GAA Season Tickets - Yes or No ?

Jellicoe

These have been out a while now, what’s the general consensus ?


Any hints or tips to make the most of them ?

LostBoy101

Just more money for the GAA in my opinion, pointless investment.

Hammer Archer

LostBoy101 wrote: »

Just more money for the GAA in my opinion, pointless investment.

What a load of absolute rubbish. Why don't you try having a clue what you're talking about before you come out with complete and utter crap like this? If you go to a lot of league games it saves a heap of money so how is it a pointless investment? Plus, if your team happens to get to an All Ireland final and you've been to over 60% of games, you are guaranteed a great seat. I even got a chance to buy a ticket for this year's football final as I'd been to 100% of Meath's games throughout the year.

To the OP, it's a great investment if you go to a lot of league games. You get all of your county's league games plus the first championship game for €75. After this, every subsequent championship game (apart from finals) is €5 off. For me this year, without the season ticket, it would have cost me well over €60 extra to go to the same games I did. It's a no brainer.

KevIRL

I've had one since the scheme started, a Waterford hurling one. I'll be writing an article shortly for livegaelic.com on them. I will be renewing again this season as I feel the pros outweigh the cons. some pros and cons outlined below

Pro's
- Extremely convienient especially at championship time, no searching for tickets
- Ticket gtd for All Ireland Final if your team gets there
- Value for money, you save money with the season ticket, although I do feel the hurling ones have lost some of their value due to the league being reduced last season
- Usually get excellent seats, seats in Croker are top notch.
- You get to know the other season ticket holders and its good meeting up with a lot of the same people in the stand at match day
- features like opt out and friend ticket options are good
- They throw in little perks like league final and knock out round entries for free. Plus you can get access to any league match with your season ticket, not just your own county
- A smug sense of satisfaction come All Ireland final time when you can remind people desperately looking for tickets and pleading the 'I go to every game' card about the season ticket :pac:


Cons
- Not always seated with pals
- The aforementioned slight reduction in value for money in hurling, due to the reduction in league games in huling
- Sometimes the seats arent as good as they should be, seems to only happen at provinicial level though, Croke Park seats always great.
- Terrace isnt an option, this isnt a problem for me but is for others, easily solved though, you'd have no problems in swapping stand for terrace come championship time

Hammer Archer

KevIRL wrote: »

Plus you can get access to any league match with your season ticket, not just your own county

This I did not know. I'll have to take advantage of that next year.
Agree pretty much word for word with your pros and cons.

KevIRL

Hammer Archer wrote: »

This I did not know. I'll have to take advantage of that next year.
Agree pretty much word for word with your pros and cons.

Ya certainly the case for hurling anyway, might be an exception for something like an all ticket league game at Croker like a league opener under lights, but definitely its the case anyway.

Came in handy for me last year when I was in Kilkenny one Sunday and couldnt make it to Thurles for Waterford v Tipp, went along to KK v Dublin instead, a game which saw 11 goals!

MeIsGod

I got one for the dubs matches last year. i found it very good for the league games but i signed up for championship ticket aswell, seats got gradually worse so if you had the season ticket they stung you with a **** seat and if you just went to ticketmaster you could get a much better one. I wouldnt get one again. Imo gaa screwed over the fans.

grimbergen

I had one last year and IMO they're excellent value for money if you're able to make the games. Surprised Kev above got bad seats for the W'ford games, the 3 times we played in Thurles last year I had centre of the old stand - absolutely perfect seats. Now that we've drawn Tipp in the first round next year, I'll probably get them again as that's one I won't want to miss.

KevIRL

grimbergen wrote: »

I had one last year and IMO they're excellent value for money if you're able to make the games. Surprised Kev above got bad seats for the W'ford games, the 3 times we played in Thurles last year I had centre of the old stand - absolutely perfect seats. Now that we've drawn Tipp in the first round next year, I'll probably get them again as that's one I won't want to miss.

Not all of the games, usually grand but very poor for Munster final this year.

Darr3nG

I've bought a Donegal Football season ticket for the last 3 years... Definitely worth it! Especially this year, guaranteed all Ireland final ticket...

All leagues games (inc. league finals) and first round of the championship, €5 off the remainder of championship games (except finals).

What's not to like?

And for an extra €10, you can get a juvenile ticket - all leagues games, first round of the championship and €5 tickets for the rest (except championship finals) - they don't even bother to check this, I took a few friends along with this ticket!

As for seating, this year - Pat McGrane stand for the Ulster Final, but charged full price :mad:; Each time in Croke Park, Section 305 Cusack (Hogan Stand for the Dublin game).

Just make sure that they actually scan your card/ticket - some grounds are poor enough - you can always check your attendance online and notify them if any are missed.

Bonus this year was free entrance into any league game for any county.

grimbergen

Darr3nG wrote: »

I've bought a Donegal Football season ticket for the last 3 years... Definitely worth it! Especially this year, guaranteed all Ireland final ticket...

All leagues games (inc. league finals) and first round of the championship, €5 off the remainder of championship games (except finals).

What's not to like?

And for an extra €10, you can get a juvenile ticket - all leagues games, first round of the championship and €5 tickets for the rest (except championship finals) - they don't even bother to check this, I took a few friends along with this ticket!

As for seating, this year - Pat McGrane stand for the Ulster Final, but charged full price :mad:; Each time in Croke Park, Section 305 Cusack (Hogan Stand for the Dublin game).

Just make sure that they actually scan your card/ticket - some grounds are poor enough - you can always check your attendance online and notify them if any are missed.

Bonus this year was free entrance into any league game for any county.

I'd say you were a right pain in the arse in the week before this year's all ireland with your tickets in your poca . You're right about the provincial finals, really don't know why they're full price and others aren't

Youssef Chippo

How much is the season ticket and do you get All Ireland final tickets even if your team doesn't make it?

grimbergen

Youssef Chippo wrote: »

How much is the season ticket and do you get All Ireland final tickets even if your team doesn't make it?

75 euro and no. You get entered into a draw if you made 100% of your team's games, don't know what the odds are like.

Darr3nG

€75 early-bird price before Christmas, €85 after...

And, yeah, it was sweet to watch others scurry round, looking for tickets, when mine were in the post...

I had 100% attendance for the previous two years, but didn't get any notification of All Ireland Tickets - Don't know what the process is for selection.

Youssef Chippo

grimbergen wrote: »

75 euro and no. You get entered into a draw if you made 100% of your team's games, don't know what the odds are like.

That's pretty good value. 7 league games at €12 is €84, first round of the championship €20-€25 and €5 x maybe 2 or 3 is €15. So you're saving around €50 or €60 which is great. Think I'll invest in one for next year.

grimbergen

Youssef Chippo wrote: »

That's pretty good value. 7 league games at €12 is €84, first round of the championship €20-€25 and €5 x maybe 2 or 3 is €15. So you're saving around €50 or €60 which is great. Think I'll invest in one for next year.

The hurling league games are 13e or at least they were last year? The real value comes if you can take in other league games - I went to the hurling final last year and the all-ireland club finals (also included) for free which was great.

dzer2

We have had season tickets since they came out there are 6 of us 2 adults and 4 juveniles Its a no brainer if you are bringing the kids to the matches with you. We have never had a problem with the seats only in Wexford last year when there was a football match on before hand. Only down side is you have to buy all 6 tickets for the AI if your team gets there and there ia no consession on these ticket prices. You will also get to the club finals in croke park with your ticket which was great entertainment this year.

Jellicoe

Thanks for the feedback folks.

The GAA website says the season tickets for 2013 will be going on sale December 2012

When will the fixtures and the venues for the 2013 National Football League be announced ?

Hammer Archer

Jellicoe wrote: »

Thanks for the feedback folks.

The GAA website says the season tickets for 2013 will be going on sale December 2012

When will the fixtures and the venues for the 2013 National Football League be announced ?

Fixtures should be announced in the next month or so.

Jellicoe

Darr3ng wrote:

Just make sure that they actually scan your card/ticket - some grounds are poor enough - you can always check your attendance online and notify them if any are missed.

Is there much hassle proving you were there if they weren't scanned properly ?

Hammer Archer

Jellicoe wrote: »

Is there much hassle proving you were there if they weren't scanned properly ?

Lots of people had problems with their attendance this season, but for me anyway, a quick email and it was corrected within the hour.
I'd definitely recommend it if you'll be going to 4 or 5 league games at least next season (as well as championship games obviously).
Just out of interest, which county are you from?

maroondog

Will hurling season ticket be cheaper now that no. teams reduced to 6 in league?Don't see details of 2013 prices from what I can see. Ticket is worth getting for people from strong football counties like Donegal, Dublin etc where higher chance taking up the option of an AI ticket which are hard to get. As for hurling less matches and AI tickets relatively easy to come by, especially last 5-6 yrs.

In run up to ai this year i read on threads that good few season ticket holders hadn't all matches recorded. However they did get this amended after they contacted Gaa but some didn't realise till close the final. So worth keeping an eye on match attendance I'd say.

Jellicoe

Thanks hammer, Kildare

celt262

Can you get entrance to terrace or are they for stand only?

Hammer Archer

Jellicoe wrote: »

Thanks hammer, Kildare

Then no. I wouldn't recommend a Kildare season ticket

Hammer Archer

celt262 wrote: »

Can you get entrance to terrace or are they for stand only?

In provincial grounds during the championship, you have to head in the stand entrance, but you can usually make your way to the terrace by asking stewards. In bigger grounds (e.g. Croke Park), it's seated only.

grimbergen

maroondog wrote: »

Will hurling season ticket be cheaper now that no. teams reduced to 6 in league?Don't see details of 2013 prices from what I can see. Ticket is worth getting for people from strong football counties like Donegal, Dublin etc where higher chance taking up the option of an AI ticket which are hard to get. As for hurling less matches and AI tickets relatively easy to come by, especially last 5-6 yrs.

