Saints announce Premier League ticket cap for away fans

Oli Fisher
Southampton: Put fans first with new scheme

Southampton: Put fans first with new scheme

A new partnership between Virgin Media and the Football Supporters’ Federation means tickets for away fans at Southampton’s Premier League games this season are to be capped at just £20

Starting from the opening match against Watford at St Mary’s Stadium on August 13, all travelling supporters will receive a £10 refund subsidised by TV and telecomms provider Virgin Media, who are the Saints’ official shirt sponsor for the 2016/17 campaign.

The independent initiative follows on from the successful FSF’s ‘Twenty’s Plenty’ campaign, which was introduced to help fix the amount charged to away fans at all 20 top-flight clubs.

FSF chief executive Kevin Miles said: “Premier League football is immensely popular across the globe and the contribution of fans is central to that. Nobody wants to watch a game played out in front of empty stands.

“Away fans in particular bring noise and colour to grounds, adding to the spectacle immeasurably, but following your side on the road can be expensive and, despite football being wealthy we believe very little of it is used to reduce costs for match-goers.

“Our partnership with Virgin Media shows this doesn’t have to be the case – there are innovative ways for sponsors to engage and support match-going fans and Virgin Media are at the forefront of this.

“Tens of thousands of the most loyal fans will receive cheaper tickets next season thanks to this partnership which will also serve to highlight the obstacles facing travelling fans and reinforce the message that ‘Twenty’s Plenty’.”

Virgin Media’s chief marketing officer Kerris Bright welcomed the new deal for away fans at Southampton, adding: “We hope by taking this step we set a good example in football for other clubs and sponsors to follow.

“Importantly, capping tickets at £20 to St Mary’s makes it affordable for fans travelling to support their team away from home. We are helping to enact change for the good of fans so they can get a fairer deal.”