FAN meeting - TONIGHT (Merged)

[Dollymarie]

Right, so the next FAN meeting is being held next Monday at the football club. This is different to the Q&A that was held last week where anyone could ask anything there and then. 

We'd like questions in advance please so that the football club can either make sure the right person from that side of things is in attendance, or have the answer to feedback at the meeting next week. 

If you can post any questions you have below, I will ensure they get to the FAN secretary ahead of Mondays meeting  

 

[Phileas Fogg]

I think the Supporter's Liaison Officer situation needs clarification.

I'd like to know why there are two, and whether Rachel Lemar could take a more proactive role.. would be helpful if she was on here like Mark Kelly, Adam, Julie etc

[myol'man]

Toilets in the FanZone...................again! 

[Dave]

Hopefully, on Saturday everyone in the ground will be able to hear everything which is being announced, as it has been sorted. 

If not an explanation of when it will be.

[RedM]

Can someone look at the Q&A section of this forum please. I understand @Mkelly has a different role now but there are a few questions not being answered so people are probably not bothering to post questions now.

I asked this one last year and was told it would be passed on to sign writers. Nothing. Then I asked again well over a month ago with no further acknowledgement. Maybe FAN can get a response please

"Hi Mark, I don't know if you can remember but I asked last season about the possibility of seat numbers being added to the signage in the concourse?

On Saturday once again people were arriving 10 minutes into the match and not knowing which end of the row their seat was in the Dolman. They wanted seat 5 of a block and entered at the 'wrong end' making a whole row of people have to stand up and let them through. This happens several times a match to the rows around me. 

This could have been avoided if signs like they have at Fulham and other grounds had the seat numbers on e.g. E28 seats 1-20 on one enterance and E28 21-40 on the other.

Can this be done please. There are many people who sit in the Dolman who are quite elderly and can't keep jumping to their feet to let people pass, and there certainly isn't much legroom.

Thanks"

 

Also, why are the hand driers in the SS/Dolman ladies toilets either still blowing out cold air or not working at all. The Lansdown has different style driers which work well. Maybe if the 'suits' had to use the facilities they would be fixed as promised?

 

[TBW]

Can we get a new stadium announcer? Nobody likes "Downsy".

[RedM]

38 minutes ago, Robin TBW said:

Can we get a new stadium announcer? Nobody likes "Downsy".

Not a problem at the moment, unless they've fixed the speakers.

[Selred]

Can someone ask if there will be any more Q&As with the management team? 

[Negan]

Can someone ask if they can make an app where we can get pizza from the pizzeria delivered to our seats during the game, hopefully they can bring a couple cans of gold to.

 

 

[TBW]

1 hour ago, Negan said:

Can someone ask if they can make an app where we can get pizza from the pizzeria delivered to our seats during the game, hopefully they can bring a couple cans of gold to.

 

 

Good luck. They can barely cook two at once let alone covering the entire stadium.

[Lrrr]

1 hour ago, Negan said:

Can someone ask if they can make an app where we can get pizza from the pizzeria delivered to our seats during the game, hopefully they can bring a couple cans of gold to.

 

 

Now just imagining someone ordering a dominos to be delivered at half time

[cider head]

6 hours ago, Dollymarie said:

Right, so the next FAN meeting is being held next Monday at the football club. This is different to the Q&A that was held last week where anyone could ask anything there and then. 

We'd like questions in advance please so that the football club can either make sure the right person from that side of things is in attendance, or have the answer to feedback at the meeting next week. 

If you can post any questions you have below, I will ensure they get to the FAN secretary ahead of Mondays meeting  

 

I think there are plenty of unanswered questions in the graffiti thread to pick some bones out of

[ZiderEyed]

Definitely the SLO situation, that sticks out as something that needs addressing badly.

[TV Tom]

Toilets in the fan zone

[steviestevieneville]

I'll ask again as I had no response last time although I understand it's a busy time. Would it be possible to name something possibly a bar as they've done with the wedlocks after Terry Cooper just to recognise the amazing work he achieved during our darkest hour . Not only coming through it but getting us promoted and two trips to Wembley. Thank you in advance. 

[Meh]

When are season card scanning machines going to be put in place to give the right discount?

Fed up with even trying to get 20% with dual season cards now - nobody but the shop staff know this even exists.

Reward loyalty by not honouring - classy !! 

[Negan]

3 hours ago, Robin TBW said:

Good luck. They can barely cook two at once let alone covering the entire stadium.

