Pensioner pushed out over Carrow Road season ticket price hike

4
Skip to next photo
1/1
Show caption
1/1
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

A pensioner can no longer afford his season ticket at Carrow Road after the club raised its price by 62pc.

Mel Barrett has been going to Norwich football stadium for decades, but since his wife died 10 years ago, the club became a social lifeline for the 76-year-old.

For six years Mr Barrett has had a spot in the Sir Arthur South lounge where he has made friends with other fans and staff.

Mr Barrett can no longer afford his ticket (Image: Submitted)

But now, Carrow Road bosses have increased the price of his hospitality season ticket by a whopping £1,313 - from £2,122 to £3,435, meaning he has had to give up his beloved viewing gallery place.

Mr Barrett, who lives in Thetford, is retired but volunteers for the council as a driver, taking people to and from hospital.

He says he has had to save his money to buy his ticket in previous years, sacrificing holidays and luxuries.

He said: "I cannot afford it. I am a pensioner there are a lot of people with money who can, but I used to skip holidays and things so I could afford my season ticket.

"It felt like they did not want me, they wanted my money, that's it.

"The club changed, it was a family club, I took my kids there and I have been all over the ground and then I found my niche, and now it is gone.

"I lost my wife 10 years ago and I made friends up there.

"They are a championship club, they should not be charging that."

Mr Barrett says he has also built close relationships with the staff at the stadium.

"The staff all call me Mel and know me well," he said.

"I got a puncture before a game and did not turn up, so one of the staff phoned me up and asked if I was alright.

The price has increased by more than £1000The price has increased by more than £1,000 (Image: Submitted)

"I am old school, if people look after me I think they should be recognised for it and I would tip the staff."

Mr Barrett says the club had promised a better experience with the price increase.

But the club already provided a three course carvery meal and he and others in his gallery were already happy with what was provided.

"The food does not make up for the extra money. I do not want a la carte, I want the roast.

"They said it was for a better experience but I would say 60pc were happy with the food."

Norwich City Football Club have been contacted for comment.

Neighbours are to meet with the club to discuss their concernsCarrow Road stadium (Image: Mike Page/Jane Overhill)

CLUB CHANGES

Norwich City Football Club came under fire earlier this year when bosses wanted to evict season ticket holders from the lower tier of the River End so they could move away supporters to that area, to allow for more corporate seating in the South Stand and the creation of a fan zone behind the Barclay.

It was due to be the first phase of a four-part project to generate extra revenue and help pave the way to ultimately redevelop the City Stand, the oldest at Carrow Road, to increase the overall capacity to 35,000.

But Canaries bosses put the plans on hold after fans voiced their anger over the scheme.

Last month more than 50 people who live near the stadium attended a meeting at the Yellows restaurant to discuss concerns over controversial plans to create a new fan zone.

The event was arranged to discuss a range of concerns, including parking and litter near the club, and questions about its new fan zone and revamp plans, which are currently on hold, were also raised.

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos