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5888
Sept 1, 2014 16:53:19 GMT 1
Post by venceremos on Sept 1, 2014 16:53:19 GMT 1
Could well be a number of younger regulars accompanied by adult family members have come of age. We were regulars in the Family stand but moved over to the West Stand from the beginning of the 2012/13 season There'll always be that coming of age turnover but the other side of it needs to be younger children coming with their families to replace the likes of you and me! As I look across from the West Stand the numbers seem lower, although I appreciate families might be on holiday in August. The rows around us generally seemed to be full on a Saturday but that doesn't seem to be the case now.
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Post by ThrobsBlackHat on Sept 1, 2014 16:59:37 GMT 1
You can get a family ticket anywhere in the ground.
That's why there's fewer people in the actual stand
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5888
Sept 1, 2014 17:25:48 GMT 1
Post by venceremos on Sept 1, 2014 17:25:48 GMT 1
You can get a family ticket anywhere in the ground. That's why there's fewer people in the actual stand Fair point, although isn't it cheaper in the family stand itself?
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5888
Sept 1, 2014 17:36:06 GMT 1
Post by ThrobsBlackHat on Sept 1, 2014 17:36:06 GMT 1
You can get a family ticket anywhere in the ground. That's why there's fewer people in the actual stand Fair point, although isn't it cheaper in the family stand itself? No, I don't think so.
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5888
Sept 1, 2014 17:45:21 GMT 1
Post by venceremos on Sept 1, 2014 17:45:21 GMT 1
Oh, OK. Maybe the family stand doesn't need to be so big if that's the case, but I guess there's still plenty of room everywhere else!
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5888
Sept 1, 2014 21:10:12 GMT 1
Post by onthepitch on Sept 1, 2014 21:10:12 GMT 1
Maybe we should try and think of ways we as fans could get more people to games rather than debating the ticketing/parking etc?
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5888
Sept 1, 2014 22:47:05 GMT 1
Post by Dale on Sept 1, 2014 22:47:05 GMT 1
I don't think the queues are helped by the fact we still use the 'paper ticket' system, I'm hoping STFC will use automated turnstiles in the future as many Premier and Football League now do, season ticket holders would have a 'season card' with barcode to be scanned as they gain entry for each game. Supporters who have a 'supporter number' could be given a similar card with a 'barcode' which can be topped up like a 'pay as you go' phone card for when they want to purchase a seat for a game, this could help speed up things a little?
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5888
Sept 1, 2014 22:52:30 GMT 1
Post by Dale on Sept 1, 2014 22:52:30 GMT 1
From when I started supporting Town in the 1960s when it was pay on the gate there has always been a tradition of arriving at the gate at the last minute. Some things never change!!! I'm guessing many of these late comers would have been in the Nags until 2.55pm then a nice gentle sprint down the Cop to get to the Meddah just in time for kick off
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Deleted
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5888
Sept 1, 2014 23:14:40 GMT 1
Dale likes this
Post by Deleted on Sept 1, 2014 23:14:40 GMT 1
E Ticketing, Print at home, Scanning posted/pre purchased tickets at the turnstile and offering a discount for these as they require less Staff. Some of who can then be redeployed along with the turnstile operators in to the ticket office too help sell tickets at a Matchday price could help.
