Tigers out to cash in on big one

RICHMOND is set to cash in on Saturday’s blockbuster against Collingwood, with ticket-price hikes hitting fans.

More than 85,000 people are expected to flood the MCG and the reigning premier has gone premium, thanks to the AFL’s variable and dynamic pricing system.

Variable pricing allows the Tigers to set their base seat rate for each match depending on appeal, while dynamic pricing lets them raise that price by up to $20 ahead of match day.

Richmond yesterday refused to confirm the original starting price for tickets to the Collingwood game.

But a level-one wing seat has increased by $10, from $55 to $65, in the past week.

The Tigers are charging $47 for a level-four seat for Saturday’s uber clash — the same seat will cost a Tigers fan $35 in Round 23 against the Bulldogs.

When the Demons host the Swans and Collingwood plays Port Adelaide at the ‘ G later this year, the same level-four seat is $25.

In the past week, the Tigers increased their level-four seat for Round 19 by $2 while a level-two wing seat has gone from $70 to $75.

Scalpers are set to profit from Saturday’s blockbuster, with one re-sale site offering four seats on level one on the wing for $258 each.

Fans can secure two levelfour seats, way up in the heavens, from the same site for $195.

The AFL forces all clubs to sell some $25 generaladmission tickets, but then clubs set their own prices for other seat categories.

Richmond yesterday warned there was a limited number of public tickets left and encouraged supporters to buy or upgrade their general admission membership to a reserved seat to avoid missing out.

In 2016, the AFL declared its dynamic pricing policy would benefit fans and was aimed at increasing attendance.