Will the fans turn up at Falmer?

[somerset]

I was having a debate in the old Ruskin Hall on Saturday before the game about Falmer with a mate, he was determined to offer the more pessimistic view that we are unlikely to average more than 10-12k in the initial stages at Falmer, saying also that this may increase but only if we do well over the ensuing few years.

My view however was that we would average 15k plus over the first couple of seasons, season ticket sales and new venue interest pushing this total along.

What do you lot say?

 

[strings]

I would say you were both (sort of) right. People will want to go to Falmer to see our new home. However, if the football on the pitch is rubbish, I'm sure that interest will quickly disappear even during the first season.

If we move into the Stadium and also play a sucessful or attractive brand of football (a la Swansea), I'm sure we'll be fine.

 

[1234andcounting]

If you build it, they will come - or something like that.

 

[Cheeky Monkey]

No, no one will turn up at Falmer

 

[Hatterlovesbrighton]

I'd say season one you might get 12k then after that anything in double figures you would be very pleased with. If you are in the championship maybe add 2k to that.

 

[Porky]

I was having a debate in the old Ruskin Hall on Saturday before the game about Falmer with a mate, he was determined to offer the more pessimistic view that we are unlikely to average more than 10-12k in the initial stages at Falmer, saying also that this may increase but only if we do well over the ensuing few years.

My view however was that we would average 15k plus over the first couple of seasons, season ticket sales and new venue interest pushing this total along.

What do you lot say?

I'm afraid I agree with your mate. I was atching MK Dons a few weeks back. Atendance 14K.
The place looked empty.

 

[Mellor 3 Ward 4]

Depends on:

Pricing

How easy to get Tickets

How well the team are performing/results.

Good combination of the above - with the club in the Championship we could be as high as 18,000 for decent opposition with a good away following.(Look at what Reading did when they first got their new stadium)

Bad combination of the above - high prices, hard to get tickets (or percieved hard to get tickets by the casual fan) and crap performances - 8-10k if we're lucky.

 

[Sheebo]

Depends on:

Pricing

How easy to get Tickets

How well the team are performing/results.

Good combination of the above - with the club in the Championship we could be as high as 18,000 for decent opposition with a good away following.(Look at what Reading did when they first got their new stadium)

Bad combination of the above - high prices, hard to get tickets (or percieved hard to get tickets by the casual fan) and crap performances - 8-10k if we're lucky.

And once again I predict that not having pay on the gate will have a hugely negative affect on the attendances -it's ridiculous...

 

[Whitterz]

And once again I predict that not having pay on the gate will have a hugely negative affect on the attendances -it's ridiculous...

 

[SI 4 BHA]

Depends on:

Pricing

How easy to get Tickets

How well the team are performing/results.

Good combination of the above - with the club in the Championship we could be as high as 18,000 for decent opposition with a good away following.(Look at what Reading did when they first got their new stadium)

Bad combination of the above - high prices, hard to get tickets (or percieved hard to get tickets by the casual fan) and crap performances - 8-10k if we're lucky.

And how long it takes to get away from Falmer after the match. Eventually got a train from Whitton on Saturday a couple of minutes before 6pm, if Falmer is the same, I think a few won't bother.

 

[Sheebo]

 

[tottenhamseagull]

And once again I predict that not having pay on the gate will have a hugely negative affect on the attendances -it's ridiculous...

I agree with this....

 

[Tooting Gull]

I'd be very suprised if we averaged 15,000 over the first two seasons, mainly because of the ticket prices we are likely to charge.

The thing is, even though all the fans and the club know exactly what terrible value fans have been getting at Withdean, people/clubs don't like dropping prices. If they had a range of adult prices starting at maybe £15 that would help - but I'm not sure that is going to happen.

Because of the exceptional circumstances for this club, getting fans back in big numbers is going to be a huge marketing challenge for the Albion. You can't suddenly invent 8,000-10,000 fans in League One.

I think the process should be well under way, and I also think that season ticket holders should 'take one for the team' and not moan if the club wanted to give out cheap/free single day tickets at Withdean to school groups, or other groups, in the next 18 months to start building interest for Falmer.

 

[Sheebo]

I agree with this....

Thank you mate - i've finally found someone who agrees with me

 

[HastingsSeagull]

maybe 10-12k home fans in league 1 but add some away support and then a boost when make the championship and we need that capacity!

anyone know how the pricing will compare as that can have a big effect especialy to those of us who travel from outside the city

 

[pork pie]

I think that the fans will turn up as it will be a real football ground, and a very nice one by all accounts. Nobody much likes going to Withdean - so few bother going any more. Pay on the gate, no stupid travel restrictions, and better football will all increase the demand even more.

 

[Freddie Goodwin.]

And how long it takes to get away from Falmer after the match. Eventually got a train from Whitton on Saturday a couple of minutes before 6pm, if Falmer is the same, I think a few won't bother.

Witton Station is, i suppose, much the same as falmer although Villa probably cater for twice the number we will probably get (on a good day).

It wouldn't take much planning for a Brighton-Lewes shuttle with, say, a 10 min service.

Falmer is also well served by buses and it is hoped that the stadium will remain open with food/drink/TV's etc for well after the final whistle so maybe some fans will hang around, in comfort, rather than dash straight off.

I strongly believe that a good range of prices will be vital to get the crowds in, but they will come.

 

[algie]

And once again I predict that not having pay on the gate will have a hugely negative affect on the attendances -it's ridiculous...

Maybe 10 years ago but not now.How long have we been at Withdean and had to pay in advancce for a ticket? Times have moved on now.
Not having pay on the gate won't make a scrap of difference now especially with a new ground around the corner.

 

[The Large One]

And once again I predict that not having pay on the gate will have a hugely negative affect on the attendances -it's ridiculous...

The only thing that would stop you going to Falmer is your dog's diet.

I mean, you made it to Villa didn't you?

 

[tottenhamseagull]

I think that the fans will turn up as it will be a real football ground, and a very nice one by all accounts. Nobody much likes going to Withdean - so few bother going any more. Pay on the gate, no stupid travel restrictions, and better football will all increase the demand even more.

And of course not having to pay £22(approx) to watch a league 1 game!