Well how I see it working, say it was up and running now. When we play Derby, order before kick off, take your set and by the 60th minute of the Bolton game it should arrive. 

[Mr Popodopolous]

The discount thing still a problem eh?

I know someone who used to, like recently work at club on a matchday. Purchased a soft drink...

Not only was the staff discount not applied, they misapplied it to the extent there was a discount in reverse that is to say instead of x percent off, it was added to the bill! 

[Rich]

Is it possible for the club to seriously attempt to provide some drop down seating in the concourse areas, for people who cannot stand for too long. After all, the SAGs are an advisory group only. If the club employed experts in planning law to tackle this, then I'm sure any problems could be overcome.

[SyntaxtheRed]

Beer at half time situation. 

 

As I asked in the stadium Q and A section which was ignored. I don't believe given the Season ticket fee, we should have to miss 5 minutes of the first half to get a beer at half time. 

Other countries use mobile dispensers to  help this issue.

 

 

[Phantom]

3 minutes ago, SyntaxtheRed said:

Beer at half time situation. 

 

As I asked in the stadium Q and A section which was ignored. I don't believe given the Season ticket fee, we should have to miss 5 minutes of the first half to get a beer at half time. 

Other countries use mobile dispensers to  help this issue.

 

 

We had the pre pay machines last season, but without any reason they are no longer used

[spudski]

I know this has been asked before...but I can't find an answer on here, so maybe someone can enlighten me...no pun intended.

I took this picture recently. It shows the lights that emit from the exits in the Lansdown stand. The picture doesn't really do it justice, as to how bright these lights are and how much they distract from watching the game. They really do make it hard to follow.

All it needs is a board of some kind, to stop those lights emanating directly out into the vision of the spectators sat in the Dolman.

 

[Lita For Congo]

Toilets in fan zone. It genuinely puts me off coming down the ground early and spending money. 

[Phantom]

14 minutes ago, spudski said:

I know this has been asked before...but I can't find an answer on here, so maybe someone can enlighten me...no pun intended.

I took this picture recently. It shows the lights that emit from the exits in the Lansdown stand. The picture doesn't really do it justice, as to how bright these lights are and how much they distract from watching the game. They really do make it hard to follow.

All it needs is a board of some kind, to stop those lights emanating directly out into the vision of the spectators sat in the Dolman.

 

@spudski - I posted this recently

 

On 8/24/2017 at 21:43, phantom said:

Posted this in the thread last season, simple solution to stop the glare and doesn't affect lights being on. It REALLY needs the club to look into this @Mkelly

 

[spudski]

17 minutes ago, phantom said:

@spudski - I posted this recently

 

 

Cheers mate....I missed that. Looks a very simple solution.

It really would make a difference...I can't stress enough how much it distracts from watching the game.

I really don't understand why they have to have them on tbh....there should be no lights on during a game, just the pitch lit up.

[spudski]

4 minutes ago, ziderheadarmy said:

Will be a H&S issue I expect so keep the concourses well lit. I expect the same happens in the Dolman but the Lansdown stand won't see it due to the vormitery design.

That's fine....I understand the concourse being lit up....it just needs the direction of those lights emanating across the pitch at eye level to be blocked.

[RedM]

41 minutes ago, spudski said:

I know this has been asked before...but I can't find an answer on here, so maybe someone can enlighten me...no pun intended.

I took this picture recently. It shows the lights that emit from the exits in the Lansdown stand. The picture doesn't really do it justice, as to how bright these lights are and how much they distract from watching the game. They really do make it hard to follow.

All it needs is a board of some kind, to stop those lights emanating directly out into the vision of the spectators sat in the Dolman.

 

Totally agree. The whole stadium is far too bright when the match is on. Watching at Watford a couple of weeks ago was great, I'd forgotten how great football in the dark was until then

[spudski]

It's the same reason they turn the lights off at the cinema....so you can focus and get the best vision of the screen.

It should be the same at the ground, with just the pitch illuminated.

The lights from the stand illuminating the pitch are bright enough to see yourself walking down steps and out through the exits.

[Selred]

42 minutes ago, ziderheadarmy said:

Why aren't we allowed out to use KFC at halftime surely this is against human rights and just forces you to pay £6 for a rubbish hot dog? 

Sorry @ziderheadarmy but this tickled me.

The club aren't stopping you from leaving, but as per most venues no readmission is allowed.  

