Carlisle United have frozen season-ticket prices – as they prepare to welcome back as many fans as possible to Brunton Park.

The Blues have today confirmed their pricing structure for a 2021/22 season which is expected to see supporters allowed back into the ground in normal numbers.

Following a 2020/21 campaign which saw most games played behind closed doors because of Covid-19 – and a handful played in front of limited numbers – United are planning for a season when all their faithful can return.

It is planned that the ground will return to normal spacing, with social distancing requirements from last term no longer in place – other than one section of the stadium which will be set aside for any fans who would prefer still to watch the team in a socially-distanced situation.

The Cumbrians say season-ticket prices have been frozen for a ninth consecutive year, with existing season-ticket holders able to renew from June 28. That will be followed by early-buy and standard periods for new season-ticket holders.

An adult renewing an existing season-ticket can do so for £305 (terracing) or £362 (seating), while the most expensive prices in the standard sales period for new season-ticket holders are £400 (seating) and £337 (terracing).

Carlisle said they have not offered major discounts despite the Covid climate because of the way they handled season-ticket issues last season, with fans having been offered refunds, direct debit transfers or iFollow codes for games played behind closed doors.

That was in contrast to the approach of other clubs who sold season-tickets much earlier last year despite the ongoing uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The approach we have taken over the last 18 months, which is something we are proud of as a club, means we have been able to be as consistent as possible and start again from the base line and go again,” said club spokesman Andy Hall.

“Other clubs were taking money earlier, knowing we were in a serious situation – they had to.

“We didn’t and we’ve tried to maintain that stance all along that we would only do it when we had to.”

On the frozen prices this year, Hall added: “I know fans will understand we have to run the football club as a business, but we are also keen to think about affordability, especially in the current climate of the pandemic, that goes with getting people back to our games.

“We have decided to keep our prices consistent as we look to push on together.”

United have explained that part of Section 8 of the Pioneer Stand – an area close to the Warwick Road End – will be reserved for social distancing.

That section will see a continuation of the distancing arrangements seen in all parts of the ground last season, with certain seats out of use.

“If people, families or bubbles are not yet comfortable with going back to normal spacing in the stands in the current climate, they can approach the ticket office and we will cater for them as much as we can,” Hall added.

Carlisle added that, “despite the caution currently being shown with ‘Freedom Day’ being pushed back to July 19, planning is now in full flow for a return of the Blue Army when we kick things off again for the 2021/22 campaign.”

They said that plans for Wembley to welcome 40,000 fans for Euro 2020 games means United are “very much working on the assumption that social distancing will not be required [next season].”

The season-ticket renewal period, from June 28 to July 6, offers a four-game saving and has seating prices at £362 (adult), £305 (senior), £149 (young person) and £99 (junior).

Equivalent terracing renewal prices are £305, £248, £149 and £99.

The early buy period, which then runs from July 7-24 and has a three-match saving, has adult prices of £381 (seating) and £321.

The standard period which follows offers new season-tickets including £400 (adult seating) and £337 (adult terracing), with a two-game saving.

Carlisle are also offering a “super saver” deal to any adult or senior season-ticket holder from last season who did not request a refund, a direct debut switch or receive iFollow codes.

Those prices are £343 (adult seating), £289 (adult terrace), £289 (senior seating) and £235 (senior terrace).

Matchday ticket prices are also unchanged, including £22 (adult seating) and £19 (adult terracing).

It has not yet been confirmed what Covid safety measures will remain in place at Brunton Park for the 2021/22 campaign, such as whether negative tests or proof of vaccination will be required before fans can enter the ground.

At this stage, United have simply said: “Depending on national, local and EFL guidelines on coronavirus, all supporters will be required to adhere to our Supporters’ Code of Conduct. The terms will be confirmed before the first fixture.”

In the event of another lockdown, the club add, “any future payments will be suspended, with no further payments taken until you are able to return to the stadium. There will be no pro-rata refunds of direct debits should another lockdown be imposed.”

Should there be a return to a reduced capacity that means some season-ticket holders cannot attend, the club will offer full refunds, a direct debit option or iFollow codes, subject to EFL confirmation.

For more details and full pricing, see the club website.