ST holders- no show recompense?

Any news on this? A few ST holders may struggle to get to BP today, and with the game being potentially called off at any time up noon, or even beyond it would seem a good idea to at least open up a cash-back
or voucher system. If the decision to go ahead is still up in the air at say 11.00, and ST holder has to set off at 11.30 (in bad driving conditions) how about they cancel their season ticket for that match, should the game then go ahead with a late decision that fan receives a free pass to stream the game.
Something like this needs setting in place quickly, winters already looking a little harsh, would like suggestions and tweaks for this process.

Kinell, surely that’s something people should consider before buying a ST? How do you think there’s any way of practically administering it?

Quoted from HatTrickHero

Any news on this? A few ST holders may struggle to get to BP today, and with the game being potentially called off at any time up noon, or even beyond it would seem a good idea to at least open up a cash-back
or voucher system. If the decision to go ahead is still up in the air at say 11.00, and ST holder has to set off at 11.30 (in bad driving conditions) how about they cancel their season ticket for that match, should the game then go ahead with a late decision that fan receives a free pass to stream the game.
Something like this needs setting in place quickly, winters already looking a little harsh, would like suggestions and tweaks for this process.

Football matches have been called off late for years. It’s your personal choice. You only pay for around 75-80% of the games anyway.

Why? Buying a ST is a gamble and commitment, when you buy one you know that. Why should I, or the remaining season ticket holders receive something for a game being off? Our ticket is valid for the game regardless of when it’s played?

If I choose not to attend I don’t see how that’s the clubs fault. I understand that there’s the buy back thing but again, it’s my choice to sell the ticket back.

what a ridiculous suggestion

Oh yeah i''ll buy a season ticket but sod it i cant be arsed to go today so give me a free stream of the game instead

Its a SEASON ticket, not 23 match tickets.

Thought I had daft ideas

Great sentiment.......


That's all.

Quoted from HatTrickHero

Any news on this? A few ST holders may struggle to get to BP today, and with the game being potentially called off at any time up noon, or even beyond it would seem a good idea to at least open up a cash-back
or voucher system. If the decision to go ahead is still up in the air at say 11.00, and ST holder has to set off at 11.30 (in bad driving conditions) how about they cancel their season ticket for that match, should the game then go ahead with a late decision that fan receives a free pass to stream the game.
Something like this needs setting in place quickly, winters already looking a little harsh, would like suggestions and tweaks for this process.

How do you propose streaming it legally in a couple of weeks when Premier League football is back and the 3pm blackout is back?

A season ticket is all about the club earning a large sum of money at the beginning of the season. You buy it knowing some games may get moved and the club shouldn't be offering partial refunds on the basis it's too icy in the Peak District.

[url]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ek2cJ5T_BWw[/url]

Jesus, what a miserable board. A suggestion for recompense as suggested a while back, the club get the tickets back TO SELL, the user gets a reward for doing this.
I'm 3 hours drive from BP. Getting there could be a risk in itself so; I inform the club I'm giving my ticket back to the club. The seat is sold, extra cash for them, I CHOOSE to watch the stream, using a voucher I'm rewarded for GIVING UP my ticket AT MY CHOOSING.
Why the animosity?

Excuse me while I mail Tesco and Waitrose Mr high and mighty Hagrid, and tell them all loyalty schemes are the dumbest idea ever, then you can get back to moaning about the latest player to slip on the pitch, or how Grimsby was mis-spelt and the important stuff, best of luck 1878 (are they 'any good')

Quoted from jamesgtfc

How do you propose streaming it legally in a couple of weeks when Premier League football is back and the 3pm blackout is back?

A season ticket is all about the club earning a large sum of money at the beginning of the season. You buy it knowing some games may get moved and the club shouldn't be offering partial refunds on the basis it's too icy in the Peak District.

This is for games that are applicable, today would be a good start, as a one-off. The money is in the bank for the season ticket, the club stand to make a little more by re-selling it.It's a voucher, easliy absorbed, NOT a partial refund.
But you know...never mind.

Quoted from HatTrickHero

Jesus, what a miserable board. A suggestion for recompense as suggested a while back, the club get the tickets back TO SELL, the user gets a reward for doing this.
I'm 3 hours drive from BP. Getting there could be a risk in itself so; I inform the club I'm giving my ticket back to the club. The seat is sold, extra cash for them, I CHOOSE to watch the stream, using a voucher I'm rewarded for GIVING UP my ticket AT MY CHOOSING.
Why the animosity?

