Cough up: Chelsea have increased the price of
their tickets for 2011-12
Chelsea
have chosen the week they
crashed out of Europe to announce inflated ticket prices for next
season.
With the club's current campaign destined to end without a
trophy, Chelsea fans have been told they will have to pay more to
watch their team in 2011-2012.
Barclays Premier League matches against Arsenal, Liverpool,
Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will now
be classed as 'AA' games, with prices rising from £70 to £82 for
the best seats in the West Upper stand.
Prices for category A and B league matches will remain the same,
but season ticket costs have risen to incorporate the new band of
top matches.
A seat in the East Family Upper cost £550 this season, but has
now risen to £595, with a season ticket in the West Upper
increasing by £40 to £1,250.
Competitive: Gourlay justified the rise
FA Cup matches will also increase from £25.50 to £30,
subject to the agreement of the opposition club.
Chief executive Ron Gourlay said: 'We believe the new ticket
prices strike the right balance between the commercial needs of the
club and value for money for our fans.
'We have taken on board the supporters' wishes to help younger
fans by extending our concessions from under 16s to under 17s and
we fully intend to increase by a further year in the following
season.
'Our prices are competitive when set against our rivals and our
season tickets in particular represent a significant saving
compared to the equivalent cost of purchasing matchday
tickets.'
Tickets for matches will go on sale 42 days in advance instead
of the current 28 days.