Latics reduce ticket prices - Wigan Athletic FC

Congratulations to Wigan Athletic. Ticket prices have been reduced in a bid to combat falling attendances. The success of the Chelsea fixture was confirmation that it was the prices that had fans turning their backs.

Tickets have now been reduced to just £20 and £15 for all remaining Latics games this season. The reduction in prices follows a pattern of falling attendances, not only for Wigan Athletic but for many of the 20 Premiership clubs.

Supporters are simply not prepared the silly sums of money that are being asked. Thankfully Wigan Athletic have had the balls to move first in the market, and it will no doubt pay off for the club as the fans come flocking back.

Credit must be given to the club's administration staff for making the bold move, and also for listening to the views of the supporters.

It was less than a month ago now that I expressed my personal opinion that it was the ticket prices keeping fans away. I simply asked the Wigan Athletic supporters to be judged on the Chelsea game which was consequently a home sell-out. You can read the article HERE.

Paul Jewell: Let's get the JJB rocking

Of the price reduction, team manager Paul Jewell said: "Against Chelsea, the JJB Stadium was absolutely rocking and it had a big impact on the performance of the players. The lads were buzzing in the dressing room to be playing in front of a noisy and passionate full house and we want to try and re-create that from now until the end of the season."

While chief executive Brenda Spencer commented: "This will make us by far and away the best value club in the Premiership, and I'd like to thank our supporters for their positive feedback. Even with the new prices, fans who bought a season ticket at the beginning of the campaign will still have made a saving this season."

She also moved quickly to reassure season ticket holders as to the saving they have already made. Not only do they receive a reserved match-day seat and priority on tickets for Cup and Away games, but there is also a cash saving to reward their loyalty.

Spencer added: "Our season ticket holders are very important to us and at no point has their commitment or loyalty been ignored. As the most loyal element of the club's fan base I am confident the vast majority of season ticket holders want to see a full stadium and will back our plans to achieve this.

"When we announce next season's pricing structure, season ticket holders will be at the forefront of our thinking.

"When we set the prices for the Chelsea game at £15. It was always with a longer term strategy in mind. Our supporters, the vast majority of which were season ticket holders, told us in no uncertain terms that they wanted the clubs fan-base to grow and get more people inside the JJB; we have listened and NOW we have acted.

"We are all in this together; Directors, management, players and most importantly you the supporters. With your help Wigan Athletic can kick on to the next level, increase the number of people watching this great club of ours even further. When our Stadium is full it is a magical place to watch football. The players need your support and so does the club."

To view the new ticket pricing policy - click here.

All that is left to add is that the club has done all they can do, the supporters must now follow suit and get the JJB Stadium rocking again.