Excuse me while I mail Tesco and Waitrose Mr high and mighty Hagrid, and tell them all loyalty schemes are the dumbest idea ever, then you can get back to moaning about the latest player to slip on the pitch, or how Grimsby was mis-spelt and the important stuff, best of luck 1878 (are they 'any good')

The club doesn’t recompense you if you decide not to go to ANY game, whether you’re on holiday or just decide to have a day off. You bought a season ticket, it’s your choice.

Quoted from HatTrickHero

Jesus, what a miserable board. A suggestion for recompense as suggested a while back, the club get the tickets back TO SELL, the user gets a reward for doing this.
I'm 3 hours drive from BP. Getting there could be a risk in itself so; I inform the club I'm giving my ticket back to the club. The seat is sold, extra cash for them, I CHOOSE to watch the stream, using a voucher I'm rewarded for GIVING UP my ticket AT MY CHOOSING.
Why the animosity?

Excuse me while I mail Tesco and Waitrose Mr high and mighty Hagrid, and tell them all loyalty schemes are the dumbest idea ever, then you can get back to moaning about the latest player to slip on the pitch, or how Grimsby was mis-spelt and the important stuff, best of luck 1878 (are they 'any good')

how is it a loyalty scheme, you're choosing not to go....

Quoted from MuddyWaters

The club doesn’t recompense you if you decide not to go to ANY game, whether you’re on holiday or just decide to have a day off. You bought a season ticket, it’s your choice.

It's not always a choice, the subject here is in the bad weather that makes travelling difficult or dangerous. We had a brief discussion on here about the merits of getting something in return for releasing a ticket, NOT through choice, NOT bc you decided not to go bc you are on your hols, but bc it's going to be difficult. The club have said they're looking into such a system, so hey, let's throw some ideas in along with the already suggested vouchers/free drink etc?

Quoted from Hagrid

how is it a loyalty scheme, you're choosing not to go....

So come up with a name for it, right now it's an ST Release, maybe the club (who remember are looking into this) would appreciate it.
One last time...it's not a fan choosing not to go, it would be a decision probably made for them due to weather, dangerous conditions, or travelling hours to find it's off on arrival. It's the digital age, I trust the club to embrace it and and keep pushing forward ideas that put fans first.

I do think the sentiment behind this is admirable and I as a customer of the club would appreciate the goodwill it would generate. However it would take some administrating.
It doesn't deserve the slagging off it has received.
Be nice to each other its Christmas!

Quoted from thevera

I do think the sentiment behind this is admirable and I as a customer of the club would appreciate the goodwill it would generate. However it would take some administrating.
It doesn't deserve the slagging off it has received.
Be nice to each other its Christmas!

Humbug, it's not Christmas,  it's December 10th.

Quoted from HatTrickHero

Jesus, what a miserable board. A suggestion for recompense as suggested a while back, the club get the tickets back TO SELL, the user gets a reward for doing this.
I'm 3 hours drive from BP. Getting there could be a risk in itself so; I inform the club I'm giving my ticket back to the club. The seat is sold, extra cash for them, I CHOOSE to watch the stream, using a voucher I'm rewarded for GIVING UP my ticket AT MY CHOOSING.
Why the animosity?

Excuse me while I mail Tesco and Waitrose Mr high and mighty Hagrid, and tell them all loyalty schemes are the dumbest idea ever, then you can get back to moaning about the latest player to slip on the pitch, or how Grimsby was mis-spelt and the important stuff, best of luck 1878 (are they 'any good')

I'm not aware my Tesco clubcard entitles me to get my shopping delivered to me for free when I can't be arsed to do it because it's cold outside. I'll have to let Tesco know next time so I can save a few quid on deliveries. They do have a subscription service for deliveries but that doesn't entitle you to money off your shop if you decide to walk in the store and do it in person.  

Buying a ST has risks such as not being able to attend the game. My living far out in Sheffield and work days prevents me from investing in one anymore because I can't get to enough of the games to justify it. That's not the fault of the club, that's the choice of the person who buys the ST to decide.

Quoted from Kris2

I'm not aware my Tesco clubcard entitles me to get my shopping delivered to me for free when I can't be arsed to do it because it's cold outside. I'll have to let Tesco know next time so I can save a few quid on deliveries. They do have a subscription service for deliveries but that doesn't entitle you to money off your shop if you decide to walk in the store and do it in person.  

Buying a ST has risks such as not being able to attend the game. My living far out in Sheffield and work days prevents me from investing in one anymore because I can't get to enough of the games to justify it. That's not the fault of the club, that's the choice of the person who buys the ST to decide.

