Cricket field stand

[burnmark]

So the club feel that the best way to increase the matchday atmosphere to support the team, is to give more tickets in the CF stand to visiting fans, surely it would have been better for the team with more Clarets in there.

There has always been more away capacity than home in the CF hasn’t there? We need to provide at least 2,200 tickets for away fans to meet PL rules I think.

[Goliath]

Before I answer

Is this a genuine question?

Partially. I can't say it's something I'd be rushing to put in my house/garden

[burnmark]

There has always been more away capacity than home in the CF hasn’t there? We need to provide at least 2,200 tickets for away fans to meet PL rules I think.

A previous season’s seating plan with home supporters in their original section.

[Goody1975]

There has always been more away capacity than home in the CF hasn’t there? We need to provide at least 2,200 tickets for away fans to meet PL rules I think.

Original capacity of the stand was 4,500, when stairways and exits were improved it was around 4,250. We have since removed the tunnel but taken seats out to create a divide so the maximum it'll hold will be about 4,000 now.

As you've said the away allocation is around 2,200 so the home section will always be smaller.

[BigGaz]

My point to all of this, is that this could have been foreseen and and sorted with very little thought required.

I don't see what there is to have sorted other than them saying first come first served, which they did, what odds does it make whether there was none left because of the legs or because they had enough of everything and had cleared them out. They were moving quickly, people were taking 4/6/8 at a time.

I was one of the first in the queue and even though I essentially had first pick it was clear some legs and seats were bordering on unusable which further reduced the count..

I'm also not getting the cry arsing about the numbers. They were all neatly stacked. It'll cost you about 2.50 to get a set of little metal discs with a number printed on them.

[Goody1975]

Original capacity of the stand was 4,500, when stairways and exits were improved it was around 4,250. We have since removed the tunnel but taken seats out to create a divide so the maximum it'll hold will be about 4,000 now.

As you've said the away allocation is around 2,200 so the home section will always be smaller.

Biggest away following was 2,283 last season (several teams)

[randomclaret2]

There has always been more away capacity than home in the CF hasn’t there? We need to provide at least 2,200 tickets for away fans to meet PL rules I think.

I think I mentioned this, or at least alluded to it, earlier on the thread. I'm assuming away fans will now be immediately behind the goal as a consequence as well ?

[Goody1975]

I think I mentioned this, or at least alluded to it, earlier on the thread. I'm assuming away fans will now be immediately behind the goal as a consequence as well ?

Yes, this is something that a lot of managers don't like, they prefer home supporters behind both goals. Many clubs now put the away fans in a corner.

[FeedTheArf]

Just the backs & the seats, so didnt bother. You couldn't even choose you're own seat number, you just got a random number people were saying as they walked back past us.

What did you expect them to do? Search through every bit of wood to see where seat number 426 was just incase claretdj turned up and wanted to buy it?

There’s plenty to bash the club about, but selling seats off ain’t it.

[Orangebernard]

I may have missed this but have the club actually stated why it is necessary to swap the home and away fans around in the CFS? I appreciate there is planning permission being sought for a balcony development and i guess other catering facilities between the BL and CFS but you have to think these will be sometime away given permission has to be granted and work completed. I am also aware that the new players tunnel will come out between the BL and CFS, is this the reason to swap the fans around in what feels like a 'just do it' scenario? If so, are we really saying that a decision to move the tunnel, for whatever reason, has had the domino effect of having to put a couple of thousand fans through this 'fan experience' to avoid the players coming out next to away fans?

[wilks_bfc]

I don't see what there is to have sorted other than them saying first come first served, which they did, what odds does it make whether there was none left because of the legs or because they had enough of everything and had cleared them out. They were moving quickly, people were taking 4/6/8 at a time.

I was one of the first in the queue and even though I essentially had first pick it was clear some legs and seats were bordering on unusable which further reduced the count..

