Statement from Jon Lansdown + SC&T reply

[RedM]

https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/statement-on-season-cards-201819/

[RedM]

STATEMENT ON SEASON CARDS 2018/19

THURSDAY, MARCH 15TH 2018

Statement from Jon Lansdown, chairman of Bristol Sport and vice-chairman of Bristol City FC.

Following on from the joint Supporters Club & Trust/FAN meeting last Wednesday, we agreed to take away and review three key items; the renewal deadline, disabled pricing and the new loyalty scheme. We have now had a chance to digest and debate the key points raised from the interaction that we have had with fans, which has prompted robust internal debate and consideration.

Whilst it is correct that pricing and long-term strategy has to be led by Bristol City FC and Bristol Sport together, it would be wrong for us to not listen and consider other options when presented with the strength of feeling that has been evident. I would hope that this is recognised as a strong signal from us that we do value supporters’ views. 

The strategy behind the pricing structure for the 2018/19 campaign was in recognition that we are one of the lower priced clubs in the Sky Bet Championship, with a brand new rebuilt stadium and facilities better than many in the Premier League. The 2018/19 prices still place us as one of the best value clubs in the division. 

We accept the price rises have meant that some fans have raised concerns over being priced out of traditional seats and the deadline for purchase. Prices have been largely frozen for the past few years, while the £50 Under-12 season card – with a free replica shirt – has helped grow our younger fanbase. 

We also appreciate that many of you sat in specific locations with family or friends in the old Ashton Gate and this has very much been part of the matchday enjoyment. We want Ashton Gate to be welcoming to families and to encourage the younger generation of supporters. That is the thinking behind us investing in a new Family Area in the upper Lansdown Stand, where kids have lots of fun before, during and after the game in the specially adapted concourse, whilst enjoying some of the best views on offer. We want to encourage families to use this dedicated space and that is why we have set the pricing to attract parents and children up here.

We have invested nearly £50m in the rebuild project and it has resulted in the city finally having a stadium it can be proud of. The rebuild has also provided the local area with a huge economic boost, with more than 1,000 local people securing work at the stadium on matchdays. It has been a spark for economic regeneration in an area of the city which has traditionally been overlooked. 

With reference to the expressed desire for an extension to the renewal deadline, we accept it would be beneficial for all supporters to have at least one pay day within the season card renewal window so we have agreed to extend it until midday on Thursday, March 29th. 

There is also the Pay Monthly* scheme – which remains available throughout the advanced sales period, with the first payment not due until May 1st, followed by nine further monthly payments. 

Subsequently, the special seat move window will run exclusively on the phone lines from midday until 8pm on March 29th. Members will then get the chance to purchase, before general sale begins at 10am on Wednesday, April 4th. The advanced sales period will still end on April 13th.

On the subject of disabled pricing, I want to take this opportunity to explain the rationale behind the changes we have made. The majority of Championship clubs have moved to offer disabled supporters pricing in line with the age categories for all supporters, in-keeping with guidelines set out by Level Playing Field. This is something Bristol City FC already offered for matchday tickets and now we have applied the same pricing structure for season cards. 

We acknowledge that for some disabled supporters this has caused great difficulty.  We should have considered this more fully and communicated it better. With this in mind we have now agreed to phase in the pricing over the next three seasons.

For the 2018/19 season disabled (adult) fans will be able to purchase a season card with a 15 per cent discount off the Advanced full adult price. Any disabled adult who has already purchased/renewed will be contacted by Supporter Services for a 15 per cent refund. 

For the 2019/20 season adult disabled supporters will be entitled to a ten per cent discount on the equivalent adult price and for the 2020/21 campaign a five per cent discount will apply. The following year will see disabled pricing brought in line with full adults and current matchday pricing. 

I would like to underline that Supporter Services will continue to work with every individual disabled supporter to meet their specific needs and ensure that they enjoy the best matchday experience possible. Following the significant investment, Ashton Gate has some of the best disabled supporter facilities in the country. We will strive to continually improve these, as well as working hard in the community to support disability programmes and promote sporting inclusion for all.

Finally, with regards to the introduction of our new loyalty scheme we will be announcing full details over the summer, ahead of the 2018/19 campaign. However, I think it’s important to clarify now that season card holders will be entitled to a ten per cent discount on all food and beverages purchased in the concourse, coffee shop and hospitality areas, alongside earning loyalty in other areas, including the Store at Ashton Gate. 

You will also still benefit from £5 off for CATS travel in 2018/19, away and cup ticket priority, two £10 guest tickets, free entry to Under-23 matches and a free ticket for selected Bristol Rugby fixtures.

