9:00am Friday 19th March 2010
By Frank Smith
Watford legend Graham Taylor hopes the club will continue to “punch above its weight” by retaining their 10,000 season-ticket holders despite putting prices up this year.
The Hornets dropped all season-ticket prices by 16 to 20 per cent last summer but always intended to increase fees for the 2010/11 season.
Chief executive Julian Winter stated the VAT increase means the club now receives less money from seats sold but all prices are still cheaper than two seasons ago.
Winter said: “If we can keep our season-ticket base at around the 10,000 level that will enable us to continue forward on the journey of being a sustainable business whilst ensuring we are competitive on the field.”
Watford now have three different prices for each seat, with a new discounted fee if you purchase online rather than by phone or post and six-month direct debit.
The ‘Early Bird’ deadline is April 30 for those purchasing online or by direct debit and May 14 for fans paying by phone or post.
The cost of an adult seat in the Rookery or Lower Rous is now £340 if you purchase online, £41 more than this season, which works out at less than £15 a game.
There is a £20 increase for young adults, students and Over-65s in the Rookery or Lower Rous, with online tickets costing £199, which is £8.65 a match. An Under-16’s ticket costs £90.
An Upper Rous adult seat is £440 if purchased online, up £55 on last season, and concession prices have increased by £40 to £325. An Under-16’s Upper Rous ticket will cost £180.
Watford’s new board decided to slash prices by up to 20 per cent last year due to the global financial crisis and in a bid to retain the support base built up in recent years.
The Hornets claim their fees are still favourable against other Championship clubs and chairman Taylor believes the board have addressed the major financial problems and the club’s “foundations are now in stone, not sand”.
Taylor said: “We have to improve and grow our revenue and support base so my message to you is, if you can, please support your club by buying a season-ticket for next year.
“We’ve started on another journey on and off the pitch and the whole place feels very ‘Watford’ again. Experience tells me that when we stay true to our beliefs the Watford way can be an interesting journey. Please join us.”
Existing season-ticket holders can renew online via the club’s website from 9am this morning (Friday) and their seats will be reserved until the end of the ‘Early Bird’ deadline on May 14, when they will then be released for new applicants and those wanting to move.
New season-tickets will be loaded to existing cards. New applicants can apply now by calling 0844 856 1881 but requests will not be processed until after the current holders have been dealt with.
For more information and to renew your season ticket, click here
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