Are You Officially Priced Out Yet, Or Almost?

[gordondaviesmoustache]

Given that the drinking habits of some posters on this thread are such a source of irritation to others, I thought I'd use a....errr....drinking analogy to describe my feelings on this issue.

Comparing the price of a ticket in the eighties to today is like comparing the price of a keg pint of Trophy Bitter where the lines haven't beed cleaned for three months, with a beautifully kept pint of Timothy Taylor Landlord. Any one with the means would pay that extra to ensure the latter.

Sometimes, however, when a pub undergoes a refurb it loses something of itself and all the local characters who made that place such a colourful and interesting place to visit can no longer afford it, or feel like they don't belong anymore.

It would be very sad if our club became just another soulless, chain-boozer with better decor and products than previously, but with a much less redeeming set of customers to share the experience with.

There's no reason City can't improve the facilities, get a few new customers, but still retain all the old punters. None at all.

In my experience, pubs with a broad mix of customers, old and new, provide by far the most enjoyable night out.

It is in the club's strategic interests to differentiate itself from its competition. Keeping a watchful eye on ticket prices is a very cost effective way of delivering that. Any club employed corporate wanker with an iPad who can't see that is a shortsighted fool.

This clubs biggest marketing asset is its incredible narrative. Lose the rump of the people associated with that, and that narrative becomes palpably devalued. Is that really worth it for a few million quid a season?

Play the long game, City.

 

[urmston]

It's not just the prices that concern me.

The Premier League is just a league which is held in England, not an English league.

The overseas players in the league are superb, and since our new owners arrived I've enjoyed seeing the foreign superstars at City winning trophies, but when I'm at COMS I do feel slightly detached from the proceedings because I feel I'm watching a global, money spinning TV event which just happens to be held in my home city.

I don't think this matters to many young fans who have only known the big money era, and I don't think it matters to many of the middle-aged, middle class fans who have jumped on bandwagon since football became fashionable, but to a bloke like me who has watched City for over 50 years through thick and thin the present product is just a bit too slick, commercial, mercenary and soulless now.

 

[kiam06]

I put £12 per week into a savings account starting each July. Season ticket paid.

I've had times in my life when I've been out if work and still managed to do the same thing.

Did I miss out on the pub, latest shirt, sky TV? Yes but I went to watch City.

£12 per week who cannot afford that even on the most basic of wages?

 

[gmckennasell]

so according to this kiam bloke , we should stop drinking , eating , smoking so we can go and watch our beloved city , what a clown. His presumption is that people have not already cut down on essentials , to continue supporting their club , maybe the average working class supporter should consider not heating his home so he can go to match , is that the sort of thing kiam is recommending ? .His arrogance is beyond belief with an "I'm alright jack" attitude , i hope and pray his life tuns to shit (redundancy , family illness , etc it happens to a lot of people and its totally out of their control ) and he has to make hard decisions , it couldnt happen to a nicer guy.

 

[Paulmcfc2703]

It's not well said at all CHB.
Kiam is obviously still very young and has no responsibilities...family,kids etc.
Saving money is actually quite hard to do. I don't need to (65k coming in my house) but his lack of understanding twds other peoples finances is simply shite!

Ask yourself do you buy takeaway food? Alcohol? Do you take sandwiches to work on the cheap rather than spending large amounts on shop bought food?

I understand people have family commitments but the people who plead poverty are usually the ones who want to have their cake and eat it.

Either save and go or keep eating and buying crap and don't go simple.

I could break the coc a thousand times over but to be be honest, you're not even close to being worth it.

Maybe when (if) you mature, you'll think back to your last post and remember it with a combination of embarrassment and shame.

Anyway, off to talk to folk with a moral compass.

Dav I wouldn't even waste your time with him mate. When the season starts and the empty seats appear he will be on bitching about that and then about people leaving early despite that being an individual's choice too.

He seems to enjoy moaning about fellow blues. Whatever gets him through the day I suppose.

 

[herrock]

I put £12 per week into a savings account starting each July. Season ticket paid.

I've had times in my life when I've been out if work and still managed to do the same thing.

Did I miss out on the pub, latest shirt, sky TV? Yes but I went to watch City.

£12 per week who cannot afford that even on the most basic of wages?

You are using some serious bait on that fishing line.

 

[CheethamHillBlue]

Well said SHB and D19. Breathtaking ignorance/arrogance from this Kiam bloke. How the hell can he know about individual blues' financial situation? Try putting your brain in gear next time before you post Kiam.

I believe Kiam meant some people will HAVE to make choices to save money. My lad has let his S/T go for the first time since 1994.
He's nearly 28 and not had a holiday for 2 years so has said 'Fook it. I can't afford both. I'm taking er indoors on holiday'
They call it life's choices. We can't all afford a top of the range motor. Some can, some can't.
Why should football be any different?

You can buy a cheaper car. You can't change the team you support.

Many people have to make less journey's in their car these days due to the price of fuel.
Maybe they could make less matches and still support the team?

 

[kiam06]

so according to this kiam bloke , we should stop drinking , eating , smoking so we can go and watch our beloved city , what a clown. His presumption is that people have not already cut down on essentials , to continue supporting their club , maybe the average working class supporter should consider not heating his home so he can go to match , is that the sort of thing kiam is recommending ? .His arrogance is beyond belief with an "I'm alright jack" attitude , i hope and pray his life tuns to shit (redundancy , family illness , etc it happens to a lot of people and its totally out of their control ) and he has to make hard decisions , it couldnt happen to a nicer guy.

What a sad post to read from a fellow blue I'd like to think the Mods would ban you for such a disgusting vile attack on a blue.

For the record I do keep the heating off when I can.

You keep drinking smoking and moaning.

 

[BlueRob01]

Of course football SHOULD be different. That's the whole point.
Ok, it isn't, but it bloody well should be.
Lots of people have to make lifes choices forced by other peoples greed.
Your argument may be economically factual, but is morally bankrupt.

I suppose you've spent the last 5 years writing to City asking them to stop spending millions on players and winning cups and titles 'cos football is different and should be affordable to the people who have watched City since 1970'
Do you not think it is football that is 'morally bankrupt' as opposed to my comments?

Totally fair point, not unexpected and one I have of course personally considered on many a trip to Wembley etc.
Of course football is morally bankrupt. As are your comments.
Like most of us I have an inbred love of our club and football as a passion.
Doesn't make it right though.
As I said earlier - the sly gentrification of the South Stand for example , with higher % rises than any other part of the ground again will end up in only one end result for most of us. Not only we we not be able to afford to go - we probably won't want to as the magic will finally be soured beyond repair. Forever.

 

[kiam06]

I put £12 per week into a savings account starting each July. Season ticket paid.

I've had times in my life when I've been out if work and still managed to do the same thing.

Did I miss out on the pub, latest shirt, sky TV? Yes but I went to watch City.

£12 per week who cannot afford that even on the most basic of wages?

You are using some serious bait on that fishing line.

What's bait am I living on another planet?

I'm saying budget and other people on here are saying 'why should I' and I'm in the wrong?