'It is advisable that anyone keen to take up the Crossbars package should purchase or relocate their season ticket to within the first six rows of the upper tier of the North Stand, for ease of access from their seat to the lounge at busy periods such as half-time. However, the package is available to any season-ticket holder in the upper tier of the North Stand and those currently located in the front six rows are under no obligation to purchase a Crossbars package.'
Not sure what the fuss is you don't have to sit in front six rows and if you do you don't have to move!
Not now but that was the ruling until it was changed, partially due to the "fuss"
Or they provided clarification rather than change because of the fuss
No, they have quite clearly changed it.
Read the early posts from people who had letters and phone calls.
The intention was to make the front six rows Crossbars only hence it being called that on the seating plan.
They have now changed that which is a good thing but they have changed not "clarified" as a result of the fuss/customer feedback
Alll sounds paranoia
All sounds like you just want to ignore what others have said, what others have been told by club staff and what the clubs own letters say.
</ I'm sure that intention is still there. It makes sense.
According to the CAFC Web Page " Currant Northstand regulars are welcome to pay the existing prices and there is no obligation for any supporter to change seats".
- How about charging £50 a season for adults. £25 to OAP'S and Children. Restrict membership to the first 500 - They don't have to sit in the first 6 rows of the Upper North. - Drop the beer prices to £3 a pint, £2 a spirit (Singles) - Have a question/answer session with an ex player before the game. - Live lunchtime on the tv's or old Charlton games.
- How about charging £50 a season for adults. £25 to OAP'S and Children. Restrict membership to the first 500 - They don't have to sit in the first 6 rows of the Upper North. - Drop the beer prices to £3 a pint, £2 a spirit (Singles) - Have a question/answer session with an ex player before the game. - Live lunchtime on the tv's or old Charlton games.
When you consider that I paid for myself, and my step-sonto use Crossbars up until last season, so paying £200 just to sit in there and stay warm before the game and use a clean toilet, they lost all that money because they wanted me to pay another £100 for my 9 yr old boy. We didnt by beer, but did have food. So every home game, i guess with our cokes, chips etc they lost £20. So your idea would be great for us.
I can see the East stand Block A becoming the place where the drummer is, and where the younger generation if supporters will sit. Especially being next to away fans...
Not a bad shout, I thought that worked well at Sheff Utd yesterday. I was in the upper tier and the first block of home fans to the right next to the empty corner were singing and giving it some. They managed to drown us out a couple of times and that is what we need at The Valley.
According to the CAFC Web Page " Currant Northstand regulars are welcome to pay the existing prices and there is no obligation for any supporter to change seats".
Although the website also says: "A new feature this season is the introduction of the Crossbars season ticket, which gives fans a seat in one of the front rows in the upper tier of the North Stand and a range of added benefits."
Why they can't just admit that they intended to force people out of their seats and have now changed the plan in response to the furore it caused I have no idea. It just makes those at the club responsible look deceitful.
Was called by the ticket office today to clear up any confusion / ask if I would like to try out the bar. It was made very clear that it was optional and that if not taken up I would not be moved from my current seat. They are very aware of the negativity surrounding this and the feelings vented on this site. The 9th April deadline is to renew at the cheapest price, after that there will be an increase, couldn't say how much but it wouldn't be the £530 quoted. Tried to renew on Saturday but they couldn't change the pricing on the system at the time.
Crossbars tickets can be bought by anybody in the North, they just recommending moving to the rows mentioned if possible.
According to the CAFC Web Page " Currant Northstand regulars are welcome to pay the existing prices and there is no obligation for any supporter to change seats".
Although the website also says: "A new feature this season is the introduction of the Crossbars season ticket, which gives fans a seat in one of the front rows in the upper tier of the North Stand and a range of added benefits."
Why they can't just admit that they intended to force people out of their seats and have now changed the plan in response to the furore it caused I have no idea. It just makes those at the club responsible look deceitful.
