Coventry City Chief Executive Dave Boddy has confirmed further details following the announcement of the Sky Blues’ return to Coventry after the signing of a deal to play at the Ricoh Arena.
Boddy also took the opportunity to thank Birmingham City for their support.
The agreement at the Ricoh Arena was announced earlier today, and the Sky Blues Chief Executive has confirmed that new ‘Ricoh Return’ Memberships will go on sale shortly.
Boddy said:
“The reaction of Sky Blues fans and the City of Coventry has been fantastic since the news was prematurely revealed in the media ahead of the deal being finalised and signed, and since today's announcement.
“In a similar vein to this season, there is still some uncertainty about fans in stadiums and when that is possible and in what form, so we will again have a Membership – this time the ‘Ricoh Return’ Membership.
“We’ve seen some comments about pricing of Season Tickets when we return, so I’d like to take this opportunity to say that Adults who buy a Ricoh Return Membership with a Season Ticket will pay a total of £299. This is the same price as our last season at the Ricoh in League One, represents really great value for fans and we’re sure will be well received.
“There will be full details and prices in the coming days, and we hope to go on sale as soon as possible.”
Boddy also spoke further about the agreement to play at the Ricoh Arena, and the ongoing stadium plans at the University of Warwick.
“It’s a very positive deal for the Football Club, not only being rightly back in Coventry but also putting us on a strong footing to continue our development.
“The deal is for 10 years with a break clause at 7 years, which accounts for the Club and our Owners aim of developing a stadium of our own with the University of Warwick and at the same time giving us stability.
“In the meantime, there are positive changes at the Ricoh Arena that fans will see compared to recent years that we have been there, and we look forward to announcing details of those to our fans in the coming weeks and months.”
Finally, Boddy extended his thanks to Birmingham City Football Club for their support since the Sky Blues have been groundsharing at St Andrew’s – which will continue until the end of the 2020/21 season – and the West Midlands Combined Authority, for their role in discussions for the Sky Blues to return to Coventry.
“During our time of need, both this season and last, Birmingham City were incredibly supportive to us,” said City’s Chief Executive.
“Their owners and senior management, and all their staff and stewards were so helpful to us and our supporters that it made a very difficult move and time as enjoyable as it could be for us and our fans.
“Their support, hard work and camaraderie will live long in our memories, and we will always be grateful for that.”
Boddy added: “I’d also like to thank Andy Street, the West Midlands Mayor, and Allan Andrews from the West Midlands Combined Authority. Andy was instrumental in facilitating the initial meetings between Derek Richardson and Joy Seppala in early 2020, and along with his Senior Adviser Allan Andrews was key to bringing the two parties together when this deal seemed unlikely.”