Sheffield Wednesday fans have received promising news as the club's administrators have announced a significant reduction in ticket prices for the upcoming home match against Norwich City on 5th November. This decision follows a turbulent period for the Owls, who recently entered administration after the departure of former owner Dejphon Chansiri, marking the end of a decade-long tenure.
Chansiri's exit has had serious consequences, including a hefty 12-point penalty that has left Wednesday at the bottom of the Championship table, currently with a minus six points. The team faces a daunting challenge, trailing safety by 16 points. However, the atmosphere among supporters has shifted positively since Chansiri's departure, fostering a renewed sense of optimism despite the looming threat of relegation. Read more about Manning Stays Committed as Relegation Fears Mount.
After a boycott of home matches, fans made a notable return during Saturday's 2-1 loss to Oxford United, with an attendance of 27,261. In a remarkable show of support, around £500,000 has been raised for the club through ticket sales and merchandise in recent days, highlighting the community’s commitment to stabilising the club’s financial position.
The forthcoming match against Norwich holds critical significance, not only for the points at stake but also as an opportunity to boost home attendance. Norwich, currently positioned above Wednesday in the league, are grappling with their own form issues, having not secured a win in eight matches and suffering five consecutive defeats. This presents the Owls with a potential opportunity to claim a much-needed victory.
In a move welcomed by many, the administrators have made the Norwich game more accessible, acknowledging that previous ticket prices were "too high." Standard adult tickets in the Kop Stand have been reduced to £20, with seats in the Grandstand or North Stand priced at £25, while admission to the South Stand is set at £30. The match will also embrace a festive theme, dubbed 'Blue & White Night,' featuring music, a pre-match celebration, and a light show to rekindle the club’s spirit on Bonfire Night.
This pricing adjustment appears to be part of a broader strategic initiative, with the club also designating the upcoming Steel City derby against Sheffield United as a ‘Double Discount’ game. Here, adults will benefit from a £10 discount on tickets, while juniors will receive £5 off. Additionally, a £20 discount is available for a four-match package covering fixtures against Preston North End, Derby County, Hull City, and Blackburn Rovers. Read more about Manning Demands Fight as Canaries Face Hull Showdown.
The initial actions taken by Wednesday's administrators have resonated with supporters, who have taken to social media to express their gratitude for the revised pricing structure after years of escalating costs under Chansiri. There is growing anticipation among fans for the finalisation of a takeover, with joint-administrator Kris Wigfield indicating that a deal could potentially be completed before the end of the year. However, some supporters have expressed a desire for the administrators to remain in place a little longer, appreciating the positive trajectory the club seems to be on under their guidance.
As the countdown to the Norwich fixture progresses, excitement is palpable among the Owls’ faithful, who will be hoping that the positive changes off the pitch translate into a much-needed uplift on it.