'Buying a ST has risks such as not being able to attend the game'

E-mail the club. Immediately. Tell them to stop this nonsense of considering a reward system for those releasing their tickets. What are they thinking?
Come on Jason and Andrew, we want the club run like Tesco.

Quoted from HatTrickHero

'Buying a ST has risks such as not being able to attend the game'

E-mail the club. Immediately. Tell them to stop this nonsense of considering a reward system for those releasing their tickets. What are they thinking?
Come on Jason and Andrew, we want the club run like Tesco.

With falling attendances, I think it's unlikely to get past the altruism phase. There's no incentive for the club if they can't resell the seat

If you release your ticket and the club manage to sell it, you should get a cut of the profit. After all, the club have sold the same seat twice.

But you can’t get up one morning, look out the window and think “not for me thanks”, and expect a freebie 2 hours before KO. The club are then a tenner out of pocket. If a thousand ST holders didn’t turn up, bit like today, the club would potentially be £10k out of pocket every other Saturday.

Quoted from ska face

If you release your ticket and the club manage to sell it, you should get a cut of the profit. After all, the club have sold the same seat twice.

But you can’t get up one morning, look out the window and think “not for me thanks”, and expect a freebie 2 hours before KO. The club are then a tenner out of pocket. If a thousand ST holders didn’t turn up, bit like today, the club would potentially be £10k out of pocket every other Saturday.

Totally this. 240 Tranmere fans got to BP. This is possibly why the club isn’t recompensing those who release their seat.

Quoted from ska face

If you release your ticket and the club manage to sell it, you should get a cut of the profit. After all, the club have sold the same seat twice.

But you can’t get up one morning, look out the window and think “not for me thanks”, and expect a freebie 2 hours before KO. The club are then a tenner out of pocket. If a thousand ST holders didn’t turn up, bit like today, the club would potentially be £10k out of pocket every other Saturday.

Way more than a thousand today - we have 5.8k STH, there would have been a few hundred walk ups plus 241 away. At least 1,500 no shows. Seems odd to me the large number of no shows we have compared to other clubs.

Quoted from pen penfras

With falling attendances, I think it's unlikely to get past the altruism phase. There's no incentive for the club if they can't resell the seat

So you don't consider freezing cold weather, the prospect of a postponed match and a televised world cup quarter final might affect the attendance today

I wonder if the club can provide or see data on which season ticket holders turn up and don't etc.
I only say this because I know of atleast 2 people who've bought tickets to support gtfc financially but don't intend on going much at all and of 1 person who's bought a ST but will only make a handful of games. I wonder how many others did this?
For me, anything above 5,000 is brilliant after the pain we've suffered the last 10-15 years.

In my mind, the relationship between Club & Season Ticket Holder is clear. I've always considered my role as a STH as being somewhere between being a sponsor and a ticket buyer. I'm prepared, pre-season, to give the Club a sum of money to help plan for the season and build a team. In return for this, the Club provide me with a designated seat that I can choose to use should I want to attend a particular League match, or purchase if it's a Cup match. That right to the designated seat is my only expectation.

Yes the Club have my money, yes the Club hold the advantage over me but that's the deal I am happy to accept.


  

Must admit I was surprised by the attendance yesterday, the club had posted 6500 tickets had gone for the game, at that point that included 200 away.
As they brought an extra 40 odd on top of that then roughly 1250 tickets unused of tickets issued.
While I don't think that would all be STH , possibly some school or other initiative giveaways that seems a relatively high number.

Whatever the reason...it fcked my prediction up. 🙄

I live 3 hours away and have been a STH for years. My job often means that I have to travel around the UK and especially London for meetings and I know that I won’t make most night games and some seasons especially when we where in NL I’ve possibly lot out a bit but I know all of that when I buy it. We’re very fortunate though we’re not well off I put money aside each month to be able to afford it.

Like many of us I see being a STH as an opportunity not only to be guaranteed a home ticket and have the opportunity for preferential opportunity on an away game it’s also a way of supporting the club as the income is really important in terms of leveraging the playing budget when other running costs for all organisations are growing quickly.

I don’t really know anyone very well in Grimsby anymore so giving my pass on loan ad hoc is difficult and I think the club could do a better job at highlighting that STH can give up their tickets if they can’t attend as I think this feels vague, which I put in the survey BTW. Personally if I knew my seat was going to someone skint at a nominal reduced rate I’d be happy to give it up for free for games I can’t make.

attendances will vary and whilst there are clearly STHs not turning up, the club have had the cash. We’ve had a bastardised World Cup for the last few weeks and ropey weather among illnesses and a cost of living crisis which will still impact people’s decisions.

