Bristol City cut prices for Portsmouth Cup clash

Bristol City have announced recession-busting ticket prices for next week's mouthwatering FA Cup third round replay against holders Portsmouth.

The Premier League side visit Ashton Gate next Tuesday to settle a tie that will be screened live by satellite channel Setanta Sports (7.45pm).

And the Championship club is seekintg to entice supporters by offering cut-price tickets.

Adults can watch the game for £22, while concessionary rates have been set at £15 and under-16s can gain entry for a bargain fee of £5.

City chief executive Colin Sexstone said: "We realise these are difficult times for many people in the wake of Christmas and we have tried to price the game sensibly.

"There is only so much money available at this time of year and we have another home game against Wolves just five days later.

"Many of those who come to watch the FA Cup replay will be season ticket holders and we want to reward them for their loyalty by dropping prices."

Sexstone anticipates Ashton Gate's first full-house crowd of the season, despite Setanta's decision to screen the game live.

He said: "Our hope is that these prices will offset the fact the game is on television.

"We think it is an attractive fixture, one that people will still want to come along and watch in the flesh.

"Television coverage will help raise our profile, but shouldn't affect the crowd greatly. I see no reason why we shouldn't pack Ashton Gate to the rafters."

"A good atmosphere inside the ground will only help the players and we're looking forward to another special night at Ashton Gate."

Portsmouth have been allocated 2,800 tickets for the match.

City will receive a one-off cash windfall of £80,000 from the Football Association broadcast fund after Setanta opted to screen their replay ahead of the Peterborough United versus West Bromwich Albion tie.

Chelsea's third round replay at Southend United will be screened live the following day.

Ticket details: Adult tickets cost £22 for all areas of the stadium, concessions are £15 and under-16s £5. Disabled tickets are £10 and include free admission for the carer.

Tickets were available to season card holders from 4pm yesterday using the online booking system or by phone from 9am this morning. Season card holders have until 4pm on Thursday to secure their seat and can purchase one seat each.

Club members can buy one ticket each from 9am on Friday until 1pm on Saturday. At this point, all sales will stop, including online.

From 9am on Sunday, supporters will be able to buy a maximum of four tickets. If there are any tickets remaining, these will be available online, by phone, or from the ticket office from Monday, January 12 from 10am.

Portsmouth fans will be housed in the Wedlock Stand, meaning that this area will only be available to season card holders and not for members or general sale.

Tickets are available from the ticket office, which will open late this evening, by calling 0871 222 6666 or by visiting eticketing.co.uk/bristolcityfc.