Liverpool will increase ticket prices by three percent next season, followed by further increases in line with the annual inflation rate over the next two campaigns. This marks the first time Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group have increased the price of tickets on the Kop since taking charge of the club 15 years ago. Adult general admission ticket prices, which this season cost between £39 and £61, will rise between £1.25 and £1.75 per ticket.
The club justified the move by citing significantly increased matchday operating costs at Anfield in recent years and the highly competitive environment it operates within. Liverpool had eight ticket price freezes in the last 10 seasons, but a further freeze was not considered viable. According to Liverpool, the club consulted with the Supporters Board, which opposed an increase, but decided against a freeze after careful consideration across several meetings.
In concessions, Liverpool will freeze the cost of junior tickets and local general tickets, available to fans with a Liverpool postcode. The club will also change the young adult ages from 21 to 24, while senior concessions are unchanged.
Meanwhile, Manchester United will increase season-ticket prices by five percent in most areas of Old Trafford next season. This represents the fifth year in a row of price hikes after they were frozen for more than a decade.
Manchester United plans to move more fans from the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand to increase hospitality seating. The club will have only had three home Premier League fixtures kicking off at 3pm on a Saturday in the last two seasons.
As mitigating measures, Manchester United season-ticket prices for the Executive Club will remain the same if purchased before April 15. The club will also retain the option of donating the cost of tickets to the Manchester United Foundation for supporters who can’t attend.
The Liverpool Supporters Board expressed extreme disappointment by the club’s decision to increase ticket prices. The board called the move wrong and said fans will now have to pay more during times of global uncertainty.
The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust said it is disappointing that the club has ignored their call for a ticket price freeze. The trust noted that 600 more loyal fans are being moved for ever more hospitality. However, the trust praised United for not tightening the already unpopular seat usage policy.
Specific matchday operating costs that have increased significantly for Liverpool have not been detailed, and the exact annual inflation rates Liverpool will use for ticket price increases in the next two seasons remain unspecified. The total projected revenue increase from the ticket price hikes for both clubs has not been disclosed.