Season ticket sales (9 Viewers)

[Nick]

that's the problem with slating non attendees it sounds like your having a pop at people who have very good reasons not to go. But I know people who spent a small fortune at Wembley yet have no intention of going next season, (though if we have some success they'll be back on the band wagon).
At the end of the day it's up to them but it's just frustrating when you're hoping the club can turn a corner.

It's the same as the people I know.

Really have no interest in going to games so it isn't about money, quite happily spent £100 on beer for Wembley and buy the expensive tickets.

Others do try and say it's about money but they don't seem to think you can go to a game without spending £50-60 on unnecessary shite like warm beer, food and gambling

 

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[Earlsdon_Skyblue1]

The problem is down to many reasons, but I think one of the biggest ones is that not that many people in and around Coventry actually support CCFC.

I went to school in Kenilworth, so whilst it isn't quite in the heart of it, it still shocked me that in my year of about 350 people, I was one of about 5 or 6 that actually went to games. Perhaps another 15 or 20 actually classed themselves as a Coventry fan. I know we are talking about 10+ years ago, but the point still stands. So many people support Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool etc for the most. They might have sympathies for CCFC but it doesn't often go much further than that.

Whilst there was a different variety of supporters at Wembley, many of them probably haven't been to a league game in a year or two and actually don't care that much. Whether that is down to actually preferring to watch Liverpool, or because they've fallen out of habit, I think it is a big sign of the way football is going. In somewhere like Sunderland you would be brought up proud to be a Mackem, but in Kenilworth if you want to wear a Utd shirt then that's more fashionable. It's a culture thing, and a generation thing. I really dislike it to be honest...

£322 is not a bad price and I am still thinking of getting one this season despite being broke due to wedding, honeymoon, and buying a house. The main stumbling block for me is that at the moment it is just me. 4 or 5 mates are considering it but don't really live round here anymore. I think it is easy to dismiss the price as a 'non-reason', but it always comes from the people who are happy to pay it. There are a lot of people that have higher priorities than going to watch League 1 football no matter how exciting it is.

There is a feelgood factor, and I am disappointed with the sales too. It may be that we need to get another promotion before the dormant fans want to come back in higher numbers. As for others, I think less people support the club round here than we think. They might have blown hundreds on a trip to Wembley, but that doesn't mean they ever had any intention of wanting to go week in week out for the same cost.

 

[Evo1883]

Remember that MR has walked out on us once.... Convince me that he won't do it again. Obviously you can't say he'll stay for ever and ever.
To me, football supporting isn't a neccesity while some of you seem to think it's tantamount to following a religion. I have limited resouces so my support is always going to be a part-time hobby.

I think people like yourself don’t get what we are saying .
We get that not everybody likes football , can’t attend every week , have work or other commitments on .
But the size of this city the 9th biggest in England , it’s surrounding areas which has wealthy parts and a good few of them , it’s dissappointing To see the figures we get especially when other clubs in areas much smaller continue to get backed in large numbers

 

[Nick]

not at all, and this is where the problem with threads like this lies as they become divisive.
Like I said, there are plenty of people with very good reasons for not being able to attend regularly, and I would say living in Norfolk is one.

Exactly, there will be plenty of people who would have to make massive sacrifices to go to games. I don't think people are on about those who are struggling for money or live miles away so can't get to every game.

 

[Otis]

It's the same as the people I know.

Really have no interest in going to games so it isn't about money, quite happily spent £100 on beer for Wembley and buy the expensive tickets.

Others do try and say it's about money but they don't seem to think you can go to a game without spending £50-60 on unnecessary shite like warm beer, food and gambling

That's what I don't get. It's not compulsory to buy all this over priced stuff, or even spend money at all.

I went to Wembley, took sandwiches and a drink and never spent a single penny.

For me it was all about the game and all I wanted to do was to watch the game.

 

[Nick]

The problem is down to many reasons, but I think one of the biggest ones is that not that many people in and around Coventry actually support CCFC.

