600,000 fans are being forecast to attend SSE Airtricity League matches this season with Season ticket sales already topping 15,000 among the clubs that use the Future Ticketing platform.
That includes all five Premier League teams playing at home this coming opening weekend for the League, a number of who are preparing to have sold out signs going up today.
The pandemic has seen increased online purchases across all sectors and this is also the trend with Future Ticketing partner clubs who are now processing strong online ticket sales.
“We are on target to achieve a record number of Season Tickets sales as we look forward to welcoming back all Hoops fans,” said Denis Donohoe, CEO of Shamrock Rovers.
“Going for the three-in-a-row has created great excitement and we are delighted to have digitally enhanced our ticketing platform with Future Ticketing which will be of great benefit to all of our fans throughout the season”.
“Our season ticket sales have been really strong and online ticket sales of our opening derby match against St. Pats have been red hot,” added David O’Connor, CEO of Shelbourne FC.
“We are expecting a sell-out so I would urge fans to get online and purchase tickets now to avoid disappointment.”
“There is huge excitement around the club for the season ahead and this has been reflected in ticket sales for the Bohemians match,” added Colin Feehily, CEO of Sligo Rovers.
“The wait is nearly over and we can’t wait to see all of our fantastic fans on Friday evening,” said Martin Connolly, COO of Dundalk FC, preparing for a first season back under new more local ownership.
“Season ticket sales have been strong and we are confident of a sellout for our first game against Derry City. The Future Ticketing platform has been a great asset and we are delighted to be partnered again with Liam and his team for 2022.
“These clubs who are investing in digital transformation are seeing the greatest benefits as fans of all demographics shift their consumer patterns online,” said Liam Holton, CEO of Future Ticketing.
“Season Ticket sales for the clubs using the Future Ticketing platform are up an average of 19 per cent versus 2019 along with increased pre-sales for individual games.
“It is a great credit to these clubs and their fans who have quickly embraced digital technology driving fan engagement and revenues for the clubs.”
“League of Ireland football is in a great place thanks to the commitment of clubs, fans, and players.”
Sport for Business Perspective
The start of a new season is always a time of excitement and hope. We have become more local over the past two years as the ability to jump on a plane and head to matches overseas became much more limited. The challenge now will be to prove that the experience of going to a League of Ireland match on a Friday night is one that is quality enough to engage new fans and new generations.
Making sure that tickets are easy to get and pay for is part of what is as expected now of a sports team as it is of a cinema and the increase in pre0-season numbers is a healthy positive sign for the weeks and months ahead.
