Going on a day out to the football is one of the United Kingdom’s favourite ways to forget about the stresses of daily life, with over 30 million Brits attending live football matches each year. But, in a time of great financial uncertainty is the football still an affordable day out for everyone?
This graph shows the prices of concessions across four Yorkshire based football clubs during the 22/23 season:
These statistics show the cost of an adult ticket, an item of hot food, two pints of beer and a matchday programme which can cost up to £45 in total. This data does not take into account transport to the stadium, as well as any family members that may also have to be paid for.
Lifelong Leeds United fan, Henry Rigg goes to every home natch with his son and has said: “Including the cost of the ticket, refreshments and travel I’ll spend around £70-£80 on a matchday.” He went on to highlight the issue of high concession prices, he said “Ticket prices are okay, but the prices inside the ground are quite expensive.”
The past year has seen a cost of living crisis hit the UK, with gas and electricity bills sky rocketing, impacting everyone across the country, particularly the working class. With football having always been seen as a working class sport, should it not be made to be more accessible to those very people who are struggling to pay their bills and make ends meet? Or people who maybe do not have upwards of £50 to spend on a day out to the football these days?
Some clubs have reacted positively to the cost of living crisis. Secretary of the Bingley Bantam’s supporters branch of Bradford City said: “I think we would all like the food to be a little cheaper, but to be fair compared to most other clubs it’s okay. To be fair to the club the drink prices have come down a little bit this season.”
From the four clubs researched, Barnsley FC have the most affordable matchday experience at an average of £25. A much more affordable day out when compared to the other clubs, setting a great example to the rest of the football league.
