PSL fans set for ticket price hike

STADIUM Management South Africa (SMSA) managing director Bertie Grobbelaar says the Soweto giants could consider increasing ticket prices to cover additional costs following the opening of the stadiums to 50% capacity.

After a two-year ban from stadiums owing to Covid-19, fans were expected to return to stadiums, starting with the Nedbank Cup quarter-final tie between Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila and SuperSport United last night.

While all the tickets for this weekend’s action were capped at R40, there could be drastic changes going into the league matches from next week.

SMSA, which is responsible for the management of the FNB Stadium, Orlando, Rand and Dobsonville, says Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Swallows FC could increase ticket prices for their league matches until the end of the season.

“I don’t know the ticket prices yet. The clubs that I am dealing with are still in discussion to find a way (that will be suitable for everyone),” Grobbelaar told IOL Sport.

“If there’s an increased expenditure then costs need to balance that with your income. So, I’m waiting on the guidance of the club on the ticket prices.”

Asked whether that meant an increment in ticket prices, Grobbelaar said: “I think there might be a possibility.”

Despite the fact that venues can be filled to 50% capacity, the Covid19 protocols – social distance, verification of the vaccine certificate or negative PCR test taken no longer than 72 hours prior– and SASREA Act regulations still need to be adhered to. These factors could lead to a spike in ticket prices.

“We are again amending some of our plans that will be ready by Monday where we’ll start doing the marketing and promotion of what we are planning to do,” Grobbelaar said.

“But it’s the additional layout of security. There’s a fine line to find the balancing act between costs and the ticket income. The cost increased a whole lot with the new requirements. It doesn’t only depend on the amount of the spectators, but the infrastructure, electricity and so forth.

“We also need additional security and fencing. So, the cost could increase by 30%.”

For this weekend, the PSL confirmed that the medical verification process will be done manually, although they’ve called for the Department of Health to erect vaccination tents outside the stadium where supporters can easily get the jab.

While most stadiums will welcome back supporters for the first time, Loftus Versfeld, the home of champions Mamelodi Sundowns, have already hosted spectators under the new regulations. Loftus is also the home to rugby franchise, the Vodacom Bulls.

“It is fulfilling to see fans, who have been starved of what they love, for the past couple of years, once again enjoying the experience of being back at stadiums,” the Blue Bulls Company chief commercial manager Stefan van der Merwe said.