Yahoo News 'Incredible' Nottingham Forest season ticket statement after price rise backlash
Nottingham Forest have announced a “record” uptake of season card renewals for the 2024/25 campaign. The Reds are all but assured of their Premier League status heading into Sunday’s final round of fixtures. It means they can start looking ahead to a third consecutive campaign in the top-flight.
The deadline for fans to renew season cards was on Wednesday (May 15). Forest said in a statement: “Your incredible support has seen a 97 percent season card renewal rate - a record since our return to the Premier League. We're looking forward to welcoming back our season card holders to the City Ground for the 2024/25 season.
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“With more than 12,000 on the official season card waiting list, the remaining season card inventory will soon be made available to those supporters, with more information to follow. Further information about the relocation window will also be communicated in due course. Thanks again for showing your incredible support!”
Last month’s announcement of season card renewal prices prompted a fierce backlash. The cost of a season card for 2024/25 has increased by an average of 24 percent.
When the announcement was made, Forest said they were among the “most affordable” season cards in the Premier League. However, supporters expressed anger at the price rises, along with the reconfiguration of age bands and the messaging from the club around the announcement.
The Reds ploughed ahead with the price hikes, despite the criticism. However, they did go on to introduce “a range of additional benefits” for season card holders, including an extension of the renewal deadline from May 10 to May 15.
A guaranteed buy-back scheme has also been brought in, and season card holders will receive free entry to one home pre-season friendly and to two home Forest Women fixtures at the City Ground. A 10 percent retail discount (excluding replica kit) has been reintroduced and all non-away membership season card holders will be able to enter a ballot to attend away fixtures.
The Supporters' Trust expressed their "disappointment" over the "relatively minor" response from the club. However, they said they welcomed the club’s willingness to listen to fans’ concerns.
“We welcome the fact that the club has listened to the FAB (Fan Advisory Board) and has been influenced to improve the overall package, despite our regrets that the enhancements achieved have been relatively minor," the Trust said. "We note that several other clubs have not offered any improvements whatsoever despite fan protests, so this evidence of Forest’s preparedness to listen and engage is positive. It needs to be built on and developed."
