Fan protest?

[kinsey]

I think maybe you are confusing my posts with someone else's? I never said that the club would get extra revenue NEXT SEASON, that was your assumption, I said "we are just numbers to them now and they will squeeze as much as they possibly can out of uswe are just numbers to them now and they will squeeze as much as they possibly can out of us". My distress as I stated clearly in each post is how the club has handled it and just moved us with next to no notice and awful communication.

Two people at the ticket office who were applying for finance whilst I was there (one currently in the 2nd tier and on in the first) were told that the CB and East stands L1 & L2 would be largely corporate for 2011-12 season. Told by two different staff and given out as a fact by them. Where their information came from I don't know but it was certainly seemed to be a consensus opinion of the staff and there are plenty of other people on other forums and FB Twitter etc that have been told the same thing by ticket office staff. So yes speculation but at least it is based on fairly consistent information being given by employees of the club. Isn't there a poster on here that works in the TO, maybe he can confirm what they've been told?

Next season. The season after. It doesn't matter - without additional capacity, how are they going to generate additional income by moving people around?

The only way they will increase revenue is by increasing the cost of tickets - and it is by no means certain that thiey will do this. However, this has nothing to do with you having to move seats but you are trying to wrap it all up together and present it as the one issue.

Probably give you your due though on the communication issue - the fact that we are arguing about the merits or otherwise shows that the message has not been clear enough.

Fair enough about the corporate speculation too if you have heard it on a consistent basis from a number of different TO staff. But despite this, I would be staggered to find out this was happening. Firstly because of the likely lack of demand for this kind of ticket and secondly, because the ground as it stands does not have the necessary infrastructure in place to look after this customer. Where are the additional kitchens, catering facilities and lounges going to be positioned?

[Beefymcfc]

I think maybe you are confusing my posts with someone else's? I never said that the club would get extra revenue NEXT SEASON, that was your assumption, I said "we are just numbers to them now and they will squeeze as much as they possibly can out of uswe are just numbers to them now and they will squeeze as much as they possibly can out of us". My distress as I stated clearly in each post is how the club has handled it and just moved us with next to no notice and awful communication.

Two people at the ticket office who were applying for finance whilst I was there (one currently in the 2nd tier and on in the first) were told that the CB and East stands L1 & L2 would be largely corporate for 2011-12 season. Told by two different staff and given out as a fact by them. Where their information came from I don't know but it was certainly seemed to be a consensus opinion of the staff and there are plenty of other people on other forums and FB Twitter etc that have been told the same thing by ticket office staff. So yes speculation but at least it is based on fairly consistent information being given by employees of the club. Isn't there a poster on here that works in the TO, maybe he can confirm what they've been told?

Next season. The season after. It doesn't matter - without additional capacity, how are they going to generate additional income by moving people around?

The only way they will increase revenue is by increasing the cost of tickets - and it is by no means certain that thiey will do this. However, this has nothing to do with you having to move seats but you are trying to wrap it all up together and present it as the one issue.

Probably give you your due though on the communication issue - the fact that we are arguing about the merits or otherwise shows that the message has not been clear enough.

Fair enough about the corporate speculation too if you have heard it on a consistent basis from a number of different TO staff. But despite this, I would be staggered to find out this was happening. Firstly because of the likely lack of demand for this kind of ticket and secondly, because the ground as it stands does not have the necessary infrastructure in place to look after this customer. Where are the additional kitchens, catering facilities and lounges going to be positioned?

Apparently our corporate hospitality is one, if not the best, in the country. Business men like to be associated with winning teams so the likelihood is that has we move up in the world, so will the corporate business and more and more will want to be associated with City. It's all part and parcel of being a successful club and although it won't happen overnight, there will be a need for more corporate seating. Personally, I think it's a move that is needed by the club to bring us in-line and compete with the more established clubs. Why give them the share of the market if we can do it better and take their revenue?

NB. A little birdie told me that we are refurbishing our corporate boxes again this closed season, even though they were only refurbished a couple of years back.

[saulman]

The bigger picture is that my seat in block 207 has been earmarked for someone with more money and probably less passion.