In run up to ai this year i read on threads that good few season ticket holders hadn't all matches recorded. However they did get this amended after they contacted Gaa but some didn't realise till close the final. So worth keeping an eye on match attendance I'd say.

It wasn't cheaper this season and there were only 6 teams in the league. Whats equally baffling is Div 4 prices are the same as Div 1.

ardmacha

They threw in the AI club finals gratis for season ticket holders last year, which suited me just fine as the football went to a replay.

KK Shea

I'm thinking of buying a season ticket for someone as a gift. What's the maximum this will cost me, i'm from Kilkenny so using this year's matches as a reference for next year, is it worth my while?

frankled

Had it for the Dubs, was brilliant, mad to get one again only I'll be going travelling hopefully.

KK Shea

but do you know what the total cost of one can amount to?

grimbergen

KK Shea wrote: »

but do you know what the total cost of one can amount to?

If you're planning to pay for the whole season it'll be 75 + a ticket for every match after the first championship outing (in Kilkenny's case probably 4 if they get to the AIF). Every match is a fiver cheaper than face value except the leinster and all ireland finals. If KK go through the back door, there could be other outings.

frankled

KK Shea wrote: »

but do you know what the total cost of one can amount to?

Well €75/85 initially, which covers the league and first championship match. Say your team then plays three provincial games, this could amount to €70ish- your first game free, €25 for provincial semi and €45 for provincial final (€5 discount applies to championship matches excluding finals of any sort).

Say, for arguments sake, your team is beaten in provincial final. 3 qualifier matches would be about €75. Then €50 for All-Ireland QF and SF, and €80 for final, should they make it this far. A final replay, as unlikely as they are, costs €50 (going by this year's hurling).

So about €275-480 I think, roughly. But it won't be €480, I'd say always under €400.

KK Shea

Thanks that's very helpful, just wanted to have an idea of a total before i went ahead

Hammer Archer

KK Shea wrote: »

Thanks that's very helpful, just wanted to have an idea of a total before i went ahead

By the way, you can change the card that the tickets are charged to during the season if you like.

NIMAN

I take it you can't just buy the ticket, but must use it to guarantee the chance of 'big' tickets such as a final?

Jellicoe

In order to qualify for an All-Ireland Final ticket via the season ticket, you must have attended at least 60% of the total number of matches your county plays in the League & Championship

padd b1975

grimbergen wrote: »

If you're planning to pay for the whole season it'll be 75 + a ticket for every match after the first championship outing (in Kilkenny's case probably 4 if they get to the AIF). Every match is a fiver cheaper than face value except the leinster and all ireland finals. If KK go through the back door, there could be other outings.

You also have to factor in the custom of the GAA having curtain raisers, double headers and the odd triple header which makes the cost per match even better value.

jvm76

KevIRL wrote: »

I've had one since the scheme started, a Waterford hurling one. I'll be writing an article shortly for livegaelic.com on them. I will be renewing again this season as I feel the pros outweigh the cons. some pros and cons outlined below

Pro's
- Extremely convienient especially at championship time, no searching for tickets
- Ticket gtd for All Ireland Final if your team gets there
- Value for money, you save money with the season ticket, although I do feel the hurling ones have lost some of their value due to the league being reduced last season
- Usually get excellent seats, seats in Croker are top notch.
- You get to know the other season ticket holders and its good meeting up with a lot of the same people in the stand at match day
- features like opt out and friend ticket options are good
- They throw in little perks like league final and knock out round entries for free. Plus you can get access to any league match with your season ticket, not just your own county
- A smug sense of satisfaction come All Ireland final time when you can remind people desperately looking for tickets and pleading the 'I go to every game' card about the season ticket :pac:


Cons
- Not always seated with pals
- The aforementioned slight reduction in value for money in hurling, due to the reduction in league games in huling
- Sometimes the seats arent as good as they should be, seems to only happen at provinicial level though, Croke Park seats always great.
- Terrace isnt an option, this isnt a problem for me but is for others, easily solved though, you'd have no problems in swapping stand for terrace come championship time

Just in relation to "not always being seated with pals". You can set up a Seating Group of up to 10 people. You invite them by the email used on their account or season ticket number.

yop

Well worth it now, have it 3 years. Seated in a group with my Dad and his mate. We get great seats each year and discount on nearly all provincial matches.

Sush though, don't tell too many about them!

tomasdubh

I've had a Kilkenny season ticket and found it great value, all league games, including semis and final, and first game in Leinster championship for é75. After that I had to pay for tickets. The main value was that I got very good tickets for both all-ireland matches because I had attended the magic 60%. Extras included free entrance to any league match, not involving Kilkenny, and entrance to the club finals. During the summer I couldn't attend the Limerick game because I was on holidays, but someone took my ticket and used it, so it was added to my record.

Steven81

I think for any of the big counties ie those who think they might be playing in september its a no brainer. Like what one user said he didnt have to worry about all ireland tickets. 75 euro isnt the most amount of money for a couple of league games if they are good quality and a championship game. However if you take a lower off county the number of tickets sold will only be a handful.

If i remember right last year there was such a demand from Dublin that they had to stop selling them to that county or something like that.