'Early bird' offer for Chester FC season ticket holders

CHESTER FC has launched an exclusive ‘early bird’ offer for current season ticket holders after some criticised an initiative to boost crowds.

Last week the club announced it was cutting admission prices for the first home game of the season against Workington to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Exacta Stadium.

Fans going to the match on August 22 will pay the same price as when the Blues took on Stockport County in the first game at the stadium in 1992.

The club hopes to attract a bumper gate but some season ticket holders were unhappy the initiative had not been announced sooner.

The club has now confirmed all current adult and concession season ticket holders will be able to renew for the 2013/14 season next spring at an exclusive discounted rate.

A club statement reads: “We have listened to the reaction towards the Workington initiative and whilst some have welcomed it we recognise some have voiced concern.

“Our season ticket holders are a key group for the club and therefore we have decided to introduce an ‘early bird’ season ticket that current season ticket holders will able to take advantage of ahead of season 2013/14.”

Full details  will be made available later in the season. Season ticket holders had been offered £5 discounts on purchases over £30 in the club shop and that offer remains in place.

The club has also invited fans to suggest ways of increasing future attendances.
The statement adds: “The club is committed to growing our support base and will be trying a range of initiatives to reach out to potential supporters.

“One way to do this is to offer discounted entrance fees for selected matches like the schools initiatives that worked successfully last season – but there are other ways that will be explored – and we are always open to suggestions as to how we can increase our gates.

“As a supporter-led club we are of course keen to take supporters with us so always try to listen to feedback and respond accordingly.

“To continue to fulfil the potential of the club, the board believes we must strive to increase average attendances.

“So we would urge everyone to encourage people they know who are not regular attenders to take advantage of the 1992 prices for the Workington match to come down and see what they are missing.

“Then hopefully some will get the bug and keep coming back to the Exacta Stadium."