Is the Family Stand fit for Purpose?

[Mr HJ]

I had to move this year after my daughter turned 16 - I sat there for years and met some wonderful families although I think the location of the area is flawed. I saw a lot of people heading off early and in some cases, cold weather, night games etc don't show at all. I believe that the stands behind the goals are critical to both enhancing the atmosphere and rallying the team. The problem is during matches where the tension literally lifts you from your seat, having a stand where youngsters are placed naturally causes issues when parents get irritated by fans standing up. I think it would be best suited to include an area for families in front of the corporate seats which are more often than not filled with guests who wine and dine. The parents in return get a great view, the kids will not have people standing in front of them and the rest of us can generate a Dortmund style atmosphere at both ends creating more of a cauldron. I think something needs to be done to increase the advantage at home and this, in my opinion would help.

 

[City_Sean]

Should move them up to Level 3. Has been a huge problem for years.

 

[RabidCity]

increase the price of kids seats, it will be harder to justify skipping games if the outlay is higher

 

[york away to this!]

We were "enticed" to move to the family stand from where we used to sit next to the away fans. We pay for our seats but you have to understand that kids are fickle little gits. One may have a party, may be poorly, may be on a school trip, have other commitments so the seat stays empty. Night games when they're at their mother's... Perhaps I'll purchase a couple of those blow up children to placate the "empty seats" brigade...

 

[goatersnipple]

What other club would have one end behind the goal as a family stand and the other end half given to away fans

 

[blue b4 the moon]

It'd help if kids tickets weren't sold for other parts if the ground, for years random parents and kids would appear in 117 etc and the child without standing on seats (H & S) could see nothing. I'd assume the club didn't even mention the viewing issue for kids when selling tickets.

 

[deafmanstevo]

I would have thought its only not fit for purpose for people who get embarrassed by empty seats. The seats are sold, that's all that matters to the club...revenue. If they wanted the seats full they would do something about it. As they haven't, I can only assume they don't get overly embarrassed by empty seats. As for people missing out, how many night games sell out?

There will be empty seats today for the simple reason it's cold and we are playing Crystal Palace. Some people just don't fancy it for whatever reason. Seats are £20 and I bet there are still loads of empty seats.

That's where you are wrong there, I know someone who works in the ticket dept, and the club are not keen on so many empty seats, that's why they are selling cheaper tickets for these sort of games and the cup semi final, the club are trying to get those seats filled, they DO want people to come. I wouldn't say they are embarrassed they just want to get as many people supporting City as possible, isn't a crowd supposed to be the 12th man .

 

[bugsyblue]

Genuine question but what's the point of a family stand these days? I guess back in the day it was so kids were kept away from excessive swearing and fighting right? Well fighting in the stadiums pretty much doesn't exist and you can probably sit anywhere other than around 110/111 and 115/116 and hear nothing worse than kids will do in the playgrounds

 

[Deleted member 58678]

You sound identical to me mate, an exact replica of my blue journey.

In the words of a great song by my favourite band "The Jam" The Planners dream went wrong !

We are building stadiums bigger but I fear that our generation who have going to the match in our blood is the last.

That path of going with your dad, to going with your teenage mates, to going with your own son is for me an important path.

I've enjoyed all three of the above but the going with your mates through thick and thin was not only the most fun but probably the most bonding to the club as you felt part of something,

I agree that it's all being sanitised and although it's in many ways for the better there must be a way to keep some of the old traditions too.

Like I said earlier the club need a real fan on the decision making panel. I don't believe that they have. They have a panel of highly educated corporates.

For a start, who wants or needs a meeter and greeter ???? What clueless clown thought of that one " hi , enjoy the game " WTF !!

Haha I walked past a few once with that exact line and one bloke simply replied "fuck off!" to them.

You are right about needing a fan or at least someone who understands football fan culture at the club.

Our fan journeys do sound the same, but wasn't it so for so many of us once? Now it's akin to a day out at Drayton Mannor or, dare I say it, an American sporting event.

The club get a hell of a lot right, especially on the business side of things. But the fan experience is far too sanitised these days. Your idea about 13-16 ticket prices and having a section for them is a brilliant one!

 

[malg]

The odd game midweek game

From what I've seen, it's not the odd midweek game. We should have a family stand, but not behind the goal. Also, what a shite view for kids, I'm sure they'll miss everything that goes on beyond the halfway line - not surprised that some kids maybe can't be arsed some weeks. They should be given a section on Level 3.