Fans could be hit in the hip pocket if they wish to attend blockbuster matches under a new variable ticket pricing concept flagged by the AFL.
The AFL floated the idea in its equalisation paper given to clubs last month.
In it is said one way to increase revenue would be 'proceeds from variable ticket pricing'.
It is hoped the extra revenue generated from increasing ticket prices for bigger games or putting a mark-up on reserved seating would flow down to poorer clubs.
South AUstralia clubs have had the offer put to them by the AFL but are yet to discuss it at a board leval.
"It's something that's been put on the table but we need to dissect it and discuss it at length before we can form an opinion. But it's fair to say pay-on-demand is something which has worked successfully at overseas sporting events," Crows general manager of supporter services David Couch said.
Port also said they would need to look further at the concept before committing to anything as their priority was making football as affordable as possible for fans.
"At the moment we're just trying to make our ticket prices as cheap as we can," Power general manager of marketing and operations Matthew Richardson said.
"We understand we have to make the football more affordable to get more people through the gates so we are doing our best to drive value for money options."
This kind of variable ticketing system is normal practice in the US and it is believed that it may mean tickets for low-demand games also fall.
But Collingwood president Eddie McGuire was against the idea.
"I've got no idea what they're talking about. Blockbusters already pay their way through television rights and through catering rights and through membership and through AFL membership," McGuire said.
"There's a big enough impost on people going to the game as it is without having to slug them even more."
Geelong, on the other hand seemed open to the idea.
"Products that are in demand usually cost you more money," Geelong chief executive Brian Cook said.
"The AFL has been working on it for a little while. I still think it's a fair way off, (it's the) very early stages.
"I don't believe they would be looking at it for the 2014 season."
8 Comments
Having cut the game back to 20 minute quarters (20%) you now want to charge more for your "block-busters" how greedy can you victorians get, this is a new low, even for you!!!
ReplyNo such thing as "blockbuster" AFL, or NRL. It's all hype to suck in the masses.
2 RepliesA great idea. Then give the extra $$$$$$$$$ to the poorer clubs to be competitive, thus creating more blockbusters to fill the AFL coffers. Poor old Eddie McGuire complaining about something disadvantages the ferals down at Victoria Park. If you don't like it Eddie, then LEAVE. The sport will move on without you.
ReplyThe reverse should consequently happen. Melbourne v Freo $10 or less.
ReplyLet other teams have the right to play games on Anzac Day instead of always Essendon and Collingwood and the AFL will not have to consider increasing fees for Blockbuster games. The current Fixture for AFL games is so unfair that it is a wonder some of the clubs have not considered taking legal action against the AFL.
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