FANS will pay less for entry level tickets this September after the AFL increased the number of seating price categories for finals played at the MCG.
The League announced prices for the 2013 finals series on Thursday, with its objectives based around affordability "coupled with a strong financial return that will benefit all clubs in the competition and the long-term health of the game".
The number of seating price categories for matches at the MCG has been increased to seven, with entry level seating prices lowered by 13 per cent across weeks one and two to $40.
In all markets, top tier seating prices in weeks one and two will remain unchanged at $85 for the MCG, ANZ Stadium and Patersons Stadium and $80 for AAMI Stadium.
Average price rises across the categories of Grand Final seating will increase by 1 per cent, with the largest increase in Grand Final seating to the top tier of pricing ($399, up 2 per cent from $390 in 2012)
AFL general manager commercial operations Darren Birch said the AFL would also retain a level of flexibility within the seating categories, to reflect individual demand for particular games.
"Our finals matches are the showpiece games of our season and we aim to ensure that there is a level of ticket pricing through the finals that can be accessed by all fans,” Mr Birch said.
"At this point of the 2013 season, total attendances are tracking ahead of expectations at 4,643,010, and we are looking forward to an outstanding finals series.
"When judged against any other major event in Australia, we believe the AFL Grand Final, for its significance in this country, remains outstanding value.
"Our full finals series consistently delivers great matches across weeks one to three and our games are regularly judged among the great sporting contests across the world."
The 2013 finals prices were signed off by the AFL Commission at its meeting in Melbourne last month, and followed a number of key changes that have been implemented across 2011 and 2012 to ensure that finals matches remain accessible for all fans.
As a new offering to reward club members, a discount will be offered to members who have already attended a game in week one of the finals.
Members who purchase a ticket to see their club play in week one will be offered a 20 per cent discount to purchase a ticket in week two, if their club is competing.
"The AFL is extremely conscious of the financial demands on supporters in the current economy, knowing that they also want to be part of their club’s drive to a possible premiership," Mr Birch said.
