Celtic today announced details of the three-match packages for the upcoming UEFA Champions League group stage, with supporters facing significant additional costs to watch the Bhoys in Europe.
Season tickets are already a big expense for Bhoys fans, so when European football rolls around, which is not included on the card, it’s always a big consideration for supporters as to whether or not they can afford the extra action.
Adults will pay £129 for the three-ticket package, with concessions coming in at £99 and under-13s costing £90. For family groups especially, this looks expensive.
Details given by the club on upgrading concessions to adult prices at £180, suggest those lucky enough to secure briefs in a general sale will be paying £60 per match.
The value and worth of items and experiences are incredibly subjective and personal. It’s not for me to tell anyone something is good value if they’re already feeling bad about being unable to afford it.
However, it’s also a reality that the stadium will likely sell out even at these prices, so the club are setting the prices at a level they consider satisfies demand.
Costs are also increasing for Celtic at an accelerated rate, so they are always going to try and ensure their match and running expenses are covered to the same level as previous European and Champions League campaigns.
Events at an elite level in different industries – such as concerts or other arena/stadium events – will be similarly priced in Glasgow over the next 12 months.
The truth is, I don’t think there are any easy answers here.
I don’t think the club are actively looking to exploit the support, but you also have to have sympathy for those who simply cannot justify these kinds of prices ahead of what has been tipped to be a long and expensive winter for households across the country.
The purchase of these tickets, or indeed any Celtic ticket, is an incredibly personal choice. Nobody should be criticised or considered less of a fan for turning down these prices, nor for airing their opinion on whether they could or should be cheaper.
Spiralling football costs are a serious issue, especially long-term. For me, the club didn’t show enough goodwill after the incredible season ticket sales during the behind-closed-doors campaign. It would have been nice to see them go the extra mile to keep prices down now that we’ve returned to the big time.
Ultimately, Celtic are a hot ticket right now, especially with the exciting progress being made by Ange Postecoglou. Nobody wants to see fans priced out of matches, but it genuinely seems that the stadium will be full to the brim when these three opponents come calling.
As long as that happens, the club will have a strong argument to back up their pricing stance.
In other news, Christopher Jullien speaks after permanent Celtic exit is confirmed.
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