According to the CAFC Web Page " Currant Northstand regulars are welcome to pay the existing prices and there is no obligation for any supporter to change seats".
Although the website also says: "A new feature this season is the introduction of the Crossbars season ticket, which gives fans a seat in one of the front rows in the upper tier of the North Stand and a range of added benefits."
Why they can't just admit that they intended to force people out of their seats and have now changed the plan in response to the furore it caused I have no idea. It just makes those at the club responsible look deceitful.
It is in the past, move on
Unfortunately, it's not. Although many people will have understood from reading this thread, not everyone is on Charlton Life. It's caused a lot of confusion and being dishonest about what's happened will only compound the problem. Betty Hutchins stopped me at Sheffield to ask me to get something done about it as she didn't want to move. I told her it was dead in the water and not to worry.
You are right in that probably just over half the fans do not use Charlton Life but the club have called those who sit in the front six rows and as stated they have clarified the position on the club website (used by 90% of fans) and by phone. I think that the original intentions were clear enough but these have changed. As I have mentioned a consultation process was in place and this can be improved. Personally I am more concerned about what division we will be playing in next season and the impact this might have on sales and the club. I would ask anyone with similar concerns to contact, join or subscribe to the Supporters Trust for at times like this we need to make our collective voice heard.
Having read this thread in its entirety the Club have ballsed up. They consulted the fans, well the Trust anyway, but not the fans forum, but then ignored that and did their own thing anyway. At least that is how I've read it. Now, after a backlash, they have back tracked and now basically most of us have cheaper tickets whilst a great many others feel that they can cheat the Club, and fellow fans, by buying a seat in a certain block but move and sit elsewhere at no additional cost. Classy. This Club really is a basket case at the moment.
Having read this thread in its entirety the Club have ballsed up. They consulted the fans, well the Trust anyway, but not the fans forum, but then ignored that and did their own thing anyway. At least that is how I've read it. Now, after a backlash, they have back tracked and now basically most of us have cheaper tickets whilst a great many others feel that they can cheat the Club, and fellow fans, by buying a seat in a certain block but move and sit elsewhere at no additional cost. Classy. This Club really is a basket case at the moment.
Almost!
I represented the Trust alone and there were were several others in the room - no idea if they were all on the fans forum or not... I won't release details without agreeing with the club and the others but I will lobby them to state that being open will help build Trust. What I will say (as posted higher up on here) is that there were comments about people being forced to move. Whether it was this meeting and/or the Voice of the Valley article moving the family stand was eventually scrapped. It was a change that added little financially and one too many. Up until last Wednesday I assumed that only the spare seats in the front six rows would be for Crossbars plus an invite/option for those fans already sitting there - but nothing in the literature said either way so I asked the club and then lobbied again when the story broke on here.
After Sunday and what is coming this week vs Hudds and Millwall I'm not sure anyone is looking that far ahead! My guess is that prices will shift up markedly if it looks like we are doing well in the league and pulling out of the bottom three but I have no real idea.
You are right in that probably just over half the fans do not use Charlton Life but the club have called those who sit in the front six rows and as stated they have clarified the position on the club website (used by 90% of fans) and by phone. I think that the original intentions were clear enough but these have changed. As I have mentioned a consultation process was in place and this can be improved. Personally I am more concerned about what division we will be playing in next season and the impact this might have on sales and the club. I would ask anyone with similar concerns to contact, join or subscribe to the Supporters Trust for at times like this we need to make our collective voice heard.
But your voice was not heard or they would not have launched as it was.
My guess is that prices will shift up markedly if it looks like we are doing well in the league and pulling out of the bottom three but I have no real idea.
