Brisa Attendance Improvement Proposal

[cn174]

Would it not be possible for the club to sell vouchers for next season's season ticket NOW. They could be available in denominations of say£10. This would give supporters a flying start in purchasing a ST, also, those who have bought vouchers would feel obliged to buy a ST whatever the performance of the team.

Does that make sense?  

373072[/snapback]

I think one of the reasons we haven't done this in the past is we haven't known which division we'd be in the following season so therefore the season ticket package would be different. But now would be an ideal time to start - we aren't going down, there is a general feeling of confidence about Rovers and this would influence people's decisions to get tickets for next season.

[brightonrover]

I've only had chance to have a skim through the document but it certainly appears, on first read, a thorough and well written one.

Well done.

[m@tt]

When JW was made the chairmen it was mentioned that they were looking to appoint a commercial director. Do we have any further information on this.

I personnally feel Ken Bemish would not make a good apppointment. I think we need someone new to come in and spice things up. Fresh ideas etc. Also i may be wrong but there are areas of ewood which are empty and have no purpose why are they not made into offices?

Finally i would support the Internet Cafe idea i think this is a great idea! they could have tv's with rovers news etc.

Thanks BRISA!

[Nate]

Good work lads.

As a PR student, I am amazed at the lack of PR activity from the club. I am itching to get in there and strutt my stuff

One thing I agree with is transport. When I was staying in Darwen, I only knew where the stadium was after driving past it in a Taxi from Blackburn Station. I ended up walking to the ground as I, obviously an international supporter, had no idea about local transport. I ended up almost getting in to trouble in the form of some unsavoury Wolves supporters.

Here in Brisbane we have free council buses that transport supporters of both the Brisbane Broncos and Brisbane Lions Australian Rules team from the CBD direct to the ground. This is something that should be looked at. My geography of the area is not great and they may already be running, but maybe buses from the station, city centre and an areas such as Darwen, Preston etc.

I also wouldn't mind seeing the overseas supporters being embraced more by the club. The main reason for my holiday to the UK, apart from shagging all your birds, was to see Rovers. I was involved with the overseas members club, run by Barbara McGhee, but as stated by somebody once before, I would never of known this existed if I hadn't of seeked it out myself.

[philipl]

Excellent points by Revidge. I think his analysis of why we have slipped disproportionately is bob-on and should be taken verbatim into the report (even though it adds another writing style!).

However, I think Rev missed a point. The report doesn't say the Asian support isn't an issue, it says it is so important an issue that it deserves a separate meeting as a topic on its own if I read it correctly.

[bellamy11]

However, I think Rev missed a point. The report doesn't say the Asian support isn't an issue, it says it is so important an issue that it deserves a separate meeting as a topic on its own if I read it correctly.

373087[/snapback]

That's certainly true. At the moment the plans are to have a completely separate meeting to discuss this, and there is work being done at the moment to lay the foundations for this.

[modes98]

Fantastic read and well constructed BRISA is doing us proud.

one of the best suggestions from my point of view would be the idea of the swipe card that allowed you to go in on the day and it automatically charge your account. Rather than ringing up booking and then getting there eariler than need be, therefore cutting valuable drinking time.

As said it would encourage me to go up on the spur of the moment rather than planning which games i go and see at ewood.

[Paul]

It seems a fine document in principle, however, on reading it I got the impression it was written by a committee (not sure if this is correct or not).

Why I say this is that the style seems to change everyso often from factual business like presentation, to value judgements, to relaxed social converstaional writing.   Did the same person really write the indepth analytical bits as the "that's the moaning out of the way" line?

Whilst I might be barking up the wrong tree with the authorship, I do think the clash of styles and/or tone of the document undermines a degree of professionalism in the document.   At points to me it reads as a transcribe of a round the table discussion and not a unified piece.