I went to school in Kenilworth, so whilst it isn't quite in the heart of it, it still shocked me that in my year of about 350 people, I was one of about 5 or 6 that actually went to games. Perhaps another 15 or 20 actually classed themselves as a Coventry fan. I know we are talking about 10+ years ago, but the point still stands. So many people support Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool etc for the most. They might have sympathies for CCFC but it doesn't often go much further than that.

Whilst there was a different variety of supporters at Wembley, many of them probably haven't been to a league game in a year or two and actually don't care that much. Whether that is down to actually preferring to watch Liverpool, or because they've fallen out of habit, I think it is a big sign of the way football is going. In somewhere like Sunderland you would be brought up proud to be a Mackem, but in Kenilworth if you want to wear a Utd shirt then that's more fashionable. It's a culture thing, and a generation thing. I really dislike it to be honest...

£322 is not a bad price and I am still thinking of getting one this season despite being broke due to wedding, honeymoon, and buying a house. The main stumbling block for me is that at the moment it is just me. 4 or 5 mates are considering it but don't really live round here anymore. I think it is easy to dismiss the price as a 'non-reason', but it always comes from the people who are happy to pay it. There are a lot of people that have higher priorities than going to watch League 1 football no matter how exciting it is.

There is a feelgood factor, and I am disappointed with the sales too. It may be that we need to get another promotion before the dormant fans want to come back in higher numbers. As for others, I think less people support the club round here than we think. They might have blown hundreds on a trip to Wembley, but that doesn't mean they ever had any intention of wanting to go week in week out for the same cost.

I know a few Man Utd, Leeds and other teams supporters who went to Wembley. Their football experience is usually going to the pub on a Sunday and watching games there and doing fantasy football during the week.

Also understand about priorities, I don't think anybody begrudges people not going because they need to pay the mortgage, the rent and bills and need to get food etc. Same with having to pay for a wedding and a honeymoon for example but even then there is the finance option that might help some out with cashflow.

It doesn't cost the same as Wembley to go to City matches though either, it's just really down to lack of interest and people not being that bothered.

There's a difference between people who really do want to go buy physically can't (money, live miles away, work etc) and those you aren't really that arsed.

 

[Evo1883]

I spend 10 pound a match at home games , get my daughter a sandwich and pop from Tesco pre match and me a coffee , buy her a bottle of pop and me a coffee at half time , go home after the match
Add season ticket cost per match I spend 25 pound per home game for us both

 

[Nick]

That's what I don't get. It's not compulsory to buy all this over priced stuff, or even spend money.

I went to Wembley, took sandwiches and a drink and never spent a single penny.

For me it was all about the game and all I wanted to do was to watch the game.

Don't get me wrong I bought a couple of pints within Wembley and a few cans from the shop before the game and for the journey as it was a special occasion.

I don't spend anything for games other than a ticket, if we haven't had food we will stop at One Stop and get a £3 meal deal to take in with us.

It isn't compulsory to spend so much on other stuff aside from the match ticket (unless of course you have to travel far, in which case there are other ways to park etc to save money).

 

[Nick]

I spend 10 pound a match at home games , get my daughter a sandwich and pop from Tesco pre match and me a coffee , buy her a bottle of pop and me a coffee at half time , go home after the match
Add season ticket cost per match I spend 25 pound per home game for us both

Exactly, even if you took out the drink and coffee at the ground it would probably take it to £18 - £20 for it.

I know people who when you ask if they want to a game they say they can't afford it because they calculate loads of other stuff (beer, food, casino, pub, fruit machines) as well as the actual ticket.

It's the same as being able to go to the cinema without feasting on a 5 course meal from the counter every time.

 

[Mild-Mannered Janitor]

The problem is down to many reasons, but I think one of the biggest ones is that not that many people in and around Coventry actually support CCFC.

I went to school in Kenilworth, so whilst it isn't quite in the heart of it, it still shocked me that in my year of about 350 people, I was one of about 5 or 6 that actually went to games. Perhaps another 15 or 20 actually classed themselves as a Coventry fan..