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Post by mattmw on Sept 1, 2014 23:15:02 GMT 1
I don't think the queues are helped by the fact we still use the 'paper ticket' system, I'm hoping STFC will use automated turnstiles in the future as many Premier and Football League now do, season ticket holders would have a 'season card' with barcode to be scanned as they gain entry for each game. Supporters who have a 'supporter number' could be given a similar card with a 'barcode' which can be topped up like a 'pay as you go' phone card for when they want to purchase a seat for a game, this could help speed up things a little? I was a bit surprised we didn't install something like that at the new ground too. Technology has been round for some time before the ground was built. Used something similar at West Brom and got confused where the guy was at the turnstile till some friendly locals helped me Would have thought technology could also be used to pay for stuff at the food kiosks and club shop too. Might be expensive to install but guess you save money long term not having to employ people to man the turn style
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Deleted
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5888
Sept 1, 2014 23:36:54 GMT 1
Post by Deleted on Sept 1, 2014 23:36:54 GMT 1
I don't think the queues are helped by the fact we still use the 'paper ticket' system, I'm hoping STFC will use automated turnstiles in the future as many Premier and Football League now do, season ticket holders would have a 'season card' with barcode to be scanned as they gain entry for each game. Supporters who have a 'supporter number' could be given a similar card with a 'barcode' which can be topped up like a 'pay as you go' phone card for when they want to purchase a seat for a game, this could help speed up things a little? I was a bit surprised we didn't install something like that at the new ground too. Technology has been round for some time before the ground was built. Used something similar at West Brom and got confused where the guy was at the turnstile till some friendly locals helped me Would have thought technology could also be used to pay for stuff at the food kiosks and club shop too. Might be expensive to install but guess you save money long term not having to employ people to man the turn style First place I'd seen it too. It'd certainly cut Staff costs instead of Two operators and a Steward watching the gate you could have one steward just watching to help out. They could also open up the exit gates and turn it into a Train Station style barrier where you stick your ticket into open the gate. This could also stop the increasing number of people getting stuck. Football fans are getting larger. I have no idea why the Club stuck with old fashioned turnstiles at a brand new stadium.
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ercallshrew
Midland League Division One
Perfect72
Posts: 437
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5888
Sept 1, 2014 23:38:17 GMT 1
Post by ercallshrew on Sept 1, 2014 23:38:17 GMT 1
Can add me and the wife to the next game now back off hols, its been unfortunate that we have missed the first three home league games.
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5888
Sept 2, 2014 7:01:34 GMT 1
Post by Matster on Sept 2, 2014 7:01:34 GMT 1
I don't think the queues are helped by the fact we still use the 'paper ticket' system, I'm hoping STFC will use automated turnstiles in the future as many Premier and Football League now do, season ticket holders would have a 'season card' with barcode to be scanned as they gain entry for each game. Supporters who have a 'supporter number' could be given a similar card with a 'barcode' which can be topped up like a 'pay as you go' phone card for when they want to purchase a seat for a game, this could help speed up things a little? I was a bit surprised we didn't install something like that at the new ground too. Technology has been round for some time before the ground was built. Used something similar at West Brom and got confused where the guy was at the turnstile till some friendly locals helped me Would have thought technology could also be used to pay for stuff at the food kiosks and club shop too. Might be expensive to install but guess you save money long term not having to employ people to man the turn style that would help reduce the queues at the bar and food counters which might improve sales.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 2, 2014 12:32:38 GMT 1
It's ridiculous that on a match day you have to go to the ticket office on the one side of the stadium. If you want to go in the West stand, and approach from Sainsbury's, it is such a pain. None of this stuff really matters to the hardcore support but it annoys the heck out of casual fans. And many season ticket holders forget just how irritating it is. Another opinion is that i reckon we lost support due to playing and entertainment values, and that our support overall has increased since the ground move which really places into context this argument. What was average attendance in out last season at GM? and then compare it 2 seasonns ago.... I must admit that I get a bit frustrated by the argument that our gates have gone up since the ground move so why should we be concerned? The problem is our ground is half full each game, surely the club should not shrug their shoulders and say "oh well, we have gained more fans since the ground move", they should be asking themselves why they have lost fans and what they can do to get those fans back Yes the product on the field will determine it a lot but Im pretty sure a lot of fans know people who have stopped going since the ground move, the question is why and then can STFC do anything to get them back. As long as we keep saying "we have gained more fans than we have lost" and "thats modern football for you" then those people wont come back.
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5888
Sept 2, 2014 13:45:23 GMT 1
Post by buryshrew on Sept 2, 2014 13:45:23 GMT 1
I'd worry more if September gates look low, given the start we've had. Tonight is my first match this season. I've been listening to the matches on a beach on the costa del sol, and I'm sure a fair number of town fans will tend to go on holiday in late August.
