QPR Defend Season Ticket Prices

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Dave McIntyre/Kilburn Times May 21, 2008 Rangers defend price hike

QPR say they will not back down over the huge increase in season ticket prices that has left many fans furious.
Prices have rocketed by up to 50 per cent and concessionary rates in some areas of Loftus Road have been scrapped.
But Ali Russell, QPR's deputy managing director, insisted the prices were fair given the club's ambitions and money spent on improvements to the squad.
Russell said: "We are spending more on players' wages. Going forward, it was necessary to maximise income from season tickets.
"We kept prices as low as possible, but I understand that for part of the fan base, finances are an issue."
As well as steep increases, supporters have less time to stump up the cash.
The traditional 'early bird' rate, which gave a significant discount to fans renewing before the end of May, has been abolished.
A huge hike in prices for the Upper Loft was justified, Russell claimed, because of the superior view of the pitch from that section of the ground.
The view from some parts of the stand is far from ideal, yet a blanket £599 price has been applied for the entire area.
Russell said: "The reason fans congregate there is the atmosphere, which is spectacular, and because of the view. That has been taken into account as well."
Despite angst among many fans, the club reported 'record sales' on its official website hours after the prices were announced.
Russell stated: "There is a huge amount of interest in QPR and expectation for next season. So many people wanted to be the first to get their season ticket.
"We need the fan base behind us, and I can assure fans that 100 per cent of season ticket money will be spent on the team." Kilburn Times