[Albion] "Return to the Amex" questions

[Kalimantan Gull]

The Zoom call was an initial consultation and set out where they are currently at.

As I understood it, the main points are as follows

1. ST DD will continue until September, this will build a cash balance up on your account which you can use to purchase tickets successfully acquired in the ballot
2. STH will be entered in to a ballot for each game to purchase a ticket at their price band or below.
3. STH who sit together will be able to apply as a group, 1 in all in.
4. If you are successful in the ballot but cannot use the ticket you purchase, you can then list it on the exchange for resale and your balance restored accordingly
5. Should you wish to opt out of a ballot you can currently do this for 6 matches. (I would like to think a season long opt-out will be offered also, it was not mentioned last night)
6. 1901 members can only apply for 1901 seats in the ballot
7. Once tickets are listed on the exchange, members and unsuccessful ballot members will be able to apply on a first come first served basis
8. Sadly those who paid in full up front are not initially going to get an additional refund, but credit left on your current ST balance will go forward to next years ST

In my opinion given that no solution will satisfy all, the club have done a very good job. I do however think the addition of a season long opt out for those who wish it should be offered, with their ST balance moved to next season.

In short, all STH get the same chance as anyone in their price band for a ticket, groups of up to five can still apply together should they wish, and unused cash goes towards next season's ST.

The club are very much dependent on what the government will allow them to do and full details will be out in due course

As a start point last night was a positive, with nothing yet cast in stone.

Thank you very much for this and for describing the situation as it stands. Thank you also for mentioning members, there is someone who cares about us

If we are still asking questions, I would like some reassurance about this. Are the club expecting a free-for-all by the members together with the 12000 or so STH's who didn't get a ballot seat, clicking frantically around the website to find the exchange seats or hanging on the telephone waiting for an operator?

Or will there be a second process through which we apply for exchange seats and are subsequently offered them first-come first-serve? In particular I would like to know how the exchange process can facilitate groups, for example I would only want to come together with my daughter, but that would require there to be two exchange seats 'next' to each other. I imagine most exchange seats will be single seats, so I would like to ask that a process of applying for sets of multiple seats on the exchange can be made possible if this is indeed the only mechanism for members to get tickets.

I also would like them to consider that, with STH's able to opt out of six ballots per season, members should be able to 'opt-in' for 3 or 4 ballots.

The point should be made that a STH who fails to get a ticket in any ballot this season will, as I understand it, end up paying the club £0. Whereas a member with no ballot access who is unsuccessful in getting a ticket on the exchange will still have paid £25. Its not about the money, I'm proud to be a member of BHAFC. But I do want members to be recognised as loyal and committed and true fans of the club.

 

[Hotchilidog]

Thank you very much for this and for describing the situation as it stands. Thank you also for mentioning members, there is someone who cares about us

If we are still asking questions, I would like some reassurance about this. Are the club expecting a free-for-all by the members together with the 12000 or so STH's who didn't get a ballot seat, clicking frantically around the website to find the exchange seats or hanging on the telephone waiting for an operator?

Or will there be a second process through which we apply for exchange seats and are subsequently offered them first-come first-serve? In particular I would like to know how the exchange process can facilitate groups, for example I would only want to come together with my daughter, but that would require there to be two exchange seats 'next' to each other. I imagine most exchange seats will be single seats, so I would like to ask that a process of applying for sets of multiple seats on the exchange can be made possible if this is indeed the only mechanism for members to get tickets.

I also would like them to consider that, with STH's able to opt out of six ballots per season, members should be able to 'opt-in' for 3 or 4 ballots.

The point should be made that a STH who fails to get a ticket in any ballot this season will, as I understand it, end up paying the club £0. Whereas a member with no ballot access who is unsuccessful in getting a ticket on the exchange will still have paid £25. Its not about the money, I'm proud to be a member of BHAFC. But I do want members to be recognised as loyal and committed and true fans of the club.

As I understood it would be a free for all on the website for members and unsuccessful STH's. There was vague talk of having tiered releases but I honestly think admin wise this is the simplest solution. As for seats next to each other it will simply be a case of what's available if you can find two 'together' then you will be able to nab them.

I was reassured to hear members mentioned last night too. Opportunities for tickets will be limited until the occupancy levels get raised but I'd anticipate some Exchange availability for all games.

STH will be paying for tickets but it will come from the balance they have accrued with the previous six months payments.

Definitely mail in any suggestions to either Jenny or Paul, they are listening.

 

[Gazwag]

As Dr Spock would say illogical.

There would only be an allocated amount to Zone A so all those in Zone A would only have enough to meet tat demand, ergo be quick off the mark to book your seat

What if there were 1000 seats available in Zone A and 600 Zone B or Zone C ballot winners decided they wanted a cheaper option to their seats to make their credit last longer. They got in first which left 400 seats for 1000 Zone A STH's

 

[Gazwag]

As I understood it would be a free for all on the website for members and unsuccessful STH's.