Then, if you add in to that our average at best home form and the Christmas period looming it’s understandable.

I know one STH that’s missed a fair few games due to serious ill health and I know at least 8 STHs currently in Qatar along with two exiles mariners who’ve been unable to attend. Only takes a few of us to know a few and suddenly that’s 3/400 people.

This idea though that STHs should get something if they choose not to go is just weird.

It was too cold for me yesterday so I watched the game on a stream. Don't feel guilty as I've already paid the club for me seat.

I get all of the comments about non-attendance yesterday above, but do feel that exiles buying a ST as a kind of contribution to the club when only going to a few games per season, whilst entirely laudable, should be discouraged for next season. Why not have an 1878 Plus which includes a contribution to a fund for the club to offer discounted seats to local groups for lower-demand games, but also gives the same priority for away game tickets at STHs? When home games are released, 1878 members should get a couple of days priority to get the best seats available together. Yesterday, the attendance was 600 down on last year's average, yet over 6,500 tickets had been issued and the availability of seats to buy together Saturday morning was nearly all restricted view (back of the Main / back of the Osmond) as Block B of the Osmond wasn't opened. That to me is absurd.

Quoted from Limerick Mariner

I get all of the comments about non-attendance yesterday above, but do feel that exiles buying a ST as a kind of contribution to the club when only going to a few games per season, whilst entirely laudable, should be discouraged for next season. Why not have an 1878 Plus which includes a contribution to a fund for the club to offer discounted seats to local groups for lower-demand games, but also gives the same priority for away game tickets at STHs? When home games are released, 1878 members should get a couple of days priority to get the best seats available together. Yesterday, the attendance was 600 down on last year's average, yet over 6,500 tickets had been issued and the availability of seats to buy together Saturday morning was nearly all restricted view (back of the Main / back of the Osmond) as Block B of the Osmond wasn't opened. That to me is absurd.

This a good suggestion. I think exiles should get STH priority for games within a reasonable radius of their home. A town fan living in London should be able to get a ticket to catch up with their mates at Leyton Orient etc.

The frustrating thing at the moment is that I only found out I could go yesterday and my youngest wanted to come with me so once the game was confirmed as on I purchased the only 2 seats available next to one another in the Upper which actually had a reserved sticker on so thanks to whoever sits in F93-94 for surrendering your seat yesterday but there were loads of seats around me that were empty!

The only seats in the Main Stand available to buy are on the top row and my 6 year old son isn't going to have an enjoyable experience looking at wooden beams for 90 minutes is he?

Thankfully my eldest didn't fancy going yesterday otherwise my only option was the top row of the Main.

On the reward debate, fans should be given a small voucher to redeem off their next ST or in the club shop each time they give back their seat but only if somebody buys the seat.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

This a good suggestion. I think exiles should get STH priority for games within a reasonable radius of their home. A town fan living in London should be able to get a ticket to catch up with their mates at Leyton Orient etc.

The frustrating thing at the moment is that I only found out I could go yesterday and my youngest wanted to come with me so once the game was confirmed as on I purchased the only 2 seats available next to one another in the Upper which actually had a reserved sticker on so thanks to whoever sits in F93-94 for surrendering your seat yesterday but there were loads of seats around me that were empty!

The only seats in the Main Stand available to buy are on the top row and my 6 year old son isn't going to have an enjoyable experience looking at wooden beams for 90 minutes is he?

Thankfully my eldest didn't fancy going yesterday otherwise my only option was the top row of the Main.

On the reward debate, fans should be given a small voucher to redeem off their next ST or in the club shop each time they give back their seat but only if somebody buys the seat.

I live near London, as well as a voucher and the opportunity to make friends at Leyton Orient which won't be much of an opportunity as we've played there already and they'll get promoted I think I'd be really happy to forgo buying a season ticket so people can decide on the day.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, removes tongue from cheek.

As I said above the club just needs a more robust and visible scheme so that STH (who haven't been discouraged) can easily make their seat available.  

Quoted from jamesgtfc

This a good suggestion. I think exiles should get STH priority for games within a reasonable radius of their home. A town fan living in London should be able to get a ticket to catch up with their mates at Leyton Orient etc.

