Celtic have had many shortcomings on and off the park this season, but we would like to highlight something which should be looked at immediately and corrected in time for next season.
The Celtic FC pass.
The club sold fans on full price season tickets at the start of this season hoping they would be back inside the stadium before Christmas. That was always the plan, and as we know, it didn’t happen and furthermore doesn’t look like happening any time soon.
There has to be an acceptance at Celtic their season ticket renewal plan must stress the likelihood you’re just buying a stream, and you might get lucky down the line.
With that in mind, two things have to happen.
1. Celtic must lower the asking price for their season tickets.
2. They have to find a better way to deliver the action.
On point number 1, we can’t be paying anywhere near the prices of this season. We were promised added value and let’s be quite frank; we haven’t got it. We had a League Cup game added to the season pass, but because we need a Premier Sports account for other Celtic games, most already had access to the game. Celtic fans have been sold a lemon, and there has to be an acknowledgement from the board they can’t keep rinsing the support and playing off our emotional investment to fill the coffers.
There also has to be significant concessions made for a household with two or more season tickets. I spoke to a fan who has five season tickets in their household, an outlay of nearly 3k for a stream. Should the club look at reduced rates for these homes with an agreement they have to pay an extra fee should the stadium be opened?
Point number 2; the Celtic pass stream.
Apart from some shaky moments at the start, the stream itself has been alright but not nearly good enough for the money supporters have invested. From my own personal point of view, I need to silence all my social media and football apps as well as the official club feeds because they tell me the score before my stream does. Can the club look at a non-stream option? A channel on major cable and satellite where season ticket holders can gain access to?
We’d also ask for better commentary service. Rory Hamilton started the season, but due to other commitments, the last few games have been taken up by club favourite Peter Martin, nothing against the radio pundit. Still, I found myself muting the sound during the 2-0 game to Hamilton. That’s a personal preference, of course.
Lockdown has been getting tighter, and our government don’t seem to have a handle on when we will be able to go for a coffee never mind congregate at a football stadium. Celtic should be putting all their efforts into some bells and whistles.
Right now, it’s adequate. If the season pass stays the same for next season, they will have no right to charge the same price as this year. If they up their game and give us more bang for our buck from the off, then we could stomach a small reduction.
Renewal season is going to be interesting. There are fans not in a position to shell out the money they once could. A necessity has turned into a luxury for many as we tighten our belts. It’s incumbent on the club to take all these things into account as we approach the end of this season.
The form and the way this season has gone, including the board’s perceived attitude to the support will also play a factor.
It’s over to Celtic to up their game…or I’ll pass.
Watched the pre-season Hibs & Ross Co games-havent bothered since. The near 3 min delay totally puts me off and I just listen on radio.
As far as I can see you’re paying for ST as a donation to the club , they have given nothing back to us in return, could have at least offered a voucher from the club shop as a wee xmas thank you
The way fans views on Lennon have been ignored, I’m in no mood to be so generous again
As long as lawwell, Lennon, and the corrupt sfa are at play, I’m out. The Huns game last night was the final nail for me. I know someone will take my seat! It was £666 this season so all the best with that one.