Blackburn looks at loyalty programme

English Blackburn is pursuing a larger fan base via a loyalty card and lower ticket prices.

The club has brought in a team of marketing specialists to help with the campaign. Simon Williams is the new head of sales and marketing, with his directive to increase attendance figures and reward fans with reduced price tickets.

"Football faces real issues in terms of affordability and a decline in attendances," Williams said. "To continue to prosper, clubs need to show imagination to keep attracting fans.

"We need to remind supporters that the best way to enjoy Premiership football is watching it live in a stadium. However, we also need to recognise the reasons why fans stay away from games."

The loyalty card is being promoted on billboards, and is planned to give fans cheaper tickets for European matches and selected Premier League contests, with some home fixture tickets now expected to cost GBP 15.

Supporters using the loyalty programme will receive a sticker for every three games they attend, entitling them to GBP 10 off their next ticket once they have watched three in a row.

Season ticket holders will also receive reduced admission for the club's UEFA Cup matches.

The cost of watching top-flight football has soared for fans recently, with even the cheapest seats going for little under GBP 30 at many clubs.

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.