for money in terms of skill and entertainment - especially after the value for money that was served up in the latter stages of the Crawley game. The dearest 'ordinary' matchday ticket at Gillingham is £28. I can participate in numerous 'sporting' activities that cost a lot less and would give me much more pleasure. There are 9 Premier Leagues teams that charge less than Gillingham, for 'mostly' greater skill levels. I do not guage value for money simply in terms of skill level - moreover, I don't mind a defeat - as long as the players have put in a decent level of effort - otherwise I might just as well as go to watch a team with more skilfull players.** I said last season that it cost less to go to Barcelona ( including flights ) than it cost me to go to Bradford........ why did I go to this exotic location ( Bradford ) - because I am loyal to MY team, but whilst my household contributes more than 10% of income to good causes, I am not a charity for MY team. ** I'm glad I didn't pay ( other than the TV licence fee ) to watch the 'entertainment' & 'skill' level that was dished up in Ukraine.
Ok. A bit more serious. I will support my team come win, lose or draw. However, as is with all general events whether that be football or otherwise there seems to be this consensus by those that run such events to rip us off and on top of that with crap service, especially when it comes to food. Obviously I'm aiming this at all public events as a whole, yet it beggers belief when you make a complaint, you get a response to that complaint but nothing improves despite reassurances. For example, so far this season with our own club, I have not given Lindley's catering a single penny out of my pocket. To many poor experiences and just decided enough is enough. I've also kept to my promise of not buying a match day programme this season to compensate for what I see as the treatment of ST Holders. I think I saw mention of our cheapest season ticket. Was that the Town End? Although from what I've seen from attendances of home supporters in that section, it don't appear that successful for sitting on what is nothing more than scaffolding...maybe I'm wrong. Let us now look at our so called rivals Swindon, £25 for an away day ticket! The main feedback on twitter for fans not going to that game was the price. To Wolves and Crawley we took near on 1,000 travelling supporters, yet to Swindon we took less than 500 I believe. The clear message in all this to clubs is hit them where it hurts to make a protest, in their pockets. 20 is plenty. Yes, people will argue that this is the same at all events aside from football but it does not make it acceptable. People get ripped off because the masses allow themselves to be ripped off. But as I believe Swindon will eventually find 500 less supporters can start costing you dear (no pun intended)...maybe not now but it could in the future, then I'll be looking back to this day and telling them where they went wrong. The sterile home ends, pricing and football politics can quite easily lead to death knocking on the door. I really hope our own club does not stare relegation in the face this season because likewise the events of the last four months, could also have a backlash, just as things were starting to look rosy in the Garden of England. I'll still be there next season and the season after if good health allows me but I will also like many fans be monitoring my budget more closely and not fall into the trap of modern marketing, whether than be ticket, food, drink or any other match day product. Basically regardless of whatever the comparisons we will only pay for what suits our pocket and the quality received in return...with exceptions. I show no political allegiance to any party other than to highlight those from any party that speak out...http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24039966
