Rochdale chief “disappointed” with club’s season ticket sales
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
Rochdale Hornets chief executive Steve Kerr has expressed his disappointment at the number of season tickets the club has sold ahead of the new campaign.
Although the new League 1 season gets underway next weekend, Rochdale’s first game isn’t until March 5 when they welcome Doncaster to the Crown Oil Arena.
They will have a Challenge Cup game before then though, having been drawn at home to London Skolars in the second round on February 25/26.
But despite recent progress off the field, including an announcement to develop new facilities for the community, backing from fans seems to be lacking.
The club deserves more
Rochdale’s average crowd in 2022 was 521, including a season high 963 against League 1 champions Keighley and 735 in their play-off eliminator victory over Oldham.
Steve Kerr said in a statement: “I must express my disappointment at the number of season tickets sold for the forthcoming season. This club deserves more and that’s the truth.
“If Rochdalians, sports fans and rugby fans in this town want a successful professional rugby league club, they need to vote with their feet.
“Whilst we understand money can be tight this time of year, we absolutely feel the ticketing price is on point and represents good value.
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“The board, management and staff are working tirelessly to make this club a success. Recent announcements such as our vision for a community club and our ambition to become one of the most inclusive and diverse clubs in rugby league point directly to the hard work being done.
“The board and directors can only do so much, this is your club, the future is directly in your hands.
“With four weeks to go until the start of the season, we need to see more season tickets sales – we can’t sugar coat that. Now is the time to back the club and all you need to do is buy a season ticket and if you can go one step further and introduce someone to the club that would massive.”
On the field, Rochdale have played two friendlies so far, going down to Widnes and Oldham.
Coach Gary Thornton has made no fewer than 26 new signings in a complete rebuild of the Hornets squad, which has seen big names Rangi Chase, Fuifui Moimoi and Gregg McNally depart.
Rochdale season tickets are priced at £150 for adults, £50 for students and £30 for under 16s.