Away tickets

[squirtyflower]

I don’t write a lot on Bluemoon put I always read and it interesting how people think about away tickets, we paid for platinum for loyalty points ( which I don’t agree with) but if you want to go these away matches you do have to put the hard yards you can’t expect to just go to the big games and people say young ones can’t catch up my lad is on 22740 pts and he’s 17 years old (it helps his mum and dad have got him his s/t at 2years old platinum as well) so it can be done.

Similar pro rata my lad is 15 and has just over 18k I could see this coming years ago when the platinum came in you had to be in it to win it and the same with the cup schemes which we were in when it was an additional 75points per season but cheaper than paying a booking fee of £2-50 when kids were £1 a cup match
He comes to every game with me apart from Europe away but couldn’t get him a spurs ticket
Still think tho that more tickets should be available to point holders

It seems you both had the foresight to see what was going to happen.
I think it was fairly obvious following the takeover that away tickets would be in short supply.
The first game I remember struggling to get tickets for was Schalke away in 2008, they sold out 20 minutes after my daughter got ours.
I woke up,and realised there were a lot of people had overtaken me in the pecking order.
Since that game I’ve been to about 90% of the away games and been in all of the cup schemes. I don’t pick and choose the biggest games, didn’t go to Liverpool,Spurs or Chelsea this year, I make the effort to go if I can.


The people against the points system are those who were slow off the mark, or want to pick and choose selected games (advise going corporate or join a Supporters Club) or have just joined their City journey.

The scarcity of tickets for the big games are the issue, and that’s because the cartel top slice 40% of the ticket allocation before they go on sale.
Five years ago they were creaming off 25% from the allocation, and next year it’s going to 45%. You don’t have this issue for the lesser games, where they take a smaller number of tickets as they can’t be arsed with them.
Most clubs give us 3000 tickets or so.

Five years ago that meant the 30,000 seasoncard holders were allocated 2,250 tickets, 1 ticket for every 13 seasoncard holder.
Now there are 42,000 seasoncard holders allocated 1,800 tickets, that’s 1 ticket per 23 seasoncard holder. Your chances of getting a ticket have halved.

Yet corporate have currently got a 1 in 4 chance of getting a ticket.

There’s an old adage that says “always follow the money to get to the route of the issue”.

It’s harder to get tickets because more are creamed off.
Just look how easy it was to get tickets for Cardiff, Hoffenheim, Spurs, Shakhtar, Lyon, Leicester (Cup), Southampton, Newcastle, Everton, the League Cup Final (!), Swansea, the FA Cup semi final (!) and Palace. The cartel didn’t need help or want help for those games, hence the rest can get them.

 

[urban genie]

Come on not all games sell out at that loads go below that

2 at most and normally because of the shite KO time or day.

I have one mate who is on 1870 and has been to nearly all aways every year, this year he has fallen short 6 times, I am on just under 16500 and normaly manage to get a few in, not happened this year, and have rellied on mates points and spares.

For me the system is bollocks and believed that when I had no issues getting tickets.


I will admit I have swered euro aways this year for financial reasons and was only gonna do 10 aways at most in the league for same reasons, bit the games I earmarked to go I had not problem the last few seasons.

 

[squirtyflower]

Come on not all games sell out at that loads go below that

Cardiff, Hoffenheim, Spurs, Shakhtar, Lyon, Leicester (Cup), Southampton, Newcastle, Everton, the League Cup Final (!), Swansea, the FA Cup semi final (!) and Palace.

Didn’t sell out or went on general sale.

 

[liamctid]

Thats not exactly right thougg all games sell out before 16500 points so anyone below has no chance of getting a shout I went home and away for years as did many of my mates, but took a year or two off aways for financial reasons and unavoidable, it was the same time platinum kicked in and so others passed me by them 2 season (did maximum 5 aways each) left me hamstrung, plus refusing to go platinum.
I know people now who cannot affford all aways but are so worrid of dropping out of the chance that they buy a ticket and sell it at face or lend their points out to mates so not to fall behind.