Did the others go to Polo or the rowing at Henley :woot:

 

[Manchester_sky_blue]

not at all, and this is where the problem with threads like this lies as they become divisive.
Like I said, there are plenty of people with very good reasons for not being able to attend regularly, and I would say living in Norfolk is one.

Same issue for me. Work took me up North, met a girl, got married, bought a house, had kids = not ever likely to move back to Cov and the distance makes having a season ticket impractical. I still make 6-7 home games a season and probably more away games than that.

Important we don't get too hung up on season ticket sales, as someone else said, we, more than most other clubs at this level, will always have available seats for people who just want to rock up on the day. Doesn't really matter how many Barnsley or Sunderland have sold - its irrelevant. Would be nice if we sold 10,000 ST but i don't think its the end of the world if we don't. If we have a solid start and points on the board the crowds will grow.

 

[Earlsdon_Skyblue1]

Did the others go to Polo or the rowing at Henley :woot:

Nah, they were on their gap year in India.

 

[luwalla]

Remember that MR has walked out on us once.... Convince me that he won't do it again. Obviously you can't say he'll stay for ever and ever.

Think we have to let that one go now... Fair to say some of us had our reservations re. this point when he came back ( even if we did believe it was a good footballing appointment ) but yeah maybe time to let go

 

[Otis]

Same issue for me. Work took me up North, met a girl, got married, bought a house, had kids = not ever likely to move back to Cov and the distance makes having a season ticket impractical. I still make 6-7 home games a season and probably more away games than that.

Important we don't get too hung up on season ticket sales, as someone else said, we, more than most other clubs at this level, will always have available seats for people who just want to rock up on the day. Doesn't really matter how many Barnsley or Sunderland have sold - its irrelevant. Would be nice if we sold 10,000 ST but i don't think its the end of the world if we don't. If we have a solid start and points on the board the crowds will grow.

Where you living now then?

 

[Irish Sky Blue]

I don’t get this notion that we took 35+K to Wembley therefore we should sell more season tickets than we have. Yes some will always turn up for a glory game but there also would have been a lot there who have match packages, a lot who do a couple or a handful of games a season. Prolonged success is the only thing that will drive attendances up. On that basis last season was a blip not the norm.

I think a lot will by match packages. I only buy two STs now as my second (football interested) son works a lot of Saturdays. When they are out I will get him the 11 match, match package. Sales are disappointing however. I thought that gates would have increased significantly more in the run in of the season just gone. Eight thousand for a promotion match with Luton was disappointing.

 

[Manchester_sky_blue]

Where you living now then?

Neverland

 

[Irish Sky Blue]

Except that some people are agreeing with me.

It's not worth arguing about. We should do better but it is obvious to see why we aren't.

No quick fix. Give it time.

I agree with you.

 

[Irish Sky Blue]

I'm with you Otis. I think you have to look at the demographic of the City to understand our apparent low ST figures. I bet if you broke down those numbers that sign up you would find many are of retirement age and at least middle aged with some kids. I also bet that many of our support derives from the more working class areas where money is tighter now. The cost of living in the UK versus average wages is appalling in reality and by committing to an ST, they are generally also committing to all the other ancillary spending that goes with attending.
Our fan base has just endured 7 years of shite before this season and there is still so much distrust of the owners rightly or wrongly. Many will just be waiting for the usual fire sale of our best players, people are not prepared to gamble with SISU. I think a lot of the younger fans have been disenfranchised as it became a bit naff to be trudging up to the Ricoh to suffer a lot of humiliation and a toxic atmosphere.
My guess though is that there is a lot more positivity around and we sell a lot of match packages nearer to the season start if the core of the side is held together and we still look competitive.

The North East is a football hotbed and Sunderland will back their club because attending at the only alternative club for miles is unthinkable. Football is a religion in those parts too.