The frustrating thing at the moment is that I only found out I could go yesterday and my youngest wanted to come with me so once the game was confirmed as on I purchased the only 2 seats available next to one another in the Upper which actually had a reserved sticker on so thanks to whoever sits in F93-94 for surrendering your seat yesterday but there were loads of seats around me that were empty!

The only seats in the Main Stand available to buy are on the top row and my 6 year old son isn't going to have an enjoyable experience looking at wooden beams for 90 minutes is he?

Thankfully my eldest didn't fancy going yesterday otherwise my only option was the top row of the Main.

On the reward debate, fans should be given a small voucher to redeem off their next ST or in the club shop each time they give back their seat but only if somebody buys the seat.

Broadly agree with this. Surrendering your seat should be made easier, advertised better and incentivised, so anyone looking for seats on the day with a good view can have a better choice and a better chance of getting seats together if there are more than one in the party.

Every game this season, there is a row of seats behind me that have been empty and plenty of pairs of empty seats elsewhere, while I have seen and heard lots of comments about people wanting to attend, but have been restricted to single seats and/or seats with poor views.

I've given up my seat twice this season when I haven't been able to attend but you have to go searching for the facility on the website, and I think you have to have a registered account to do so. It could be made a lot simpler for the casual fan to fill those premium seats if they want to go to a one off game.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

I live near London, as well as a voucher and the opportunity to make friends at Leyton Orient which won't be much of an opportunity as we've played there already and they'll get promoted I think I'd be really happy to forgo buying a season ticket so people can decide on the day.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, removes tongue from cheek.

As I said above the club just needs a more robust and visible scheme so that STH (who haven't been discouraged) can easily make their seat available.  

It's striking that balance and ensuring there is a constant flow of new/occasional fans. Lots of people got caught up in the FOMO regarding ticket availability which is understandable.

The key thing for me is learning from it. Hopefully the ticketing system can be improved next season to prevent people leaving single seats. If we can make ticketing system as lean as possible, that would be a great achievement.

I live 220 miles from Blundell Park but bought a season in the absolute certainty that I wouldn't make more than 10 games. Firstly it was a relative bargain and a donation to the club, second I can sit where I want when I do go, and thirdly I can get tickets to away games.
I've released it a couple of times recently but don't want payment. I knew what I was doing, simple
I did go yesterday but when I don't there's certainly no guilt involved

The initiative suggestions and ideas to make things better are good ones, but we come back to the obvious point that there are not enough seats.

We might get between 5k and 8k depending on various factors but not being able to get a number of seats together is putting a lot of people off, particularly those who make a late decision to attend.

It is rare to see any stadium completely full so I don't see the logic as to why the owners suggest ours needs to be fully sold out before tackling the problem of extra seats.

If the capacity increases to say 11,000 for arguments sake we might still get 5k some times, but we have much more scope for the bigger games which would help pay for it.

Is there a definitive reason we don't open the 2 Osmond sections together?

We are 2 “not so young” exiles in York.  We go to the vast majority of homes games.  Tending to miss the cold midweek games and night driving etc,  for many seasons we were pay as you go. This worked well.

For this season we both agreed that we need to be STHs.  This the only way to guarantee getting 2 seats together in the Upper Frozen Circle Stand.  

An unintended consequence of our increasing success.   We are happy with this change and reallocate seats for individual matches where we cannot attend.  Ironically, this season we will miss some Sat home games due to family heath matters.

Another benefit of being a STH is the better opportunity to get tickets for any key Cup games.

We would not expect to get any refund from the Club for not  getting to games.  We both travelled yesterday.  The football was well worth it.

Quoted from ginnywings

Every game this season, there is a row of seats behind me that have been empty and plenty of pairs of empty seats elsewhere, while I have seen and heard lots of comments about people wanting to attend, but have been restricted to single seats and/or seats with poor views.

That suggests to me there are a lot of selfish, inconsiderate ****s who aren't bothering to release their seats.

If you know you won't be able to attend most home games, don't buy a season ticket.

Quoted from White_shorts

That suggests to me there are a lot of selfish, inconsiderate ****s who aren't bothering to release their seats.

If you know you won't be able to attend most home games, don't buy a season ticket.

Or people who aren't aware.
I assume the club has the season ticket holders emails and phone numbers? Why not ping a text/email to everyone explaining the releas your seat initiative and say you can either do it online or call the club shop

Quoted from White_shorts

That suggests to me there are a lot of selfish, inconsiderate ****s who aren't bothering to release their seats.

If you know you won't be able to attend most home games, don't buy a season ticket.

Judging by the last few home games, if I’d chosen to release my ticket there’s a chance it wouldn’t have been resold. Some folk don’t know they can’t go until mid Saturday morning.

