Brighton sell out at each home match at the moment - about 27,000 attendance. What are they doing right? Is it just success in the league, a new stadium and the fact that they are 45 miles from the nearest premiership football club?

Alternatively, have they got the football 'package' right with their analysis of fan 'segmentation' - loosely what different ages of supporters want out of the 'match day experience' - and pricing?

There is talk of the 'missing' generation in football and how to get bums on seats again. This has been discussed many times before but how about letting kids in for free if accompanied by a parent thereby getting kids interested at an early age. Once you've got the football bug then you've got it for life and thereby generating support for the future. Giving free vouchers for tickets out at school might work as well?

I think you'll find that Bradford City offer similar cheap prices and special offers, £199 for a season ticket I believe (23 home league matches). They are very aware of keeping football affordable in a recession and had an average attendance of nearly 10,500 last season. Note that was last season where they finished 7 off the bottom of the entire Football League and therefore well before their tremendous exploits in reaching a major final at Wembley this week.

Think the only was to get bums on seats is to reduce admission prices. The season ticket package is decent value but people like myself can`t attend every home game so it`s pointless buying. £13 to watch 3rd tier football is ridiculous. You get into Newcastle for £15! Agree kids should get in free if accompanied with a paying adult and try get them to keep supporting the Fife instead of jumping on the OF bandwaggon. Also need more flyers in shop windows, bus stops, etc.. Just a thought.

Partick Thistle:
Season 2011/12 - Highest attendance: 3380. Lowest attendance: 1439.

Season 2012/13 - Highest attendance: 5268. Lowest attendance: 2221.

Source: Wikipedia


One Thistle

Thistle Ultras

Mates Rates

Of course Thistles crowds have nothing to do with them playing good football,winning and being second top of the division vying for the league.

I dont think reducing prices would increase attendances dramatically if the product on the pitch is pish.If someones not willing to pay say £15 to watch pish why would they pay £12 to watch the same pish?

Have a few lines on this in programme column this week. No other buisness would ignore the impact of price on demand. If demand is high prices can be inflated with minimal effect. If its not then prices should reflect competition which in Fife is generally
not other football games.

Of course Thistle's on-field performances have had an effect on their attendance.

Their general admission price is £17, same as Rovers and £1 more than DAFC. They're targetting their deals at people who introduce new season ticket holders to the club and making it free for kids. The general entry price has to be similar to others in the league so the club can attract the players to generate the onfield performances.

But once you've got the players, you need the crowds to cheer them on. It's a chicken & egg thing.

Incidentally, adult tickets for Brightons game against Blackburn on Tues 12th Feb range from £28 to £39.

I agree that general price reductions are not the way forward. Not unless as part of a price cap rule, where all teams in the league are equal. Special deals for kids and other offers to increase our attendances though, that's another matter. That's more about building the supporter base for the future.

The brighton and hove area has a population of around 500000, the levenmouth and east neuk about 100000 if that, and 90% probably support rangers or celtic so theres your answer right there.