It's much easier to buy tickets now via technology but much harder to impulse buy via paying on the turnstile, which is impossible.
There needs to be the ability to let people pay on specific gates, with a limited number in a specific section allowed access.
These seats would be reduced prices, with the possibility of a chip & pin device on the turnstile? Taking seconds to gain entry.... Or utilising our citizen cards much more effectively by allowing members to add "Credit" to their member card online, and when they swipe in the card it will auto pay for their ticket.
Just to reiterate this access would be limited for a specific block.. so once the numbers have been filled this feature would be disabled.
Ticket Pods:
This is a must have. ATM style machines scattered around the stadium and surrounding areas such as near Tram stops, Manc. city centre etc allowing you to enter your citizen card and buy a ticket for the match that day.
Not a citizen member? You could enter your Visa card and buy one, with that ticket being registered to the cardholder for security reasons.... And the ticket would be printed at the ATM (City recently introduced printed tickets similar to airlines)
Maybe simply tying a deal with a bank (Barclays?) And the Metrolink to update their software on their machines which then offers the option of buying a ticket in and around Manchester.
Public Transport with ticket:
We've got the Metrolink seasonpass now, but maybe offer this service for Buses as well?
And not just a full season pass, but the ability to include public transport when you buy your ticket (similar thing is done in The Bundesliga)
More double units on the Tram:
Let's face it, the Tram isn't up to scratch in dealing with the passenger numbers we bring so double units, better preperation for the fans after the match would encourage more people to use the Tram.
Further investment in public transport would hugely benefit the congestion issue in Manchester.
We need an Underground. The tunnels are there, yes it needs investment but it would make Manchester a truly big European city...
Also isn't there old railway routes near the gas cylinder?
Maybe introducing a Train stop for the Etihad?
A large proportion of the users of the Tram get off at Piccadilly/Victoria to then get on a Train.
Fans shouldn't be penalised for not attending however a sizeable amount of season tickets were bought for investment purposes by people... A £299 ST is a snippet when you consider they could sell their Derby day seat for the same price, picking and choosing when to attend.
As others have alluded to, it's no coincidence the stadium is packed when we play the Rags, Chelsea etc... Yet less attractive matches and there's pockets of empty seats....
People only have work commitments and are ill when we play Norwich eh? ;)