There’s an argument that says the reallocation process could be simpler but ultimately it’s still my choice as a STH whether or not I do it.

I don’t believe the notion that they won’t consider the idea of a new stadium until we consistently sell out BP (this seems unlikely for while). Whilst it may be a reason given I’d still argue the lack of millions of pounds is still the main stumbling block and being smack bang in the middle of a cost of living crisis. We also know that building materials and the like still remain at a premium cost, not entirely sure it would be pertinent to start building one now.

There’s also the suggestion that they are exploring it but unlike the previous board who couldn’t wait to tell us another idea they’d had without anything concrete even discussed, these guys realise that isn’t help nor worth the discussion.

Many folk bought a ST off the back of a truly historic and monumental playoff campaign, the club took their money and rightly so. It was inevitable that some wouldn’t attend. There was also the risk that without a ST there’s almost be an impossibility of getting a ticket for away games. Again, this hasn’t really been the case.

Either way, the club benefitted and the fact remains, why should I feel I need some sort of compensation because I’ve decided I don’t want to go.

Quoted from Limerick Mariner

I get all of the comments about non-attendance yesterday above, but do feel that exiles buying a ST as a kind of contribution to the club when only going to a few games per season, whilst entirely laudable, should be discouraged for next season. Why not have an 1878 Plus which includes a contribution to a fund for the club to offer discounted seats to local groups for lower-demand games, but also gives the same priority for away game tickets at STHs? When home games are released, 1878 members should get a couple of days priority to get the best seats available together. Yesterday, the attendance was 600 down on last year's average, yet over 6,500 tickets had been issued and the availability of seats to buy together Saturday morning was nearly all restricted view (back of the Main / back of the Osmond) as Block B of the Osmond wasn't opened. That to me is absurd.

I like the idea of some kind of 1878+ membership that has additional priority perks. For me, I usually get to somewhere in the region of 12 to 15 away games and then only a small handful of home matches, usually around 5 or so. So the idea of getting that ST just for the likes of Harrogate away on Boxing Day or playoff games seems absurd. However, I feel that I pull my weight enough in terms of getting to matches to at least have the chance of getting to these few oversubscribed ones. I get that it's not really about amount of matches attended though, the club see the STHs as the most valuable customers because they obviously bring in the most money and that's obviously fair enough. The £20 1878 seems like a bit of a lowball alternative though, I'd be happy to up that contribution quite considerably if it came with another level of priority. I guess though, ultimately they wouldn't offer exactly the same away ticket priority as STHs and that's ideally what I'd want. It's a bit deflating to be getting up at 6:30am and going to places like Weymouth away or having to leg it out of Solihull's ground to get the last possible train back to then not even be in the hat for Notts away in the playoffs. It'd be good if they could implement a proper reward system and weight away games against home games fairly somehow.

It's admirable that you get to so many away games but that doesn't contribute financially to the club. A season ticket is a significant, upfront investment of money and will always carry more weight for other tickets because the club will want to reward the behaviour they want to continue the most.

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

It's admirable that you get to so many away games but that doesn't contribute financially to the club. A season ticket is a significant, upfront investment of money and will always carry more weight for other tickets because the club will want to reward the behaviour they want to continue the most.

Yeah it's true and while I definitely get that, it's still a bit harsh that away supporting loyalty doesn't really get much reward.

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

It's admirable that you get to so many away games but that doesn't contribute financially to the club. A season ticket is a significant, upfront investment of money and will always carry more weight for other tickets because the club will want to reward the behaviour they want to continue the most.

I get that as well, but having 100's of empty seats in prime positions nearly every home, when a bunch of mates can't get seats together other than restricted view and deciding not to bother is also costing the club, as is the restriction on away fan numbers. As we won't be getting a new stadium for the foreseeable a modest increase in capacity at BP would seem to be the answer. In terms of tickets sold, as opposed to attendance, we will be near to 95% of home capacity on average - even on Saturday we were at 90%. Lots of clubs have built new stadiums on the back of far inferior capacity usage business cases than that, albeit with third-party funding and planning gain from retail. Donny, Rotherham and Chesterfield never filled their old grounds unless they were playing Wednesday or United.

