FOOTBALL prices are on the increase – but Grimsby Town are among the most fan-friendly clubs in the Conference.
The BBC have launched their 'Price of Football' results for 2014, which outlines costs associated with the national game.
And given what Blundell Park has to offer, following the Mariners provides supporters with value for money.
According to the BBC figures, Town's cheapest matchday experience – including one ticket, a programme, pie and tea – costs £23.60.
It's a figure substantially less than Kidderminster (£26), and six other Conference clubs including Bristol Rovers and Torquay.
Mariners' season tickets (£285-378) are seventh highest in the non-league charts, but their tea is 10p cheaper than Lincoln City's!
So Town have derby bragging rights in more ways than one – after beating the Imps in the Lincolnshire Senior Cup Final on Tuesday night.
However, while the Mariners compare favourably with the non-league rivals, there are some challengers further up the football pyramid.
In the Premier League, fellow black and whites Newcastle United charge just £23.30 for their cheapest matchday experience.
Meanwhile, former top-flight duo Blackburn Rovers (£19.70) and Derby County (£18) offer a similarly priced day out.
In terms of season tickets, champions Manchester City (from £299) are the lowest in the Premier League, while Charlton Athletic (from £150) is by far the least expensive of the 72 Football League clubs.
Once again, though, costs across England and Scotland have risen – at almost twice the rate of living costs.
The popular BBC study analysed how much supporters are charged at 207 clubs.
And the findings show prices have increased 13 per cent since 2011, and 4.4 per cent year-on-year.
But are UK fans being ripped-off compared to their European contemporaries?
Well according to the figures, costs at some of the biggest clubs across the Continent are comparable to domestic non-league teams.
For example, four-times European Cup winner Bayern Munich start their season tickets at £109.65, with matchday prices starting at £11.75.
Other giants leaving supporters with plenty of money in their pockets are Barcelona and Benfica, whose cheapest season tickets are £109.65 and £70.36 respectively.
It means Nou Camp regulars are being charged just £5.77 per home clash!
How reasonable do you find the overall Blundell Park experience? Share your views by posting a comment on this story.
