Local football fans are disappointed with the ticket prices for this weekend’s inaugural Cape Town Cup.
Two international football teams in Lisbon and Crystal Palace will take on hosts Ajax Cape Town and Gauteng-based SuperSport United.
The City of Cape Town has subsidised the cost of the tickets, reducing the prices from R200 to R400, to R150 to R325.
Christie Toockley, of the Mitchells Plain branch of the Ajax Supporters’ Club, said supporters are used to paying far less to watch their team.
“For a PSL game I pay R60 for a ticket. The prices for this cup are just too expensive, even after the decrease…”
Another supporter, who did not want to be named because he has close ties to the club, said the teams don’t deserve that much money.
“The prices are ridiculous and the international teams coming are not big European teams. Even after the price drop, it is still expensive.”
Ajax’s Julian Bailey said the cost of the tickets cover more than one game. He said supporters usually pay about that amount for two matches during the regular PSL season.
“I don’t understand why supporters are complaining, because they are paying for two games. We have good specials for them.”
Mayco member for Tourism, Events and Economic Development Garreth Bloor said: “If the city had any chance of securing a top team, then in terms of today’s exchange rate and the appearance fees, the prices would have to start at three times the current prices. This means the cost of a ticket would start at between R500 and R600.”
The economic impact of the Cape Town Cup as an annual event is expected to yield more than R200 million in a combined economic, media and marketing impact, provided more than 35 000 tickets are sold.
The city expects 35 000 spectators over the three-day event, but has sold only about 7 000 tickets so far, said Bloor. – Cape Argus