More money? Are they going to be charging more money (in real terms) for your seat next season? Will your seat generate additional funds for the Club next year?

I am sorry that this process means that you will be slightly inconvenienced by this change to your viewing perspective - but you are still going to attend aren't you? Go to the South Stand (at the same price) or take up one of the £250 tickets. Or perhaps the trauma of having to sit behind our goal in the first half (as opposed to the second) is just too much for you?

I like my seat. I like my view. I'm happy where I am. I don't want to move along to make way for the prawn sandwich brigade who seem to be ready to move into the second tier of both the East Stand and the Colin Bell Stand. In the season 2011/2012, my seat is to be refurbished to provide me with a 'premium match experience' which frankly, I couldn't give a fuck about. I like my seat and I don't want the club to price me out of it to make way for some fuckin suit who got the ticket off some sales rep as a freebie.
I can only assume that these measures don't affect you directly and therefore you cannot empathise with my situation.

Less passion? How do you know? If you were so passionate about the Club, you would be looking at what is best for the Club - and not yourself! By the Club, I mean the vast majority of fans that will benefit from these changes both now and in the future.

OK mate, so I move to the North Stand with my lad. I get used to the view and the people around. I enjoy it just as much. What happens when he turns 16 and I get moved along again. What if the rest of the stadium is full, yet I'm inelligable to sit in the North because I'm no longer classed as a family?

Also, what is best for the club? Do you really believe that filling the 2nd tier with corporate seats is best for the club? Best for the majority of fans? What do you think it'll do to the atmosphere? What I can assure you is that it's not best for the majority of fans who currently occupy those seats.

I am pleased that the Club has been encouraging kids to attend for quite some time with the £95 season ticket and these changes are just an extension of that process. They are ensuring that the next generation of City fans are coming through - hopefully, they will be less mardy than some of the present lot

They're taking that away from all but the North Stand. I have no doubt whatsoever that this is the thin end of the wedge. My lads seat last season cost £95. Next season it's £190. How much will it increase to when they make it a corporate seat? Is this what you consider to be an 'extension of that process'?


These measures are a bad idea. There's fuck all wrong with the atmosphere at COMS and if there is, it's got fuck all to do with where people sit and everything to do with the fans themselves. You only have to look at the game yesterday to see that an atmosphere can be achieved with everyone exactly where they are.

[Beefymcfc]

Saul, I think you've been a little spoilt mate. You obviously have a prime seat that you have had the benefit of for many years at the same cost as someone who is out in the corners of that stand and has a far poorer matchday experience. When I moved, and looking for a decent position, I couldn't believe that a central position was the same price as those on the corners of the stand, I always thought they'd be more expensive due to their location.

You've got a choice haven't you mate, either move to a cheaper area or pay a little more for an exclusive seat? And to be truthful, if you have got that prime seat I don't really have any sympathy with your predicament and just because you were there first doesn't give you the automatic right to keep it. Like any major entertainment event you go to watch, the seating price is awlays based on location and view, and in your case you have probably one of the best locations and views. Isn't that worth paying a premium for?

[Blue Since 76]

Regarding level 2 of the sides, the official site states:

"To complement the great views, The Colin Bell Stand and East Stand Level Two, will for season 2011/12 be refurbished to a high standard providing a premium experience for supporters. This will include improved facilities and services on the concourse. With these improvements there will be an increase in price and some supporters may like to take the opportunity this season to relocate ahead of the changes for 2011/12."

Prices might not go up much for next season, but you'll get hammered the following year. A rag mate laughed that my ticket was going up 5% then discovered that it will still be about £500 in the best parts of the ground - he pays £900. I wouldn't be surprised if level 2 wasn't similar by next year.

As for the north stand, I still don't see how they'll fill it. The bottom tier is about twice the size of level 2, so they're effectively tripling the family stand. They could have given half the bottom tier, say to one side, over to a family stand and moved the season ticket holders within the north stand, meaning very few would have had to move out. The way the club have treated fans is disgraceful, particularly with the lack of notice to stop any effective protests.

