Sunderland AFC today announced season ticket renewal details for the 2005/06 season, with an unprecedented price freeze for a sixth consecutive season for existing season ticket-holders who renew by mid-April.
In order to reward supporters for their loyalty, existing season ticket-holders are being given the opportunity to renew their seat(s) by 15th April 2005 – at this season’s prices.
By asking fans to renew earlier than in recent seasons, the club is aiming to plan with certainty for next season.
Sunderland AFC Chief Executive Peter Walker said: “Everyone at the club is working extremely hard to achieve success as Mick and the team continue to push for promotion and the loyalty season ticket holders have shown us during this time is very much appreciated.
Everyone at the club is working hard to achieve success as Mick and the team continue to push for promotion, and the loyalty season ticket holders have shown us during this time is very much appreciated- Peter Walker, Chief Executive
“By renewing earlier, existing season ticket holders can secure a price freeze for a sixth consecutive year – making our season tickets significantly cheaper than the majority of clubs in the Premiership and many in the Championship.
“As well as benefiting our supporters financially, the renewal process will benefit the club by providing early knowledge of guaranteed revenue and assisting with cash-flow, enabling us to plan our strategy for the forthcoming season early and effectively regardless of what division we are in.”
If the club were to remain in the Championship, it would no longer receive the Premier League parachute payment, approximately £7 million given to clubs for two seasons to lessen the impact of lost revenue, and would not be in the position to continue to maintain a price freeze.
In the event of promotion to the Premier League in May, the early knowledge of guaranteed income would greatly assist the club as it attempts to bridge the ever-growing financial gap to compete in the top flight.
After the renewal deadline, both season ticket and match-to-match prices are set to rise between 5% and 20% in the summer, depending upon the division.
Peter Walker continued: “Unlike the majority of clubs, our prices have been frozen for five years and it is impossible to keep prices static forever.
“Whilst we are mindful of the financial constraints of our supporters and will always endeavour to provide affordable football, price increases are inevitable in the summer. We hope the revenue generated from this will give the Club the best possible chance of competing with our rivals.”
Renewal packs are scheduled to reach supporters by mid-March, with existing season ticket-holders required to sign up by Friday April 15th 2005 in order to take advantage of the price freeze, which will see prices continuing to start from as low as £95 for under-12s, and £320 for adults in concession areas.
The club will also offer new concession tickets for juniors in the East and West Stand wings and Premier Concourse wings for the first time, priced at only £240 (subject to April 15th deadline also), which represents a further saving of £100 on current prices.
In order to ensure compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act, the club adjusted its ticketing price structure for disabled supporters in October of last year.
The new charges see wheelchair patrons charged full-price for their season tickets, with personal assistants being provided with a ticket free of charge.
Supporters renewing their season tickets by the April 15th deadline will again be offered the chance to pay in full or spread the cost by taking advantage of the club’s interest-free payment scheme.
The three payments will be taken in May, June and July for those season ticket-holders who choose this option. The interest-free scheme will NOT be available after the 15th April renewal deadline.
For further information contact 0191 551 5151.
2005/06 season ticket prices for renewals (April 15th deadline)
Under-12s – Concession Areas £95
Under-16s – Concession Areas £133
Under-22s – Concession Areas £220
Adult – Concessions £320
Adult – Carling North Stand / South Stand £340
Adult – West & East Stand and Premier Concourse Centre £435
Adult – West & East Stand and Premier Concourse Wings £390
Junior – West & East Stand and Premier Concourse Wings £240
Senior Citizen – Concession Areas (not wings) £240
Disabled Prevailing prices above
Personal Assistant Free of charge
Black Cats Bar £699