North Stand expansion - seating, ticketing etc

[GaudinoMotors]

They need a proper ticketing and pricing Manager/Director. Instead they stuck with the maleable and easily controlled, lucky to be there, do the odd good term and all is forgiven; Danny.

 

[jrb]

^ it’s not just the CL match ticket prices, which are anything between 11% to 36% more expensive than the previous few seasons, even though there’s one more game to pay for this season (and looking likely there’ll be another in the KO prelim round).

It’s the constant increasing of Season Ticket prices that sees fans say ‘right, I’m coming out of the Cup Schemes, I can’t justify paying these price rises for STs anymore without pinching from somewhere else’.

I was going to come out of every cup scheme this season, but I decided not to to protect my loyalty points. I appreciate cup schemes tickets cost less. Next season I definitely won't be in any of the cup schemes. Season tickets will go up again. And if City are in the CL next season, there will be more group matches again, and a play off game if City aren't in the top section of the CL table. I'm not arsed about the Carabao Cup. I'll pick choose the FA Cup home games.

 

[GaudinoMotors]

Sleep Token

Cheers.
Looks like Pep after last night's game.

 

[Blue Maverick]

I’d argue our core fan base is the fans who turn up no matter what league we are in or how well we doing. Also local fans. Up until recently these two have always made up the majority of our match going fan base.

I don’t agree with your other points. A lot of long standing fans aren’t going to weekend games or finals because they’ve been priced out or they aren’t season ticket holder anymore. The prices for league match tickets are ridiculous.

The prices for last night werent peanuts, they’ve increased on last year and with the amount of games people are now picking and choosing.

Just make it affordable for everyone then long standing fans and tourists can go and the ground would be more full.

But it’s also been made a nightmare to get to the games this is huge factor, people used to drive now it’s like a military operation you have to go 3 hours early to get a parking spot or get the bus/tram which when people are working it’s just a lot of fucking about. Football is hitting a point with all these games it’s unsustainable fit your local average fan, prices no matter how low prices are it’s what goes with it all that’s a pain in the arse, imagine taking your kids on the tram to a midweek match with school the next day if I did that with my daughter I’d be looking at 11pm before walking in the door, maybe a one off is ok but it’s nearly every week now.

 

[jrb]

The thing is what would the attendance be without the clueless day trippers ? Less than 40k ?

The new stand was the right idea but it’s being built at a time when there is complete disengagement by City with supporters.

Everything from ticket pricing, lack of engagement, ticket distribution for away games, treating City Matters with contempt etc has been a complete fuck up - with the result being matchday atmosphere being shit and ticket demand dropping significantly from the time the new stand got the greenlight.

The complete silence from City to supporters on pretty much everything gets on my tits. Any other club that had as many away fans on the home end as last night would be having an investigation at 9am today - our mob are probably having a meeting about why there weren’t more Dutch fans filling the empty seats.

A year away from its opening and no plan or idea who might be sitting in this new stand when it opens - the likelyhood is there will be lots of empty seats at many games.

That's been going on for years. The club decided years ago they were going to stop talking to and engaging with the fans. The clubs hand was forced into creating City Matters which has been very hit and miss as the fans are concerned.

The redevelopment of the North stand is another example of the club not listening to the fans, and chasing match day revenue over a proper atmospheric home end, which is what the fans wanted from day one.

Whether it's Mansour, Khaldoon, or Soriano, the emphasis is now on revenue growth over talking, engaging and listening to the fans. The relationship between the club and the fans has suffered, and doesn't really exist anymore.

 

[Tim of the Oak]

I’d argue our core fan base is the fans who turn up no matter what league we are in or how well we doing. Also local fans. Up until recently these two have always made up the majority of our match going fan base.

I don’t agree with your other points. A lot of long standing fans aren’t going to weekend games or finals because they’ve been priced out or they aren’t season ticket holder anymore. The prices for league match tickets are ridiculous.

The prices for last night werent peanuts, they’ve increased on last year and with the amount of games people are now picking and choosing.

