GAA must strike right balance on admission prices
I’VE highlighted the topic of ticket prices before and it’s one I feel I need to revisit. Why did the GAA get rid of the concessions for students and OAPs who, previously, would buy a full ticket and then get a refund on the gate?
Games are all-ticket now with cash removed from the equation which presents a dilemma.
But I don’t think the removal of those concessions is the right way to go.
Prices had previously risen to €20 for a Division 1 Allianz
League game, so the GAA can argue that with the cost back at €15, it effectively equates to a concession for everyone.
It is to the GAA’s credit that under 16s still get free admission but young men and women at college are paying full rate to see a game.
For some, money is tight. You hear about food banks operating in colleges. It’s equally difficult for many OAPs. I believe full price for those two categories will keep people away.
And we want to encourage people to go to our games.
A fiver for students is plenty. The odd lad might chance his arm but that would be a rarity.
Division 1 was €20, now it’s €15. So there was a reduction. The GAA are trying to find the right balance. I’m just not sure they have it fully right yet.
Cash is gone – and all-ticket is certainly so much more straightforward to deal with. We’ve certainly found that in Offaly. We’re not going back. It’s just about finding the right pricing system for all.