German second division membership Fortuna Düsseldorf plan a soccer revolution by permitting all followers in for free at residence video games sooner or later, beginning with a check section of a minimum of three matches subsequent season.
The membership mentioned on Wednesday that the distinctive technique underneath the title “football for everyone” is to strengthen their standing within the metropolis on the banks of the River Rhine, and to spotlight that soccer belongs to the followers.
In order make up for the misplaced ticket sale revenue, the previous Bundesliga membership and 1980 European Cup Winners’ Cup finalists mentioned that the have up to now landed 4 sponsors – together with soccer charity Common Goal – in a bid to generate some €45 million ($49.6 million) over the following 5 years.
“This is something that has never been done before and can really trigger a revolution in professional football,” Düsseldorf mayor Stephan Keller mentioned.
Fortuna CEO Alexander Jobst mentioned: “We want everyone to be able to experience football in Düsseldorf and thus anchor Fortuna much more firmly in our city again.
“In order to have the ability to provide all residence matches freed from cost ultimately, we want extra long-term companions on our frequent path. We are blissful in regards to the firms which can be already on board and are open to additional companions who need to go this extraordinary approach with us.
“We are embarking on a journey together in which things can still change. And that is also a good thing. But we have a clear goal, a common idea, strong partners and incredible fans,” Jobst mentioned.Up to now Düsseldorf reportedly generated round €7 million per season from ticket gross sales within the second tier. Fortuna’s common attendance this season is 30,000 in a stadium with a capability of over 54,000.
The membership will proceed to earn a living from VIP tickets, whereas all others are to get entry freed from cost.
There will nonetheless be season tickets with the quantity capped, and people holders do not have to use for tickets just like the others, with long-time membership members most popular in a poll. Applications are to begin six weeks earlier than every residence sport and the poll is to comply with two weeks later.
Düsseldorf mentioned the brand new sponsorship revenue will profit the membership and the town, with aside from investments into the primary crew 20% of the revenue going to the academy and the ladies’s groups, 20% into the digital infrastructure and the sector, and 10% to grassroots sport within the metropolis.
Düsseldorf mentioned that a minimum of three video games shall be freed from cost subsequent season, with extra to comply with in 2024-25 however the membership not giving a determine but. The final “clear aim” is to have free admission for everybody in any respect 17 residence video games.
Former Düsseldorf participant Andreas Lambertz spoke of “a sensational idea” whereas Jost Peter, spokesman of fan grouping Our Curve mentioned that “We think it’s good that Fortuna Düsseldorf is setting an example there.”
Fortuna’s massive regional rivals Cologne reacted sceptical.
“For a model to function permanently it is ultimately a question of how the professional football and stadium experience is financed. We can’t do that without the ticket revenue from our great fans,” Cologne managing director Markus Rejek mentioned.
“We are looking at Düsseldorf with interest and anticipation. We are very positive about innovative ideas that enable even more fans to have an emotional stadium experience. It remains to be seen how the campaign develops and whether it can be financed over a longer period than three home games.”
Bundesliga membership Hoffenheim mentioned they might additionally preserve an in depth eye on the Düsseldorf challenge to see whether or not it really works or not.
“This is without doubt an interesting, creative and, not least, headline-grabbing approach by our colleagues from Düsseldorf,” managing director Frank Briel mentioned.
Kaynak: DPA
Source: www.anews.com.tr