Just make it affordable for everyone then long standing fans and tourists can go and the ground would be more full.

Plenty of peole were giving tickets away for last night or selling them for a tenner, mate.

It’s complex why Champs League group games don’t sell out. Inconvenience, too many games, affordability, travelling distances, motorway repairs, parking charges, poor weather etc.

 

[M18CTID]

The thing is what would the attendance be without the clueless day trippers ? Less than 40k ?

The new stand was the right idea but it’s being built at a time when there is complete disengagement by City with supporters.

Everything from ticket pricing, lack of engagement, ticket distribution for away games, treating City Matters with contempt etc has been a complete fuck up - with the result being matchday atmosphere being shit and ticket demand dropping significantly from the time the new stand got the greenlight.

The complete silence from City to supporters on pretty much everything gets on my tits. Any other club that had as many away fans on the home end as last night would be having an investigation at 9am today - our mob are probably having a meeting about why there weren’t more Dutch fans filling the empty seats.

A year away from its opening and no plan or idea who might be sitting in this new stand when it opens - the likelyhood is there will be lots of empty seats at many games.

Anyone with half a brain cell could've predicted that if there was a drop-off in our form on the pitch then the club would suddenly be facing a big problem regarding the new stand due to the reasons you've stated where the core support have become increasingly annoyed with the way the club's ticketing policy and their lack of engagement with the wider fanbase regarding that. Pissing off the core fans, coupled with less tourists snapping up tickets because we're no longer as good as we were is only going to lead to one thing - a drop-off in attendances.

If we see a turnaround on the pitch in the coming weeks and months resulting in a successful season then the club might just get away with it and I'm sure take-up amongst fans will be decent enough in that scenario. They will still need to look at match day pricing though. League games are one thing and an issue for sure, but the ever-increasing prices for CL games season on season could see 10k-15k empty seats for CL group games. Get the pricing right though and they'll fill it. Sevilla at home a couple of seasons back is a good barometer. Tickets were cheaper than last night and it was a sell out. From memory, it sold out more than a week before the match took place. However, if the club do nothing creative regarding ticket prices going forward then they'll only have themselves to blame.

 

[Gone for a Burton]

Now is the time, and opportunity, for the OSC, City Matters,1894 and other responsible fan groups, to coalesce in to a single voice/action group on this and other fan/ticket pricing matters.

What fans are witnessing and experiencing cannot go on unchallenged.

The OSC should take the lead under Parker to represent ALL fans, not just the narrow OSC membership.

If he/they don't or won't he should resign forthwith per dereliction of duty.

If our representative fan groups won't,or don't, act and resolve these issues, reluctantly fans must take matters into their own hands with a day of, or series of, high profile actions /activities.

These can be highly visible, quasi militant, but not dangerous or to the detriment of the team.

For example (and its only one example).

For the home games against Everton on Boxing Day & West Ham on Jan 4th, thousands of paper balls (or planes) from Xmas wrapping paper could be launched from the stands as the first whistle blows.

The game would be delayed for a few minutes before the ball had been kicked in anger.

TV schedules might be affected, it would certainly generate exposure, publicity and coverage and take place in front of club executives.

First mover advantage to the civilian militants.

I'm very reluctant to float this,however I'm also very reluctant to see fans injured by missiles, fans hassled by away fans in home seats, fans not supported/defended by the club and its stewards, fans exploited by unnecessary and unfair ticket prices.

Any such actions are not a criticism of HH Sheikh Mansour and his stewardship,but are intended to be a direct challenge to our Manchester based executives.

Many of us know where the breaking point is and how belligerent we are when we're being wronged.

A period of 'civil militancy' from the stands is approaching very quickly.

What else can we do if our legitimate concerns continue to be ignored ??

 

[Gone for a Burton]

Let's get this thread back on the tracks.

It gets a green light from me, we don't want passengers.

 

[Beaker]

Now is the time, and opportunity, for the OSC, City Matters,1894 and other responsible fan groups, to coalesce in to a single voice/action group on this and other fan/ticket pricing matters.

