The new system, designed to bolster crowds to average out at over 10,000 per match, sees games divided by a two-tier system. Level One fixtures will include Heineken Cup and the traditionally well attended Magners League matches, while matches that have been less well attended in the past will be classified as Level Two.
In addition, Ospreys bosses have introduced a new system that will see supporters purchasing tickets ahead of a matchday receiving a £2 discount on the ticket’s price. Fans who sign up for the recently launched Ospreys Membership at £25 will receive an additional 10% discount on their ticket, reducing the cost still further. In addition, concessionary prices are available that will see OAPs paying as little £6 and U16 as little as £4, while admission for U12 in the family area is pinned at £3 for every match.
Ospreys Managing Director Roger Blyth said: “By introducing a two-level pricing system, we are able to reduce costs significantly for fixtures that traditionally draw a lower crowd, which we believe will lead to improved attendances for two reasons; the missing thousands who came to one match and not the other will be more likely to attend both thanks to it being more affordable. The reduced prices will also make it more attractive to casual supporters or first time visitors to come along and experience the Ospreys live at the Liberty Stadium.
“Our strategy is to make watching the Ospreys an affordable experience for everyone, which is why we have introduced discounted tickets for advance purchases and sizeable discounts on concessionary tickets for all areas, including child tickets for just £3 every game. In addition to this, we have looked at the way our crowds rise and fall depending on the opposition and have moved to try and avoid that happening next season.
“Last season was a successful one for us on and off the pitch, with Lyn Jones and his squad securing our second Magners League title in three years whilst we enjoyed another significant boost in our average crowds, which was quite an achievement considering the huge rise we had enjoyed the previous year thanks to our move to the Liberty Stadium.”
Crowds at the Liberty Stadium rose by six percent rise last year, up from 9,223 in the 2005-2006 season to 9,820.
“The challenge for us now off the pitch is to look to build our support level still further,” Blyth continued. “As we still have room within the Stadium to double our average crowd.
“We must look to do all we can to grow our support base, and after much consultation, we have come up with a strategy that we think will enable us to break the 10,000 average crowd barrier for the first time next season.”
Click here for full ticket price details on the Ospreys Rugby website
