Croke Park considering new ticket packages

GAELIC GAMES:CROKE PARK is still agreeing a new range of ticket packages aimed at sustaining attendance levels throughout the 2011 championship. While the prospect of a reduction in ticket prices is being considered, this is more likely to be part of an overall ticket package, rather than on individual ticket prices.

“We’ve been looking at a number of new ticket packages and incentives but nothing has been finalised as of yet,” said GAA director of communications Lisa Clancy. “Nothing is ruled in or out at this stage, including a reduction in prices, but we would hope to have an announcement on these ticket packages early next week.”

GAA president Christy Cooney has already indicated new ticket packages for 2011 would help ensure attendances remain solid while at the same time continuing to provide funding for the association to invest in infrastructure and development.

It’s clearly a sensitive issue, not just within the GAA. Total championship attendances for 2010 – including the provinces – were down two per cent compared to 2009, at 1.4 million. Football championship gate receipts were actually up €1 million to €12 million, while hurling championship gate receipts were down €1 million to €7 million – although overall gate receipts for 2010 were slightly up to €26 million.

According to GAA ticket manager Ronan Murphy, a lot of discussions have been talking place surrounding ticket prices and packages for 2011, although whatever ticket packages or potential reductions are announced will only apply at central level: Croke Park only sets the ticket prices for central competitions, or in the case of the championship, the All-Ireland quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals, along with the qualifiers.

Provincial championship ticket prices are set by the relevant provincial councils, and yesterday the Ulster Council – whose football and hurling championships get under way this weekend – announced a freezing of ticket prices for the second year in succession. This means stand tickets will be priced at €25/€27 for uncovered/covered, with terraces tickets priced at €10 (up to semi-final stage). The Ulster Council said all under-16s will gain free entry to non-ticket games when accompanied by an adult.

Likewise the Leinster Council, whose hurling championship gets under way this weekend, have also frozen ticket prices at 2010 levels, and introduced the club scheme whereby groups of between 15 and 50 can avail of a reduced rate on stand admissions, subject to availability.

Ultimately, a stand ticket for the All-Ireland football and hurling finals will cost €70 or a terrace ticket €35 – still comparing favourably with the prices of €90-€100 for international rugby matches at the Aviva Stadium in autumn last year.

The first real test of 2011 championship attendances will be at Sunday’s Ulster football preliminary round game between Donegal and Antrim (3.30pm at Mac Cumhaill Park) in Ballybofey. This is a non-ticketed game and patrons can pay at the gate.

Donegal topped Division Two and eventually won the title outright while Antrim ended up bottom of Division Two, and were thus relegated.

Donegal manager Jim McGuinness has strengthened his panel by calling in Eamon McGee and Patrick McBrearty, while defenders Paddy McGrath and Neil McGee have recovered from injury.

Antrim manager Liam Bradley was without several first-choice players during the league although midfielder Michael McCann is set to make his first start of the year having played in the recent challenge game against Mayo.

Tony Scullion, Colin Brady, Kevin McGourty, Kevin O’Boyle and Brendan Herron also appear to have put their injury concerns behind them, but even still, Antrim face a daunting task.

Finally, Croke Park has confirmed the pairings for the semi-finals of the Christy Ring, Nicky Rackard and Lory Meagher Cups. The games will be played on Saturday, May 21st.

Christy Ring Cup: Kerry v Down; Wicklow v Kildare. Nicky Rackard Cup: London v Fingal, Monaghan v Louth.

Lory Meagher Cup: Warwickshire v Tyrone; South Down v Donegal.