Arsenal announce distasteful ticket price decision

Just when the mood in and around Arsenal was beaming with positivity and the connection between the club and its fans had never been stronger, they drop this news.

February went brilliantly for Arsenal. Mikel Arteta‘s side won all three of their Premier League fixtures, with the most recent 2-1 victory over Wolves one of the most memorable nights the Emirates Stadium has seen for many years.

The atmosphere was electric, and Arsenal feels united.

So, with the weekend over, one of the worst kept secrets has finally been made public with Arsenal confirming that a 4% price increase on season tickets and matchday tickets is set to be implemented for the 2022/23 season.

Arsenal announce distasteful 4% ticket price decision with the club raising prices on season and matchday tickets – causing huge negativity

"“After holding General Admission ticket prices flat for seven consecutive seasons, all season tickets and matchday tickets will be going up by 4% for season 2022/23,” the club confirmed in their statement.“This is the first stadium-wide price increase we have made since 2014. […] In addition, we will be investing in improving Emirates Stadium; this includes a major refurbishment of the roof, new big screens, turnstile readers to speed up entry, and the wraps outside Emirates Stadium.”“We recognise that no one welcomes price increases, and this decision has not been taken lightly. 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 our finances to a break-even position in the medium term.”"

The club don’t always make the right decisions, but they’ve really got it horribly wrong on this one.

Understandably, when the financials are released in the coming days and weeks they’re not just going to look appalling, they will be appalling. The pandemic and lack of matchday revenue has crippled football finances across the world, and Arsenal’s lack of European involvement has impacted finances further.

But everyone’s pockets have suffered. Match going fans, especially at Arsenal, already pay astronomical ticket prices, and raising that by a further 4% – the AST say this should generate Arsenal and extra £3.8m during 2022/23 – is going to be a drop in the ocean for the impending accounts. How much will that truly help?

Is that small financial gain worth the negativity this creates? Absolutely not, especially now when revenues are increasing. Current inflation rates are being brought up yet the club is now earning more money than ever from TV, while it also ignores all the previous season ticket price hikes, and the likelihood of European football next season will see further increases in revenue. There is no need for it. Stop punishing the match going fan.

The concessions offered to younger fans is certainly positive and something everyone should welcome, but the rise in ticket prices comes across as a real kick in the teeth, particularly at this moment in time. It’s as if the club have waited for the fans to be a cheerful as possible before dropping this one everyone’s heads. From their point of view, they were better off announcing it when the team is playing well, of course.

Nonetheless, as ever, it’s hugely unwelcome.