Well that's clearly not gonna happen by 9th April imo
Having read this thread in its entirety the Club have ballsed up. They consulted the fans, well the Trust anyway, but not the fans forum, but then ignored that and did their own thing anyway. At least that is how I've read it. Now, after a backlash, they have back tracked and now basically most of us have cheaper tickets whilst a great many others feel that they can cheat the Club, and fellow fans, by buying a seat in a certain block but move and sit elsewhere at no additional cost. Classy. This Club really is a basket case at the moment.
Very unecessary generalisation, I thought better of you @LargeAddick So who exactly are these 'great many' fans cheating. It's a product, not a very good one at the moment, offered at a price which appeals and in which a number of fans have expressed an interest, so where does the 'cheating' come in to it. If you have your favourite seat and want to sit with friends and family because that is what you have always done and are happy to pay more for it then bully for you but sadly I can't, so don't start slinging the mud at those who don't have that pull and wish to take advantage of the low prices on offer. I can expect to see you agreeing to pay the full adult price when you reach 60 as well can I? And who knows it may attract some lost fans back or go someway to keep hold of those who otherwise may not have renewed should the dreaded R happen. You may get the odd seat dodger which must happen now but that is as much the fault of the club if it allows it to happen.
Thanks for all the "kind" messages on this thread:
Got my phonecall from the club finally. Listened to the "sales talk" from the guy, was very polite (as was he), and then asked my questions. What he said, as people above said, was basically that it was a cock-up. Now, If I want/can afford to re-new my S/T before April 9th its £300, after that there "will be an increase", I suggested "£20/ £30", he said "something like that". I asked: Is there any obligation to Crossbars at-all ? Answer: No, but we think where your seat is situated Crossbars would be ideal for you. Politely said "Thanks, but no thanks."
Don't know if this has been discussed elsewhere, but having read some of the comments on the new catering thread does anyone think the club will have a re-think on the pricing for the crossbars pass? I was one of the previous crossbars members that didn't buy into the whole 're-packaging' and it was really quite cringey watching the bribing demonstration days at the end of last season.
What do the current members make of the lounge this year? From the outside looking in, I'm sure they're enjoying the private tables and 1on1 staffing all very pleasant but it seems a ridiculous waste of facilities. Why not cut your losses, offer the existing lot some kind of refund or freebie for 2015/16 and advertise a new price and terms?
It always seemed mad that this lounge wasn't opened up to everyone after the game has finished? Are there legal reasons for this? You've got a building full of sports fans, so why not show the Premier League evening games, show the six nations egg chasing, show some cricket and people will hang around and spend money. The Ryder cup will probably still be going for an hour or so after the Boro game finishes next week - if the crossbars doors were open after the game then how many people might have gone in for another drink or two?
It always seemed mad that this lounge wasn't opened up to everyone after the game has finished? Are there legal reasons for this?
Maximum capacity is about 900 to 1000 IIRC due to amount of exits in case of fire.
Perhaps free or very cheap entry on a first come, first served basis up to the maximum number. It would have to be stewarded strictly which increases costs but there would be an incentive to arrive early before game and so likely to spend more.
It always seemed mad that this lounge wasn't opened up to everyone after the game has finished? Are there legal reasons for this?
Maximum capacity is about 900 to 1000 IIRC due to amount of exits in case of fire.
Perhaps free or very cheap entry on a first come, first served basis up to the maximum number. It would have to be stewarded strictly which increases costs but there would be an incentive to arrive early before game and so likely to spend more.
Same could apply after the game although.
Don't be sensible. It would be packed out, if they did that :-)
It always seemed mad that this lounge wasn't opened up to everyone after the game has finished? Are there legal reasons for this?
Maximum capacity is about 900 to 1000 IIRC due to amount of exits in case of fire.
Perhaps free or very cheap entry on a first come, first served basis up to the maximum number. It would have to be stewarded strictly which increases costs but there would be an incentive to arrive early before game and so likely to spend more.
Same could apply after the game although.