The one thing I disliked from PB last night was his glee at the thought of a "bundle" for tickets under the free for all ticket exchange - as if he has ever struggled to get a ticket ever

 

[Surport Local Team]

I guess we can use the away section aswell

 

[Gazwag]

I guess we can use the away section aswell

No as it is hoped away supporters might be able to attend

 

[Surport Local Team]

No as it is hoped away supporters might be able to attend

wow, that is good! Match without away fans is not as exciting! I had not heard this at all.

 

[Beach Hut]

What if there were 1000 seats available in Zone A and 600 Zone B or Zone C ballot winners decided they wanted a cheaper option to their seats to make their credit last longer. They got in first which left 400 seats for 1000 Zone A STH's

I had assumed it was a ballot per Zone but clearly this may not be the case (or to be confirmed) hence your ST turns into a pot of money.

 

[mwrpoole]

So a question on the ticket exchange.

I’ve sold our ST’s before when we’ve been away and I’m pretty certain they are sold at full match day prices and can only be purchased as adult tickets.

Will it be the same? The stampede for tickets might not be quite the stampede expected if tickets are £40-£50+.

 

[Green Cross Code Man]

How are people taking a leak at half-time in particular, but also other busy times, going to socially distance? I am not keen on being crammed into either a train or concourse but I will go to a game or two if I can get to the match by car, but at my age I need a pee at half-time!

 

[Driver8]

So a question on the ticket exchange.

I’ve sold our ST’s before when we’ve been away and I’m pretty certain they are sold at full match day prices and can only be purchased as adult tickets.

Will it be the same? The stampede for tickets might not be quite the stampede expected if tickets are £40-£50+.

ST holders will pay the 1/19 pro rata price on any tickets they buy. If there are any left members will have to pay full whack.

 

[HalfaSeatOn]

I've never used the ticket exchange. How will it work? Is it a drip feed so it is pot luck if you check in at the right time or a 9am binfest (à la away match tickets) or a bit of both? Will STH's and Members be hitting it at the same time or is it staggered based on priority? - I can't remember what was said at the forum.

 

[Thunder Bolt]

I would have thought the people who wanted to be informed would have taken the trouble to go on the Q & A like the other 1000 supporters.

There are still some supporters who don't have the internet.

Edited to add club link with all the details which has just been posted.

https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/news/1755228/return-of-fans-round-up

 

[Acker79]

Zoom has become an oft-used tool for Brighton & Hove Albion since the outbreak of the pandemic.

The club used it for regular press conferences, staff briefings and fans’ forums throughout lockdown, and last night it was put to good use again, with all 23,000 season-ticket holders invited to join a question-and-answer session on the possible return of fans.

More than 1,000 households registered for the event, and during a 90-minute plus stoppage time session the club’s chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber, head of ticketing and supporter services Jenny Gower, and supporter liaison officer Sarah Gould listened to questions from fans and provided some insight to the work that has been going on at the club for the past few weeks.

Barber is on a six-club Premier League working party which is supporting the league’s efforts with government to help devise the process for clubs at all levels of the game to begin to bring fans back into stadiums over the coming weeks and months.

At last night’s event he revealed that the club has offered to stage a test event which, subject to Government approval, could take place at the Amex as soon as Saturday week, albeit at a significantly reduced capacity, with the Albion and other clubs potentially working towards returning to higher capacities, and ultimately to full capacities, at the earliest and safest opportunity.

So how would things work for Albion fans if the Amex capacity is initially restricted? Firstly, with approximately 20,000 season-ticket holders and 3,000 1901 Club members, tickets are likely to be restricted to those groups for now, and distributed via a ballot process.

Loyalty points, seat position, and other season-ticket benefits would be frozen for the foreseeable future, at least until the stadium is able to welcome back all home supporters. So fans loyalty points will not be affected if they missed out in ballots, or couldn’t attend for medical reasons.

The club will provide a full opt out to any season-ticket holder who is deemed to be clinically extremely vulnerable, as per the guidelines issued by the government.

For those paying by the monthly payment scheme, season-ticket payments would be halted after six months. Those payments would be converted into a credit balance, and that balanced used to pay for match tickets (charged at 1/19th of the season-ticket prices) and any remaining balance used as a deposit towards next season’s season-ticket; or refunded at that point if the holder doesn’t renew.

Fans will automatically be entered into EVERY match ballot, and each match will be subject to a fresh ballot (eg – if you are successful in one, you are NOT ruled out of the next). However, there are two key considerations for all season-ticket holders and 1901 Club members.

Firstly, there is an opt-out and fans can choose to sit out up to six ballots (two per match category) across the season.

