BBC Report – League 2 Details For 2016

The BBC’s Price of Football annual survey was released late last night, and their investigation shows that the price of League Two football has fallen on average compared to 2016/17.

Compared to the last survey the (2015/16), the BBC found that ticket prices alone in League Two had either been frozen (and found a benefit from inflation) or had been cut full stop for three quarters of the clubs in the division.

The BBC found that the average cost of the cheapest matchday ticket in the division comes to £18.70, whilst the most expensive on average isn’t that far ahead, topping out at £22.87.

Season tickets on average though rose to £273.80 and that is
5% up on last season, but in some ways balancing that, the most expensive season ticket on average fell by £5 to £385.03.

For ticket specifics, Colchester United continue to have the most expensive matchday ticket in League Two following their relegation, but they have reduced prices in all ticket categories this year.

Wycombe Wanderers offer the cheapest matchday price at £15, but they still beat Blackpool, Cambridge United, Crewe Alexandra, Doncaster Rovers, Newport County and Stevenage, who have also rediced prices this year.

For 2016/17 Leyton Orient did put a price rise on tickets, but they still have the cheapest season ticket in the division with a price of £190, whilst Morecambe have the most expensive priced at £519. Morecambe would however point to the successful uptake of early bird season tickets which were priced at only £269.

In terms of ticket price, the obligatory pie, cuppa and programme, Wycombe Wanderers win that battle at £22.90.

For concessions, Accrington Stanley, Blackpool, Leyton Orient and Stevenage charge £2.50 a pie, whilst Morecambe’s award winning pie is the most expensive at £3.50.

Accrington, Colchester United, Portsmouth and Stevenage also have the cheapest cup of tea at £1, with Doncaster charging the most at £2.10.

Programme prices remain the same as 2015/16 levels, other that Blackpool who dropped their’s from £3 to £2 following relegation, and they are the cheapest read along with Carlisle United. Newport are most expensive at £3.50.

In terms of shirts, Crawley Town are the cheapest with an adult price of £35 and a junior cost of £25, whereas Barnet top the charts as most expensive with £49.90 for an adult, and £41.59 for junior.

The BBC point out three clubs for a more community feel in their report.

Stevenage are giving away free stickers in matchday programmes and there are 32 to collect across the season, made up of current players, club legends, management and the obligatory mascot and fans (younger you assume!) can also get a wallchart to house them from the club.

Carlisle recognise modern working patterns by offering membership schemes aimed at service workers, shift workers and those with irregular hours to offer them some, and similar benefits, you would expect from a season ticket.

And finally, Portsmouth offer 10,000 free tickets every season to the local community.

As the data is sifted through, the above link will lead you to club specific information, but as ever, Vital Football will give a club by club breakdown in the coming days.