Arsenal have raised their season ticket prices for the first time since 2014, with prices set to increase by at least 4 per cent as the club attempts to combat 'continued rising costs'.
The Gunners said the decision to increase ticket prices had 'not been taken lightly' but was a necessary step due to the financial pressures they are facing.
The club's latest financial accounts, to be published imminently, will show huge losses due to a combination of on-field struggles and off-field issues, including the enormous financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
The size of the increase in ticket prices will depend on whether Arsenal qualify for European football next season or not.
The average general admission season ticket price will rise by £49 to £1,268 if they qualify for the Champions League.
There will be an increase of £44 to £1,139 if they reach the Europa League, and an increase of £40 to £1,050 if they once again fail to qualify for European competition.
'We recognise that no one welcomes price increases, and this decision has not been taken lightly,' the club said.
'Ultimately in the face of continued rising costs, we need to continue to drive growth in all our revenue streams - including matchday - as part of our aim to return finances to a breakeven position in the medium term.'
Arsenal Supporters Trust have hit back as they believe that the 4% ticket price increase is unjustified at a time Arsenal’s overall revenues are increasing and fans are experiencing other pressures on their disposable income.
When presented with news of the increase at the recent Arsenal Advisory Board (AAB) and Fans Forum, the AST representatives present argued against the case for any increase.
Arsenal’s position is that in light of costs increasing much faster than revenues (and now consistently being in loss making territory) they need to develop all of their revenue streams to move the club back to financial sustainability.
They also pointed out this is the first across the board ticket price increase in seven seasons.
This price increase is forecast to generate an extra GBP 3.8m in the 22/23 season.
We pointed out to the club that in recent years they have secured big increases to other commercial and broadcast revenue streams and that the Premier League have just announced further big increases to future broadcast revenues and UEFA forecasting further increases too.
Arsenal can also expect a significant increase in their ticketing revenues as a result of likely qualification for European competitions next season.
On average Arsenal “gross” GBP3m per home game.
The club has also confirmed, that they are planning a multi-million pound investment in the Emirates Stadium.
The refurbishment will include repairs to the roof, as well as new big screens and turnstile readers.
For the 22/23 campaign, the cost of a general admission season ticket will actually decrease, despite the overall price rise, because of a 'cup tie credit' refund of £75.33.
The refund is due because Arsenal did not play any home matches in the FA Cup this season.
Arsenal have also announced a new discount of 25 per cent for supporters aged between 19 and 21, which comes in response to supporter feedback regarding younger fans.
Arsenal members aged 17 and 18, who have a discount of 57 per cent in the family enclosure, will now be able to use that discount in all general admission areas.