Secondly, you need to let us know if you wish to attend in a group. If you choose to attend in a group this will not diminish or improve your chances of success.

However it is important to note, that you can only join one group for the season, although members of the group can still opt out of individual games.

Groups will be capped at a maximum of five people. If you do not enter the group ballot you will be assumed to be happy to attend matches on your own.

Those general admission season-ticket holders successful in the ballot will then be able to select a seat in their price band or below, from those available. Those who do not select seats will automatically be issued with a ticket by the club; please note, groups may also be split at this point depending on availability.

Fans who are successful in the ballot, will also have the option of listing on the season-ticket exchange, should their circumstances change, with funds returned to credit card or bank account, and not to credit balance if their ticket sells.

Crucially, this will also provide a second chance to those who miss out in the ballot process.

With demand for tickets expected to be high, and to climb higher still as confidence grows and our country returns to a more familiar look and feel, we expect brisk business via the ticket exchange which would operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with season-ticket holders and 1901 Club members given an initial priority, but closer to matches, and subject to availability, tickets will be made available to MyAlbion+ members.

Supporters were advised that in line with track and trace the named ticket holder must be attending games and that photo ID will need to be shown on entry.

Disabled season-ticket holders will be automatically included in the random ballot, including both wheelchair users and ambulant disabled. Wheelchair positions and easy-access seats will only be visible and available to those registered with the club as having access needs.

Finally, the question of loyalty points. Some fans have already suggested this as a mechanism to prioritise.

However, the main reason the scheme was introduced was for away matches – and while we did consider providing some additional access for the highest loyalty point holders, the club concluded it was unfair for home league games.

Loyalty points will be used for home cup matches for general admission season-ticket holders (further details will be shared with 1901 Club members on cup match ticket allocation in due course).

Should the Government permit access to away match tickets, we will also use the loyalty scheme, but the overwhelming view was that all season-ticket holders should be treated equally for all home Premier League games to ensure the fastest possible ballot.

As explained last night, rules, regulations and guidelines are changing frequently so these details may be amended, possibly at short notice, and we may have to adapt our proposed approach, or further points may be added.

We are constantly working on the plans, liaising with the government, the DCMS, Premier League and Sports Grounds Safety Authority – so we will endeavour to keep fans informed throughout this process.​

https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/news/1755228/return-of-fans-round-up

 

[Giraffe]

One question, if the cost of a 1901 match ticket is 1/19th of the total price what about cup games which were originally included in the 1901 deal free?

 

[Worthing exile]

How are people taking a leak at half-time in particular, but also other busy times, going to socially distance? I am not keen on being crammed into either a train or concourse but I will go to a game or two if I can get to the match by car, but at my age I need a pee at half-time!

I am one of those people who needs three pees a game. On arrival, half time and on leaving. It is partly an age thing but also being considerate so I don't get caught short and disturb people to get out during the game.
So initially I was dreading standing ankle deep in urine too close to others etc. Then I realised, with only 1/3 attendance unless Albion close off toilets the demand will be far less and they will probably operate a one in one out arrangement like shops.
It might actually be better.

 

[Gazwag]

I had assumed it was a ballot per Zone but clearly this may not be the case (or to be confirmed) hence your ST turns into a pot of money.

"Those general admission season-ticket holders successful in the ballot will then be able to select a seat in their price band or below, from those available. Those who do not select seats will automatically be issued with a ticket by the club; please note, groups may also be split at this point depending on availability."

What it doesn't say is anything about the availability of tickets if you are in the lowest price band will you be allocated a high price band ticket ?

 

[Gazwag]

One question, if the cost of a 1901 match ticket is 1/19th of the total price what about cup games which were originally included in the 1901 deal free?

She said the 1901 wasn't 1/19th it was 1/20something, she didn't have the exact figure available.

 

[Gazwag]

wow, that is good! Match without away fans is not as exciting! I had not heard this at all.

PB said this right at the start, subject to government approval of course. He was keen to get this as he knows it improves atmosphere. The logic is a home fan might live 200 miles away so what is therefore the difference if his/her next door neighbour was an away fan but couldn't travel to the same game.

 

[drew]

For the club.

Does the group of five have to be the same people every time?

I go as part of a group of nine normally. Four of us are in a "bubble" and have been socialising since allowed anyway but I'd rather be able to split the group in any way possible in case some of us can make it.

Note for NSC

Yes, the eagle eyed among you will have spotted me on the restart/forum thread saying I'm not going to bother. However, if my son starts pestering me to go I will put up with it for him and it would be nice to know if he and I are then restricted to going with the same people or not.

Think once you've named a group that's it for the season. You can't chop and change. Also, seems from the update from the club today, you will need to show photo id for the name on the ticket so your group of nine won't be able to pick and chose!