In April 2023 West Ham United Football Club announced its decision to increase the age at which the Senior Season Ticket Concession Rate applies from 65 to 66. For some fans this has resulted in a 100% price increase.
This decision specifically targets and negatively impacts older supporters, many of whom were budgeting for their season ticket at the old concession rate.
The additional income generated by the Club, whose annual revenue is in excess of £250m, will be minuscule by comparison and amounts to little more than a cynical, petty penny pinching exercise at the expense of its most loyal and long serving fans.
West Ham United now join Aston Villa in the Premier League’s hall of shame – they are the only 2 clubs to have raised their concession age to 66. Every other Premier League club has kept the concession age at 65.
In a post Covid world, being part of a vibrant community is vital for all people. For West Ham United supporters, attending matches is often the only in person link they have with their friends and the only opportunity to enjoy their shared history and culture. This 100% price rise will prevent some fans from taking part and that is both unreasonable, unfair and wrong.
Old School Hammers, a supporters’ group dedicated to representing our older fans, wrote to the Club on several occasions requesting that the Club reconsider its decision. Our requests were ignored.
We are now asking all West Ham United fans for their support as we launch our petition calling on the Club reinstate the Senior Season Concession Rate to age 65 and refund all those loyal season ticket holders immediately to allow them to enjoy a vital part of their social life.
Please sign our petition and where possible ask your family and friends to do likewise.