I think that this is true. I buy my 31 year old son a season ticket and I will buy my 24 year old son his match package. I buy their tickets when they are able to come to away games with me. If I didn’t buy tickets they couldn’t afford to come. Both are committed Sky Blues but without my financial help they wouldn’t attend. There will be lots like this in Coventry and Warwickshire. (Both are in work by the way, the elder one a teacher).

 

[Nick]

I think that this is true. I buy my 31 year old son a season ticket and I will buy my 24 year old son his match package. I buy their tickets when they are able to come to away games with me. If I didn’t buy tickets they couldn’t afford to come. Both are committed Sky Blues but without my financial help they wouldn’t attend. There will be lots like this in Coventry and Warwickshire. (Both are in work by the way, the elder one a teacher).

Even if they were to pay monthly?

 

[shmmeee]

I think people like yourself don’t get what we are saying .
We get that not everybody likes football , can’t attend every week , have work or other commitments on .
But the size of this city the 9th biggest in England , it’s surrounding areas which has wealthy parts and a good few of them , it’s dissappointing To see the figures we get especially when other clubs in areas much smaller continue to get backed in large numbers

Who are you comparing us to?

Same level of recent success? Same number of local rivals?

If not then it’s not a valid comparison.

The people of Coventry and Warwickshire ain’t special, they’re not being mean, the same factors affect them as everyone else in the country. People moan like Coventry citizens are somehow worse than those of other towns and it’s blatant nonsense.

 

[clint van damme]

Who are you comparing us to?

Same level of recent success? Same number of local rivals?

If not then it’s not a valid comparison.

The people of Coventry and Warwickshire ain’t special, they’re not being mean, the same factors affect them as everyone else in the country. People moan like Coventry citizens are somehow worse than those of other towns and it’s blatant nonsense.

but there are those who big up our support as if we were something special and we clearly aren't.
But it's embarrassing that relegated Barnsley can sell more STs than us.

 

[NortonSkyBlue]

Who are you comparing us to?

Same level of recent success? Same number of local rivals?

If not then it’s not a valid comparison.

The people of Coventry and Warwickshire ain’t special, they’re not being mean, the same factors affect them as everyone else in the country. People moan like Coventry citizens are somehow worse than those of other towns and it’s blatant nonsense.

Come on, whichever way you look at it the season ticket total is disappointing and doesn't reflect well on the level of commitment compared to much smaller places.

 

[Nick]

but there are those who big up our support as if we were something special and we clearly aren't.
But it's embarrassing that relegated Barnsley can sell more STs than us.

It used to be the "top 6 finish" line that was rolled out as to why people didn't bother. We have since had a promotion and another win at Wembley and it hasn't really made any difference.

 

[torchomatic]

That's what I don't get. It's not compulsory to buy all this over priced stuff, or even spend money at all.

I went to Wembley, took sandwiches and a drink and never spent a single penny.

For me it was all about the game and all I wanted to do was to watch the game.

We did that. Ate our stuff on the train, took our own drinks and sweets. We did buy a couple of coffees and it was actually cheaper than the Ricoh! Bloody Wasps.

 

[Liquid Gold]

but there are those who big up our support as if we were something special and we clearly aren't.
But it's embarrassing that relegated Barnsley can sell more STs than us.

That's the point. We're either a lower league club who can attract a large casual following for big games but are about at our level - which means the Ricoh is too big for us and we should move on, or we're a big club going through a tough period with fans waiting to come back - which means after a promotion and a trophy in 12 months 5,500 season tickets is piss poor.

 

[Sky Blue Harry H]

It used to be the "top 6 finish" line that was rolled out as to why people didn't bother. We have since had a promotion and another win at Wembley and it hasn't really made any difference.

