Major changes for saturday's game...
A new discounted rate for the remainder of regular season home games means category 3 adult tickets will be available from just $19, concession tickets from $12 and family tickets from a bargain price of $40.
And iIn a special promotion for this Saturday's clash with competition front-runners Sydney FC, supporters under 15 years of age will be allowed in for free, if accompanied by one paying adult.
The U-turn on ticket prices - which has seen them see-saw over the past three weeks - comes after the protest by fans against the club decision to shut three-quarters of the stadium last weekend while still charging more than any other club in the competition.
But Gold Coast United Chief Executive Clive Mensink now says the new price deal is "...a fantastic opportunity for the people of the Gold Coast to get behind their football team.
"We spoke to the fans and the people of the Gold Coast and they told us that they did not approve of the previous pricing structure," he said.
"These initiatives are in response to those concerns and we believe they make attending Gold Coast United games extremely attractive for families and football fans.
"The special promotion for this week's game against competition leaders Sydney FC is a great opportunity for people on the Gold Coast to experience live Hyundai A-League football.
"Anyone who has been thinking about attending a Gold Coast United game, but has not done so yet, is urged to take advantage of these new offers which are available through Ticketek.
"Our team led by Socceroo Jason Culina is sitting third on the competition table and will relish further support from the local community.
"Skilled Park is open for business and it has never been more affordable to enjoy top class football."
FFA sources have firmly refuted reports that the governing body had taken over paying the stadium rental fees in return for ticket revenue.
According to insiders, the FFA are supporting United with marketing expertise and personnel while helping to manage ticketing and marketing decisions.
But they are specifically not paying the ground rental at Skilled Park, a sticking point that was said to be costing Palmer $100,000 a game, and which led to the partial shutdown last weekend.
However if the crowds are sufficient to create a surplus, it's understood the FFA's marketing costs may be reimbursed under a revenue sharing scheme with the club.
Sources added that the reported losses said to have been incurred by the club to rent the ground had been "massively inflated".
But FFA insiders insist they will not be picking up any shortfall if the numbers don't cover costs at the 27,500-seater stadium.
Now with the whole stadium re-opened, Gold Coast United marquee star Jason Culina - who joined the call for all fans to be allowed in - want supporters to turn out in droves to back the team against table-toppers Sydney FC.
"The boys will get a huge lift from a big, vocal, Gold Coast crowd cheering us on in our match against Sydney this Saturday," he said.
"We want to turn our home ground into a cauldron of noise and send the message to other teams that they can't come up here to the Gold Coast and expect to have it all their own way.
"We desperately want to knock Sydney off their perch and we would all love to have as many people as possible to share in the spectacle.
"What a sight it would be for the team to emerge from the tunnel to a sea of gold shirts in the stands. Let's show Sydney how proud we are to be representing the Gold Coast."
In other innovations at the club, fans have also been told:
- United players are having a free BBQ with the fans this afternoon at the Southport Tigers ground from 5pm. GCU players are also running a 'Juggle the Ball' promotion outside Myers Pacific Fair tomorrow night from 5:30 pm. The club is promising more community events in weeks ahead.
- Fans at the game can also win the signed match ball for the forthcoming Asian Cup Qualifier between Australia and Indonesia signed by both captains. "To enter simply send a photo of you holding your ticket, or at the game with your full name to <!-- e -->
promotions@footballaustralia.com.au<!-- e --> and tell us in 25 words or less why you stand behind Gold Coast United*
- The club have invited prominent fan's representatives from the local community to meet and discuss the way forward. They have also pledged to remain better engaged with the fans as the club moves forward.
- There will be a new ground announcer at Skilled Park.
- And there will be a band providing free pre-match entertainment outside the stadium this Saturday night.
Gold Coast United fan and au.fourourtwo.com blogger Gary Lord welcomed the new moves and added: ""There have been some great steps forward in the last 48 hours."
Have YOUR say - What do you think about "Gold Coast Prices Slashed At Last"? Tell us NOW in the comment section below.
2ndBest2009-10-29 23:06:01
