The Premier League has agreed that each of the 20 clubs will spend £200,000 each on subsidising costs for away fans as part of a new £12m fund to halt the 10% decline in away fans.
West Ham announced they are looking at a host of offers, incentives and actions aimed at travelling supporters, including affordable tickets, reduced-price coach travel and enhanced match day experiences.
They also announced a commitment to six Kids for a Quid fixtures available to visiting supporters during the 2013/14 season.
West Ham are also investigating reciprocal ticketing arrangements with other Premier League clubs, as well as the significant benefits of reduced booking fees, ticket prices and coach travel for Season Ticket holders and members.
Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Swansea, Fulham, Crystal Palace and Sunderland have all offered either discounts or deals on tickets.
Free transport has been made available by clubs including Hull, Aston Villa and Stoke, with the latter offering complimentary coach travel for all of their away matches this season
The Football Supporters’ Federation says ticket prices are the priority for away fans. FSF chief executive Kevin Miles says “We launched a campaign last season, ’Twenty’s Plenty’. We believe £20 is a reasonable price to pay as an away fan. Once you add in travel costs, away fans shouldn’t be expected to pay £50 and more to go to watch their team,”
It is understood that Newcastle United preparing to announce a reciprocal deal by which they will charge any club’s away fans £20 for a ticket, if their own away fans are given the same deal.
Let’s see how many clubs including West Ham take Newcastle up on that deal?
Earlier this season West Ham got an Initial allocation at Newcastle of 2,000 tickets rising to 3,200 depending on demand
Tickets were sold at £27 Adults, £22 Over-65s/Students with valid ID & £13 Under-18s
FSF ’Twenty’s Plenty’ campaign http://fsf.org.uk/petitions/20plenty/
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