Don't be sensible. It would be packed out, if they did that :-)
Just as well as didn't make my other suggestion then which was make the Antigallican a home pub and put the away fans in Cross bars and the North Lower.
seems mad it's not just 'open' to ST holders to use and have a beer / buy food etc....total waste
This is exactly what it should be for - just crazy the club cannot see it, now if we were in the premier it would be a different story as you would probaly fill it by charging a membership.
Or sell one off family entry tickets for let's say £5. That's enough to put off a lot of people but will also atract a fair amount of supporters like me who are never going to go in otherwise because the club want to sting me with a season fee for each of my two boys
Comments
All sounds like you just want to ignore what others have said, what others have been told by club staff and what the clubs own letters say.
</
I'm sure that intention is still there. It makes sense.
- They don't have to sit in the first 6 rows of the Upper North.
- Drop the beer prices to £3 a pint, £2 a spirit (Singles)
- Have a question/answer session with an ex player before the game.
- Live lunchtime on the tv's or old Charlton games.
I could be wrong...
Why they can't just admit that they intended to force people out of their seats and have now changed the plan in response to the furore it caused I have no idea. It just makes those at the club responsible look deceitful.
Crossbars tickets can be bought by anybody in the North, they just recommending moving to the rows mentioned if possible.
I think that the original intentions were clear enough but these have changed. As I have mentioned a consultation process was in place and this can be improved.
Personally I am more concerned about what division we will be playing in next season and the impact this might have on sales and the club. I would ask anyone with similar concerns to contact, join or subscribe to the Supporters Trust for at times like this we need to make our collective voice heard.
I represented the Trust alone and there were were several others in the room - no idea if they were all on the fans forum or not... I won't release details without agreeing with the club and the others but I will lobby them to state that being open will help build Trust.
What I will say (as posted higher up on here) is that there were comments about people being forced to move. Whether it was this meeting and/or the Voice of the Valley article moving the family stand was eventually scrapped. It was a change that added little financially and one too many. Up until last Wednesday I assumed that only the spare seats in the front six rows would be for Crossbars plus an invite/option for those fans already sitting there - but nothing in the literature said either way so I asked the club and then lobbied again when the story broke on here.
Got my phonecall from the club finally.
Listened to the "sales talk" from the guy, was very polite (as was he), and then asked my questions.
What he said, as people above said, was basically that it was a cock-up. Now, If I want/can afford to re-new my S/T before April 9th its £300, after that there "will be an increase", I suggested "£20/ £30", he said "something like that".
I asked: Is there any obligation to Crossbars at-all ? Answer: No, but we think where your seat is situated Crossbars would be ideal for you.
Politely said "Thanks, but no thanks."
Don't know if this has been discussed elsewhere, but having read some of the comments on the new catering thread does anyone think the club will have a re-think on the pricing for the crossbars pass? I was one of the previous crossbars members that didn't buy into the whole 're-packaging' and it was really quite cringey watching the
bribingdemonstration days at the end of last season.What do the current members make of the lounge this year?
From the outside looking in, I'm sure they're enjoying the private tables and 1on1 staffing all very pleasant but it seems a ridiculous waste of facilities.
Why not cut your losses, offer the existing lot some kind of refund or freebie for 2015/16 and advertise a new price and terms?
It always seemed mad that this lounge wasn't opened up to everyone after the game has finished? Are there legal reasons for this?
You've got a building full of sports fans, so why not show the Premier League evening games, show the six nations egg chasing, show some cricket and people will hang around and spend money.
The Ryder cup will probably still be going for an hour or so after the Boro game finishes next week - if the crossbars doors were open after the game then how many people might have gone in for another drink or two?
Perhaps free or very cheap entry on a first come, first served basis up to the maximum number. It would have to be stewarded strictly which increases costs but there would be an incentive to arrive early before game and so likely to spend more.
Same could apply after the game although.
Just as well as didn't make my other suggestion then which was make the Antigallican a home pub and put the away fans in Cross bars and the North Lower.