Tim of the Oak
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- 29 Dec 2012
- Messages
- 21,772
Flexi-golds were primarily introduced to help change our aging demographic and get younger fans / families on the season card ladder. These are often families who can’t make all the midweek games where season card seats might go empty. The families I know are delighted with the flexi golds.I've spoken to 3 1894 members who are all FG card holders and all three reiterate the point that they would prefer a normal seasoncard. They got their FG card to 'get on the ladder'.
I honestly do not understand any benefit to FlexiGold (compared to a normal SC). I've yet to hear a valid argument in their favour. My views are:
- they are more expensive (£150 if you attend every game)
- they are less flexible (you have to sign in 3 weeks early and buy a ticket for every game)
- you cannot transfer to friends/family for league games
- no access to ticket exchange for league games
Flexigold is far less flexible and more expensive. It's the only option to many fans who've never had a seasoncard so they don't understand why it's worse (they are comparing FG to a matchday membership).
If the club offered every seasoncard holder the chance to change their ticket to FlexiGold, I honestly think less than 1% would. If the club truly wants to offer flexibility, give fans the choice of FG or normal SC OR as a minimum, drop the £150 charge.
Then additional flexi-golds were made available to adults and seniors who would really like season cards. I’m guessing your contacts fall into this category. The Blues I know who fall into this category are happy with flexi golds.
I’ve said many times that the starting fee is too much but having a lower charge can be justified by being able to kick and choose games. It would defeat part of the object of flexi golds if people were getting them with the intention of reselling them.
1894 friends have said on here many times that they sometimes struggle to give away free tickets for less popular midweek games and I’ve had the same experience. Given everyone who’s ever wanted a season card one would exacerbate the problems of shifting tickets for the lower profile or midweek games. It would also do nothing to solve the real problem of season card hoarding that makes it difficult for families of Blues to get season cards together. The new North Stand is a chance to address this as well as improve the atmosphere.
Why would the Club offer existing season card holders flexi-golds. Credit to any Blues who recognise they can’t make a significant chunk of games and looks at flexible alternatives that gives fellow Blues more chances of tickets together.
I’m hoping there will be plenty of new season cards in the new North Stand they are acquired by Blues who will attend the majority of games.