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Post by thegrud1 on Feb 12, 2020 21:25:46 GMT
anything decided on seating?
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Post by realtrottersforever on Feb 12, 2020 23:28:17 GMT
Nothing decided, although Emma Beaugard said that it wasn't a financial consideration, because the upper tiers covered their costs and did make money. Most people asked then why are you even considering antagonizing the fans in the upper tier for the sake of creating "atmosphere".
She said they had received many emails throughout the season saying that they should close the upper tiers, although she couldn't say whether the emails had come from season ticket holders, or where they were located within the ground.
Some very good comments from several contributors, and several saying that if they had to relocate to lower tiers they would not renew season tickets, so if it's not being done to save money, it could actually end up costing them money.
They said they would be taking all comments into account, along with emails they had received off fans unable to attend, and would probably make their decision known within the week.
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Post by realtrottersforever on Feb 13, 2020 10:48:47 GMT
Just another point.
When it was pointed out that if the upper tiers were closed, and the fans were relocated to lower tiers, it wouldn't be fair if we were then only given a choice of the seats that currently aren't held by season ticket holders.
It was suggested that at that point all the season tickets should come up for reallocation. The head of the ticket office (Daniel I think his name was) said that they had already done some data analysis on how many years each individual in the upper tiers had had their season ticket, and that it may be that one of the options they may consider implementing was that they would relocate some fans in lower tiers, who had their tickets for a shorter period of time, to allow long standing upper tier ticket holders to have more choice of seats.
I'm sure that that will open another can of worms and would then have even more disgruntled fans.
I know I am biased because I don't want to move and may seriously reconsider renewing my season ticket if I had to, but how many fans REALLY believe that by cramming people into the lower tiers, it will enhance their enjoyment of the game, increase the atmosphere etc.
It's good that Football Ventures even considered taking the fans views into consideration, but many, who were there last night, felt that the decision may already have been taken even if Emma Beaugard said it hadn't.
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Post by greydad on Feb 13, 2020 18:31:20 GMT
On more than one occasion Emma Beaugeard insisted that the matter was not one of financial consideration,that revenue would actually be adversely affected were the upper tiers to be closed, and that nothing had been decided as yet...In light of these affirmations I feel somewhat bemused as to why the consultation is deemed necessary at this stage, a point made by one supporter who suggested that it might be taking place a year too early. I can't remember the actual numbers quoted re: season ticket holders in the upper tiers but it was something like 600+ East Stand, 800+ West and an even 800 in the North (pleases correct me if my recollections are inaccurate). It became clear that some present last night would not countenance sitting in the lower tiers, and some suggested it might influence their decision regarding ticket renewal. It is only logical to deduce that similar responses would be replicated at least to some extent by those unable to attend the consultation and as suggested by RTF there is likely to be significant disquiet amongst lower tier ticket holders who might be faced with moving in order to facilitate the re-locating of family groups and or friends from the upper tiers who have a history of sitting together at the stadium, and perhaps previously at Burnden Park. Given everything that was said last night I would suggest that it would be wiser to leave things as they are rather than risk alienating loyal supporters and creating division within those sections of fans faced with unwanted relocation...the club as a whole has surely gone through enough without causing potential turmoil and upset within the fanbase.
It is also worth mentioning that had financial issues been the overriding motive for considering closures I would imagine there would be a reluctant acceptance that the process would be a necessary means of securing the club's future... if effecting an improvement in atmosphere is seen as a prime objective for the closures it would appear from last night's responses that the only change in atmosphere would be wholly negative.
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Post by realtrottersforever on Feb 13, 2020 20:27:23 GMT
Even Ken Anderson in his infinite wisdom decided against closing the upper tiers and I think Football Ventures should do the same.
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Post by whitesince63 on Feb 13, 2020 23:33:52 GMT
I suppose the board are anticipating that ST numbers generally will be down next year as we drop into the 4th tier and given the fare on offer at the moment I’d say that’s a fair assumption. That being the case it makes perfect sense to consider consolidating supporters within the stadium and to me that means closing the upper tiers. I don’t accept that it isn’t financial either. Surely from the point of lighting, refreshment kiosks and cleaning toilets as well as stewarding and the concourse, it must save on expenses. Obviously it’s not going to be popular if you’ve had a seat there for years and even just prefer to be higher up, as I do, so some will undoubtedly be upset about it. Re-locating people to acceptable seats I can see being a problem only if numbers stay the same but I doubt they will. It’s a tricky one and one where supporters may just have to bite the bullet and think of the greater good for the club and a hopefully temporary move elsewhere. I didn’t have a ST this year but intend to next and though I prefer to be in the upper tier I will sit anywhere if need be.
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Post by greydad on Feb 14, 2020 10:26:12 GMT
As I suggested if it were a financial necessity I would imagine the majority of fans would accept the decision but as to being happy to sit anywhere I don't think I would be pleased if I were to be placed in the 'happy' corner or in a seat that was open to the elements! It was suggested that the South Stand Lower might be made available to home fans , thus accommodating away fans in the upper tier and freeing more seats for those relocating, but if closures became necessary I would prefer at least one of the upper tiers to remain open, allowing a reasonable opportunity for those who wish it to be relocated there. I have reached an age where I cherish sitting in an area where it may be Siberia like in winter but is dry, and where there is little if any bad language, which may become even more important to me if my youngest grandson decides he wants to come with me next season. That said, life experiences have taught me that things change, not necessarily for the better, and not always for the right reason....if measures are taken that are genuinely for the benefit of the club and all upper tiers are closed at some point there must surely be a clean slate policy when it comes to renewing season tickets, something that will probably not sit well (no pun intended) with lower tier ticket holders. It would surely not be seen as acceptable to simply shoe-horn loyal supporters from those upper tiers into whatever seats might be left over after existing lower level seats had been allocated....everyone should be afforded an equal opportunity to select seats in an area of the ground where they, along with families and friends, would prefer to be seated.
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Post by kenglowhite on Feb 14, 2020 14:55:08 GMT
Instead of considering making supporters suffer further by closing down upper tiers FV should first consider upgrading the fare on offer by ensuring better team managment and thus attracting a bigger following through much improved results. I have no doubt Keith Hill has tried to the best of his ability, but that has not been good enough. Meantime our much loved club continues to go down the pan.
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