I'm also not getting the cry arsing about the numbers. They were all neatly stacked. It'll cost you about 2.50 to get a set of little metal discs with a number printed on them.

But he wont have been sat on that seat all those years so it won’t be nicely worn to the shape of his arse

[JohnMac]

I may have missed this but have the club actually stated why it is necessary to swap the home and away fans around in the CFS?

Fans will talk about how their matchday routine was completely overhauled for the better for decades to come.

[mybloodisclaret]

A previous season’s seating plan with home supporters in their original section.

That graphic is certainly not recent.... we have had 4 blocks across the front of the CFS for a long time. Not 3.

[BillyHamilton9]

I may have missed this but have the club actually stated why it is necessary to swap the home and away fans around in the CFS? I appreciate there is planning permission being sought for a balcony development and i guess other catering facilities between the BL and CFS but you have to think these will be sometime away given permission has to be granted and work completed. I am also aware that the new players tunnel will come out between the BL and CFS, is this the reason to swap the fans around in what feels like a 'just do it' scenario? If so, are we really saying that a decision to move the tunnel, for whatever reason, has had the domino effect of having to put a couple of thousand fans through this 'fan experience' to avoid the players coming out next to away fans?

The tunnel, wherever in the stadium it is located, should absolutely only be surrounded by home supporters. Every opportunity to gain that extra home advantage has to be taken, so quite rightly if moving the tunnel to the opposite corner will help towards this, then the home supporters have to be on that side therefore keeping away supporters well away from it. Anyone who previously enjoyed being seated/stood near the tunnel still will be, and those that weren't won't have that far to move.

[Leisure]

Fans will talk about how their matchday routine was completely overhauled for the better for decades to come.

Have you missed off the smiley face!

[Goliath]

Yes, this is something that a lot of managers don't like, they prefer home supporters behind both goals. Many clubs now put the away fans in a corner.

Not sure how much of a difference it makes but it must have been a bit distracting having all the home fans in his eyeline when missing the 2 penalties

[Orangebernard]

The tunnel, wherever in the stadium it is located, should absolutely only be surrounded by home supporters. Every opportunity to gain that extra home advantage has to be taken, so quite rightly if moving the tunnel to the opposite corner will help towards this, then the home supporters have to be on that side therefore keeping away supporters well away from it. Anyone who previously enjoyed being seated/stood near the tunnel still will be, and those that weren't won't have that far to move.

I agree with you about having home fans at the tunnel exit/entrance but it was like that where it was between the CFS and NSL. Is there a logistical reason then to have to move the tunnel to between the BL and CFS? I know the club are having to upgrade the away dressing room, I wonder if they have moved both dressing rooms towards the BL end of the CFS and therefore moving the tunnel makes sense. Moving the home fans to be at that end then also has a logical reason. Does anyone actually know the reason for these changes because I’m just guessing here?

[Leisure]

I agree with you about having home fans at the tunnel exit/entrance but it was like that where it was between the CFS and NSL. Is there a logistical reason then to have to move the tunnel to between the BL and CFS? I know the club are having to upgrade the away dressing room, I wonder if they have moved both dressing rooms towards the BL end of the CFS and therefore moving the tunnel makes sense. Moving the home fans to be at that end then also has a logical reason. Does anyone actually know the reason for these changes because I’m just guessing here?

As far as I'm aware they haven't moved the dressing rooms but now the home DR will be closer to the tunnel. I understand that the main motivation for the move is to reduce the distance that officials and players have to travel from the tunnel to the dug-outs. Possibly influenced by the trouble after the Sheff Utd game, when their players and Manger were crossing the pitch.

[Orangebernard]

As far as I'm aware they haven't moved the dressing rooms but now the home DR will be closer to the tunnel. I understand that the main motivation for the move is to reduce the distance that officials and players have to travel from the tunnel to the dug-outs. Possibly influenced by the trouble after the Sheff Utd game, when their players and Manger were crossing the pitch.