What fans are witnessing and experiencing cannot go on unchallenged.

The OSC should take the lead under Parker to represent ALL fans, not just the narrow OSC membership.

If he/they don't or won't he should resign forthwith per dereliction of duty.

If our representative fan groups won't,or don't, act and resolve these issues, reluctantly fans must take matters into their own hands with a day of, or series of, high profile actions /activities.

These can be highly visible, quasi militant, but not dangerous or to the detriment of the team.

For example (and its only one example).

For the home games against Everton on Boxing Day & West Ham on Jan 4th, thousands of paper balls (or planes) from Xmas wrapping paper could be launched from the stands as the first whistle blows.

The game would be delayed for a few minutes before the ball had been kicked in anger.

TV schedules might be affected, it would certainly generate exposure, publicity and coverage and take place in front of club executives.

First mover advantage to the civilian militants.

I'm very reluctant to float this,however I'm also very reluctant to see fans injured by missiles, fans hassled by away fans in home seats, fans not supported/defended by the club and its stewards, fans exploited by unnecessary and unfair ticket prices.

Any such actions are not a criticism of HH Sheikh Mansour and his stewardship,but are intended to be a direct challenge to our Manchester based executives.

Many of us know where the breaking point is and how belligerent we are when we're being wronged.

A period of 'civil militancy' from the stands is approaching very quickly.

What else can we do if our legitimate concerns continue to be ignored ??

Unfortunately, if we were to go down this road at this moment in time, the narrative would be spun that we were complaining because the team aren’t playing well.

 

[Tbilisi]

Hate to see empty seats at City but maybe its not a bad thing with a stand coming that means we wont fill the ground.

Followed City all my life but the way we are treated is nothing short of disgraceful.

 

[TheGhost]

But it’s also been made a nightmare to get to the games this is huge factor, people used to drive now it’s like a military operation you have to go 3 hours early to get a parking spot or get the bus/tram which when people are working it’s just a lot of fucking about. Football is hitting a point with all these games it’s unsustainable fit your local average fan, prices no matter how low prices are it’s what goes with it all that’s a pain in the arse, imagine taking your kids on the tram to a midweek match with school the next day if I did that with my daughter I’d be looking at 11pm before walking in the door, maybe a one off is ok but it’s nearly every week now.

Got back to Leeds at 12:15am after the M62 was shut and re-routed through Rochdale. 14 year old daughter and I were up at 6:45am this morning. I’ll be thinking twice about some of these midweek home games.

 

[Blue Maverick]

Anyone with half a brain cell could've predicted that if there was a drop-off in our form on the pitch then the club would suddenly be facing a big problem regarding the new stand due to the reasons you've stated where the core support have become increasingly annoyed with the way the club's ticketing policy and their lack of engagement with the wider fanbase regarding that. Pissing off the core fans, coupled with less tourists snapping up tickets because we're no longer as good as we were is only going to lead to one thing - a drop-off in attendances.

If we see a turnaround on the pitch in the coming weeks and months resulting in a successful season then the club might just get away with it and I'm sure take-up amongst fans will be decent enough in that scenario. They will still need to look at match day pricing though. League games are one thing and an issue for sure, but the ever-increasing prices for CL games season on season could see 10k-15k empty seats for CL group games. Get the pricing right though and they'll fill it. Sevilla at home a couple of seasons back is a good barometer. Tickets were cheaper than last night and it was a sell out. From memory, it sold out more than a week before the match took place. However, if the club do nothing creative regarding ticket prices going forward then they'll only have themselves to blame.

Maybe just maybe this dip in form and people not turning up because if pricing etc might make them rethink what’s going to happen with the north stand before it’s too late, just look at what United have done saying every tensing ticket regardless of age and who it’s against is £66, great for a club full of tourists not so good if you haven’t.

 

[Gone for a Burton]

Unfortunately, if we were to go down this road at this moment in time, the narrative would be spun that we were complaining because the team aren’t playing well.