They've also managed the thing terribly - existing season ticket holders being kicked out have to relocate next week to whatever seats aren't currently occupied i.e. the worst ones. Current families in other stands will then move to the north stand, however, those moved out of the north stand will have missed the opportunity for those seats, as they need to grab one quick. I'm in a situation where I want to renew my two adult tickets in the north stand and then add a junior, however, I've been told I'll need to renew ours and then ring up later on to ask for a child seat. So for a while, I'll have two adults together (yet we couldn't do that, as we'd have no child seat) and then will have to move again to add a child, to whatever is left once they go on open sale. Shambles.

[saulman]

Saul, I think you've been a little spoilt mate. You obviously have a prime seat that you have had the benefit of for many years at the same cost as someone who is out in the corners of that stand and has a far poorer matchday experience. When I moved, and looking for a decent position, I couldn't believe that a central position was the same price as those on the corners of the stand, I always thought they'd be more expensive due to their location.

You've got a choice haven't you mate, either move to a cheaper area or pay a little more for an exclusive seat? And to be truthful, if you have got that prime seat I don't really have any sympathy with your predicament and just because you were there first doesn't give you the automatic right to keep it. Like any major entertainment event you go to watch, the seating price is awlays based on location and view, and in your case you have probably one of the best locations and views. Isn't that worth paying a premium for?

I'm happy to pay the extra. I don't have a problem with that. I'm well aware that I have a top quality seat in a prime area of the ground. Next season my ticket is £535 and my lads is £190. I think that's good value.

What I'm worried about is this.......................

"To complement the great views, The Colin Bell Stand and East Stand Level Two, will for season 2011/12 be refurbished to a high standard providing a premium experience for supporters. This will include improved facilities and services on the concourse. With these improvements there will be an increase in price and some supporters may like to take the opportunity this season to relocate ahead of the changes for 2011/12."

If they told us how much this increase is likely to be, then I'd at least be able to make the decision to move or not.

If anyone out there is ITK on this subject, please let me know what the ticket increases are likely to be for tier 2. If need be, PM me.
Cheers


EDIT: 4000th post. Woohoo.

[mr_nool]

Saul, I think you've been a little spoilt mate. You obviously have a prime seat that you have had the benefit of for many years at the same cost as someone who is out in the corners of that stand and has a far poorer matchday experience. When I moved, and looking for a decent position, I couldn't believe that a central position was the same price as those on the corners of the stand, I always thought they'd be more expensive due to their location.

You've got a choice haven't you mate, either move to a cheaper area or pay a little more for an exclusive seat? And to be truthful, if you have got that prime seat I don't really have any sympathy with your predicament and just because you were there first doesn't give you the automatic right to keep it. Like any major entertainment event you go to watch, the seating price is awlays based on location and view, and in your case you have probably one of the best locations and views. Isn't that worth paying a premium for?

I'm happy to pay the extra. I don't have a problem with that. I'm well aware that I have a top quality seat in a prime area of the ground. Next season my ticket is £535 and my lads is £190. I think that's good value.

What I'm worried about is this.......................

"To complement the great views, The Colin Bell Stand and East Stand Level Two, will for season 2011/12 be refurbished to a high standard providing a premium experience for supporters. This will include improved facilities and services on the concourse. With these improvements there will be an increase in price and some supporters may like to take the opportunity this season to relocate ahead of the changes for 2011/12."

If they told us how much this increase is likely to be, then I'd at least be able to make the decision to move or not.

If anyone out there is ITK on this subject, please let me know what the ticket increases are likely to be for tier 2. If need be, PM me.
Cheers


EDIT: 4000th post. Woohoo.

4000th. Bah!





















Nah! Congrats mate. you've been around for ever,and I've always enjoyed your pots.
Now go and make a proper landmark in the Off Topic!

[Slim]

4000th. Bah!

You forgot the conversion rate, 4000 normal posts are worth 20000 dutch posts.

[mr_nool]

4000th. Bah!

You forgot the conversion rate, 4000 normal posts are worth 20000 dutch posts.

Half of mine were made in Sweden you wallaby licker.

[Beefymcfc]

Regarding level 2 of the sides, the official site states:

"To complement the great views, The Colin Bell Stand and East Stand Level Two, will for season 2011/12 be refurbished to a high standard providing a premium experience for supporters. This will include improved facilities and services on the concourse. With these improvements there will be an increase in price and some supporters may like to take the opportunity this season to relocate ahead of the changes for 2011/12."