The system is broken and was even more fucked up by hospitality suites getting automatic away tickets

Cardiff
Spurs
West Ham
Southampton
Newcastle
Everton
Palace

All league away games that went on sale to any season ticket holder this season. I didn't go to Cardiff, Spurs, West Ham or Newcastle myself.

 

[squirtyflower]

2 at most and normally because of the shite KO time or day.

I have one mate who is on 1870 and has been to nearly all aways every year, this year he has fallen short 6 times, I am on just under 16500 and normaly manage to get a few in, not happened this year, and have rellied on mates points and spares.

For me the system is bollocks and believed that when I had no issues getting tickets.

Cardiff, Hoffenheim, Spurs, Shakhtar, Lyon, Leicester (Cup), Southampton, Newcastle, Everton, the League Cup Final (!), Swansea, the FA Cup semi final (!) and Palace.
Didn’t not sell out or sold out at general sale.

Arsenal, Wolves, Liverpool, West Ham, Watford, Leicester (league) and Schalke all sold out at 16,500 or less.

So that’s 20 games you could have gone to this season, a little more than “normally manage to get a few in”

Chelsea and Fulham at 17,000

It would also have earned you an additional 800 points meaning you would have got Liverpool and Fulham tickets., and that’s not counting any points for home cup games or cup schemes, which would give you at least another 40 points for LC, 40 points for FA and 100 points for CL plus 600 giving a grand total of 1580 additional points earned without going to the games above your points.

Yep the system is bollocks.

 

[urban genie]

Cardiff, Hoffenheim, Spurs, Shakhtar, Lyon, Leicester (Cup), Southampton, Newcastle, Everton, the League Cup Final (!), Swansea, the FA Cup semi final (!) and Palace.
Didn’t not sell out or sold out at general sale.

Arsenal, Wolves, Liverpool, West Ham, Watford, Leicester (league) and Schalke all sold out at 16,500 or less.

So that’s 20 games you could have gone to this season, a little more than “normally manage to get a few in”

Chelsea and Fulham at 17,000

It would also have earned you an additional 800 points meaning you would have got Liverpool and Fulham tickets.

Yep the system is bollocks.

I stand by my opinion it is bollocks, I have already edited my post to say my intentions re aways this season and I?have managed to get tickets for nearly ll the 10 Iearmarked.

Even if I has l had 30000 points I would call it bollocks, as even if I am alright I know many who have been going longer than me and were regular at every away every season for years that through circumstance have dropped down the points and do miss out.

People keep saying put the effort and miles in , well these people have over the years.
Loyalty is not about what you have done since the points syst came in and whether you can boost points by paying an extra £50 a SC.
Or as I have pointed out lending your points or buying and selling on tickets to keep their points topped up

The system should be years + points imho.

Or leave it as is, when I miss out I normally find a way to get one, because the system is broken.

 

[fallowfield]

I've got a high points total so from a selfish point of view the status quo works for me.
But I see the argument for a change to widen the group that can attend away games. Not surprisingly I would prefer we keep some recognition of previous seasons loyalty in any new system.

The main change I'd like would be the most basic and also most unlikely to ever happen. That is that points holders get 80% of away tickets, not 60% as it is now, and soon to be 55%. Even those continually missing out on away tickets via the points system must think that only 55% going to points holders is the biggest issue here

If it was raised to 80% this would fix it for all but the biggest games and there's always been more demand than supply for those games.

Knowing that City won't reduce corporate allocations and it seems show no interest in reducing supporters clubs allocation further then the remaining options are fairly unpalatable. Hence all the arguments here

Reluctantly I'd support a ballot for 5% or even 10% of tickets for aways if this to come equally from all 3 current ticket sections. That means supporters clubs, corporate and points holders all losing a percentage of their current allocation.

As stated, it'd be much 'fairer' if points holders got 80%, you could then happily have 10% of those to a ballet among season ticket holders.

