The Fleecing of Footy Fans

[Bruno]

Example 1)

A mate is an AFL member and I went to the Bulldogs game with him a few weeks back...here is my conversation with the attendent on the gate:

Bruno: "Just one adult thanks"
Attendant: "$24.50 thanks"
Bruno: "But isn't entry $16.50?"
Attendant: "Yes, but your purchasing an upgrade"
Bruno: "Oh, what do I get for my upgrade"
Attendant: "Better seats".
Bruno "I don't understand"
Attendant: "You get to sit in the Great Southern Stand".
Bruno: Laughs

Excuse me, but you can sit in the GSS for $16.50!!!!


Example 2)

The sham that are "Fully Ticketed Games". Why do we have to pay $22.50 to reserve a seat? Two adult Southern Stand tickets to ANZAC day were going to cost my girlfriend and I almost $70 combined. We decided to stay at home, watch it on telly and have a delicious hot lunch & apple struddle. It was great and saved us about $60!!!!

I hope more Vicotrians decide to pull the plug on these fully ticketed games in the future.

[Lorelei]

I agree with fully ticketed matches BUT only if the amount charged is the same as you would pay to walk in.

IMO they should decide on an amount that caters for admittance and a seat and be done with it.

You should not be penalised for wanting a seat - it is insane. But at the same time, to avoid lockouts, know how many people are going etc what is wrong with charging everyone a set price? Then if you like to be organised months in advance, you can be (and get a seat that is close) and if you prefer the last minute thing you can still turn up (if there are seats) and get the best available.

Any other way is stupid and turns people away (such as your good self).


Jen

[Lorelei]

AFL members already pay a membership. That is crap to have to pay that much extra for a seat.

Absurd. They are turning away the people that matter most. Members.

Jen

[JLC]

When was the last fully ticketed game when the attendance was capacity?

jlc

[Bruno]

Yep. To clarify, I have nothing against the concept of ticketing a game to ensure people can enter the ground in an orderly fashion etc. I also really wouldn't mind paying a nominal fee of say, $2.25 per ticket for handling expenses (I mean Tickmaster have to be paid afterall - no problems with that).

However, it's when they invent these expenses when you really get nothing in return. I guess they take the attitude that "if people are willing to pay that much for it, we may aswell keep selling it for that much".

I think another thing to consider is that as most people have memberships, the true cost of going to the footy on a game by game basis are kind of hidden. This is my first year since 1987 of not having a membership (off overseas for a couple of years in about 7 weeks so didn't bother buying one this year) so I am really exposed to just how much these fully ticketed games cost.

[Lorelei]

What does the AFL offer AFL members by way of reserved seat packages?

If they do offer similar to what all clubs give their members why don't those that are AFL members just do that?



Jen

[Lorelei]

Bruno, I think this is just another clear example of the greed of the AFL.

Sure have it ticketed, but only charge $5 max.. like you said ticketing charge and then also say $2.50 for the seat itself.

These other 'amounts' are just plain stupid.


Jen

[JLC]

But the AFL kept admission prices the same....lmao what a joke

they forget to tell you about all the HIDDEN costs

jlc