reading tickets selling fast {merged}

[Blue Mooner]

Sorry, not read the whole thread but for those who may have missed it, this is from the Reading website re their allocation. Looks like we will definitely NOT be opening the top tiers.

Our allocation
Our allocation for this game will remain at 2,800, split across two tiers in the south stand. Clubs have to make their initial indication for ticket allocations when the draw for the relevant round is made, which in this case was back on 20th February, when neither ourselves nor Manchester City had been confirmed in this stage of the competition; we had to face Everton nine days later and they faced Aston Villa ten days later.

At that stage, we indicated to both Villa and City that circa 2,800 would be our preferred allocation, taking into full consideration that the game is live on television, takes place on a Sunday evening, and after analysing our away attendances at previous games of a similar nature. In the last three seasons we have taken more than 3,000 to an away game on just one occasion, Southampton away in late 2008, and for example we took 775 and 1,059 supporters to our replays at Liverpool and West Brom respectively last season, and 1,577 travelled to the north west for our play-off semi final at Burnley on a Saturday evening in May 2009.

When the deadline came to finalise our allocation on Wednesday, less than 24 hours after our win at Everton, free coach travel had naturally not been discussed and could not have an impact on our decision at that time.

Given that we have now confirmed free coach travel for all of our supporters, and appreciating that demand could potentially go beyond this allocation, we immediately approached Manchester City to investigate all possibilities. Unfortunately, after discussions took place, this was not possible; City went on sale immediately after their game with Aston Villa, and a considerable number of seats in adjacent areas had been sold to City season ticket holders and their supporters. Bearing in mind the level of projected demand from their own supporters, City are not opening the top tier on the sides of the ground, but after discussions with their safety officer it is not viable to move supporters into those areas.

Had we received a larger allocation, the club would of course have paid for free travel for those extra supporters going to the game. As it stands, with 2,800 vocal, loyal supporters behind us, we are giving the team fantastic backing and a great chance of success. The offer of free coach travel is a reward for our loyal fans and we look forward to a great atmosphere in Manchester

 

[blueinsa]

Sorry, not read the whole thread but for those who may have missed it, this is from the Reading website re their allocation. Looks like we will definitely NOT be opening the top tiers.

Our allocation
Our allocation for this game will remain at 2,800, split across two tiers in the south stand. Clubs have to make their initial indication for ticket allocations when the draw for the relevant round is made, which in this case was back on 20th February, when neither ourselves nor Manchester City had been confirmed in this stage of the competition; we had to face Everton nine days later and they faced Aston Villa ten days later.

At that stage, we indicated to both Villa and City that circa 2,800 would be our preferred allocation, taking into full consideration that the game is live on television, takes place on a Sunday evening, and after analysing our away attendances at previous games of a similar nature. In the last three seasons we have taken more than 3,000 to an away game on just one occasion, Southampton away in late 2008, and for example we took 775 and 1,059 supporters to our replays at Liverpool and West Brom respectively last season, and 1,577 travelled to the north west for our play-off semi final at Burnley on a Saturday evening in May 2009.

When the deadline came to finalise our allocation on Wednesday, less than 24 hours after our win at Everton, free coach travel had naturally not been discussed and could not have an impact on our decision at that time.

Given that we have now confirmed free coach travel for all of our supporters, and appreciating that demand could potentially go beyond this allocation, we immediately approached Manchester City to investigate all possibilities. Unfortunately, after discussions took place, this was not possible; City went on sale immediately after their game with Aston Villa, and a considerable number of seats in adjacent areas had been sold to City season ticket holders and their supporters. Bearing in mind the level of projected demand from their own supporters, City are not opening the top tier on the sides of the ground, but after discussions with their safety officer it is not viable to move supporters into those areas.

Had we received a larger allocation, the club would of course have paid for free travel for those extra supporters going to the game. As it stands, with 2,800 vocal, loyal supporters behind us, we are giving the team fantastic backing and a great chance of success. The offer of free coach travel is a reward for our loyal fans and we look forward to a great atmosphere in Manchester

It just states the current policy that the top tiers wont be open and even if they were, Reading fans would not be offered them.

If demand is there, they will open them and City fans will be in.

 

[marco]

Sorry, not read the whole thread but for those who may have missed it, this is from the Reading website re their allocation. Looks like we will definitely NOT be opening the top tiers.

Our allocation
Our allocation for this game will remain at 2,800, split across two tiers in the south stand. Clubs have to make their initial indication for ticket allocations when the draw for the relevant round is made, which in this case was back on 20th February, when neither ourselves nor Manchester City had been confirmed in this stage of the competition; we had to face Everton nine days later and they faced Aston Villa ten days later.

At that stage, we indicated to both Villa and City that circa 2,800 would be our preferred allocation, taking into full consideration that the game is live on television, takes place on a Sunday evening, and after analysing our away attendances at previous games of a similar nature. In the last three seasons we have taken more than 3,000 to an away game on just one occasion, Southampton away in late 2008, and for example we took 775 and 1,059 supporters to our replays at Liverpool and West Brom respectively last season, and 1,577 travelled to the north west for our play-off semi final at Burnley on a Saturday evening in May 2009.

