Soccer: Child ticket scam dents Phoenix profit

Some adult patron have been taking advantage of a security loophole by using children's tickets to gain entry to Phoenix matches. Photo / Getty Images

The Wellington Phoenix Football Club has been hit by a scam in which adults are getting into the A-League club's home games using children's tickets.

Other stadiums have security staff at the gates checking tickets, but patrons passing through the turnstiles of Westpac Stadium scan their tickets themselves to gain entry.

Some adult patrons are taking advantage of the security loophole by using children's tickets. An adult ticket to the silver zone, for example, is $28, while student tickets are $18.50 and child (5-16 years) tickets are $12.50.

Mike Greene, from supporters' club Yellow Fever, said it was hard to know how common the ticket scam was.

"I'd say anyone who did it was hurting the club and was not a very good fan. I'd suggest fans purchase a season ticket, as it shows loyalty to the club and saves a lot on the gate price," Mr Greene said.

But Mr Greene also wants to have as many people at club games as possible.

"I'd prefer the cheapskates came on a kid's ticket rather than not at all," he said.

The fan club's director, Guy Smith, told Radio New Zealand the scam could have dire effects on the team.

"I guess the risk is that at a time when the Phoenix need to start turning a profit, people are going to do them out of money and that could have a flow-on effect for the long-term viability of the Phoenix. And it would be a tragedy if we lost them."

The team lost about $1 million last year.

But Wellington Phoenix spokesman John Mitchell said the ticketing scam was not a big problem.

"We've heard reports of it," Mr Mitchell said. "But it certainly is not a major issue. We've had discussions with Westpac Stadium. It's up to it to see what action should be taken.

"It is not something we are overly concerned about."

Mr Mitchell said the financial viability of the club was not at risk, and the ticket scam was a "societal issue".

"What I will say from the club's perspective is that 99.9 per cent of the fans are honest and love to support the team and that's the way it should be."

A poll on the Yellow Fever forum showed most members were against the practice, and and only three admitted to having made the most of the stadium's electronic system.

"Any adult who is buying kids' tickets to get into a game is ripping the club off. It wouldn't matter what sport it is, it's still cheating," forum commenter Ard Righ wrote.

"The Phoenix rely on ticket sales for home games to avoid having huge losses for the club each year."

Goldienz echoed the sentiments of many who said going to Phoenix games was not that expensive anyway.

"I can't believe someone would be that rank to steal from the club like that, because that's what it is - theft."

Buffon II asked, "What happened to being honest Kiwis?"

Whooooooo had used a child's ticket to attend a match.

"You lot who are complaining, would you rather have these guys not come to games at all?" he wrote.

The Phoenix' next home game is against Brisbane Roar on November 3.