SEASON ticket holders will gain FREE admission to Blackburn Rovers' up-coming UEFA Cup clash with Bayer Leverkusen at Ewood Park after club officials agreed to move the kick-off time to 6pm to allow for live German television coverage.

Rovers have also decided to reduce prices for non-season ticket holders to £15 (adults), £5 senior citizens and club 16-21 members and £1 juniors for the eagerly-awaited second leg tie on Thursday February 22nd.

Despite the unusual kick-off time, officials are hoping that this latest pricing initiative - particularly attractive for youngsters - will help produce a bumper crowd as Mark Hughes' team look to book a place in the last 16 of the competition.

Managing director Tom Finn explained: "Due to the success of so many British teams in the UEFA Cup so far this season, the competition for television revenue has been particularly strong.

"German television, one of the biggest markets in Europe, wants to show our tie and the clash between Ajax and Werder Bremen back-to-back on the night.

"The only opportunity we had to acquire live TV coverage in Germany was, therefore, to agree to the early kick off time.

"In order to ensure the maximum backing for the team we have again decided to allow our season ticket holders free entry to the match.

"It is further recognition of their importance to the club and emphasises the value of being a season ticket holder at Ewood Park.

"Early kick-offs are not uncommon in the UEFA Cup.

"Our match in Krakow kicked off at 3.45pm, whilst the first leg in Leverkusen is a 5.15pm kick-off, UK time.

"It is just more unusual in England. However, one of the clear advantages of the 6pm time is the great opportunity it presents to young children to attend a European evening game at Ewood Park - and for just £1."

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