Bristol Bears fans are 'fuming' following the latest email from the club regarding season tickets for the 2024/25 season at Ashton Gate. Despite a relatively low price increase for current season ticket holders, especially in comparison to the likes of Bath Rugby and Northampton Saints, some season ticket holders are being forced to move seats many have had for years.
In an email to current season ticket holders today (April 9) Bristol Bears rugby club said: "We are proud to launch the best value adult seat in the South West as we celebrate 10 years at Ashton Gate with a bumper 2024/25 package. General sale starts at 10am on Thursday, April 18. With Adults starting from just £17 per game and Under-12s from as little as £5 per game, find out all the key details below."
The email goes on to list the 'advance prices', as well as benefits including payment plans, cheaper tickets for young fans, free shirts, and a commemorative wall etch. Further down, in smaller font, the email lists 'key dates' for its fans - including the relocation priority window for fans with current season ticket holders in blocks W7, W8, W9, S18, S19 and S20.
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For most, this is the first time they have heard of plans to relocate fans to new areas of the ground. This has come as a particular shock to fans in 'S' blocks, which reside in the South Stand at the ground, as this stand offers the cheapest seats, making it most affordable for many supporters.
Taking to social media, Bears rugby fans who are being forced to move by the club, shared their anger and disappointment at this latest turn of events, with some describing it as a "way of making more money from supporters".
One fan said: "Prices are very fair. I'd be p***** off if I'd had my season ticket in the blocks of the South Stand being uprooted due to the relocation of the family area."
A second said: "Price is fine but more fuming that I am one of the ones being forced to move to cr***y seats! More annoyed that they won't let us stay in the area with my one-year-old unless we buy a seat for her!"
A third added: "Just got the email saying the season ticket I have had for 10 years I cannot have any longer and I am being moved! Anyone in S18/S19/S20 has had an email saying MOVE - it's our new family zone.
"So much for loyalty. Got to know a group of supporters over those years, got mates with season tickets next to us. You get an offer to the Dolman Stand at the £290 price which will go up net year."
A fourth wrote: "Robbing supporters comes to mind. Maybe small increase but getting their money by moving the adults from the South Stand area."
And other supporters were quick to make suggestions with regard to what could have been done to prevent loyal supporters being moved from their much loved seats. One comment read: "Why not put the family section in the Ateyo? The kids would be right there with the players when they score."
The Ateyo stand is only opened up to fans when bigger games and local derby matches are played at Ashton Gate.
Information from Bristol Bears around the move
Fans affected can find out more about the moves by clicking through to the FAQ page via the link in the email. Here Bristol Bears gives information about the move and, with regards to fans in the South Stand, says: "We are asking Season Ticket holders without an Under-12 or Under-19 group member within blocks S18, S19 and S20 of the South Stand to move to another block due to the relocation of the Family Area.
"All affected supporters will have an exclusive window to purchase a Season Ticket from midday on Thursday, April 11, four days ahead of Season Tickets going on sale. All affected supporters will be sent details via email on how to purchase their Season Ticket. As part of the relocation of the Family Area we have introduced new entry level pricing in blocks E28 and E34 of the Dolman Stand.
"With prices starting from £290 for Adults. There is availability in other areas of the South Stand, for supporters who wish to stay in this stand, all at the same price of £290. There are plenty of options available and should supporters require any assistance in moving to another part of the stadium, please email our Supporter Services team via [email protected]."
The Family Area currently resides in the Upper Lansdown Stand (W7,W8 and W) and is being moved, the club says, "to bring our Family Area supporters closer to the action".
Statement from Bristol Bears
A Bristol Bears spokesperson said: “We do appreciate that some of our fans in three blocks of the South Stand who do not have an Under-19 or Under-12 in their group will be affected by moving the Family Area to the Lower Bowl and we apologise for the inconvenience. The percentage of young Bears fans is increasing and they now make up 19% of our total Season Ticket supporter base.
"We therefore wanted to bring our young fans closer to the action in a great atmosphere with a superb view, as well as helping them to enjoy our usual pre-match concourse activities and making it easier to grab players’ autographs after the match. Our pricing structure and package for 2024/25 offers the best value adult seat in the South West and we are doing everything we can to communicate directly with those affected to ensure they have a suitable alternative seat before Season Ticket renewals begin on Monday, including a four-day priority purchase window from midday on Thursday to give them an opportunity to carry on sitting with their group.
“Entry level pricing includes blocks E28 and E34 of the Dolman Stand, with an excellent pitch view, at just £290 for an Adult ticket and Under-12s at £80, including a free youth replica shirt. There is also availability in other areas of the South Stand for supporters who wish to stay in this stand at the same price of £290.
“We hope that everyone finds a suitable seat for next season and we thank fans for their loyalty to supporting the Bears.”
