Manchester City and Liverpool become latest sides to increase average ticket prices for 2011-12 Premier League season

FA Cup Final,Carlos Tevez,Manchester City vs Stoke City

Related Links

Teams

Premier League clubs Manchester City and Liverpool have announced they are increasing the average ticket price for next season.

Manchester City fans will expect to pay an extra six per cent for match tickets next season, whilst Liverpool have increased the prices of their tickets by six and-a-half%, both of which are similar to the rise Arsenal recently announced.

In an attempt to justify the increase, Manchester City have highlighted new projects that look to encourage more children and pensioners to attend matches with the club freezing the prices for several packages.

A City spokesman said: “The club has carefully considered its pricing policy and has frozen prices for over-65s throughout the stadium and those for family stand level one.

“The incredible £260 value adult membership has been retained, which, at just over £13.50 per game, is bettered by only a handful of clubs in all four tiers of English football.

“Although some memberships will see prices rise, they are in line with inflation, the increased rate of VAT, and the investment in improved facilities.

“The improved cup scheme also offers the benefit of a £15 price cap up until the quarter-final.”

City have made these changes at a time when the future is as bright as it has ever been, on the back of winning the FA Cup and qualifying for the Champions League.

Meanwhile, Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre declared the changes have been made to keep the club in compliance with the rest of the market and to ensure the club can still compete on the pitch.

“We have taken a considered view on these prices,” said Ayre. “Taking into account the state of the economy, our ability to compete in a competitive football market and our aspirations for the 2011-12 season.

“Liverpool Football Club is facing growing levels of inflation which increases the cost of goods and services to the club, as much as any other business.

“The Consumer Price Index rate of inflation is standing at 4½ per cent and, taking this into account, we aimed to align the rise in match day tickets closely to this level only.

“In the case of season tickets, we have also added the revised rate of VAT set by the Government which came into force in January.

“We believe that this rise represents the fairest level of increase we could offer, while helping to ensure we maintain our significantly reduced debt position and our aspirations to improve our playing squad.

“We believe this will allow us to be competitive and maintain our ability to challenge our main competitors, many of whom have significantly higher capacities at this time.”