SAINTS have pointed to increased operational costs as they explain why season tickets have gone up in price this season.
The club have said prices have increased 15 per cent on average across the ground, after a 10 per cent reduction last season.
Saints have added the average season ticket price represents a net five per cent increase across the last two years.
However, some sections of St Mary's have seen more dramatic increases with supporters reporting 50 per cent increases.
For example, Itchen blocks 05 and 09 have been recategorised as 'central' from 'outer centre' and a new and more expensive 'halfway line' category has been introduced.
The cheapest entry for a new adult season ticket has gone from £379 to £499, with the sold-out Northam stand and new seats in the corners.
READ MORE: Saints reveal season ticket information for 2024/25 season
Saints have explained the increases, stating: "After seven years of freezing prices, for the 2023/24 season, the club reduced the prices following relegation.
"We have been clear this season they will rise 10-15%. Throughout recent years, the costs of running matchdays have been increasing.
"This includes the price of energy and paying the hundreds of staff who help us to run matchdays efficiently and safely.
"Ticket prices are therefore increasing this summer to help us continue to run and invest in the club, on and off the pitch.
"With an average net rise of 5% spanning these last 2 seasons, this still represents a significantly lower rise than the majority of clubs.
"We also continue to have our direct debit option in place, allowing supporters to spread their payments across ten months at no extra cost and not requiring a credit check."
They continued: "With wholesale changes across the stadium, this was a time to look at our overall stadium set-up.
"We have made some adaptions to the whole layout resulting in a change of price bands and areas. This will impact some to a higher degree than others."
Saints CEO Phil Parsons has helped push the club to improve St Mary's with significant investment from Sport Republic for the first time since it opened in 2001.
After already adding safe standing in the Northam, they are improving infrastructure elsewhere and plan to open a supporters pub named 'The Dell' on site.
Saints said: "We’re working on improving the entire stadium footprint and enhancing the matchday experience for everyone.
"This will include having more food and drinks options around the outside of the stadium as well as several areas for matchday entertainment to add more to your matchday.
"Following successful trials this season, fans in the Chapel, Kingsland and Northam areas of the stadium will also enjoy extended outside concourse spaces at half-time for every match.
"Further details on all developments will be shared over the summer and we’ll continue to keep improving this for the future."
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