Prices might not go up much for next season, but you'll get hammered the following year. A rag mate laughed that my ticket was going up 5% then discovered that it will still be about £500 in the best parts of the ground - he pays £900. I wouldn't be surprised if level 2 wasn't similar by next year.

As for the north stand, I still don't see how they'll fill it. The bottom tier is about twice the size of level 2, so they're effectively tripling the family stand. They could have given half the bottom tier, say to one side, over to a family stand and moved the season ticket holders within the north stand, meaning very few would have had to move out. The way the club have treated fans is disgraceful, particularly with the lack of notice to stop any effective protests.

They've also managed the thing terribly - existing season ticket holders being kicked out have to relocate next week to whatever seats aren't currently occupied i.e. the worst ones. Current families in other stands will then move to the north stand, however, those moved out of the north stand will have missed the opportunity for those seats, as they need to grab one quick. I'm in a situation where I want to renew my two adult tickets in the north stand and then add a junior, however, I've been told I'll need to renew ours and then ring up later on to ask for a child seat. So for a while, I'll have two adults together (yet we couldn't do that, as we'd have no child seat) and then will have to move again to add a child, to whatever is left once they go on open sale. Shambles.

I understand your points mate, but how would you have gone about it? One thing that has to be taken into consideration is the speed at which things are happening. Since moving to the CoMS we have had no real hope of making the top echelons of the Premier League so we went plodding along as usual. Now, since the takeover, we have seen everything turned upside down and we have already achieved a Europa birth by position and are 2 wins away from a possible Chamions League spot. Could anyone have imagined that a few years ago?

The only other way to do this restructuring would've been to give people Grandfather Rights in their current seats and given them a subsidy towards their seats or allowed them to stay put for a couple of seasons. However, the problem would still remain with those who may have to move or pay higher prices and it would just make it more protracted - people would just complain for a much longer period. At least the club have had the nounse to do it quickly and give people a period to decide what to do.

At the end of the day they are looking to create an overall experience for every walk of life and if you want to see the club run in a good and proper way that comes in-line with the new UEFA directives, then you've got to come to terms that there was a serious need for change.

[Slim]

4000th. Bah!

You forgot the conversion rate, 4000 normal posts are worth 20000 dutch posts.

Half of mine were made in Sweden you wallaby licker.

hahaha, maybe in my younger days but they are too damn quick.

You think Swedish is any better? It get's worse as you go north and east which is why Antii only really has 4 posts.

[mr_nool]

4000th. Bah!

You forgot the conversion rate, 4000 normal posts are worth 20000 dutch posts.

Half of mine were made in Sweden you wallaby licker.

hahaha, maybe in my younger days but they are too damn quick.

You think Swedish is any better? It get's worse as you go north and east which is why Antii only really has 4 posts.

And you are so far east that it counts as west? You're digging your own grave here ...

[Slim]

4000th. Bah!

You forgot the conversion rate, 4000 normal posts are worth 20000 dutch posts.

Half of mine were made in Sweden you wallaby licker.

hahaha, maybe in my younger days but they are too damn quick.

You think Swedish is any better? It get's worse as you go north and east which is why Antii only really has 4 posts.

And you are so far east that it counts as west? You're digging your own grave here ...

I am south and east....different rules.

[Beefymcfc]

Saul, I think you've been a little spoilt mate. You obviously have a prime seat that you have had the benefit of for many years at the same cost as someone who is out in the corners of that stand and has a far poorer matchday experience. When I moved, and looking for a decent position, I couldn't believe that a central position was the same price as those on the corners of the stand, I always thought they'd be more expensive due to their location.

You've got a choice haven't you mate, either move to a cheaper area or pay a little more for an exclusive seat? And to be truthful, if you have got that prime seat I don't really have any sympathy with your predicament and just because you were there first doesn't give you the automatic right to keep it. Like any major entertainment event you go to watch, the seating price is awlays based on location and view, and in your case you have probably one of the best locations and views. Isn't that worth paying a premium for?

