On Sunday, AFC Leopards will host Shabana in a SportPesa League Gameweek 23 fixture at the Nyayo National Stadium.
The two teams are currently level on points and occupy second and third positions respectively.
However, the talk of the town isn’t just the game on the field but the decision by the AFC Leopards National Executive Council (NEC) to hike ticket prices.
Regular tickets have jumped from Ksh 300 to 500, while VIP seats have doubled from Ksh 500 to 1,000.
AFC Leopards raising ticket prices against Shabana
Fans from both divides across social media platforms have already expressed their displeasure with the move arguing that it’s exploitative.
While the club may be looking to capitalize on a big match atmosphere, the move is fundamentally ill-advised when considering the current dynamics of the game.
Nairobi is currently grappling with high and unpredictable rainfall. For a fan paying Ksh 500 for a regular ticket at Nyayo Stadium, there is a significant catch, the regular section has no canopy.
In the current weather, the NEC is essentially asking fans to pay a premium for the privilege of sitting in a possible downpour for 90 minutes.
Without overhead cover, the price hike serves as a deterrent rather than an incentive, especially when fans can watch the game in a dry environment elsewhere via the official league broadcaster.
It’s not easy to convince fans of the benefits of the hike in such an environment.
Furthermore, the logic behind the hike likely assumes a massive turnout from the Tore Bobe faithful. However, Shabana’s traditional and most passionate fanbase is rooted in the Gusii region.
While they undoubtedly have traveling fans, the increased gate charges combined with the high cost of travel will likely discourage many from making the trip to Nairobi.
Ingwe might find themselves playing in a half-empty stadium, losing out on both atmosphere and the total revenue that a packed, lower-priced stadium would have provided.
Timing is everything in sports business, and currently, Ingwe’s leverage is weak. The team is losing its grip on the title race at a crucial moment.
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Having dropped points in two of their last three matches, including a frustrating goalless draw away to Bandari and a 1-0 loss to KCB at Kasarani in their last match, the hype is cooling off.
With Gor Mahia facing Mathare United on Saturday, a win for K’Ogalo would open a 9-point gap at the top. Asking fans to pay double for an experience while the title seems to be slipping away is a hard sell that ignores the emotional state of the supporters.
Ultimately, the decision and timing of raising the ticket prices under these conditions feels out of touch with the reality on the ground and could severely affect revenue generation for Kenya’s oldest club.