Everton Football Club has announced plans to freeze Season Ticket prices for all junior school children at only £5 per game (£95 per season) for the 2013/14 Premier League campaign.
Following its introduction this season, the £95 Season Ticket has proved an overwhelming success and led to a whole new generation of Evertonians flocking to Goodison Park.
>>> 2013/14 Season Tickets: All the details
The number of under-16s securing a full Season Ticket increased by 39% for the 2012/13 season and this was followed by a 157% increase in the number of juniors becoming Half Season Ticket holders since December.
To continue bringing youngsters through the turnstiles and make football affordable for families, the Club has committed to maintain the low-price Season Ticket for children in Year 6 or below, and junior Blues (school years 7-11) will have their prices FROZEN in all areas of the stadium, including the Family Enclosure.
Season Tickets for 2013/14 will go on sale on March 11, with the Early Bird window open until 19 April.
As the Blues reveal their overall pricing structure for the 2013/14 Premier League campaign, it is hoped that the upturn in Season Ticket sales will continue for the forthcoming season.
This season, there was a 6.35% increase in the number of supporters securing their seat at Goodison Park and to date, attendances are up 10.64% compared to the same time last year.
Ticket prices were determined following extensive consultation with key supporter groups and, along with prioritising junior supporters, the Club has ensured that loyalty is rewarded by guaranteeing the biggest discounts to those supporters planning to renew.
Returning adult Season Ticket holders will see an increase of only £1.03 per Premier League game, on average. So an adult Season Ticket holder in the Lower Gwladys or Lower Bullens who paid £474.75 for this season, will pay £494.25 for the next campaign; in the Main Stand £546 [£565.50]; and in the Park End £560.25 [£579.75].
Those purchasing on or before the Early Bird deadline on 19 April will benefit from a minimum 25% discount based on individual match prices.
Match ticket-purchasing fans planning to upgrade to Season Ticket holder status for the first time in 2013/14, will receive a minimum 20% discount during the Early Bird window.
Chief Executive Robert Elstone said: “Every year we spend a lot of time considering Season Ticket pricing.
“We appreciate that buying a Season Ticket is the single biggest commitment that a supporter can make to the Club and, on the other hand, Season Tickets make up the biggest proportion of our matchday income, so we have to make sure the pricing is right for us and it’s right for the fans too.
“Once again this year we have spoken to supporters, including the Fans’ Forum, about the pricing structure, and we are proud that we are continuing to offer our youngest fans the opportunity to come through the turnstiles for the incredible price of £5 per Premier League game.
“Loyalty also played a significant part in formulating this year’s prices and renewing Season Ticket holders will receive the biggest benefits."
He added: “As a result of our 2012/13 pricing structure, it does mean a small average increase but the vast majority of our Season Ticket holders (based on returning adult early bird) will see an increase of only £1.03 per Premier League game so we still feel it is great value and remains as competitive as possible.”
Highlights of the 2013/14 Season Ticket offer:
•Under 11s Season Ticket FROZEN at £95 •Adult Season Ticket from £426.69 •Concession Season Ticket from £313.82 •Junior prices FROZEN... cheapest from £149 •Minimum 25% DISCOUNT for Early Bird renewal •Minimum 20% DISCOUNT for Early Bird New Season Ticket holders
Season Ticket application packs will start arriving from Monday 11 March. Supporters are encouraged to renew/purchase from Monday 11 March at evertonfc.com/seasontickets, in person by visiting the Goodison Park Box Office or Everton Two during normal opening hours or by calling 0871 663 1878.
The Club will also provide the regular financing offers that have helped ease the process of paying for your Everton Season Ticket in recent years. The Everton MasterCard will again offer 0% interest on selected Season Ticket purchases (for nine months), while the Direct Debit scheme remains in place, offering more flexible repayment terms.