High prices force Bristol City group to avoid Hillsborough opener

Bristol City Supporters’ Club & Trust have announced that they will not be attending the opening match of the season at Hillsborough in protest at Sheffield Wednesday’s ticket prices.

Last week, Sheffield Wednesday announced its new ticket pricing plan that means Bristol City fans, as a Category B, team will pay £39 per adult away ticket. The club announced a wider range of categories this year compared with last, with the most expensive ticket, Category A* set at £52.

In a statement on their website, the Trust said: “Undoubtedly, many City fans now feel conflicted by the news that our first away game back in the Championship at Sheffield Wednesday is being charged at an astronomical £39.

“For some it just isn’t a choice, on top of travel and everything else an away day holds, it is just too expensive. For those that have already booked travel, you probably have to go or lose that money.

“For some of us, it is a matter of principle. It is going to hurt to do this, but the board of the Supporters Club & Trust have collectively decided not to attend this game.

“Nobody’s calling for a boycott, we just think it is a step too far. We think many City fans will vote likewise and choose not to go.

“Maybe in that way Sheffield Wednesday will get the message that this is unreasonable. After all, it will only cost Reading fans £25 when they go to Hillsborough. Where’s the sense in that?”

Bristol City’s initial allocation for the match was 1,000 tickets. The Trust told us that it is difficult to gauge how many will be avoiding the fixture due to high prices. Additionally, many have already booked travel for the fixture leaving them in a difficult position – for this reason the Trust decided against calling for a general boycott.

Displeasure at Sheffield Wednesday’s pricing isn’t limited to away fans visiting Hillsborough. Home fans are also taking action, setting up a petition challenging the club’s ticket price hike.

It’s been a week of eye-watering ticket price rises. West Ham United also published their ticket prices for their final season at Upton Park – with Category A adult ticket prices ranging from £60 to £85. Away fans visiting Upton Park this year will be paying £60 if they support a “Category A” team, and £45 for Category B.  

• Find out more about our Twenty’s Plenty for Away Tickets campaign here…

 Thanks to Robin Byles for the image used in this article. Reproduced here under CC licence.