To Be Or Not To Be... A Member

Amongst the angst over the on-pitch performances, the Bulls board will be pondering ticket prices for next season.

The Bulls have, since their return to the League, been consistently in the bottom two for ticket prices with the result the current predicament in the League table. Average ticket prices, for matchday Adult admission, are £19.54 for seating and £16.94 for terracing in League Two - nearly £3.50 and £3 over the current pricing at Edgar Street.

Realistically the Bulls need to raise ticket prices, but the need for the Bulls to be financially competitive must be balanced with keeping costs down for the average supporter, so will following other clubs in offering discounts be the way to go?

Many clubs reduce their prices by offering discounted advance tickets, or discounts for club members. Five clubs offered advance tickets this season, giving discounts of up to £3 on normal ticket prices. Several clubs have also introduced membership schemes allowing club members, typically paying £20 to £30 for membership, discounts of up to £3.50 per match.

Advance ticket schemes require fans to make additional trips to Edgar Street to buy and collect tickets ahead of matches. Such trips, especially with a good chunk of Bulls fans living outside the city, can prove to not be cost-effective and are often needed when fans should otherwise be working.

Possibly best for the Bulls is a return of a membership scheme. There was previously a scheme, introduced in the early 1990's, that offered guaranteed cup tickets and discounts in the club shop for £6. With cup matches rare, and club shop stock changing little during tough financial times for the club, the scheme withered and was eventually succeeded by HUISA membership offering the same deals.

However, back in those days the idea of offering discounted tickets to reward loyal fans was practically unheard of. Now, for £20, Crewe fans can get £3 off the cost of each game with no need for advance purchase, as well as club shop discounts and away travel discounts. A fan can watch just seven games before earning their money back. For £50 Bradford go even further, handing £10 a game discounts to their fans.

So should the Bulls launch a similar scheme? Let us know your thoughts by email, on Twitter, or on the forums.

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