Quoted from Limerick Mariner

I get that as well, but having 100's of empty seats in prime positions nearly every home, when a bunch of mates can't get seats together other than restricted view and deciding not to bother is also costing the club, as is the restriction on away fan numbers. As we won't be getting a new stadium for the foreseeable a modest increase in capacity at BP would seem to be the answer. In terms of tickets sold, as opposed to attendance, we will be near to 95% of home capacity on average - even on Saturday we were at 90%. Lots of clubs have built new stadiums on the back of far inferior capacity usage business cases than that, albeit with third-party funding and planning gain from retail. Donny, Rotherham and Chesterfield never filled their old grounds unless they were playing Wednesday or United.

It’s important to remember that a football stadium shouldn’t be just for football. Most stadiums create revenue most days by having other revenue streams. BP just isn’t fit for purpose in that regard.

Quoted from Limerick Mariner

I get that as well, but having 100's of empty seats in prime positions nearly every home, when a bunch of mates can't get seats together other than restricted view and deciding not to bother is also costing the club, as is the restriction on away fan numbers. As we won't be getting a new stadium for the foreseeable a modest increase in capacity at BP would seem to be the answer. In terms of tickets sold, as opposed to attendance, we will be near to 95% of home capacity on average - even on Saturday we were at 90%. Lots of clubs have built new stadiums on the back of far inferior capacity usage business cases than that, albeit with third-party funding and planning gain from retail. Donny, Rotherham and Chesterfield never filled their old grounds unless they were playing Wednesday or United.

I totally agree. The capacity of BP has been whittled down over the years and it is now far too low for a club of our standing.

It is surely now time to start reversing this process to allow for extra capacity when we need it; as you say it doesn't need to be bursting at the seams every week to know we need more seats.

Our gates have historically been yo yo in nature. Personally I have been in there with 23,000 and 1800, but having the capacity to take advantage of the good times is obviously important.

In the Upper where we sit I have noticed something, there are pockets of seats together that don't appear to be STH seats but are very rarely full. There are 6 behind us in row G that stand out, on Saturday there was a family sat in them but they did not have season tickets. Maybe they're booked out to sponsors but it would be good to understand.

Also the club need to be a bit more savvy about how they use the Osmond as I often think that away supporters could be a bit more compact or placed into the corner bit.  

Quoted from MuddyWaters

It’s important to remember that a football stadium shouldn’t be just for football. Most stadiums create revenue most days by having other revenue streams. BP just isn’t fit for purpose in that regard.

There is a distinct lack of venues in Gy that can accommodate large events, conferences, large weddings etc etc so the need is there if marketed correctly for a quality function suite. Plus if you build a decent stadium with plenty of parking available that also brings in additional income not just from match day parking but things like christmas markets, travelling fair grounds, circus, the list is endless if you use a bit of imagination

Quoted from HertsGTFC

Also the club need to be a bit more savvy about how they use the Osmond as I often think that away supporters could be a bit more compact or placed into the corner bit.  

The away fans need ~900 seats to meet the EFL’s requirement. There aren’t 900 seats in the corner 2 blocks.

The club said they were working on a reward scheme for ST holders who were releasing their seat.  Not seen anything since it was announced early in the season...

At the minute with gates dwindling, which they are, it's not as much of a pressing matter in terms of getting people to release their tickets.  But as pointed out by jamesgtfc, it's not just about the numbers coming through the gate is it.  On a day where there was literally hundreds and hundreds of empty seats, at some points whole rows with a few people on them, it's pretty poor that you can't find a bunch of 3 seats together that aren't sat behind a massive post.

Selfish or not, ST holders aren't giving up their tickets.  Hands up that includes me, there's a few games I've missed this season and my go-to is messages to friends/family to see if anyone wants it and then that's it.  If someone takes me up on that, great for them.  If not, so be it.  There's no real drive for me to release my seat on the ticketing system.  I buy my ST in the knowledge that other stuff will come up during the season and I accept that risk.  I'm not really asking the club for anything particular in return for me releasing my seat.  But if they want me to do so, they've got to create a pull for me to do so.   At the minute, there's nothing.  

I understand both sides of the argument really, however I believe that in a time where the cost of living is constantly rising, then the fans and the club can help each other out.

There should be the option that a person can release their seat for a game that they cannot attend and the club could potentially resell it.

Why not have it that when a seat is released, IF that seat is resold, then the season ticket holder is reimbursed a credit back to their online account, that can be used in either the club shop or say towards next years season ticket.

Why not have something like, if the ticket is sold, £12 goes to the club and £10 back to the season ticket holder.
The holder then gets money/credit back, the club makes an additional £12 they wouldn't of made and the stadium is still full.

Isn't that a win, win situation for everybody? - Tell me who's losing out?