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Deleted
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5888
Sept 2, 2014 14:42:35 GMT 1
Post by Deleted on Sept 2, 2014 14:42:35 GMT 1
I must admit that I get a bit frustrated by the argument that our gates have gone up since the ground move so why should we be concerned? The problem is our ground is half full each game, surely the club should not shrug their shoulders and say "oh well, we have gained more fans since the ground move", they should be asking themselves why they have lost fans and what they can do to get those fans back Yes the product on the field will determine it a lot but Im pretty sure a lot of fans know people who have stopped going since the ground move, the question is why and then can STFC do anything to get them back. As long as we keep saying "we have gained more fans than we have lost" and "thats modern football for you" then those people wont come back. Why would facts get you frustrated. You are using them to highlight an issue. Your issues that it is cumbersome to buy a ticket, I disagree, could it be better? possibly but the arguments you give, are in my opinion weak, and i am highlighting the fact that STFC are better supported now than they have been for many years. I would also suggest that the reason we are losing support is because we were fed crap football and no entertainment for a 2 year period, would you go back to the cinema if they only shown crap films??
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5888
Sept 2, 2014 15:39:05 GMT 1
Post by stuttgartershrew on Sept 2, 2014 15:39:05 GMT 1
Another opinion is that i reckon we lost support due to playing and entertainment values, and that our support overall has increased since the ground move which really places into context this argument. What was average attendance in out last season at GM? and then compare it 2 seasonns ago.... I must admit that I get a bit frustrated by the argument that our gates have gone up since the ground move so why should we be concerned? The problem is our ground is half full each game, surely the club should not shrug their shoulders and say "oh well, we have gained more fans since the ground move", they should be asking themselves why they have lost fans and what they can do to get those fans back Yes the product on the field will determine it a lot but Im pretty sure a lot of fans know people who have stopped going since the ground move, the question is why and then can STFC do anything to get them back. As long as we keep saying "we have gained more fans than we have lost" and "thats modern football for you" then those people wont come back. Agree with that. Whilst its good the gates are up since the move I'd be extremely disappointed if the club weren't constantly looking at ways to get more people down to support the Town considering most home games the stadium is only half full. Shouldn't be looking to rest on yer laurels. And I'm sure the club aren't thinking of doing so...
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5888
Sept 2, 2014 17:52:39 GMT 1
Post by atcham jack on Sept 2, 2014 17:52:39 GMT 1
I emailed the club yesterday for an advance purchase ticket for 11/10/14. will let you know if I get a reply.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 2, 2014 18:03:57 GMT 1
I must admit that I get a bit frustrated by the argument that our gates have gone up since the ground move so why should we be concerned? The problem is our ground is half full each game, surely the club should not shrug their shoulders and say "oh well, we have gained more fans since the ground move", they should be asking themselves why they have lost fans and what they can do to get those fans back Yes the product on the field will determine it a lot but Im pretty sure a lot of fans know people who have stopped going since the ground move, the question is why and then can STFC do anything to get them back. As long as we keep saying "we have gained more fans than we have lost" and "thats modern football for you" then those people wont come back. Why would facts get you frustrated. You are using them to highlight an issue. Your issues that it is cumbersome to buy a ticket, I disagree, could it be better? possibly but the arguments you give, are in my opinion weak, and i am highlighting the fact that STFC are better supported now than they have been for many years. I would also suggest that the reason we are losing support is because we were fed cr@p football and no entertainment for a 2 year period, would you go back to the cinema if they only shown cr@p films?? Yes your right that it is a fact to say we have gained more fans than we have lost since the ground move. What I get frustrated about is when that is used as an argument as to why we shouldnt worry about fans we have lost because in my opinion it is very short-sighted. Why should we be satisfied that our ground is half-full every week? I know plenty of people who I went with or who stood on the Riverside who no longer go, some are down to personal circumstances changing, some will only go when we do well but there are some who haven't taken to the new ground and felt it was too much hassle & expense. In my opinion its those people that the club should be seeking trying to lure back. This is even more important since revenue from season tickets will have dropped But for the casual fan its not just about buying a ticket, its the whole matchday experience (factors Ive listed previously), and its not particularly inviting, very much the same reasons as why the ground isnt popular with away fans. But yes I am fairly negative towards the ground, I think it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and the club squandered it by doing it on the cheap, having it poorly designed and focusing so much on the corporate side which meant the rest of the ground was a basic shell of a stadium in the middle of nowhere making the average fan's experience a hell of a lot more inconvenient.
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