Thanks to all of our supporters who have already renewed their seat for the 2018/19 campaign and I look forward to seeing you on Saturday, where we can cheer on the team against Ipswich Town. Your support will play a huge part over the remaining nine regular season games, so enjoy them and let’s see where they can take us together.

Jon Lansdown

* £25 fee applies (max of four season cards per Pay Monthly application)

[Wilksi]

Horseshit

[CotswoldRed]

So, on with the demonstration on Saturday? 

[Welcome To The Jungle]

Seen less slime at a snail and slug convention. Absolute bollocks 

[Phileas Fogg]

Full of waffle unfortunately. Good that they’ve taken some points on board, but it doesn’t go far enough in my opinion.

Cynically I wonder whether they prioritised the disabled ticket issue above the others because they knew it would be particularly bad PR if it spread.

Also strange how he says ‘We also appreciate that many of you sat in specific locations with family or friends in the old Ashton Gate and this has very much been part of the matchday enjoyment’ then barely touches on it at all in the subsequent section. Sounds like the upper Lansdown is intended to become a bit of a crèche. The matchday experience for children shouldn’t be limited to being around other children. It’s a bad idea.

I’ve got no idea why the statement is so long either. Just address the issues.

[formerly known as ivan]

******* cop out!

[The Original OTIB]

B.S. Response: The Brian Clough, as it's known in the trade:

 

[Wilksi]

Have the SC&T been putting together a plan for this outcome, ie demonstrations or other forms of protest? If so I think these need to be communicated out fairly quickly to people.

[Super]

10 minutes ago, Phileas Fogg said:

Full of waffle unfortunately. Good that they’ve taken some points on board, but it doesn’t go far enough in my opinion.

Cynically I wonder whether they prioritised the disabled ticket issue above the others because they knew it would be particularly bad PR if it spread.

Also strange how he says ‘We also appreciate that many of you sat in specific locations with family or friends in the old Ashton Gate and this has very much been part of the matchday enjoyment’ then barely touches on it at all in the subsequent section. Sounds like the upper Lansdown is intended to become a bit of a crèche. The matchday experience for children shouldn’t be limited to being around other children. It’s a bad idea.

I’ve got no idea why the statement is so long either. Just address the issues.

That's the trouble kids don't want to be miles away from the pitch anyway. Stupid decision for them to be up in the gods.

[Stortz]

It's just the worst sort of obfuscating PR bollocks, acknowledging issues whilst offering no remedy.

They are pissing down our backs and telling us it's raining.

[Super]

Something has to happen on Saturday. 

[RedM]

4 minutes ago, Super said:

That's the trouble kids don't want to be miles away from the pitch anyway. Stupid decision for them to be up in the gods.

Absolutely. Traditionally kids are down by the touchline so they can hopefully get autographs, selfies now I suppose or even a wave and a nod from their favourite players. They are very detached.

Also can you not buy a ticket in the upper Lansdown without a child, isn’t that discriminatory against those of us who have children too old or childless people? 

[sephjnr]

22 minutes ago, Phileas Fogg said:

Sounds like the upper Lansdown is intended to become a bit of a crèche.

And has been since the beginning.  Except for the "school daytrip" kids that are stuffed down in the Lansdown wings.

 

The only reason they won't sell STs in the upper central section is to keep for matchday overflow and make them feel special, I guess.

[havanatopia]

I glazed over after the second paragraph; i always find the best way to engage with 'customers' and gain their loyalty is to keep it simple. Looks like you need a degree in applied mathematics to work out the best permutation for you here. In my case, being overseas, i am taking the calculated gamble that i need not buy any card, apply for any membership or do a buy one take one offer. Although i might be doing myself out of some savings i do not want to re-learn algebra and as well meaning as BCFC are i think their approach is wrong. Sorry folks.

[ExiledAjax]

8 minutes ago, sephjnr said:

The only reason they won't sell STs in the upper central section is to keep for matchday overflow and make them feel special, I guess.

It's also the area that surrounds the press seats. Journalists don't want to be reporting and doing radio surrounded by a bunch of kids.

[AshtonPark]

“We have paid for the stadium using our own money, we will do what we want and you will do as we say”

Basically sums it up. 

[Jarman]

It is absolute rubbish and is one of the reasons that I have promoted myself to the joys of non league football ... and I remember Gibson Ford Brig ... yawn!!  And as for extending the deadline for paying up until after March payday .... why sell next season's season tickets in February??  I am actually qualified to join MENSA and am not stupid ... sadly football clubs treat their supporters as cannon fodder.  I suspect the very exciting early release season tickets ... sorry cards ... was based upon some rather daft assumption that BCFC might be in the Premier League ... 