When the deadline came to finalise our allocation on Wednesday, less than 24 hours after our win at Everton, free coach travel had naturally not been discussed and could not have an impact on our decision at that time.

Given that we have now confirmed free coach travel for all of our supporters, and appreciating that demand could potentially go beyond this allocation, we immediately approached Manchester City to investigate all possibilities. Unfortunately, after discussions took place, this was not possible; City went on sale immediately after their game with Aston Villa, and a considerable number of seats in adjacent areas had been sold to City season ticket holders and their supporters. Bearing in mind the level of projected demand from their own supporters, City are not opening the top tier on the sides of the ground, but after discussions with their safety officer it is not viable to move supporters into those areas.

Had we received a larger allocation, the club would of course have paid for free travel for those extra supporters going to the game. As it stands, with 2,800 vocal, loyal supporters behind us, we are giving the team fantastic backing and a great chance of success. The offer of free coach travel is a reward for our loyal fans and we look forward to a great atmosphere in Manchester

this has no bearing on the top tiers being open, if the demand tomorrow indicates they should open then they will

 

[sky tot]

Ive been trying to buy tickets online for 2 days now.
Because i havn`t used this service for ages,i therefore cant remember my login password.
no problem ,city will send me a e-mail reminder.
But ive changed my email address,
no problem i will ring custumer service to update it.
After two 20mins sessions waiting in a queue,i eventually speak to someone.
Tell the girl my new e-mail address TWICE,ive still havn`t recieved
any fucking email of city .
Feel like fucking it right off,but my 2 kids are right up for it.

 

[waspish]

After selling all the other tickets in the ground they will say sold out we are not opening tier 3........then with a couple of day to go till the game, they'll say with huge demand of tickets we are opening tier 3 but you have to pick your tickets up before sundays game...that will stop anyone who wants to switch seats..........

 

[Blue Mooner]

Not sure what the fuss is about. I don't think they will open tier 3 for reasons I've stated, however, even if they do so what ?

The policy was the right one, previous ticket sales have indicated we will struggle to sell out so the club are doing their utmost to ensure there is a great atmosphere. What the hell is wrong with that ?

If people are so certain they will open the top tiers then wait til they come on sale and get your ticket then.

 

[peoffrey]

The problem is that the Head of Security and Senior Ticketing Managers will have to come to an agreement to open the third tiers before anything can be done. If it sells out by tomorrow (looking likely) then they'll have to. Anything else and it's typical City again.

 

[Didsbury Dave]

Call me a cynic, but the club are playing an absolute blinder on this one.

Somebody has been telling porkies, and I suspect this entire thread is a little convenient.

The fact the club have been forced to resort to an appeal from the players should tell you a lot, as are the initial plans to keep top tiers closed for now.

I have been told by someone who 'does know' the current state of play, the intention was to keep the lower levels packed - similar to what they did v Forest couple years back.

We then have well-intentioned posters concentrated in one thread, 'I'm going', 'I'm going, too', 'I'm going with three mates'.

Well that's about 400 people so far...

It adds to the fear the club wants, that people could 'miss out'.

Two tiers of 12,000 closed, away fans of 2,700, some late panic buying - result - still around the 30-35k mark.

As for seat checkers, forget it, I am informed the same principle applies, we keep thousands off the scope, so to perpetuate a demand.

I'm not sure what the Forest attendance was, but they had an entire end, and it didn't look too bad.

Aside from the result, of course.

It's certainly true city have developed an obsession with filling the ground from the bottom up. Bizarrely, people were asking everyone in tier 2 to move to the north stand at kick off time v villa.

But if it's all about creating demand, as you say, then there have to be big questions about that. I would doubt it would have any effect on demand. If people are going to go they are going to go. There's the goodwill factor of people having relocated for no reason. There's the people put off by poor seats or inability to sit together. There's anecdotal evidence of both on this thread. There's the fact that the phones have had huge wait times, partly due to relocations.

I still think bad decisions have been made. If this is the masterplan of someone clever, why did they mistakenly allow hundreds of top tier seasoncard holders to renew their own seats, then change their minds.

Not buying it tolm. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck.....

 

[Marvin]

There are 3 explanations for restricting Ticket Sales to Levels 1 & 2

1) Look better on TV
2) Costs of opening 3rd Tier(s)
3) Improving the atmosphere by packing in fans together closer to the pitch (the real reason - raised by fans I believe)

Apart from not giving Reading enough tickets, I don't have any issues with the way it has been organised - providing Level 3 is made available tomorrow. After all what's the point in commissioning a video of players urging fans to be the 12th man, if they can't go?

As someone has said doing it this way creates a buzz and a fear of losing out and in of itself it drives ticket sales

 

[peoffrey]

As someone has said doing it this way creates a buzz and a fear of losing out and in of itself it drives ticket sales

It's a quarter final. They usually do sell and this one should despite the later kick off time and television coverage.