Thanks Leisure, that makes more sense. Does seem a bit rushed and of course without consulting those affected by the switch.

[Leisure]

Thanks Leisure, that makes more sense. Does seem a bit rushed and of course without consulting those affected by the switch.

But they have run it past the FAB!

[BillyHamilton9]

I agree with you about having home fans at the tunnel exit/entrance but it was like that where it was between the CFS and NSL. Is there a logistical reason then to have to move the tunnel to between the BL and CFS? I know the club are having to upgrade the away dressing room, I wonder if they have moved both dressing rooms towards the BL end of the CFS and therefore moving the tunnel makes sense. Moving the home fans to be at that end then also has a logical reason. Does anyone actually know the reason for these changes because I’m just guessing here?

As has been mentioned further up, the issues that arose after the Sheffield utd game could have influenced this decision but imo it has always looked tinpot having both sets of subs, coaching staff and their entourages trapsing across the pitch to the dugouts at kick off and half time. It's about time it looked more professional.

[randomclaret2]

Not sure how much of a difference it makes but it must have been a bit distracting having all the home fans in his eyeline when missing the 2 penalties

And now we will lose that advantage, however small

[dougcollins]

They should come out of the middle of the BL.

[Row x]

As has been mentioned further up, the issues that arose after the Sheffield utd game could have influenced this decision but imo it has always looked tinpot having both sets of subs, coaching staff and their entourages trapsing across the pitch to the dugouts at kick off and half time. It's about time it looked more professional.

It will probably be the players who have to trapes across the pitch, to line up for the cameras before kick off
But other than that I think it will be far better

[BleedingClaret]

It will probably be the players who have to trapes across the pitch, to line up for the cameras before kick off
But other than that I think it will be far better

I’ve got it on my mind that the players are going to face the directors box
Likely chuck some old timers out of their BL seats for a new camera gantry
Never mind they can get a seat in Block 1 Longside lower, get their money back or watch on a virtual reality headset

[Row x]

I’ve got it on my mind that the players are going to face the directors box
Likely chuck some old timers out of their BL seats for a new camera gantry
Never mind they can get a seat in Block 1 Longside lower, get their money back or watch on a virtual reality headset

I think they have to face the cameras, hence why they have to walk across the pitch at Chelsea

You might not be old enough to remember, but the cameras were in the bob lord stand for quite a few years.

[wilks_bfc]

I’ve got it on my mind that the players are going to face the directors box
Likely chuck some old timers out of their BL seats for a new camera gantry
Never mind they can get a seat in Block 1 Longside lower, get their money back or watch on a virtual reality headset

I can’t see them moving the cameras to the BL side

All the broadcasting trucks will be parked up at the opposite end of the ground

[BleedingClaret]

I think they have to face the cameras, hence why they have to walk across the pitch at Chelsea

You might not be old enough to remember, but the cameras were in the bob lord stand for quite a few years.

I am

[BleedingClaret]

Could possibly have an odd camera in the Bob Lord whilst the main ones stay in the Longside
You’d get some better crowd shots too

[Transpennine]

I’ve got it on my mind that the players are going to face the directors box
Likely chuck some old timers out of their BL seats for a new camera gantry
Never mind they can get a seat in Block 1 Longside lower, get their money back or watch on a virtual reality headset

Doing that would:
Deny those watching on TV one of the best views from any ground in the country.

Provide them with a view of the tin pot James Hargreaves stand.

On that basis, they'll probably do it.

With extra flags obv...

[Poulton-le-Claret]

Had an interesting email from the club after I asked to change seats. Previously my brother had the seat directly behind me, with us on the last 2 rows of a block. Since we have been shunted back a row, I’m on the back row of a block and he is the front row of the block behind, separated by the gangway.

