Irish League fans will pay extra to watch top flight football next season
The Northern Ireland Football League has confirmed that admission prices for Sports Direct Premiership games next season will be increased by £2.
Adult Irish League fans can now expect to be charged £15 entry into League fixtures, while seniors and children can be charged up to £10.
Though home teams can offer admission for less than £15 for adults, it’s expected that most — if not all — clubs will charge the maximum amount. Coleraine were the first to confirm that they intend to request the full price.
NIFL explained that the increase is necessary due to a rise in operating costs.
The decision was taken late last week following unanimous agreement by the 12 top flight clubs.
In response to a Belfast Telegraph query, a NIFL spokesperson said: “Following the unanimous agreement of the 12 Premiership clubs’ representatives, the maximum price for a single match ticket for League games will now be £15 for adults and £10 for concessions.
“With a continued increase in operating costs for NIFL clubs, the increase was deemed necessary by clubs to continue to provide supporters with the best quality product on and off the pitch.
“The NI Football League still remains one of the few professional leagues in the UK and Europe that ensures a maximum price cap on general admission tickets for the benefit of supporters.”
The decision means that Premiership ticket prices have increased by 20% in two seasons, and 50% since 2017. At end of the 2022/23 campaign, that maximum price was raised from £12 to £13, which has been followed by this year’s £2 increase. As recently as the 2016/17 term, entry was capped at £10.
While the hike will hit fans in the pocket, most clubs offer significant discount through their season ticket schemes.
For 19 home games, champions Larne are charging £170, while Coleraine’s season ticket is priced from £180. Both clubs have special discount for young supporters.