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SimonStone · 13-12-2005, 09:37

I have tried to indoctrinate a few friends by taking them on to see a match at the IES.

They inevitably ask "How much does it cost to get on?" Expecting me to say a tenner or something even less. When I tell them it's £12, I'm invariably met with "That's a bit steep for Conference football innit!"

I think the club created a pschological barrier when it put the matchday price up above the £10 mark. I think sticking at that amount might have helped keep the attendances buoyant. I know there are some "recommendations" on admission prices, but some clubs do charge less.

Other constructive criticisms I have include:

Going for a pee is like an expedition in its own right.

Getting served at the bar in a reasonable amount of time is an art-form -- pleasant though most of them are, the staff always seem to be to'ing and fro'ing with trays of drinks for the "elite" in the sponsors bit.

The catering is expensive and not too good.

The atmosphere suffers through lack of a roof to project the sound (although nor doubt the drum will sound even louder when we eventually get one).

The approach to the ground from the Crown end is a filthy mess -- nothing a few loads of quarry bottoms wouldn't sort out.

BUT, overall, I think the price has to be the single most important influence on crowd size -- nothwithstanding the presence of two League clubs in neighbouring towns. After all, its only a couple of seasons since a dad and lad could gain admission for a tenner -- for both of them. And I know my earnings have certainly not doubled in that time!

For what it's worth ....................

13-12-2005, 09:37	#22
SimonStone Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 58 Liked: 0 times Rep Power: 0	Re: Reason for poor gates? I have tried to indoctrinate a few friends by taking them on to see a match at the IES. They inevitably ask "How much does it cost to get on?" Expecting me to say a tenner or something even less. When I tell them it's £12, I'm invariably met with "That's a bit steep for Conference football innit!" I think the club created a pschological barrier when it put the matchday price up above the £10 mark. I think sticking at that amount might have helped keep the attendances buoyant. I know there are some "recommendations" on admission prices, but some clubs do charge less. Other constructive criticisms I have include: Going for a pee is like an expedition in its own right. Getting served at the bar in a reasonable amount of time is an art-form -- pleasant though most of them are, the staff always seem to be to'ing and fro'ing with trays of drinks for the "elite" in the sponsors bit. The catering is expensive and not too good. The atmosphere suffers through lack of a roof to project the sound (although nor doubt the drum will sound even louder when we eventually get one). The approach to the ground from the Crown end is a filthy mess -- nothing a few loads of quarry bottoms wouldn't sort out. BUT, overall, I think the price has to be the single most important influence on crowd size -- nothwithstanding the presence of two League clubs in neighbouring towns. After all, its only a couple of seasons since a dad and lad could gain admission for a tenner -- for both of them. And I know my earnings have certainly not doubled in that time! For what it's worth ....................