I'd also support the idea that you don't get points for away games that sell out to a fairly high points total (e.g you'd only get points this season for the likes of Newcastle, Palace etc). This should help stop any current gap in points widening.
And if the tech is there, I'd support only getting points for home games (and aways) where your seat is actually used.
And maybe getting 100 points for some home cup games etc to reward and encourage attendance for these games.

 

[squirtyflower]

I stand by my opinion it is bollocks, I?have already edited my post to say my intentions re aways this season even if I has ld 30000 pointa I would call it bollocks, as even if I am?alright I kniw many who have been going longer than me and were regular at every away every season for years that tgrough circumstance have dropped down the points and do miss out.

People keep saying put the effort and miles in , well these people have over the years Loyalty is not about what you have done since the points syst came in and whether you can boost points by paying an extra £50 a SC.
Or as I have pointed out lending your points or buying and selling on tickets to keep their points topped up

The syatem should be years + points imho.

Or leave it as is, when I miss out I normally find a way to get one, because the system is broken.

I answered your post because you are factually incorrect. You said only two games went to general sale, when it was actually 14, so I was pointing out the inaccuracy.

You then said you couldn’t get to games with your number of points.
Again this doesn’t tarry with the hard facts, there were a further six games that sold out on or about your points.

Hence 20 away games, regardless of your opinion of the points system, have been available for you to buy, 21 if you include the FA Cup Final. That’s a fact and that’s what my post is about, so nice deflection.


Years for having a seasoncard? I’d happily accept that.
Next season will be my 51st season of having one, although chances are it won’t be.

Instead the club are more likely to distribute ticket points on the amount of money you spend at the club. A pound a point
So a box holder might get 40,000 points added, Tunnel Club 15,000 points, SS3 regular 350 points added.


PS your mate on 18,700 points at the start of the season would have missed out on one game and one game alone had he have gone to the others, and that was Bournemouth away.

 

[Bill]

Honestly time for a random lottery for aways....sorry.
You may have started going 30 years ago but love city no less/ or more than say a 18 year old fan!
If it was totally random and all you had to do was registered interest to be in draw how could anyone complain it's not fair......

Pmsl.

 

[liamctid]

I stand by my opinion it is bollocks, I have already edited my post to say my intentions re aways this season and I?have managed to get tickets for nearly ll the 10 Iearmarked.

Even if I has l had 30000 points I would call it bollocks, as even if I am alright I know many who have been going longer than me and were regular at every away every season for years that through circumstance have dropped down the points and do miss out.

People keep saying put the effort and miles in , well these people have over the years.
Loyalty is not about what you have done since the points syst came in and whether you can boost points by paying an extra £50 a SC.
Or as I have pointed out lending your points or buying and selling on tickets to keep their points topped up

The system should be years + points imho.

Or leave it as is, when I miss out I normally find a way to get one, because the system is broken.

Goes back to my point earlier, they should never have called them "loyalty" points. I'm lucky enough to be able to get from the Etihad in about a 30 minute walk these days, but between 1999-2014 I lived 150 miles away from Manchester - was I more "loyal" then than am I now?

The biggest issue about the system is only 60% of the tickets allocated goes off points. Although if it was 95% points we'd still have people on here moaning about not getting a Liverpool away ticket.

 

[andyhinch]

Pmsl.

Don’t bite mate.

 

[urban genie]

I answered your post because you said only two games went to general sale, when it was actually 14, so I was pointing out you were wrong.

You then said you couldn’t get to games with your number of points.
Again this doesn’t tarry with the hard facts, there were a further six games that sold out on or about your points.

Hence 20 away games, regardless of your opinion of the points system, have been available for you to buy, 21 if you include the FA Cup Final. That’s a fact and that’s what my post is about, so nice deflection.

Years for having a seasoncard? I’d happily accept that.
Next season will be my 51st season of having one, although chances are it won’t be.

