The Football Association looks at the ticket prices
The Norwegian Football Association (NFF) will review the ticket prices after the match against Cyprus. It was few and far between those that wished to fork out to watch the game from the stands.
– Yes, we must consider the prices for the upcoming matches. Although late start and other conditions affect the attendance, the number of spectators at the match against Cyprus was far too low. We must take the criticism seriously, says Communications Manager in NFF, Svein Graff, to NTB.
A turnout of 5,172 is the national team’s lowest in a tournament home match since 3,540 witnessed the loss against Iceland in the European Championships qualifier in September 1987.
There has been criticism that the most expensive tickets for the match against Cyprus cost NOK 500 for adults and 250 for children. The price was hiked before the League of Nations opening match.
– There have been different prices in recent years, but in the 2015 qualifier, we very nearly sold out in three out of four matches with virtually the same price level, says Graff, who emphasises that it is several ways to obtain cheaper tickets.
– We have facilitated for the loyal spectators through season tickets that provide three matches for the price of two. We have lower rates on the short ends (NOK 300 for adults, 100 for children), and a family consisting of two adults and two children will be able to obtain four tickets for a total of NOK 800. Students also get a discount, says Graff, and thinks this has drowned in media attention linked to the most expensive tickets.
Late match
He acknowledges that the match time (8.45 pm) against Cyprus is not very suited for families with children.
– The match time is set by UEFA and is a challenge for families with children compared to Saturday matches at 6 pm, Graff.continues.
– We have already sold 5000 tickets to Saturday’s match against Slovenia.
Package prices also apply to the two October matches against Slovenia (13/10) and Bulgaria (16/10). If you buy a ticket for both, the most expensive long side tickets are at NOK 334 for adults and 168 for children.
Graff also points out that Norway is not alone among the Nordic countries to have expensive tickets for international fixtures.
– Sweden asks for SEK 666 for the most expensive long side tickets, while Denmark demand DKK 482 for the same, he says.
© NTB scanpix / #Norway Today