The Premier League is an expertly packed product. For years it has been a requirement that 'in-shot' seats are sold first. Microphones are strategically placed in the loudest parts of the stadium. Television companies dictate kick-off times to maximise audience reach. However, viewers of the league have not failed to notice a rising trend of empty seats in stadiums.
Today Vincent Kompany has weighed in on this topic, after Gary Lineker gave his thoughts on ticket prices.
We’re seeing more and more empty seats at grounds. Given the vast sums received from TV rights, ticket prices should be falling not rising. The game needs full stadiums otherwise its appeal will slowly decline, even to rights holders. Avarice will only damage the game and clubs. https://t.co/dQtjVdpjBZ
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) March 13, 2018
Kompany made a shrewd point about the damage half-full stadiums has for players as well as the product.
Less empty seats leads to a better TV product (⬆️money) but also better atmosphere, which in turn affects testosterone levels and territorial behaviour in players, therefore increasing home advantage. There’s financial value in every added league point too. #Football https://t.co/jeUzXcKziH
— Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) March 13, 2018
The PL is unique, financially dominant and global. I imagine that a general decline in stadium atmosphere can damage the value of that product. Link to ticket pricing, seating location and safe standing is almost inevitable. Long-term gains vs short-term profits, eternal dilemma.
— Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) March 13, 2018
Kompany is well placed to speak on this. The Man City centre-half is not only a talented footballer but last year completed a course at the Alliance Manchester Business School to receive a Global MBA.
His point is also well-balanced. The fact remains those charged with responsibility for this are concerned solely by the financial implications, and fewer ticket sales have implications beyond a declining gate revenue.
The debate comes after Spurs announced their move to a new stadium would see the club have the most expensive season tickets in the league, with the highest costing £1,995.
Kompany has made his views clear on this before. Earlier this year in an interview with the Guardian, the Belgian said real fans were being priced out.
At what point do you decide we are actually now going to make sure if it is a TV product, it is the best product in the world? Meaning not just the best players, but the best atmosphere in the stadium; meaning the right people in the right place. Those that live for the club, are probably more attached to the club than anybody else. But those are probably not always the guys who can afford it.
We know the Premier League can still grow. The question is at what point do you reach breaking point where you squeezed so much out of your people at home?
It is refreshing to hear a professional footballer speak openly on this. The question now remains as to whether club hierarchy are starting to take notice.
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