Carlisle United cut ticket prices and target 10,000 for Tranmere game

The Blues have confirmed that their Good Friday clash with Tranmere Rovers will be just £10 for entry.

United hope the reduced price will lead to a 10,000 crowd, with their initiative called #10for10.

The promotion-chasing Cumbrians launched the offer today as part of their drive to boost crowds during the run-in.

The Tranmere game, on Friday, April 7, looks likely to see the biggest Brunton Park attendance of the season, surpassing the 9,351 that watched the Blues thrash Barrow on January 31.

United have confirmed there will be no price increases on the day of the game, with adult prices £10 in seating and standing areas.

Under-18s can watch the game for £5 – while the club say they will be putting on “additional attractions and activities” at the ground from the morning of the game.

The Good Friday game is shaping up to be a key afternoon in the promotion push of Paul Simpson and his side.

Manager Simpson said he hopes fans respond to the #10for10 offer in their droves.

Speaking on the club website, Simpson said: “I know I’ve repeated myself over and over, but I have to say that our fans have been incredible home and away this season.

🔵⚽🔟0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ “When we walk out of the tunnel and see and hear our fans it’s huge. We’re into that all-important final push, so let’s do it together.”

Ticket prices slashed for the @TranmereRovers game on Good Friday"#10for10

Buy now - details here 👇 https://t.co/y56qEmAL5U

— Carlisle United FC (@officialcufc) March 13, 2023

“With the run we’ve been on recently we’re hoping for big numbers for the Stevenage game this weekend, and with the reduced prices it would be good for us to the reach the 10,000 target for home fans on Good Friday.

“From where we were last February it feels like we have a really united club, and that’s important, because we’re all pulling together for the same purpose.

“Nothing has been achieved yet, but if we can turn out and support the lads – who have done their bit to get us where we are now – and help them with the next 11, it will make a massive difference.

“When we walk out of the tunnel and see and hear our fans it’s huge. We’re into that all-important final push, so let’s do it together.”

Chief executive Nigel Clibbens said the #10for10 offer was “far more” than simply a ticket discount.

“We want fans to be here early, from 11.30am, and we’ll have additional attractions and activities with that in mind as we look to make it a fun day around the football.

“We want to give our fans in the city and from the wider area the chance to come out in force and show how much they back Paul, the team and the club at what is a vital time.

“The challenge we have set ourselves is to break the 10,000 home fans figure. There is a real desire to see far more people come to Brunton Park and, hopefully, they’ll come back for more for the remainder of the run-in.

“We’re in a great position and we’ve seen through the season what a difference our crowd can make. Even bigger numbers can only make an even bigger difference.

“10,000 plus Carlisle fans shouting and cheering for Simmo and the team would be amazing to see.

“We’re hoping people will get behind this campaign, spread the word and come along to enjoy the game. Everybody is saying how brilliant it would be to see Brunton Park full and bouncing. Simmo has talked about the potential he feels this club has, and this is a chance for us all to show that for real.

Our campaign urges people to rally behind Simmo and the team during the run-in (Image: Gary York / Newsquest)

“Prices are low, kids are free, the team is riding high – come one everybody, let’s do this together, get united behind this and let’s make it #10for10.”

The News & Star last week launched a #BackTheBlues campaign urging people to rally behind Simmo and his side for their remaining games - click HERE for more

Supporters' groups are also distributing posters around the area to try and ramp up attendances.

Carlisle’s last 10,000 league crowd came in February 2019 when a similar ticket offer led to a 10,459 crowd for the visit of MK Dons.

The previous time they broke five figures for a league game was in September 2008, when 12,148 watched the visit of Leeds United.

Before that, the memorable victory over Leeds in November 2007 was attended by 16,668.

Cup games have attracted five-figure crowds since then, with 17,101 watching the FA Cup fourth round clash with Everton in January 2016.

A 12,625 attendance saw the League Cup meeting with Tottenham Hotspur in September 2012.

Carlisle will hope their latest initiative will help them surpass even some of those numbers.

Tickets for the Tranmere game are on sale now.