[Kid in the Riot]

Was Jon Lansdown even at the SCAT meeting last week?

[AshtonPark]

2 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

Was Jon Lansdown even at the SCAT meeting last week?

No, mark Ashton was quick to try to say none of this was down to JL when he name dropped him. 

[Turbored]

Kids should be in the Atyeo nearest the Dolman side this gets them closer to the pitch and stops the away fans having more than there 10% or whatever its they are allowed.

[havanatopia]

10 minutes ago, AshtonPark said:

“We have paid for the stadium using our own money, we will do what we want and you will do as we say”

Basically sums it up. 

I have to say that what really gets my goat is the replica shirt price. What better way to advertise, for FREE, your name than a replica shirt that looks good, lasts and is comfortable. If its cheap enough who would mind buying one a year. I certainly wouldn't. 

I know almost all clubs do it but they are all wrong. This club should be different because its our club. And anyway, i bet if they made the shirt £20, they would more than double sales to cover the margin loss and lets face it, these are made in somewhere like Bangladesh or Vietnam for a dollar a pop. Rant over.

[Kid in the Riot]

2 minutes ago, AshtonPark said:

No, mark Ashton was quick to try to say none of this was down to JL when he name dropped him. 

I think the fact that JL wasn't at last week's meeting, the fact MA was quick to say none of it was down to JL, and the fact that despite not being at the meeting it is JL who has responded today confirms exactly what I've thought all along: JL is entirely responsible for this mess.

[havanatopia]

Do people truly buy into early bird discounts and 'buy a season ticket and get a free children's shirt' type of deal?

Are we really that gullable to think its a freebie and are the club disingenuous to think so? Just give us all a good honest price in the first place.

[freezer]

40 minutes ago, Stortz said:

It's just the worst sort of obfuscating PR bollocks, acknowledging issues whilst offering no remedy.

They are pissing down our backs and telling us it's raining.

"obfuscating"..great word babber

[Buckeyed]

7 minutes ago, havanatopia said:

Do people truly buy into early bird discounts and 'buy a season ticket and get a free children's shirt' type of deal?

Are we really that gullable to think its a freebie and are the club disingenuous to think so? Just give us all a good honest price in the first place.

I personally think the free childrens shirt is a decent offer if you were planning to buy one anyway - effectively making the £50 ticket £20. What is not a good offer is when it is used to justify a £50 price increase i.e. "you're price is now £100 but you still get a free shirt".

[DaveInSA]

Everybody has an opinion. That's fine. The club failed to engage with the fanbase and now, understandably there's a bit of anger headed their way.

Fans also have been living in could cuckoo land if what he says is correct about minimal increases. The increases had to happen one day. 

Bottom line is, no engagement from the club followed by backtracking, BS and damage control exercise. Lots of annoyed people and frustration. Erosion of goodwill and trust built (sometimes over decades).

[Drew Peacock]

45 minutes ago, Phileas Fogg said:

 

Cynically I wonder whether they prioritised the disabled ticket issue above the others because they knew it would be particularly bad PR if it spread.

 

It's an obvious one.  Highest profile but smallest group; as smallest group it is therefore the cheapest to make a move on.

Completely ignore possibly the largest group, the old folk.  Not really raised at the SCAT/FAN meeting and hardly mentioned on the ST threads.  Easy to ignore, looks like soft pricing, hit them again next year.

Already made a move on kids, no need to do any more.

Move the renewal date back a bit, affects cashflow, but I suspect they already have a steady stream of renewals and most people on here have said they will be renewing anyway,so just a timing issue.

Ignore the central blocks, it will blow over.

Wrap it up in waffle and Bob's your uncle, Fanny's your aunt.

[phantom]

So what actually changed apart from disabled tickets getting 15% discount? 

[Phileas Fogg]

5 minutes ago, DaveInSA said:

Everybody has an opinion. That's fine. The club failed to engage with the fanbase and now, understandably there's a bit of anger headed their way.

Fans also have been living in could cuckoo land if what he says is correct about minimal increases. The increases had to happen one day. 

Bottom line is, no engagement from the club followed by backtracking, BS and damage control exercise. Lots of annoyed people and frustration. Erosion of goodwill and trust built (sometimes over decades).

That’s the thing - I think most would’ve been ok with a fair gradual price increase across the board.

This sort of issue was so easy to prevent - it shouldn’t even need much consultation because the proposals are full of things that obviously fans would hate. Anyone with any sort of basic understanding of a football crowd would know this.