Season tickets up by 20+ % so far, so it is an improvement - we will be in the top 6 of average home attendance next season, and the more 'big'/attractive games there are, the nore people will be inclined to come along as one offs.Need the club to be cute with one or 2 offeres. Momentum,

 

[Ashdown]

Having supported City since 1966 and had season tickets on and off during the time, I'm certainly not investing in an ST until we prove to be a competitive team again. Parting with my hard earned on the back of the 1st succesful season in a very long time, wont induce me. I live in Norfolk so it's a good 60 to 70 quid every time I visit the Ricoh no matter what the price of entry is.
I'm considering becoming a member and buying a match package when they become available. To some of you on this thread, this makes me a part time wanker who ought to go & support somebody else. Couldn't give a toss frankly

I think it makes you a damn valuable supporter as are any who travel distance and fork out a fortune over a season to follow a football team. I used to do it, it was my life......now it's just a part of a load of stuff I like to do. Oh and I earn bugger all now compared to days gone by !

 

[Irish Sky Blue]

but there are those who big up our support as if we were something special and we clearly aren't.
But it's embarrassing that relegated Barnsley can sell more STs than us.

I would doubt that Barnsley would get bigger gates though. More walk up on the day would mean money in the coffers.

 

[Sky Blue Harry H]

I would doubt that Barnsley would get bigger gates though. More walk up on the day would mean money in the coffers.

The other thing with Barnsley is they have just been in The Championship - fans watching Villa, Leeds, Sheffield clubs, Wolves etc etc - games that will have had good atmospheres. We have come from League 2 with the Forest Greens, Newports, Stevenage and Crawleys - hardly the sort of games to entice the casual fans. Both clubs have come from opposite directions. We do have the potential to get bigger crowds than them.

 

[Irish Sky Blue]

Even if they were to pay monthly?

Neither has any spare cash. The elder boy, his wife and daughter are back living with us trying to save a deposit for a house. The younger one earns enough to pay his rent and run the car that he needs for work and has spare cash for very little else.(He has a degree from Loughborough too. Wouldn’t necessarily recommend university as the route to a career). Hard times for young people.

 

[Manchester_sky_blue]

Neither has any spare cash. The elder boy, his wife and daughter are back living with us trying to save a deposit for a house. The younger one earns enough to pay his rent and run the car that he needs for work and has spare cash for very little else.(He has a degree from Loughborough too. Wouldn’t necessarily recommend university as the route to a career). Hard times for young people.

I can vouch for that. I am just a little older than your eldest Son and i've never been so skint. Made redundant from a much higher paid job in 2014 and i have struggled to get close to that wage since. Even now in my present job with the most responsibility and stress i've ever had, i am still earning a grand less than i was back then. My Wife had to give up work because the cost of childcare is just so absurd it wasn't viable for her to stay employed. Food and utility bills are hugely more expensive than they were 4 years ago and the kids constantly cost money for everything. I do pay a mortgage admittedly and we do have some fun money each month but not a lot. Had we not bought the house when times were better i don't think we could afford to be on the property ladder now.

 

[clint van damme]

I would doubt that Barnsley would get bigger gates though. More walk up on the day would mean money in the coffers.

possibly, but buying a ST is a statement of intent to support the team through thick and thin in the coming season.
Of course people can do what they like, just find it a bit disappointing, I'll get over it!

 

[Liquid Gold]

Does anybody have any data on what % of stadium capacity is taken up by season ticket holders for each team. I bet we do particularly badly on that.

 

[Liquid Gold]

I would doubt that Barnsley would get bigger gates though. More walk up on the day would mean money in the coffers.

But you buy players and agree contracts during the close season. Season ticket money is what clubs use to budget on. You couldn't agree to pay £100k for a player hoping you get x walk up during the season.

 

[smileycov]

I am looking at buying my first season ticket since the 90’s moved to London in 97 so attendance dropped. Now live in lincoln but have attended more last year than the previous 8 years! Loving football again, loving the feel good factor also. Will take my step daughter with me - just may have to wait until early bird finishes as a lot going out financially this and next month!! MR and the players deserve my support 3 hour round trip is nothing compared to the feel good factor we had last season. County away in play offs was an unbelievably good feeling both for me and throughout the fans atmosphere. I want more, so my commitment is my way of saying give it us!!