You could however a) not eat at the ground, b) take in a sandwich with you. 

[Midlands Robin]

This was being discussed in another post but I thought it was worth bringing up here as a question. I'm not sure if it falls within the FAN remit but its worth an ask.

"From discussions on OTIB it is apparent that there is a lack of transparency and general information regarding the City Foundation Prize draws and the benefits of being within the scheme. It is apparent that long term members have not been updated on revised benefits such as free Forever Bristol Memberships etc. Would it be possible to ensure that matters relating to the City Foundation draws are communicated more effectively, membership cards are sent out to members each year and more effort is made to engage with members? Some people who have been members for a significant length of time are unsure even if their names / numbers are still being entered into the draw even though the money is still being taken"

Thanks in advance.

[CyderInACan]

On 13/09/2017 at 16:39, Neo said:

When are season card scanning machines going to be put in place to give the right discount?

Fed up with even trying to get 20% with dual season cards now - nobody but the shop staff know this even exists.

Reward loyalty by not honouring - classy !! 

I agree there should be scanners on the till enabling the concession staff to apply the correct discount and this was definitely something @Mkelly had previously said was going to happen. To be fair though I've found this season far far better than last year as most of th stafff I've encountered in the SBP or in the concourse do know about the dual discount. 

[Mr Popodopolous]

22 hours ago, Selred said:

Sorry @ziderheadarmy but this tickled me.

The club aren't stopping you from leaving, but as per most venues no readmission is allowed.  

You could however a) not eat at the ground, b) take in a sandwich with you. 

Tbh, though I can understand it from a logistical POV, security one also there must be a way to let people out.

Maybe KFC HT bit of a stretch but when you enter the ground, you then can't step outside to the club shop, the fanzone, the Sports Bar and Grill...or even to buy a fanzine by the entrance if it suddenly occurs to you. It may have changed as I haven't been for a while but I definitely recall entry and re-entry at cricket a while ago.

[Selred]

33 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Tbh, though I can understand it from a logistical POV, security one also there must be a way to let people out.

Maybe KFC HT bit of a stretch but when you enter the ground, you then can't step outside to the club shop, the fanzone, the Sports Bar and Grill...or even to buy a fanzine by the entrance if it suddenly occurs to you. It may have changed as I haven't been for a while but I definitely recall entry and re-entry at cricket a while ago.

Pops, come on man! It's 15 minute break, by time you get down to the concourse do you really think you'll have time to go to the shop? Furthermore what can you get from the Bar and Grill which you can't get from the concourse outlets?

[Mr Popodopolous]

3 minutes ago, Selred said:

Pops, come on man! It's 15 minute break, by time you get down to the concourse do you really think you'll have time to go to the shop? Furthermore what can you get from the Bar and Grill which you can't get from the concourse outlets?

Perhaps I was thinking it through poorly. 15 mins? 

I guess I was thinking more pre-game say you get in the ground at 2pm. Could that be arranged better?

[Selred]

1 hour ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Perhaps I was thinking it through poorly. 15 mins? 

I guess I was thinking more pre-game say you get in the ground at 2pm. Could that be arranged better?

But again why would you go into the ground early if you want to go into the bar, shop etc?

[Mr Popodopolous]

2 minutes ago, Selred said:

But again why would you go into the ground early if you want to go into the bar, shop etc?

I don't know but people do. It's more on them I guess, but I don't know. First timers to a game? People used to for example cricket where you can or perhaps could nip in and out- as I say don't know if it's changed. Could be many reasons.

[RedM]

I'm not a smoker, but what the arrangements for them? How far are they allowed to wander outside, how do they get back in?

[Bristol Rob]

3 minutes ago, RedM said:

I'm not a smoker, but what the arrangements for them? How far are they allowed to wander outside, how do they get back in?

It's like Stars In Their Eyes as they come back in.

Tonight Matthew, I'm gonna be....

*coughs*

[RedM]

2 minutes ago, Bristol Rob said:

It's like Stars In Their Eyes as they come back in.

Tonight Matthew, I'm gonna be....

*coughs*

Just to be clear, this is in response to a few posters above, not an actual FAN question!

[Rossendale Red]

17 minutes ago, RedM said:

I'm not a smoker, but what the arrangements for them? How far are they allowed to wander outside, how do they get back in?

