Fans frustrated by match day ticket price rises

Fans are becoming increasingly frustrated at the practice of clubs charging more for tickets bought on the day of the game.

Wigan supporters have taken to Twitter to complain that their entry to Sunday’s away game at Salford will cost an eye-watering £27 – unless they buy their ticket in advance, which will still cost £25.

I’ll only know if I can go on the day so it’ll cost me £27 ? Do one @SalfordDevils Why do Rugby League clubs make attending games more difficult. https://t.co/NmdUsPJDmV

— Alex Tyrer Graham (@AlexG6) March 19, 2019

Salford aren’t the only culprits, with Castleford, Hull, Hull KR, Leeds, and Wakefield all doing the same in the top flight.

The theory is that charging less for advanced purchases encourages people to buy early, giving clubs a better indication of the attendance, while also removing the variables that may put people off on the day of a game, such as the weather.

But that doesn’t take in to account the number of people who may be put off on the day of the game by the fact prices have increased, if they decide to attend late on, or indeed if their plans change.

I was thinking of going on Sunday but won't know until Sunday morning. £27 on the gate is ridiculous! https://t.co/2ZtWZJZSh2

— Si Hill ? ⚪ ? (@SiHill88) March 19, 2019

We went online to purchase tickets for the next home game as an away fan of all 12 Super League clubs to find out the cost if bought in advance, and how much it increases if bought at the ground on the day (if advertised).

Where there were multiple price points for different areas of the ground, we took a mid-range option.

*Castleford charge £1 booking fee online

That makes Salford the most expensive ground to visit in terms of advanced ticket prices, and only equalled by Leeds on match day.

Hull’s prices jump £5, almost 25%, if bought on a match day instead of in advance.