Disagree

Any action will be 'leaked' in advance.

Anyway, we'll be top of the league by then !!

 

[Gone for a Burton]

They need a proper ticketing and pricing Manager/Director. Instead they stuck with the maleable and easily controlled, lucky to be there, do the odd good term and all is forgiven; Danny.

Danny is the only one I know with any degree of common sense and approachability.

He responds to calls/correspondence and makes himself available.

He's a Trotters fan and understands from experience what fans put up with.

It's the CEO & Board who have to be challenged....and NOW !!

 

[Manchester33]

I can't agree with many of today's posts...

The expansion is definitely needed. We shouldn't judge it based on a low-key, midweek game in late November. Instead, we should base it on the derby and Liverpool at home (plus games like Real Madrid in the Champions League) where demand is far higher than the current capacity.

Hopefully, it will benefit us regulars in the long term (the club will lower prices for games like last night to ensure more seats are filled).

I do think the increased GA+ seating capacity (as well as the lack of a push for 'atmosphere' in the expanded NS) will lead to essentially a bigger version of the current NS, though (lots of tourists/away fans/empty seats when compared with areas like SSL1). The club (Soriano) want Disney Land. They don't care about the atmosphere or hardcore fans. They want ANYONE who will go and spend a lot of money (on tickets and in the club shop) to fill the stadium. It's not about support; it's about revenue.

 

[GaudinoMotors]

Danny is the only one I know with any degree of common sense and approachability.

He responds to calls/correspondence and makes himself available.

He's a Trotters fan and understands from experience what fans put up with.

It's the CEO & Board who have to be challenged....and NOW !!

Not having that. I wouldn't front up something I vehemently didn't agree with and would voice my concerns. He has presided over/or put his name to, some atrocious decisions and pricing. Personable, lovely lad or not.

 

[Cheadle_hulmeBlue]

Plenty of peole were giving tickets away for last night or selling them for a tenner, mate.

It’s complex why Champs League group games don’t sell out. Inconvenience, too many games, affordability, travelling distances, motorway repairs, parking charges, poor weather etc.

That shouldn’t be the main way of getting tickets though. You shouldn’t have to go on Facebook or on here to get affordable tickets. They should be from the club.

I agree there are a number of reasons, but if we made it affordable we’d sell out in my view or at least the ground would be more full.

 

[Gone for a Burton]

I can't agree with many of today's posts...

The expansion is definitely needed. We shouldn't judge it based on a low-key, midweek game in late November. Instead, we should base it on the derby and Liverpool at home (plus games like Real Madrid in the Champions League) where demand is far higher than the current capacity.

Hopefully, it will benefit us regulars in the long term (the club will lower prices for games like last night to ensure more seats are filled).

I do think the increased GA+ seating capacity (as well as the lack of a push for 'atmosphere' in the expanded NS) will lead to essentially a bigger version of the current NS, though (lots of tourists/away fans/empty seats when compared with areas like SSL1). The club (Soriano) want Disney Land. They don't care about the atmosphere or hardcore fans. They want ANYONE who will go and spend a lot of money (on tickets and in the club shop) to fill the stadium. It's not about support; it's about revenue.

Let's start by have an exclusive CITY home end in the South Stand.

Shift the away fans down to ESL110/111/113.

Shit location, shit acoustics.

8000 City fans behind the goal and under the roof with good acoustics will make a hell of a racket.

It can be done without affecting sight lines, segregation, coach park logistics, H&S ....and at little cost.

The stadium capacity will also increase by X100s per reduced segregation/safety zones.

Do it for the start of 25/26 season.

Two ends are better than one !!

 

[Big Joe Corrigan]

That shouldn’t be the main way of getting tickets though. You shouldn’t have to go on Facebook or on here to get affordable tickets. They should be from the club.

I agree there are a number of reasons, but if we made it affordable we’d sell out in my view or at least the ground would be more full.

Let’s see if the club has learned anything by the time we play Club Brugge, personally I doubt it.