davieG Posted 19 October 2013 Share Posted 19 October 2013 http://fsf.org.uk/blog/view/boro-let-fans-enjoy-the-match-their-way Boro: Let fans enjoy the match “their way†Anthony Emmerson is Head of Supporter Services/Supporter Liaison Officer at Middlesbrough. Here he explains how the club have given fans the chance to enjoy the match “their way†by catering to different needs, in different areas of the ground... The reconfiguration of the Riverside Stadium was a key movement from Middlesbrough FC for 2013-14. The aim was to create a different offering across various concourses, areas and stands allowing supporters of different ages and interests to enjoy the match “their wayâ€. We had already announced the introduction of a free drink for every adult season card holder at each league game and free Under-11 Season Cards, but we wanted to go even further. Here's how we did it:North StandOur North Stand is our Kop-style area and home to a predominantly middle-aged, core supporter. It also houses our supporters’ group the Twe12th Man. We consulted with the Twel12th Man and other supporters in the area around ideas for enhancing matchdays. The result was the creation of a post-match concourse space named the Twe12th Man Fans’ Bar, which has food and drink offers, DJ and disco, live games on screen and prize giveaways. Fans from other stadium areas can come around after the game to get involved and the place has been packed out after each and every game. It’s a space that is very much “for the fans, by the fans†and it's an absolute winner. Generation Red Family Zone Free under-11 season cards and heavily discounted matchday tickets in a wonderful, colourful space in our East Stand, with dedicated MFC staff on hand to ensure everything goes smoothly. Child-friendly food, toilets and activities support one of the most welcoming family stands in football. The feedback has been incredibly positive and match tickets and season cards continue to be purchased at a rate exceeding sales for any other stadium area. South Stand (Red Faction) Our South Stand is now home to our Red Faction supporters’ group. They are a youthful, energetic and positive bunch of fans who we work with to harness ideas for innovative, colourful and proud backing of the team. We had faced occasional challenges in the past as club staff members tried to fit the group’s ideas within the regulated framework to which we must adhere, but we have established a successful, open and honest relationship in recent months. Regular face-to-face meets are key, with senior staff members from the club (Safety Officer included) spending many hours working with the group to bring their ideas to life. We have developed a growing respect and the majority of the group’s actions are trusted to be self-managed and self-policed. This year we have worked together on large scale flag and banner activity, drumming, and confetti displays. Our partnership is perhaps best explained through the fact that Red Faction members are invited to use our concourse with little supervision on non-matchdays to paint banners and the group also sweeps up every bit of confetti post-match following their impressive matchday displays. The future Our consultation is, of course, ongoing, and as we take feedback game-by-game we continue to give supporters more of what they are asking for. In recent weeks we have introduced rosé wine, green tea and gluten-free meals to the club's menu board - all as result of supporters’ requests! Boro fans with other ideas, comments or queries can email: [email protected] Thanks to Action Images for the image used in this blog. The FSF blog is the space to challenge perceived wisdom, entertain readers and inform our members. The views expressed on this blog are those of the author – they don't necessarily represent FSF policy and (pay attention journalists) shouldn’t be attributed to the FSF. Have your say below and play nice… Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poznan34 Posted 19 October 2013 Share Posted 19 October 2013 Pre game disco in the Kop? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red5 Posted 19 October 2013 Share Posted 19 October 2013 Pre game disco in the Kop? It's post match, and sounds an ok idea. I like the free drink for season ticket holders at each match. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davieG Posted 19 October 2013 Author Share Posted 19 October 2013 It was more to do with the 'identification' of the stands than any drinks or discos etc you don't have to participate in them but you can pick a stand that best suits your style of support. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red5 Posted 19 October 2013 Share Posted 19 October 2013 I'll be in the free drink stand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MPH Posted 19 October 2013 Share Posted 19 October 2013 It's post match, and sounds an ok idea. I like the free drink for season ticket holders at each match. Something should definitely be done like that for season ticket holders. They really are the lifeblood of the club... ( never been a season ticket holder btw) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mack Posted 19 October 2013 Share Posted 19 October 2013 There stadium is very empty these days, so they are scratching around trying to find a way to get people through the door. I'm not sure a pint of watered down piss is going to get them rushing down to the Riverside, however some decent performances on the pitch might! Some of it is massive cringe material. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sphericalfox Posted 19 October 2013 Share Posted 19 October 2013 Sounds all a bit Derby-desperation to be fair. From what I can see their attendances are still shocking, so it's not doing so well. http://s201259309.websitehome.co.uk/borostatnew/201314/attendances_002_homeatt.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cityfanlee23 Posted 19 October 2013 Share Posted 19 October 2013 I do not understand... Apart from the pre game disco for the kids, What has this achieved... After all of the ticket price reductions, offers and open relationship with fans, Their attendances are dropping Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan LCFC Posted 19 October 2013 Share Posted 19 October 2013 Bloody hell - compare their attitude the Red Faction to what ours have with any singing area. Depressing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davieG Posted 19 October 2013 Author Share Posted 19 October 2013 Bloody hell - compare their attitude the Red Faction to what ours have with any singing area. Depressing. Well I'm glad someone's seen why I posted it and can see beyond the free drink and disco. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purpleronnie Posted 19 October 2013 Share Posted 19 October 2013 They certainly have changed their tune, their stewarding was considered the worst. Can't help but think if they somehow got back to the premiership all this would go out the window. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Horse's Mouth Posted 19 October 2013 Share Posted 19 October 2013 Sounds all a bit Derby-desperation to be fair. From what I can see their attendances are still shocking, so it's not doing so well. http://s201259309.websitehome.co.uk/borostatnew/201314/attendances_002_homeatt.htm who are Liecester? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K1FOX Posted 20 October 2013 Share Posted 20 October 2013 The reason their red faction group works is because they have people prepared to put in the time and compromise with the club. Strikes me as the fosse boys wanted it their way and only their way with no middle ground. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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