Instead the club are more likely to distribute ticket points on the amount of money you spend at the club. A pound a point
So a box holder might get 40,000 points added, Tunnel Club 15,000 points, SS3 regular 350 points added.

Fair enough, I will admit my 16500 may have been off my mistake.

I don't normally bother with loyalty point debates as I have an issue swith the platinum system and what it did to distort the whole system, as for me it isn't as easy as to say well pay the extra or stop moaning as some have said,plenty of long time blues have lost jobs, retired, had money worries and platinum was £50+ that isn't a priorty over other things.
I was platinum for the extra points, but stopped after a year as I felt it unfair on others.

Just think if you have done the years and the miles by going away regulary bith should be rewarded.

The £30 cap also changed the playing field as some people on high point unwilling to pay £45+ started going again but I fully support it and would not call that a negative.

 

[OilBoy2008]

Used to go a lot more, think I've done 4 aways this season as money and time have been tight. As a poster above quite rightly stated, well over 1/3 of away games this year have gone right down to general sale, so no idea how people can point the finger at the system, if they didn't attend those games and try and climb the ladder.

My old man is the same, has always refused to pay for platinum, has never been on any of the cup schemes, never goes away games or any home cup or European games. Then moans about Supporters Clubs and corporate when he can't get a ticket for big away games or the cheaper seats at the FA Cup Final.

I do agree though that corporate tickets need to be diminished, and the allocation for normal fans increased. I'm just gonna make the games I can, work my arse off until I can afford corporate at home, and have the money to get my hands on corporate away tickets or from touts. There's always ways around things.

 

[squirtyflower]

Fair enough, I will admit my 16500 may have been off my mistake.

I don't normally bother with loyalty point debates as I have an issue swith the platinum system and what it did to distort the whole system, as for me it isn't as easy as to say well pay the extra or stop moaning as some have said,plenty of long time blues have lost jobs, retired, had money worries and platinum was £50+ that isn't a priorty over other things.
I was platinum for the extra points, but stopped after a year as I felt it unfair on others.

Just think if you have done the years and the miles by going away regulary bith should be rewarded.

The £30 cap also changed the playing field as some people on high point unwilling to pay £45+ started going again but I fully support it and would not call that a negative.

I agree that Platinum is a disgrace.
I have it, I’m lucky I had a good job and could afford but fully aware others can’t. My daughter and a mate came off it last year as money is tight.

My bug bear is the way the tickets allocated has moved from the regular seasoncard holder to those who are prepared to shake money at it and the protected cartel.

 

[urban genie]

I agree that Platinum is a disgrace.
I have it, I’m lucky I had a good job and could afford but fully aware others can’t. My daughter and a mate came off it last year as money is tight.

My bug bear is the way the tickets allocated has moved from the regular seasoncard holder to those who are prepared to shake money at it and the protected cartel.

Oh I agree on that.

 

[Manc Born & Bred]

if the distortion of the allocation was discussed at City Matters why, given the fact that the club ignored opinion, is it still called City Matters as it’s obvious that it doesn’t matter

 

[RACHACE]

2 at most and normally because of the shite KO time or day.

I have one mate who is on 1870 and has been to nearly all aways every year, this year he has fallen short 6 times, I am on just under 16500 and normaly manage to get a few in, not happened this year, and have rellied on mates points and spares.

For me the system is bollocks and believed that when I had no issues getting tickets.


I will admit I have swered euro aways this year for financial reasons and was only gonna do 10 aways at most in the league for same reasons, bit the games I earmarked to go I had not problem the last few seasons.

I’m pretty much the same level as you mate. I don’t think the system is bollocks though, it’s just being manipulated so that it’s very difficult for the likes of me and you to break into the bracket which enables us to get a ticket for the more popular games. In its current state we could do all the palaces, Southamptons, and midweek games we can and it’d still make no difference when it came to the more popular games.

Unless the system was policed. If it was made more difficult to buy and pass on tickets then we’d stand a better chance. But that then becomes proper blues being targeted when it’s very clear that the bigger evil in all of this is the corporates creaming off tickets to the popular games.

