After reaching a record-breaking 20,086 members last season, the Penrith Panthers membership team are hoping next year’s 50th anniversary celebrations, combined with a favourable 2016 draw, will see the club break that record once again.
Currently sitting on 5143 members and on track with last year’s numbers, the membership team believe more Sunday games as well as blockbuster matches against four Sydney clubs, will help the Panthers achieve that goal.
Speaking with the Weekender, Penrith Panthers Manager of Consumer, Nathan Russell, said the club hopes to get closer with fans than ever before.
“Increasing from 6500 members in 2013 to 20,086 in 2015, our focus in 2016 is stronger and more meaningful engagement with our existing members,” he said.
“Increased member events, post-match functions, stronger community presence and engagement will be our focus in 2016.”
With the Panthers celebrating an impressive milestone of 50 seasons in 2016, Mr Russell said fans will be involved in next year’s celebrations.
“The launch of the new home, away and alternate jerseys have brought this to the forefront already, but throughout the year there’ll be further celebrations of team and individual achievements in our history, and the only way to be part of those celebrations will be to be at a game,” he said.
“This is a historic chapter in the Panthers story and we want all fans to be involved”
The club currently has 12 membership options for next season, ranging from $2310 for a premium experience right down to just $40 for a non-ticketed membership.
For families and individuals on a budget, Mr Russell said there were a number of packages on offer such as the Bronze General Admission membership.
“A family Bronze membership works out to be $33.50 per game, and that’s not even factoring in the two free trial games against the Bulldogs and Eels,” he said.
“Another option for individuals who can only attend a handful of games is the Flexi 6 membership, which provides six general admission tickets that can be used at any Pepper Stadium game of their choice. At $100, this works out to be only $16.66 per game.”
Supporters who choose to become Panthers members in 2016 will be treated to a number of benefits including access to all Penrith Stadium games, priority access to Origin, Finals Series and Grand Final tickets as well as access to members-only events and a $30 Panther Shop voucher.
Nathan Taylor
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.