I assume it is just an addon they can implement on top of the system they already have in place (a lot of clubs already have it).

Quoted from ska face

The away fans need ~900 seats to meet the EFL’s requirement. There aren’t 900 seats in the corner 2 blocks.

Didn't know that, so does that mean we still have to offer them for the likes of Sutton etc.. where they'll never bring 900. I get it but it odes seem like one of those odd regulatory mandates that makes no sense.

Quoted from Corkyefes

I understand both sides of the argument really, however I believe that in a time where the cost of living is constantly rising, then the fans and the club can help each other out.

There should be the option that a person can release their seat for a game that they cannot attend and the club could potentially resell it.

Why not have it that when a seat is released, IF that seat is resold, then the season ticket holder is reimbursed a credit back to their online account, that can be used in either the club shop or say towards next years season ticket.

Why not have something like, if the ticket is sold, £12 goes to the club and £10 back to the season ticket holder.
The holder then gets money/credit back, the club makes an additional £12 they wouldn't of made and the stadium is still full.

Isn't that a win, win situation for everybody? - Tell me who's losing out?

I assume it is just an addon they can implement on top of the system they already have in place (a lot of clubs already have it).

I guess the club view is that they're not selling every single ticket in the ground at the minute.

So if I release my ST and someone picks it up, the club are only getting £12 in their pocket.  Whereas if my ST seat isn't up for offer, that person who was looking for a ticket picks up a regular ticket at £22 with the club pocketing 100% of it.

On that basis, there's no need for the club to offer an incentive to release ST seats.  But it's not that simple, yet I think the club are viewing it through those eyes.  

Comes back to it time and time again.  The club surely need to address the fact that so many of the seats at BP aren't of good enough view to ever be sold.  Those with severely restricted views should only be offered as a last resort when all other options are exhausted.  Even then at a discounted rate.  Until we address that I don't think we'll ever get a completely sold out fixture or a feeling for what our potential ceiling is for attendances.

Seating remains a mystery, especially in the Upper Findus (The Frozen Upper Artic Circle Stand).  Further to the above comments, we sit in the middle of row Q.  There are always a large number of empty seats together just behind us.  On Sat maybe 30 in total in 3 or 4 rows.

These are probably allocated to sponsors.  But still, they are not being filled by bums on seats, even if paid for.  For some games other fans could take them up.

The argument about BP being full before seriously looking at a new ground does not stand to me.
A new ground could take many years after the capacity is regularly reached at BP.  They are 2 separate decisions. With an indirect link.

You don’t wait to separate from your spouse, if the relationship has failed, until you find another person.  🙂.  Not the perfect analogy but the point is valid, in my view.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

Didn't know that, so does that mean we still have to offer them for the likes of Sutton etc.. where they'll never bring 900. I get it but it odes seem like one of those odd regulatory mandates that makes no sense.

Wouldn't it make sense to call it 1000 maximum away fans, and create that number by using a small part of the main Osmond with an artificial barrier created? Not sure how many the actual corner holds but it would seem to make sense for home fans to have the majority of the Osmond.

Mind you I think we have gone over this many times and I cannot remember what was said, agreed or what my previous position was.

At the end of the day, we need more seats.

Where do I start ?

When are the club going to recompense me for the following?
Vouchers with season ticket...
1 - I was unable to go to Steels in September so did not get 10% off.
2 - Elegant bed do not deliver where I live. that's 20% I have missed out on!
3 - Yes I got the two film tickets for £10 at the Parkway cinema, but their popcorn machine was not working, so I want a large one!
4 - McMememy's was not available when I tried to book it, So another £50 !

I could go on!!

Quoted from ska face

The away fans need ~900 seats to meet the EFL’s requirement. There aren’t 900 seats in the corner 2 blocks.

If that’s right - how do Harrogate make 600 (total, not all seats) available to visitors?

Quoted from chaos33

If that’s right - how do Harrogate make 600 (total, not all seats) available to visitors?

It's 10% of your capacity you have to offer.

Right. Thanks.

Right. Thanks.

Quoted from Grantham_Mariner

Where do I start ?

When are the club going to recompense me for the following?
Vouchers with season ticket...
1 - I was unable to go to Steels in September so did not get 10% off.
2 - Elegant bed do not deliver where I live. that's 20% I have missed out on!
3 - Yes I got the two film tickets for £10 at the Parkway cinema, but their popcorn machine was not working, so I want a large one!
4 - McMememy's was not available when I tried to book it, So another £50 !

I could go on!!

Still waiting to claim my £10 off a home shirt