New Albion mascot scheme: 8 paid places, 2 free places from Gully's Gang, 1 from AITC

[Oscar]

I see as part of the FDM testimonial you can pay to have your sprog be one of 11 mascots that will accompany the team out.

You also get two adult tickets for WSL, a seat for your kid and full replica kit for jnr, a pie and soft drink.

I know this is a one-off and it all helps swell the coffers for the club and Michel but should we really be paying for this? I always thought being chosen as a mascot was part of the club recognising the value of its support and the next generation of paying fans.

Thoughts?

 

[Ninja Elephant]

Thoughts? Welcome to the world of Paul Barber. EVERYTHING is about generating revenue. In this case it is also to maximise the amount Michel's going to get out of the day, but I wouldn't be at all suprised if the days of the mascot being picked from a hat are over and it will become a package deal. I am completely against it.

 

[pigbite]

Not in the least bit surprised. The days of giving anything away for free have long gone. I'm not suggesting the club don't value the supporters but getting people to pay for something trumps nice gestures every time in the commercial world we live in.

 

[CHAPPERS]

It's not a bad deal if you ask me.

 

[Normal Rob]

Embarassing given the slagging off of Palace for selling mascot packages the other day.

 

[DavePage]

The clue is (It’s a testimonial)
Normal cost of being a mascot home or away, nothing including free kit.

 

[Hotchilidog]

Embarassing given the slagging off of Palace for selling mascot packages the other day.

At least they don't have to bring their own kit. I thought most clubs charged for mascots these days anyway, at least with this deal you get three tickets, a kit and some food.

 

[Djmiles]

Embarassing given the slagging off of Palace for selling mascot packages the other day.

£100 to walk 50 yards.

£195 for 2 adult and 1 child ticket in WSL, Full Albion Kit, Free Food and Drink....oh and a 50 yard walk out.

I know what I'd rather pay for.

 

[pigbite]

The clue is (It’s a testimonial)
Normal cost of being a mascot home or away, nothing including free kit.

Testimonial fine but are you sure the pattern will not be followed for the new season?

 

[Mendoza]

This deal is cheaper than other matches

 

[DavePage]

Testimonial fine but are you sure the pattern will not be followed for the new season?

what evidence is there to say that will be the case? I suggest none

 

[The Grockle]

Doesn't sound like such a bad deal and if the demand is there why shouldn't they charge that?

Hate to say it but we're not some two bob club anymore we have huge overheads to cover not to mention a 100 million pound stadium to pay for.

 

[Ernest]

I would imagine the £195 is going straight into Kuipers wallet, shameful if it is

 

[Acker79]

My first thought was how much of a good deal is this:

Two adult tickets = £30
Child ticket = £6
Replica junior shirt = £30 (+3 for long sleeves)
Replica junior shorts = £14
Replica junior socks = £9
Pie and Drink = £7 (I think, I've forgotten already)

Total £96 (or £110 if it's pie and drink each)


My second thought was
Possibly the worst value ever conceived......
Have a few quid to spare? Become a mascot at Palace

 

[Hyperion]

I thought everyone was slagging palace off a few days ago for doing this?

I think it's a bloody cheek quite frankly.

 

[Gritt23]

Oh that's a real shame, and I do hope it's not the route we will go down for all games. A mates son was mascot a couple of seasons ago, and it sounded absolutely brilliant, the club went out of their way for him, and the fact that it was FREE just oozed class.

 

[Ninja Elephant]

Doesn't sound like such a bad deal and if the demand is there why shouldn't they charge that?

Hate to say it but we're not some two bob club anymore we have huge overheads to cover not to mention a 100 million pound stadium to pay for.

I understand the argument, and it is fair enough. But seriously, having Junior Seagulls members selected to be the mascot doesn't make us two bob, it makes us a community club which appreciates and values the support of all fans, including those from poorer backgrounds. The opportunity to be a mascot shouldn't be restricted to kids of well off parents. I was a mascot at Withdean once, it's something you can't describe. There's no chance I would have had that opportunity if the club wanted to charge for the honour. I think this is a big error in judgement, but it certainly isn't out of keeping with the type of business model Premier League clubs have.

How long until there is a subscription service for Brighton fans? Like One Hotspur, for example.

 

[Ernest]

I understand the argument, and it is fair enough. But seriously, having Junior Seagulls members selected to be the mascot doesn't make us two bob, it makes us a community club which appreciates and values the support of all fans, including those from poorer backgrounds. The opportunity to be a mascot shouldn't be restricted to kids of well off parents. I was a mascot at Withdean once, it's something you can't describe. There's no chance I would have had that opportunity if the club wanted to charge for the honour. I think this is a big error in judgement, but it certainly isn't out of keeping with the type of business model Premier League clubs have.

How long until there is a subscription service for Brighton fans? Like One Hotspur, for example.

It sounds like the money is going straight into Kuipers pocket which is just as bad to me

 

[pigbite]

what evidence is there to say that will be the case? I suggest none

Fair point. But the same holds true the other way as well except.....

Checking on my lad's young seagulls account away day mascot packages are up for grabs. The text says...

Away Mascot packages work slightly different to home games although are still a complimentary experience, mascots are selected on a first come first serve basis and are asked to purchase their own match kit and match day tickets. We currently have all away fixtures available and these can be requested by emailing: mascot[MENTION=5978]bhafc[/MENTION].co.uk

This would suggest home games will still be comp but I can't find anything to prove it one way or the other.

If they are comp then that's great but frankly it does surprise me a little given the commercial pressures and new faces.

 

[Ninja Elephant]

It sounds like the money is going straight into Kuipers pocket which is just as bad to me

I love Michel, I'm more than happy for him to make as much money out of this game as possible but charging for the right to be a mascot is something I completely disagree with, and the overly commercial future of the club in general is a bit off putting in my opinion. It's the price of success and ambition, if you want to be a big club, it's just what you have to do. Doesn't mean you have to like it, though.