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As a Southampton season ticket holder, I had mixed feelings when the club announced its details of season ticket prices for the upcoming 2017/18 Premier League campaign (yes, I am assuming we won't be getting relegated this season).
There are some positives for sure. There is a new family area in the Itchen South which will provide cheaper tickets and a better, friendly atmosphere for budding Saints fans to fall in love with the club.
In addition, the news of frozen ticket prices is largely positive, though people will rightly point out the club has come into a lot of TV money and there should have been a proper revamp of ticket pricing as last season came to a close.
However, the biggest change is the fact those buying season tickets for the first time will get theirs at the same price of those who are renewing.
This is new. Up until now, season ticket renewals were always cheaper than buying one for the first time. Rightfully, some people are annoyed by this change, while others are totally apathetic about it all.
#SaintsFC quick poll: Should Southampton do more to reward those renewing season tickets with cheaper prices than those buying a new one?
— St. Mary's Musings (@StMarysMusings) March 29, 2017
Of the 123 Saints fans polled, 70% believe loyalty should be rewarded and those renewing tickets should pay less than a first-time buyer. Though, the below response is typical and something the club most likely thought would be the general feeling.
@StMarysMusings They should, but not rewarding us wouldn't stop me from renewing mine. #saintsfc
— Ian Lane (@19Saintian84) March 29, 2017
Others are less pleased:
@SouthamptonFC please tell me this is just new season tickets and not renewals....
— Kieran Kater (@kierannkater98) March 28, 2017
@SouthamptonFC can you explain why theres no credit 4 r loyalty anymore? Long term season ticket holders used to mean something to the club
— Ian Simpson (@Ianofsimpson) March 28, 2017
@SouthamptonFC can you explain why theres no credit 4 r loyalty anymore? Long term season ticket holders used to mean something to the club
— Ian Simpson (@Ianofsimpson) March 28, 2017
Judging by social media (which is always dodgy territory), most fans seemed annoyed at the changes, but will ultimately renew their season tickets anyway.
Saints fans such as @TheUnknownAbyss say this move will be beneficial in helping the club bring in more fans to St. Mary's.
But the overriding sense I have is that those renewing season tickets should do so at a discounted price as was always the case before.