To add to this, what are the security arrangement at half time? The doors are opened in the South Stand for those wanting a fag and then people are allowed to walk back in unchallenged so there is nothing in place to stop any old random coming into the concourse/stadium who hasn't got a ticket or been subject to a search . I think this is particularly relevant during these security conscious times and something I'd like to see an answer to.

[Mr Popodopolous]

 

@RedM

There's a backgate in the Dolman..usually someone posted on it so no randoms could get in. Just allowed to step outside at back of Dolman.

Other stands? Dunno.

[Rossendale Red]

@Mr Popodopolous there are people at the door of the South Stand too, but how do they know who has already been in against those having a gamble coming in off the street during the half time break?

[View from the Dolman]

10 minutes ago, South Bristol Red #4 said:

To add to this, what are the security arrangement at half time? The doors are opened in the South Stand for those wanting a fag and then people are allowed to walk back in unchallenged so there is nothing in place to stop any old random coming into the concourse/stadium who hasn't got a ticket or been subject to a search . I think this is particularly relevant during these security conscious times and something I'd like to see an answer to.

I think in another thread recently it was said that the site perimeter (e.g. Winterstoke Road entrance) is stewarded and you can only enter the stadium site if you have a ticket.

[Rossendale Red]

@View from the Dolman Ah ok, thanks I wasn't aware of that.

[RedM]

4 minutes ago, View from the Dolman said:

I think in another thread recently it was said that the site perimeter (e.g. Winterstoke Road entrance) is stewarded and you can only enter the stadium site if you have a ticket.

I think it's a public right of way isn't it, that's why gates eg Raynes Road can't be locked but maybe on match days it's different?.

[View from the Dolman]

12 minutes ago, RedM said:

I think it's a public right of way isn't it, that's why gates eg Raynes Road can't be locked but maybe on match days it's different?.

No idea. Just found the post I was referring to...

...not something I've experienced myself though so can't verify its accuracy.

[Septic Peg]

Automated home ticket machine in club shop for people to use on non match days. I know it's pushing it to have it accept cash but surely this is a no brainer? No staff costs needed. Can be used for Rugby and City. Obv away tickets have to be done else where. Similar software used by supermarkets at self scan tills. Less queues at ticket office on match day. Easy.

 

The old hut that used to sell tickets. What's happening?

 

Disappointed in stock changes. No City lunchbag anymore. No City wallpaper anymore. Why? 

 

Memorial garden/buy a brick/museum update please.

[Tinmans Love Child]

1 hour ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

 

@RedM

There's a backgate in the Dolman..usually someone posted on it so no randoms could get in. Just allowed to step outside at back of Dolman.

Other stands? Dunno.

In the Lansdown I just went outside and walked back in at halftime nobody was around, you could easily get in for free at halftime if you wanted

[Fiale]

15 minutes ago, Septic Peg said:

Automated home ticket machine in club shop for people to use on non match days. I know it's pushing it to have it accept cash but surely this is a no brainer? No staff costs needed. Can be used for Rugby and City. Obv away tickets have to be done else where. Similar software used by supermarkets at self scan tills. Less queues at ticket office on match day. Easy.

 

The old hut that used to sell tickets. What's happening?

 

Disappointed in stock changes. No City lunchbag anymore. No City wallpaper anymore. Why? 

 

Memorial garden/buy a brick/museum update please.

 I'm surprised that they don't have their own app for bristol sport to buy tickets for all the teams, they just need to scan a eticket from their phone or print it out. 

[Phileas Fogg]

6 minutes ago, Fiale said:

 I'm surprised that they don't have their own app for bristol sport to buy tickets for all the teams, they just need to scan a eticket from their phone or print it out. 

Agreed. There's also software out there to make access codes on e-tickets very secure which would cut down on fraud.

Printing tickets seems very out of date.

[Drew Peacock]

Can the Boxing Day game be moved to midday-ish?

[City fan 1982]

Can you look into the poor handling of the city Cardiff game ? Kick off moved 3 times   . 

Also the mates rates , good idea but  I try and invite mates from my lads football to watch city , and then I have to embarrassingly go back and ask them for  dates of birth , postcode , mobile number , shoe size etc. I understand why the club do it , maybe a reason the derby gate might not be as big as it could have been ? 

[Mr Popodopolous]

@kivsy

Wait, you have to do that for mates rates?

