Thetownend.com

I see bristol rovers have followed cheltenham in bringing in a flexi ticket. Bundles of 5/10 games to use on what ever games you like. For those that can't commit to a season I think they are a brilliant idea and something the board should look into. I understand that the category prices may make this awkward but if it's cheaper overall it should be done. Good idea? Is there such a person at the club that this can be recommended to?

Realistically, the top category shouldn't come into league games, even if we're playing Shitty. It's League One after all. It should only be used for a 'tasty' cup game or something.

But yeah, decent idea..

I think its a good idea. The banded price category shouldn't be an issue, it isn't with STs.

Been saying that for years, there are lots of non locals that cant commit to a season ticket, but would go for that.

Bath Rugby have a ticket that gets you into ten games a season, five in the upper band and five in the lower. That could work and would certainly suit my personal situation.

It needs to be done, works in American sports.

Yep, I would buy one of these for sure as even though I have a ST, I'm not going to be able to make every game (particularly midweek).

I would.

Needs to be put to a vote.

Inept and crass, would you buy one?

I'd get one for sure.

Can't make every game so pointless getting a full ST

I have emailed, should only be a benefit for the club so hopefully get a response

Anything which gets people in, is a good idea. Anything which puts obstacles in the way a bad idea. 

My current bugbear is the shifting of the upper concession age from 60 to 65. Why?

Doesn't affect you does it Reg?  :)

I wish.....but I do know a few stalwarts who it does. Just seems a bit pointless, another case of putting obstacles in the way; fans who go to the odd game as walk-ups, got used to paying a certain amount...now being charged quite a bit more. Will they bother?

Well the old duffers have got fuck all else to do.

Do they get ID as such? Surely the ticket men aren't going to question a 60/65 yr old?

sounds promising.

Another scheme I would advocate is for games we're expecting a low attendance, sell heavily discounted tickets to local primary schools.

For example, allocate the two Arkells blocks closest to The Town End or even Stratton Bank in the summer and get the tickets shifted. Sell 20 schools 50 tickets each at £1 a go, If you let the schools sell them on for £3 each, they'll be making some money out of it, so they'll be wanting to sell them and do the heavy promoting for us.

It's not a huge money spinner as this would only be about a £1,000 per game scheme based on the example, maybe a bit more after a few have bought a burger and a coke. If it's a game you're pretty much guaranteed to have a large amount of seats empty though, then why not fill them with kids that would otherwise not go or not be able to afford to go? Better to see The County Ground full(er) and if 1% of those kids turn into fans for life and the club has 10 extra adult season ticket holders on their hands in 10-15 years time, then it's been a small success. Every little counts at this level.

It's already free for under 11s isn't it?

Accompanied by an adult yes, I guess what Chalky is advocating is a group of kids per one/two minders.
Not every kid would be able to get a full price adult to take them

I totally agree with CWIG's theory, sadly we wouldn't get anything out of food sales as Jed sold that off - and for nine seasons I believe!!

We might not make money off the food and drink, but I bet a fair few would buy a programme, maybe a few shirts/scarves in the shop.

Even if we made no money off them at all it's worth it just to inject some more life into the side stands.

Under 11s are technically free, but they have to be a junior red, which costs £35 a year, to get that. Chalky's idea means they wouldn't have to fork out anything other than the minimal ticket price.

I'm all for it, should do it for every match that won't sell well.

 Nothing worse than hordes of screaming kids at sporting venues......if their parents want to bring them, then it's free, which is fine.

 Also, I know we wouldn't make any cash out of the food, but with the obesity epidemic, it's surely wrong for an FC to encourage kids to consume shite they don't need.

 Much better, to have kids groups in, for a run around at half time etc

I forgot about the JedCo deal with the food. Still a programme and a shirt/scarf here and there, like I said every little counts at this level. Would also be a good excuse to target schools in the surrounding areas. Keep a few Berkshire kids out of Reading shirts, a few West Wilts kids out of City/Rovers shirts, etc.

The screaming kids atmosphere type deal, shouldn't be a problem as long as the adults are making some sort of noise. Just don't give them any plastic horns like Under 21 games.

Its under 10 on (1/8/14).

I know because my lad is 10 on 10/10 :). Hope that makes some of you feel as old as it does me.