I'm happy to pay the extra. I don't have a problem with that. I'm well aware that I have a top quality seat in a prime area of the ground. Next season my ticket is £535 and my lads is £190. I think that's good value.

What I'm worried about is this.......................

"To complement the great views, The Colin Bell Stand and East Stand Level Two, will for season 2011/12 be refurbished to a high standard providing a premium experience for supporters. This will include improved facilities and services on the concourse. With these improvements there will be an increase in price and some supporters may like to take the opportunity this season to relocate ahead of the changes for 2011/12."

If they told us how much this increase is likely to be, then I'd at least be able to make the decision to move or not.

If anyone out there is ITK on this subject, please let me know what the ticket increases are likely to be for tier 2. If need be, PM me.
Cheers


EDIT: 4000th post. Woohoo.

I still think it is very reasonable for those seats mate and believe they will go up considerably for the 2011/12 season, mainly due to the hospitality/corporate packages that will be available. The one good thing is that you realistically have a full season to enjoy those seats and decide whether they are worth the premium or other seats will suffice.

Don't get me wrong mate, I like you had serious reservations about these new plans but when you look at where we are going, you can understand the need to change things and bring in extra income whether it be on matchday or through non-match corporate gigs.

PS. Congrats on your milestone, just don't waste your run to 5000 on me ;-)

[lythamblue]

Saul, I think you've been a little spoilt mate. You obviously have a prime seat that you have had the benefit of for many years at the same cost as someone who is out in the corners of that stand and has a far poorer matchday experience. When I moved, and looking for a decent position, I couldn't believe that a central position was the same price as those on the corners of the stand, I always thought they'd be more expensive due to their location.

You've got a choice haven't you mate, either move to a cheaper area or pay a little more for an exclusive seat? And to be truthful, if you have got that prime seat I don't really have any sympathy with your predicament and just because you were there first doesn't give you the automatic right to keep it. Like any major entertainment event you go to watch, the seating price is awlays based on location and view, and in your case you have probably one of the best locations and views. Isn't that worth paying a premium for?

I'm happy to pay the extra. I don't have a problem with that. I'm well aware that I have a top quality seat in a prime area of the ground. Next season my ticket is £535 and my lads is £190. I think that's good value.

What I'm worried about is this.......................

"To complement the great views, The Colin Bell Stand and East Stand Level Two, will for season 2011/12 be refurbished to a high standard providing a premium experience for supporters. This will include improved facilities and services on the concourse. With these improvements there will be an increase in price and some supporters may like to take the opportunity this season to relocate ahead of the changes for 2011/12."

If they told us how much this increase is likely to be, then I'd at least be able to make the decision to move or not.

If anyone out there is ITK on this subject, please let me know what the ticket increases are likely to be for tier 2. If need be, PM me.
Cheers


EDIT: 4000th post. Woohoo.

I sit the row behind Saulman and agree with him 100%. In fact I am in a worse situation because I have 2 adult and 2 x junior tickets. I too am prepared to pay the increased prices for next season as I accept we have the best non corporate seats in the stadium and we have got away quite cheaply the last couple of seasons.

I too am worried about the season after next. The club have not advised us as to what the score will be and therefore we can only assume that there will be massive increases to upgrade to the new 'Premium Tickets' and that concessions will disappear altogether.

Ok, I can then just say 'Fook it' and pay the going rate anyway and stay there whatever the cost but would you suggest that that is right and my 'Matchday Experience' will be enhanced? Also, who will I be sat next to? Over the years, have got to know and really like the people that sit around me and don't want them to be outed in favour of plastics on a corporate jolly that are different people every week.

We are not spoilt, we have only got these seats due to the length of time we have sat there year in, year out ...... watching comparative shit.

[saulman]

Saul, I think you've been a little spoilt mate. You obviously have a prime seat that you have had the benefit of for many years at the same cost as someone who is out in the corners of that stand and has a far poorer matchday experience. When I moved, and looking for a decent position, I couldn't believe that a central position was the same price as those on the corners of the stand, I always thought they'd be more expensive due to their location.

