It’s only mid-June but don’t expect to get a new FC Bruges subscription, the 20,000 or so tickets have already been sold. Be patient if you figure “among the 2,000 supporters on the waiting list” in Anderlecht. Don’t miss the 120th anniversary season of Sporting de Charleroi. And tell yourself that Standard had the good taste not to increase its prices after a dramatic season.
Different formulas
Like a chestnut tree, the Pro League clubs have launched their (re)subscription campaign. A moment as important as the money it represents. According to a Deloitte report published in 2021, ticketing (all competitions combined) represents 25% of club revenue, of which, for some, 10% comes from subscriptions.
Each club has its own offer and specific features, whether it is a renewal or a new subscription; a place in the side stand or behind a goal; whether you are a minor, an adult, a senior or have a disability.
Attention. In our report (see infographic), it is important to emphasize that some clubs include the playoffs in their subscription and others do not.
Big increase in Antwerp, Charleroi tries to build loyalty
After a good season (3rd), Anderlecht slightly increased its prices – unlike last season -, in particular by capitalizing on the exhilarating atmosphere created at Lotto Park with pyrotechnic shows and light shows. The RSCA intends to remain “the best home team.” The club announces that free sales for fans registered on the waiting list before May 1 will begin this Tuesday, June 18.
If Charleroi has kept its prices for resubscriptions, it has slightly increased them for new members. But it remains the cheapest club in D1A. Sporting, which is struggling to reach 6,000 subscribers, is hoping for a new dynamic for its 120th anniversary. “Although Upper T1 and T3 represent half of the stadium’s total capacity, they are often far from full. By offering attractive prices in these areas, we aim to retain and (re-)attract supporters in order to fill our stadium for each match.”
gullIt is not possible otherwise.
The most significant increase concerns Antwerp. Facing financial difficulties, number 1 inflated its prices after three years without revision. The cheapest subscription goes from 325 to 375 euros. “It is not possible otherwise, regrets the club. We also have to face an increase in costs due to inflation in recent years.”
Other clubs have decided to increase prices, at least for certain categories of seats. Like OHL (which had already increased by almost 30% the previous season), Genk, Mechelen and Cercle Bruges. In Venice of the North, where we hope to continue this surprising 2023-24 season with a European place, the playoffs are offered before June 30.
Same price at Standard and Union, Ghent reduces certain “bad” places
While supporters’ clubs continue to freeze the subscription campaign pending clarification of the financial situation, Standard has opted to maintain prices for 2024-25. An increase would have been inaudible after such a season, especially since a 29% increase was applied a year ago with a range varying between 190 and 465 euros.
gullThe new pricing structure is more dynamic and adapted to the field of vision.
Waiting for a new stadium, and after “a memorable season that we can be proud of,” Union SG also maintained its prices. The subscription necessarily includes a place for all home matches in the championship, but also “for the Europe playoffs or playdowns”, predicts the USG. However, the Champions playoffs are not included,”but subscribers will have priority for the sale of mini-subscriptions for PO1, the Belgian and European Cup”.
Like last season, Sint-Truiden has kept its prices. We also note that in Ghent, after consultation with the supporters’ council, the price of certain seats in stand 3, with imperfect vision, was reduced by up to 120 euros! “The new pricing structure is more dynamic and adapted to the field of vision,” writes the club.
The Dender interrogation
Finally, with an average attendance of 986 spectators last season in the Challenger Pro League, Dender can only do better for its return to D1A. The price of a subscription there varies from 200 to 325 euros, cheaper than at Beerschot, the other promoted club, whose prices for a new adult subscriber vary between 250 and 390 euros.
