York City Knights season ticket sales are up by 166 per cent on last year - and fans still have two days to get their hands on one for less than £100.

Around 500 fans have taken advantage of a special early bird offer - more than 200 up on last year's total number of season tickets sold - and that number is expected to rise yet further before the season kicks off in February.

Benefits of a season pass this year include reserved seating for those who want it, a price freeze on 2007 charges, and access to the Huntington Stadium bar after games, which will now be restricted to season ticket holders only.

There is also the incentive of a higher standard of rugby and more derby games with the likes of Doncaster and Hull KR to look forward to.

Operations manager Chris Clinton, who looks after the day-to-day running of the club, said: "I think the increase shows how good the support for the Knights is in the city of York.

"It's fair reward for all the hard work that everybody put in last year in getting to division one.

"There's also a general increase in interest in the club. It's being talked about much more in the city.

"It reflects well on the signings the club has made for next year and the intention to move the club forward."

Another clue that the club has captured the imagination of the city lies with the fact that all the Gold sponsorship packages have sold out - at £5,000 each.

Supporters still have until Monday to buy a season ticket at the cheaper prices, which start at £99 for standing adults, before the prices go up by the cost of a match ticket thereafter.

Juniors can be guaranteed a seat at every home match for £30 or £40, depending on age, and also get in free to away league games.

The standard price season tickets will see the first use of the new online ticketing system the Knights are introducing for next season, putting the club streets ahead.

Once fixtures are released in December, supporters will be able to secure seats and tickets in advance, which could become crucial with bigger crowds expected across the board.

Said Clinton: "I think it shows again how the club is trying to make things better for its fans. It doesn't matter if we are a National League club or a Super League club, we want to be professional in every way - the better service we can provide to people, the better."

The Knights are holding a one day only pre-Christmas sale tomorrow at Huntington Stadium from 10am to 2pm. All merchandise will have 25 per cent off, and season tickets can be bought on the day.

:: Ticket rates

Adults

Standing £99/ £110

Seated £117/ £130

OAPs and Students

Standing £72/ £90

Seated £80/100

Juniors aged 12-15*

Standing £30

Seated £40

Under-12s*

Standing £25

Seated £30

* Includes all league away games and home Northern Rail Cup fixtures

Updated: 08:57 Saturday, October 29, 2005