You've got a choice haven't you mate, either move to a cheaper area or pay a little more for an exclusive seat? And to be truthful, if you have got that prime seat I don't really have any sympathy with your predicament and just because you were there first doesn't give you the automatic right to keep it. Like any major entertainment event you go to watch, the seating price is awlays based on location and view, and in your case you have probably one of the best locations and views. Isn't that worth paying a premium for?

I'm happy to pay the extra. I don't have a problem with that. I'm well aware that I have a top quality seat in a prime area of the ground. Next season my ticket is £535 and my lads is £190. I think that's good value.

What I'm worried about is this.......................

"To complement the great views, The Colin Bell Stand and East Stand Level Two, will for season 2011/12 be refurbished to a high standard providing a premium experience for supporters. This will include improved facilities and services on the concourse. With these improvements there will be an increase in price and some supporters may like to take the opportunity this season to relocate ahead of the changes for 2011/12."

If they told us how much this increase is likely to be, then I'd at least be able to make the decision to move or not.

If anyone out there is ITK on this subject, please let me know what the ticket increases are likely to be for tier 2. If need be, PM me.
Cheers


EDIT: 4000th post. Woohoo.

I still think it is very reasonable for those seats mate and believe they will go up considerably for the 2011/12 season, mainly due to the hospitality/corporate packages that will be available. The one good thing is that you realistically have a full season to enjoy those seats and decide whether they are worth the premium or other seats will suffice.

Don't get me wrong mate, I like you had serious reservations about these new plans but when you look at where we are going, you can understand the need to change things and bring in extra income whether it be on matchday or through non-match corporate gigs.

PS. Congrats on your milestone, just don't waste your run to 5000 on me ;-)

Well, I'm currently sitting in a prime spot and so it stands to reason that these seats will be the first to be sacrificed to the corporate monster. However, what happens when my seats have gone, but the monster keeps on growing? What if the club were to decide it wants to take a slice of South Stand Tier 2 to accomodate more external space for the restaurant? Unlikely, but not impossible. What if the prices keep on rising and forcing all of us out of the stadium, in favour of those who have more cash?

Whilst I appreciate that the club needs to balance the books, I do find it bloody annoying that I'm among the first to be squeezed.
It would be a terrible irony for all of us who paid our hard earned cash to watch shite every season to suddenly be unable to afford to go to the game when things turn good.


EDIT: Been wondering how things stand with you Lytham. You sticking out the next season? I'd be good to watch us win the league from our fancy, posh seats. ;o)

[Burt]

And still nobody but me has mentioned the fact other than me, that geezers like my Bro have previously budgeted to pay for their ticket renewals in July and they have been given a weeks notice that they have to pay NOW or they're fucled. What kind of notice is that for folk that don't have the dough up front?!

[Slim]

I know why the fans were protesting, no-one bothered to tell them the season doesn't finish in March.

[lythamblue]

[


EDIT: Been wondering how things stand with you Lytham. You sticking out the next season? I'd be good to watch us win the league from our fancy, posh seats. ;o)

Yep, I suppose I will stick it out next year and just hope for the best thereafter.

To be honest (I will admit this) through business I often have corporate seats but rarely use them. Our sales team use them and matchdays for me are a family thing which I try to separate from business. However, yesterday I was in a box in the East Stand and on Wednesday we will all be in the Mancunian Suite. I had a great time ..... but not with my family.

But, I would much prefer to stay where I am and watch games with my family (and people like you that I have got to know over the years) and not with my business connections. On matchdays I want to talk about City not future projects and opportunities for mutual growth etc. I need to separate something away from work and this is one of the best ways I have found of doing it as it keeps me normal. In any case, my mood swings on match days can vary greatly dependant on the result and therefore it is not a conducive atmoshere for business. Watching other teams as a neutral perhaps, but not when I am watching City.

If it makes you feel any better, no one at the club really knows what's happening next year and it is all up in the air. 'Premium' seats may just be as they are now with carpet on the concourse! How much more can they charge for that? It all depends on what future demand they have and the take up of changing hospitality offers etc. It would seem that nothing has yet been decided.

[abbeyhey]

who's that t**t from argentina
who's that money grabbin whore
carlos tevez is his name
and he musnt have a brain
coz he wont be winnin trophies anymore