Huddersfield Town's decision to cut prices for their FA Cup third-round home clash with Championship rivals Reading on Saturday, January 3 is another sign of the dip in the competition’s popularity.
Time was when ties would attract one of the biggest crowds of the season.
Town’s record gate at both their homes – 67,008 against Arsenal at Leeds Road in 1931-32 and 23,678 against Liverpool at their current home in 1999-2000 – came in the FA Cup.
Back in 1975-76, there were 27,894 fans at the meeting with Bolton Wanderers when the average league gate was 5,429.
Five seasons previously, a combined 113,896 watched a three-match series against Stoke City which went to a second replay at Old Trafford.
And 49,612 squeezed in for the derby showdown with Sheffield Wednesday in 1965-66.
Against Reading, who this week sacked Nigel Adkins and made Steve Clarke manager, season-card holders can watch for £10 if they buy tickets in advance.
It’s £12 for those without a season card while admission at the turnstile will be a flat £15 for adults.
Advance prices for season-card holders are £10 adults, £8 Over 60s and £5 Under 18s. For those without a season card it’s £12, £9 and £5.
Turnstile prices are £15 adults and Over 60s and £5 Under 18s.
Town will be trying to reach the third round for the third season running and the fourth time in five seasons.
Boss Chris Powell made the quarter-finals with Charlton Athletic last season.
