Reading FC fans criticise 'One Royal' ticketing scheme
A critical opinion piece highlights concerns over complex loyalty tiers, significant price disparities, and a perceived disconnect between ownership and the fanbase.
Reading FC debutant Niall has published a detailed critique of the club’s newly launched 'One Royal' ticketing scheme, arguing that the initiative has been poorly managed due to a lack of pre-launch fan engagement. The article contends that while the ability to spread season ticket costs over 12 months is a positive feature, the broader implementation has complicated the purchasing process and failed to address the diverse needs of the supporter base.
The piece highlights that the scheme introduces confusing loyalty point tiers based on subscription levels and attendance. Under the new system, Core subscribers earn 10 points per game, Plus subscribers earn 12, and Elite subscribers earn 14, contingent on physical attendance. Non-attendance results in half points, unless the seat is released 24 hours in advance, in which case only five points are awarded. Single-game ticket holders no longer earn any loyalty points, a move the author argues is counterproductive given the stadium is currently operating at approximately 40% capacity in the home end.
Price variations between subscription tiers have also drawn sharp criticism. An adult Core package in the Sir John Madejski Stand costs £34.55 per month, while the Elite package for the same seat costs £63.57 per month, representing an 84% increase. The article suggests that the benefits associated with higher tiers, such as names in the tunnel or around the pitch, do not resonate with fans who value loyalty points more highly than promotional perks.
Niall argues that the launch was characterised by a lack of meaningful consultation, with only a last-minute, invite-only presentation offered to some fan groups prior to the scheme's full rollout. The author notes that the Royals Advisory Group’s involvement was unclear and that the session provided no opportunity for feedback or change. This approach has exacerbated a perception among some supporters that the club is becoming similar to Wycombe Wanderers regarding recruitment and fan relations.
The article concludes that the new system risks alienating fans by prioritising attendance metrics over financial support, particularly affecting those who buy season tickets to support the club regardless of their ability to attend every match. The piece questions the appointment of Leam Richardson as coach for another season and suggests the scheme was designed in a boardroom without understanding the supporters’ relationship to the club, potentially driving disillusioned fans away.
