Pompey slash FA Cup ticket prices

Pompey have slashed their ticket prices for their FA Cup first-round showdown – after Macclesfield agreed to their request.
Pompey are hoping a cut in ticket prices will generate a good atmosphere at Fratton Park for the Cup clash with MacclesfieldPompey are hoping a cut in ticket prices will generate a good atmosphere at Fratton Park for the Cup clash with Macclesfield
Pompey are hoping a cut in ticket prices will generate a good atmosphere at Fratton Park for the Cup clash with Macclesfield

The Blues were drawn to host the Vanarama National League outfit at Fratton Park early next month, although the exact date has still to be finalised by TV companies.

The two clubs both take 45 per cent of the gate receipts, with 10 per cent going to the FA.

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And they have settled on a pricing strategy of £12 for adults, £8 for seniors/young persons and £4 for juniors.

Blues chief executive, Mark Catlin, believes it will boost the crowd figure.

‘For Macclesfield to draw Portsmouth at Fratton Park could have a huge financial impact so we need to get the balance right,’ said Catlin.

‘But it was refreshing when I spoke to their chairman.

‘I had a lengthy chat with Mark Blower and he backed our judgement.

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‘I’ve had these conversations on numerous occasions. Some clubs are happy to cut the prices and some clubs aren’t. But I think it makes perfect sense.’

There was an attendance of 11,095 for a home clash with Aldershot last season, but they brought more than 2,000 supporters after they declined Pompey’s request to reduce prices.

It’s unlikely Macclesfield will bring more than 400 fans, but Catlin is hopeful of beating last year’s figure.

He added: ‘It would be great if we can get 12,000-plus.

‘I never like to put figures on it because we don’t ever want to take our fans for granted. But I think these prices are a great incentive.’