I also don’t think that anybody should be expected to do every game in order to get a ticket for a more popular one. A blue that does what he or she can is just as big a blue as one that does them all. A small section going to ballot for the more popular games gives everybody the chance of going without disrupting the 20k point plus supporters.

That’s my view anyway.

 

[squirtyflower]

if the distortion of the allocation was discussed at City Matters why, given the fact that the club ignored opinion, is it still called City Matters as it’s obvious that it doesn’t matter

From my understanding of the earlier posts in this and the City Matters forum thread, that the allocation of tickets to corporate, Supporters Clubs and the Club were not up for discussion at any time.
The two things raised were:

1. An allocation for 18-25 year olds because they are an under represented group at seasoncard level
2. Having more tickets go to people on lower points.

Although there’s absolutely no evidence that either:

1. 18-25 year olds don’t buy season cards because they can’t get away tickets. It could be that the seasoncards are too expensive for that demographic so why not lower the cost for everyone under the age of 25.
2. Away tickets aren’t available to people on lower points. The facts state that 15 games this season will have gone to at least General Sale and that a further six games sold out below 17,000 points.

Neither evidence or facts are something the forum seems to want to deal with and, instead, use myths, rumours and individual anecdotes to twist and frame the agenda for the both the club and individuals involved.

 

[The blue phantom]

From my understanding of the earlier posts in this and the City Matters forum thread, that the allocation of tickets to corporate, Supporters Clubs and the Club were not up for discussion at any time.
The two things raised were:

1. An allocation for 18-25 year olds because they are an under represented group at seasoncard level
2. Having more tickets go to people on lower points.

Although there’s absolutely no evidence that either:

1. 18-25 year olds don’t buy season cards because they can’t get away tickets. It could be that the seasoncards are too expensive for that demographic so why not lower the cost for everyone under the age of 25.
2. Away tickets aren’t available to people on lower points. The facts state that 15 games this season will have gone to at least General Sale and that a further six games sold out below 17,000 points.

Neither evidence or facts are something the forum seems to want to deal with and, instead, use myths, rumours and individual anecdotes to twist and frame the agenda for the both the club and individuals involved.

It's the biggest pisstake ever that potentially someone with only one year being a seasoncard holder at the age of 20, could get a derby ticket over my mates lad aged 27 with a shit load of points, why 18-25?

I mean who's even fuckin agreeing to this shit?

 

[RACHACE]

From my understanding of the earlier posts in this and the City Matters forum thread, that the allocation of tickets to corporate, Supporters Clubs and the Club were not up for discussion at any time.
The two things raised were:

1. An allocation for 18-25 year olds because they are an under represented group at seasoncard level
2. Having more tickets go to people on lower points.

Although there’s absolutely no evidence that either:

1. 18-25 year olds don’t buy season cards because they can’t get away tickets. It could be that the seasoncards are too expensive for that demographic so why not lower the cost for everyone under the age of 25.
2. Away tickets aren’t available to people on lower points. The facts state that 15 games this season will have gone to at least General Sale and that a further six games sold out below 17,000 points.

Neither evidence or facts are something the forum seems to want to deal with and, instead, use myths, rumours and individual anecdotes to twist and frame the agenda for the both the club and individuals involved.

Very difficult to argue against what you’re saying to be fair. A bit of transparency from the club for the more popular fixtures could provide some useful info for supporters that are paying for platinum season tickets though.

I don’t believe that doing the 15 games that went on general sale will help you catch up and get a ticket for the more popular fixtures, mainly due to an increased demand from those that have a few extra quid. If the club were more transparent and truthful as to how many of an allocation go where then it’d help many season card holders decide whether paying £50 extra is worth it.

I’ve probably not needed to be platinum for any of the away games I’ve actually qualified for this season or even last season. I did however miss out on Schalke by a measly 100 points or summat though so maybe I am catching but just not noticing.

Good points raised though