From the Chairman of Aberdeen Lynx Ice Hockey Club
On behalf of everyone at Aberdeen Lynx Ice Hockey Club, I would like to thank all of our fans and season ticket holders for your continued loyalty and support. Your commitment is the heartbeat of our club and plays a vital role in everything we do, both on and off the ice.
As many of you know, we are currently experiencing some technical challenges as we implement our new ticketing system. We greatly appreciate your patience while these issues are resolved. The decision to move to this system was made carefully, and we are confident it will deliver long-term benefits for our supporters.
Benefits of the New Ticketing System
- Lower fees – booking charges have been reduced by approximately 30–50%, depending on the type of ticket purchased. These fees are set by and paid directly to the system provider, not the club.
- Enhanced security – following instances last season where tickets were shared or copied, the new system ensures fairness, security, and smoother entry on game nights, especially when we sell out.
- New features – supporters can now add season tickets directly to their Apple or Google Wallets for convenience. We are also working towards a potential ticket buy-back option, allowing fans to return tickets they cannot use, making more seats available to others.
Rising Costs – Background Context
We fully understand that rising costs are difficult for families, particularly during a challenging period for household budgets. Over the past three years, the UK has seen a general cost of living increase of around 20%, with inflation peaking at over 10% in 2022 and remaining above average since. These pressures affect almost every aspect of life, and sport is no exception.
At club level, our general running costs have risen by around 30% over the same period. This includes higher charges for facilities, transport, equipment, clothing/uniforms, and merchandise. Fuel and energy costs, in particular, have been a significant driver of these increases. Despite this, we have worked hard to minimise the impact on our supporters and players wherever possible.
In addition, the league now has two more teams, meaning we are hosting a minimum of 18 home games this season, with the potential for additional fixtures depending on cup and playoff performance.
Ticketing and Membership Pricing
Last season, our matchday ticket price rose from £12 to £13—broadly in line with the wider league. However, we continued to calculate season tickets at the lower £12 rate. Taking this into account, alongside the additional games, the real terms increase this year works out at around 10% per game.
Our club membership fees have also risen by around 10%. We recognise that any increase is unwelcome, but we have kept this as modest as possible in light of the pressures facing the club. Crucially, we remain committed to keeping ice hockey accessible and affordable for players, families, and supporters, while also safeguarding the long-term sustainability of the club.
Who We Are
It is important to remember that Aberdeen Lynx is a volunteer-run Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO). Every penny raised goes directly back into the running and development of the club. No directors or committee members are paid—we rely entirely on the dedication of our volunteers, sponsors, and supporters to keep moving forward.
Finally, I want to highlight that Aberdeen Lynx is not just a senior team—we are a club that invests heavily in junior development. This investment has driven significant growth, with our junior teams continuing to thrive and many young players proudly representing Scotland, and in some cases, Great Britain whilst also breaking into the senior team. We are extremely proud of these achievements and deeply grateful to everyone who makes them possible—our fans, season ticket holders, sponsors, volunteers, and wider supporters.
I hope this helps explain the reasons behind our price increases. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to email us at contactus@aberdeenlynx.com, including your phone number. As Chairman of the club, I will be happy to arrange a call with you directly to discuss further.
Thank you again for your unwavering support. We are looking forward to another exciting season and can’t wait to welcome you back to the Linx Ice Arena.
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John Colley
Chairman
Aberdeen Lynx Ice Hockey Club
