Away support in Super League is plummeting and it’s easy to see why

Being a Wigan fan has become a difficult venture in 2019 but what has made supporting clubs up and down the country difficult, over the last decade, is a mark up in ticket prices especially in the last 3 or 4 years.

This Sunday, a trip to Salford was on the menu, but standing in our way was a hefty £25 and just 12 days after we will be expected to pay a further £22 for the privilege of experiencing a less than impressive Mend-A-Hose Jungle. Just to clarify, I’m aware of student ticket pricing that would apply to people like myself but I will refer to prices as most would have to pay, being that they come in the ‘adult’ bracket.

Whilst the subject is raised, let’s talk about the facilities some of these stadiums offer. Whilst Salford charge £25, it can fairly be argued that the experience offered is of a higher standard than expected in comparison to that of some in Super League. Castleford – although I have no personal squabble – do not meet a standard expected of a top level English sporting venue. This also applies to Wakefield Trinity, who also boast a £22 or more price tag, dependent on whether you pay on the day or in advance.

Leeds, despite having great history and a fantastic fan base, aren’t excluded. The Rhinos expect away fans to fork out £24 for an away stand that doesn’t provide any protection from wind or rain. There are reasons stopping renovation on that stand but there is nothing stopping Leeds providing better facilities in other stands for away supporters.

Despite my belief that facilities should be accounted for in pricing, it isn’t the be all and end all, and even my own side (Wigan) ask for £23 to enter the ground, one pound more expensive than standing tickets in Warrington (£22), you will however need £31 to gain seating at the Halliwell Jones.

For myself, I am fortunate in more ways than one to have access to cheaper tickets, one of those ways is in student ticketing BUT students reading this, don’t be too smug, because some sides don’t even offer student tickets. I’m currently residing in Huddersfield as I look to finish my degree, but despite having a substantial university culture in the town, the Giants do not offer a student ticket price unless it is purchased from the Huddersfield Students Union by Huddersfield students, meaning those students travelling with the away side will have to pay the full £21.

We are in a period where the image of the game is being tested and attendances [on average over the season] are dropping slowly, so surely the way of combating this is to lower ticket prices. This season Wigan took around 800 to 1000 people to Warrington away, the lowest away attendance at Wire for years. There is a crisis from top to bottom that needs to be addressed, much like our football counterparts. They say ‘twenty is plenty’, for us avid Rugby League supporters I would say fifteen is the dream.

List of ticket prices for away supporters in Super League (Provided by Wigan Today):

Leeds (standing)

Match day: £27

In advance: £24

Salford (touchline seating)

Match day: £27

In advance: £25

Hull FC (seating)

Match day: £26

In advance: £24

Hull KR (seating)

Match day: £25

In advance: £23

Wakefield (standing)

Match day: £25

In advance: £22

Huddersfield (seating)

Match day: £25

In advance: £21

Warrington (standing)

Match day: £24

In advance: £22

(Main stand seating: £31)

Castleford (standing)

Match day: £24

In advance: £22

London (seating)

Match day: £23

In advance:

Same

St Helens (standing)

Match day: £23

In advance: Same

Wigan (seating)

Match day: £23

In advance: Same

Catalans (seating)

Match day: £19 (22 euros)

In advance: Same