[View from the Dolman]

Can the club confirm its position on the Safety Advisory Group not publishing minutes? Bristol City Council has previously refused a request to do so: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/ashton_gate_safety_advisory_grou

[Septic Peg]

25 minutes ago, View from the Dolman said:

Can the club confirm its position on the Safety Advisory Group not publishing minutes? Bristol City Council has previously refused a request to do so: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/ashton_gate_safety_advisory_grou

I don't understand why they didn't publish the minutes. They could easily censor any confidential info e.g. names etc and release the minutes. 

Bristol City Council at it's finest.

[View from the Dolman]

3 minutes ago, Septic Peg said:

I don't understand why they didn't publish the minutes. They could easily censor any confidential info e.g. names etc and release the minutes. 

Bristol City Council at it's finest.

Indeed. It seems top secret such that we can't even know when meetings have been held, where they have been held or who was in attendance.

[Septic Peg]

9 minutes ago, View from the Dolman said:

Indeed. It seems top secret such that we can't even know when meetings have been held, where they have been held or who was in attendance.

Can only think the SAG meetings are some sort of smokescreen for a secret underground rebellion and resistance, attempting to overthrow President Trump with the power of H&S laws... The White House will be condemned for dodgy plumbing and unsafe standing. They'll chuck Trump out whilst repairs are made and then he'll be barred...

I shall say this only once...

 

[BCFC101]

45 minutes ago, kivsy said:

Can you look into the poor handling of the city Cardiff game ? Kick off moved 3 times   . 

Also the mates rates , good idea but  I try and invite mates from my lads football to watch city , and then I have to embarrassingly go back and ask them for  dates of birth , postcode , mobile number , shoe size etc. I understand why the club do it , maybe a reason the derby gate might not be as big as it could have been ? 

Find this slightly strange, and I've seen another poster say the same a few days ago, but between me and someone else we got 3 mates rates tickets in total, and at no point were we asked for any info at all about the 3 extra people coming. Weird that it's inconsistent between different people.

[SDBS36]

17 minutes ago, BCFC101 said:

Find this slightly strange, and I've seen another poster say the same a few days ago, but between me and someone else we got 3 mates rates tickets in total, and at no point were we asked for any info at all about the 3 extra people coming. Weird that it's inconsistent between different people.

Think the club need to look into this as they will not encourage new support, surely if we are getting a mate a ticket on these offers they have our season ticket numbers so if anything went wrong the season card holder is responable 

[BCFC101]

3 minutes ago, SDBS36 said:

Think the club need to look into this as they will not encourage new support, surely if we are getting a mate a ticket on these offers they have our season ticket numbers so if anything went wrong the season card holder is responable 

Yep, do agree that this needs looking at because clearly something has gone wrong somewhere. I wonder if it's anything to do with if you buy online or over the phone? All 3 of the tickets we got were bought online.

[Mr Popodopolous]

Buying online tickets in general terms- and I don't know the mates rate thing, never used it- never had to provide any info for mates. I'm on the database, that's ok but for mates? Never had to ask them a thing.

[T R]

SAG - Self-appointed asshole group

[BS4 on Tour...]

On 14/09/2017 at 11:30, Selred said:

The club aren't stopping you from leaving, but as per most venues no readmission is allowed. 

Well that's rubbish, I walk out of the stadium every half time, have a cider and a chat with the chaps, maybe watch the band if they are good, then go back in for the second half, with no problems, ever...

[Mr Popodopolous]

36 minutes ago, BS4 on Tour... said:

Well that's rubbish, I walk out of the stadium every half time, have a cider and a chat with the chaps, maybe watch the band if they are good, then go back in for the second half, with no problems, ever...

Maybe it's different in different stands (unlikely though it sounds)?

[Lrrr]

You'd have to wonder why the band would be playing at half time if no one were allowed out of the stands.

[robin_unreliant]

I'd like to second the question about the speakers in the dolman. I'm sure we've been told work was planned/started to improve the system. Where are they with that? Far as I'm concerned they seem to just make a general loud noise - can never make out anything that's being said. 

[Desso]

Anyone know what time this starts tonight?

[Dollymarie]

47 minutes ago, Desso said:

Anyone know what time this starts tonight?

7pm in the Heineken lounge. 

[Desso]

Great. Thank you.

[BristolBEAT]

I know the club revisited the Dolman tannoy during the 3 weeks away from home but on Saturday you still could not hear half of what is being said during pre-match and HT. The interviews before the game are completely inaudible. Can the club monitor the Dolman in the 40 minutes leading up to kick off. An empty stadium doesn't provide accurate tests.