Season ticket prices for 2006/07 have risen by 2.5%, an increase in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI). Fans have until April 13th to purchase their tickets at a reduced rate.

The club blames the rise on stadium costs increasing by 14% year-on-year, with business rates up around £80,000 on their own. The rise will see the club bring in another £150,000.

Town have introduced a new under-sevens season ticket costing only £23. Prior to the 'early bird' deadline, the lowest adult ticket is £354 up from £345 for the current season. A similar ticket for senior citizens will cost £251, under-16s £103 and £59 for under-11s.

The club will once again be running the three-cheque interest-free scheme at the reduced price level with payments made on April 20th, May 20th and July 20th. Tickets bought after the April 13th early booking deadline will cost around 18% more.

Town will increase match ticket prices by 10% if the Blues win promotion but season ticket prices will not be affected should this be the case.

Chairman David Sheepshanks says that if season ticket sales are strong, the club will not be forced to cash-in on the current squad: "Providing that our better form, entertainment value and future prospects combine to encourage a level of season ticket sales close to this year's, then I can confidently say that we will be able to build on the existing team with no financial need to sell players in the summer.

"Once all our injured players are fit, I think it is increasingly evident to us all that the squad that Joe Royle has now assembled shows great promise for the future. Some of our football in recent weeks has been a joy to watch.

"I can only thank supporters for keeping faith with us through the early season disappointments and invite everyone to both stay with us and renew early or indeed buy early if it is for the first time.

"Our pricing policy reflects our continued determination to introduce the thrills of live football at Portman Road to the younger generation and to maintain the affordability of live football to everyone, especially families.

"We are intent on seeing Ipswich Town rise again. I hope that large numbers will join us for what I am sure will be an exciting and, hopefully, successful season ahead."

Chief executive Derek Bowden added: "I very much hope supporters will recognise this as a fair and good value pricing package and will decide to back us by renewing early.

"Last year over 60% of supporters used our three-cheque payment scheme and we recommend this again. It means that fans can post their applications back straight away, knowing that the first payment will be taken no earlier than 20th April, with the remaining payments taken in May and July.

"This will be of great benefit to the club, enabling us to plan ahead with more certainty over future income.

"Supporters' commitment to Ipswich Town in buying their season ticket is the biggest single factor in enabling our club to retain and build upon the playing squad for the 2006/07 season."

Current season ticket holders, members and fans who purchased match tickets for three or more games this season will receive application forms in the post. Brochures and application forms are also available from the Ticket Office and club shop.

The club is keeping non-smoking areas as per 2005/6, around about 42% of seats, although fans are requested to refrain from smoking during play. Town say they will review this for 2007/08.

Silver membership has increased by £5, in order, the club say, "to better reflect the value of priority ticket access for non-season ticket holders". Gold membership has not risen in price.

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