Sants have just announced the prices for the FA Cup 3rd round with Blackpool.
Although the official club website announces that this is a reduced rate, its not by much and at £20 for adults, £15 for seniors and 17-21 year olds and £10 for kids its not a cheap day out, it may well be that we attracted the largest crowd in rounds 1 & 2 as the website proudly boasts, but that wont be the case this time around at whatever price.
Of course Saints have to agree a price with the Seasiders and it may be they wanted normal prices, however this tie comes right in the middle of three home league games in 18 days and right on the back of Xmas its going to be a step too far money wise for many supporters especially families, these things being equal, to have such a high price seems folly.
Add to that the fact that Ian Holloway has fielded weakened teams in league games let alone cup outings and Saints supporter could find themselves shelling out to watch Blackpool reserves
The proof of the pudding with cup ticket prices is the attendance and the two so far this term in the FA Cup have been well below our previous worst gate by a considerable amount and its hard to see this gate being much better.
As I have said before I want there to be a packed St Mary's not an empty atmosphere ground, but I dont feel that the Club is really marketing this game to the fans in any way shape or form and that includes the pricing.
Of course Im sure those who have set the prices will point out that although there are a lot of home games in succession, for 14,000 season ticket holders those games were paid for a long time ago and therefore shelling out £20 to see Blackpool shouldnt be too much hardship, all will be revealed on January 8th.