True Love! Inter Milan Season Tickets Sell Out in Hours, Club’s Key Concessions Warm Hearts

Inter Milan has had its share of good news recently. Davide Frattesi scored four goals in nine matches for the national team, stating this is just the beginning of his impressive form. Dutch coach Ronald Koeman believes Denzel Dumfries and Jeremie Frimpong can coexist in the national team, with Frimpong playing as a winger and Dumfries retaining his spot as a starter. Additionally, Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni praised young star Valentin Carboni, who, at 19, received some playing time in the Copa America, brightening his future prospects. However, the biggest news for Inter fans is the phenomenal success of season ticket sales for the upcoming season: within just a few hours, all available tickets were sold out despite a price increase.

A few days ago, we discussed this topic, so let’s highlight the key points this time. Firstly, Inter made significant concessions regarding the season ticket price hike, which was a heartwarming gesture for the fans. Everyone agreed that an increase was necessary. Inter’s season ticket prices were indeed very low, only 30-40% of Juventus's, ranking third lowest in Serie A, even lower than many relegation-threatened teams. This was seen as the North Stand “bullying” the club. Given Inter’s multiple seasons of having the most crowded stadium in Serie A, with some marquee matches like derbies and Champions League clashes frequently sold out, a price increase was justified.

Initially, reports from reputable sources like Gazzetta dello Sport indicated that Inter’s planned price hike was 25%-40% (with low-priced tickets rising by 25% and high-priced tickets by 40%), a historic increase that would have sparked significant controversy. However, it turns out that sources like Gazzetta were slightly less reliable than others. The final season ticket prices saw a 12%-23% increase, which is quite modest. Considering Italy’s average inflation rate was 8.1% in 2022 and 5.7% in 2023, this was a balanced approach showing respect for fans' habits.

Inter found a balance between increasing revenue and maintaining tradition. Consequently, although prices rose, many fans expressed understanding, noting on platforms like Twitter and Instagram that the increase was below their expectations. Moreover, the number of people queuing for Inter season tickets far exceeded that of most other Serie A teams. According to official data, 85% of last season's season ticket holders renewed their tickets immediately, despite the price hike. The remaining 15% sold out within hours.

This created a new issue: last season, many fans couldn’t get tickets and had joined the queue early to secure “priority purchase rights” for this season. With this year’s high demand and the excitement surrounding Inter winning their second star, even more people joined the queue, increasing the number of people waiting for season tickets for the 2025-26 season. Currently, many Inter fans on Italian social media are complaining—not about the price increase, but about the long wait to get tickets! This indicates a bright future for Inter’s high stadium attendance rates in the coming years.

Ticket Sales Strategy

Although the season ticket price increase was below financial experts’ expectations, they remain optimistic that Inter’s ticket revenue could rise by 30 million euros this season. In the 2023-24 season, Inter attracted 1.75 million spectators, generating 100 million euros in ticket revenue. Experts initially predicted that for the 2024-25 season, Inter's matchday revenue could reach at least 130 million euros, assuming a price increase averaging 30%. Despite the lower-than-expected hike, experts still believe in a 30 million euro increase in revenue.

Firstly, season tickets are sold to long-term loyal fans, so the modest increase shows the club’s consideration for their supporters. However, single-match tickets, especially for high-demand matches like derbies and major Champions League fixtures, might see a significantly higher price increase. Additionally, last season, Inter exited the Coppa Italia early and only played a few home matches in European competitions. This season, with the expanded Champions League, Inter hopes to progress further, increasing the number of home matches and, consequently, ticket revenue.

In summary, while establishing a second team is challenging, Inter is determined to make it happen. Internal ambitions and external stimuli, especially AC Milan’s recent actions, drive these efforts. Marotta’s leadership and creativity are crucial in overcoming structural and financial hurdles.

Fan Enthusiasm

Inter’s fan base has shown incredible enthusiasm, selling out season tickets within hours despite the price hike. This underscores the strong bond between the club and its supporters. By balancing tradition with the need for increased revenue, Inter has managed to maintain fan loyalty and ensure a bright future for its home match attendance.

The combination of thoughtful ticket pricing, strategic matchday revenue planning, and unwavering fan support positions Inter Milan for a successful and financially stable season ahead. As the club navigates these changes, the ultimate goal remains clear: fostering talent, maintaining a competitive edge, and managing resources creatively and effectively.