IPSWICH Town have announced that they will be reducing ticket prices by nearly 25% for the Championship visit of Middlesbrough next month.

Former Town skipper Tony Mowbray brings his high-flying Boro side to Portman Road on Saturday, February 11.

And following an attendance of just 16,497 for Saturday’s visit of Blackpool, the club have decided – as a trial – to cut prices to the lowest they have been in seven seasons.

Prices will be reduced by nearly 25 per cent for the Boro game in some cases, costing adults �20 in the lower tiers; �25 in most upper tiers and �30 in central blocks of the upper tiers.

Prices for over 60s, Under-20s, students and U16s have also been reduced. There are similar reductions in the premium priced areas of the stadium.

A club statement read: The trial is taking place as the Club respond to ongoing calls from supporters that revenues from reduction in ticket prices would more than be covered by increased sales.

However this is seldom the case. Earlier this season a special season ticket promotion for the match against Crystal Palace increased the attendance to 24, 763 yet the revenues were 10 per cent lower than for the 19,758 who attended the game against Leeds.

“Gate receipts are a vitally important revenue stream and the ticket office manager and I spend a lot of time trying to maximise these to decrease the gap between over expenditure and income,” said Town chief executive Simon Clegg.

“The Middlesbrough game is a deliberate trial to measure the effect on volumes and revenues. I hope that many Town fans will take up this great offer as it could influence our thinking on future ticket pricing strategy.”

John Ford, Town’s ticket office manager, added: “These will be our cheapest League prices for seven years and I hope the supporters will take advantage of what we think is a fantastic offer.”

Supporters are encouraged to buy in advance as prices will increase on matchday in line with normal ticketing policy. Tickets are available online as well as through the Club shops and by phone on 0844 8011 555.

Tickets are on sale now to Silver Club members, go on sale to Gold Club members from January 23, to season ticket holders from January 25 and on general sale from January 27.