Email stated:

We are asking that supporters that have been relocated attend the Sunderland game, which is the first home game, and after having sat in their new seat for a match, contact us if they are unhappy with the location. They will have until 1st September to do this. We can then look at alternatives where possible, either within the stand, or in NL1 as an alternative. These would all be subject to availability.

No idea why I have to wait to say I’m unhappy with the new seating arrangement. I know the size of the gangway so it doesn’t work for us. The best part of games for me is spending time with my brother, which is impacted if they don’t sort it out.

[I_hate_pne]

Is it because they expect that most fans will stand where they want anyways? If the seating is mirrored, people will just congregate with the groups they did previously. I get your frustration, it's a similar situation with a friend and I, but we'll just stand together as we always did on the previous side of the stand.

[Quickenthetempo]

Had an interesting email from the club after I asked to change seats. Previously my brother had the seat directly behind me, with us on the last 2 rows of a block. Since we have been shunted back a row, I’m on the back row of a block and he is the front row of the block behind, separated by the gangway.

Email stated:

We are asking that supporters that have been relocated attend the Sunderland game, which is the first home game, and after having sat in their new seat for a match, contact us if they are unhappy with the location. They will have until 1st September to do this. We can then look at alternatives where possible, either within the stand, or in NL1 as an alternative. These would all be subject to availability.

No idea why I have to wait to say I’m unhappy with the new seating arrangement. I know the size of the gangway so it doesn’t work for us. The best part of games for me is spending time with my brother, which is impacted if they don’t sort it out.

There might be hundreds wanting to swap after the first game, so you might get chance to move to 2 seats next to each other.

[Barry_Chuckle]

There might be hundreds wanting to swap after the first game, so you might get chance to move to 2 seats next to each other.

You'd have to be desperate to want to swap from the CF stand, across to JH lower block 1.
Very poor from BFC that that's the only alternative block on offer.

[ClaretTony]

Biggest away following was 2,283 last season (several teams)

Sunderland have said their allocation is 2,279. Last season we announced away numbers at 2,283 for Blackburn, Leeds and Sheffield United.

[ClaretTony]

Had an interesting email from the club after I asked to change seats. Previously my brother had the seat directly behind me, with us on the last 2 rows of a block. Since we have been shunted back a row, I’m on the back row of a block and he is the front row of the block behind, separated by the gangway.

Email stated:

We are asking that supporters that have been relocated attend the Sunderland game, which is the first home game, and after having sat in their new seat for a match, contact us if they are unhappy with the location. They will have until 1st September to do this. We can then look at alternatives where possible, either within the stand, or in NL1 as an alternative. These would all be subject to availability.

No idea why I have to wait to say I’m unhappy with the new seating arrangement. I know the size of the gangway so it doesn’t work for us. The best part of games for me is spending time with my brother, which is impacted if they don’t sort it out.

The whole thing really is appalling.

[Quickenthetempo]

You'd have to be desperate to want to swap from the CF stand, across to JH lower block 1.
Very poor from BFC that that's the only alternative block on offer.

I meant in the CF.

[CJ_Claret]

Is it because they expect that most fans will stand where they want anyways? If the seating is mirrored, people will just congregate with the groups they did previously. I get your frustration, it's a similar situation with a friend and I, but we'll just stand together as we always did on the previous side of the stand.

I also have a similar situation and completely agree with you, the majority of people in the CF stand have always sat in groups of friends/family where seat allocation hasn't allowed.

I do understand there are some in the stand that specifically requested certain seats (for a variety of reasons) and I hope the club are able to sort something out for those people.

but I dont understand the number of people kicking up a fuss when the majority sit where they want anyway. Unless you are wanting to sit in the safe standing the stewards never check tickets and usher people to their correct seats. So the over reaction by some is strange.

[Stevebfc40]

Now that the dust has settled a little after the charity sale of seats. I was wondering if anyone had any spares? I require 3 in total. Ofcourse i would reimburse your charity payments or send to the charity. Writing in hope