TV money prompts Blackburn to cut ticket prices

One impact from the English Premier League's high-priced deal is that Blackburn will pass the savings along to its paying customers.

Fearing supporters are being left out among the money-hungry clubs, Blackburn will cut prices.

"Our view is that some of this new money must be returned to our supporters in admission prices," chief executive John Williams, said. "We have not worked the detail out yet, whether to reduce prices across the board or offer more concessions for children and families, but most clubs apart from the biggest have a problem with crowds, and it is crucial that the game remains a live spectacle."

While Williams said he knew that prices were driving fans away, it was tough to cut prices because the club needed fund to compete with the wealthier clubs.

But with the TV windfall, Williams has his opening for a cut.

The Premier League concluded a GBP 625 million overseas rights deal last week, bringing the TV total to GBP 2.7 billion for the 2007-10 seasons. Each club should pull in GBP 40 million next year alone.

Manchester United's expanded, 76,000-capacity Old Trafford and Arsenal's new 60,000-seat Emirates Stadium continue to sell out at record ticket prices, but clubs such as Blackburn, Bolton, Wigan and Fulham, and Middlesbrough and Aston Villa have had large empty gaps in the stands.

Blackburn, standing10th in the league, has struggled to fill the grounds to even two-thirds of its 31,367 capacity.

Tickets to a Blackburn match currently cost between GBP 15 and GBP 39 for adult tickets. By comparison, the top price at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium is GBP 94.

Prices are but one factor turning off fans. Many are tired of kick-off times get constantly changed for TV.

Williams is pushing a change to TV money distribution within the league, feeling the current system benefits the wealthier clubs. The Football League also is trying to discuss how its 72 member clubs can get a cut of the TV pie.

Championship clubs are concerned that the GBP 6 million a season "parachute payments" paid to the three relegated clubs. That will grow to GBP 10 million-GBP 12 million next season.

"The Premier League is becoming increasingly predictable," Williams said. "While it is good we still have a title race, most people can name at the beginning of the season who the top four clubs will be. Although we have to remain as competitive as we can, we are committing to returning some of the increase in TV money to our supporters from next season."

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