PROMOTION fever has gripped Hull City fans after the Tigers moved a step closer to the Premier League at the weekend.
Hundreds of fans queued outside the KC yesterday to secure their tickets for next season after the Tigers strengthened their bid for a top-flight spot with a vital win over Ipswich Town on Saturday.
To cope with demand, the club have now extended the price freeze deadline for season cards, originally due to end today, until noon on Friday.
Suzie Bilton, 52, has been going to watch the Tigers since she was 17 and renewed her pass yesterday with her 17-year-old son Sam.
Sam, who has been a season ticket holder for five years, said: "We weren't expecting the queue to be so long but it is great to see so many people supporting the club.
"I have been going to Hull City since I was five years old and I can't wait to, hopefully, watch them in the Premier League again."
Suzie and Sam, of Willerby, joined the queue at 11.30am and waited an hour and a half to get their hands on the golden ticket.
"The turnout shows how much the club means to supporters," Suzie said.
"It is all revenue for the club. The owners have put a lot into the club and this is our way of repaying them."
Geoffrey Scaife, 69, of Brough, is a lifelong City fan and was in the queue yesterday to notch up another year following his beloved team.
He said: "I have been coming to Hull City all my life. The last time we were promoted to the Premier League was fantastic, so it is great to see that there is still a big interest in the club."
The high demand for season passes was seen in 2008 when the club secured promotion to the top flight but some revenue was lost when the Tigers were relegated two seasons later.
Chris Smith, media and marketing officer at Hull City Official Supporters Club, said: "We gained a lot of season pass holders when we went into the Premier League last time but then they disappeared when the club dropped back into the Championship.
"The demand seems to be huge again and it is great for the club. There is a sense around the city and the East Riding that we are going to do it and who would bet against us?"
City are six points clear of rivals Watford with only four games left in the season, including tonight's tie with Wolves.
Although the Tigers cannot secure promotion until Friday at the earliest if other results go their way, fans have put their faith in the team by dipping into their pockets to ensure they are there for the highs and lows of next season.
Mr Smith said the club's ticket offers will help attract the next generation of supporters.
He said: "We have to get more people involved with the club from a younger age and I think the club realise that. The chance to see the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and other top clubs at the KC I hope will have a huge draw."
Andy Dalton, editor of Amber Nectar fanzine, also praised the club for extending the deadline.
"It is great to see people getting behind the team and what the club are achieving," he said.
"The club have done the right thing by allowing more fans to buy a season ticket."