373014[/snapback]

Modi is making some good points. I had nothing to do with preparing this report other than chucking in a couple of ideas, but having seen the original draft and been at all the meetings I can probably help clarify a few things. This is not criticism of the excellent document. but observation to help those not involved understand how it has evolved.

The professional writing is, as far as I am aware. entirely down to Scott and, I presume, Mark. Within the document there are several passages, especially towards the end, that have been lifted from brfcs.com or e-mails. In the first draft these cut n paste bits were highlighted in blue, some of them are not so highlighted in this draft but have been made into key points. Two prime examples of this would be items 4.4.2 and 4.4.4. Perhaps they would have benefitted from re-writing?

Another potential flaw are some of the contradictions in the piece.   One page complains about the drummer and other ideas being geared up to the younger audience, another grudingly acknowledges that Taylor has helped increase child attendances, and a third says we should have Quid a Kid every week.   Are the three comments consistent?

I think they are consistent. For many the drummer is a pain in the arse, yet the atmosphere needs to improve. We need to attract children but this may lead to further dumbing down of the atmosphere. The three points are each important and part of the equation. that they are contradicatory does not mean they should be excluded. BRISA faces this dilemma in many areas.

I appreciate that preparing a document to cover the breadth of BRISAs agenda is nigh on impossible, especially the various members own views - for example, I'm surprised to learn that as a BRISA member I fully support StandUpSitDown, which was news to me as I thought I didn't - but maybe a little more internal consistency is required in proposals going to the club?

Another dilemma. What should BRISA's stand be on issues such as standing? Personally I've reached the age where I don't want to stand - and the age where I get irritated by the kids who can't sit down for 45 minutes but that's another issue!

BRISA is considering involvment in campaigns such as Stand Up/ Sit Down and the FSF. Why? as a young organisation we can learn more from the organisations than we will, initially, contribute to them. We don't want to re-invent the wheel. Within BRISA there are bound to be different views and we are trying to represent all of those. As such I, personally, am happy to support an issue like standing even though I disagree with it. It's about the greater good. There will be issues such as these that all BRISA members will at some point have to take on board.

Sorry for being appearing overtly critical, but as I say the fundamental elements of the document seem fine, it's just that certain things seem to jar to me.

Not a problem. Without objective remarks BRISA will struggle.

[Jim J]

one of the best suggestions from my point of view would be the idea of the swipe card that allowed you to go in on the day and it automatically charge your account. Rather than ringing up booking and then getting there eariler than need be, therefore cutting valuable drinking time.

As said it would encourage me to go up on the spur of the moment rather than planning which games i go and see at ewood.

373092[/snapback]

Great in theory, but what about reserved seating. Would your seat be reserved for the 4, 8 or however many games you miss?

Would you have a reserved seat?

[bob fleming]

Absolutely first class. Well done to all those involved. Should be an interesting, and long, meeting. Hopefully you'll get some answers to the questions posed.

[Hughesy]

How about you swipe it there and then it has a touch screen panel which asks you what area?

You then select the area and it tells you what's available and you can then accept that seat or select another are and then it prints out a slip to prove your seat number etc?

[Mike Graham]

A rolling season ticket on permanent DD would have a similar effect TD. People would hopefully already have always paid for part of it, (or even not know exactly where they stand  ) thereby reducing any incentive to give it up.

373075[/snapback]

Celtic do a rolling ST.

The Chief Exec writes to the fan each year (one page letter, thus saving massive brochure printing costs) saying what the fee is and only contact us if you want to change or cancel. SIMPLE and CHEAP.

[SAS]

i think the young adult match ticket is a very important point

juniors turning 16 have a differnce of £5,12 to £25-£32 , its just not happening for some people that age

[Bazzanotsogreat]

For me one of the primary factors behind the decrease in numbers through the turnstiles is the negative press which we have received toward the end of the Souness era and throughout Mark Hughes current era. To the diehard Rovers enthusiast this will not make any discrepancy to whether they attend games at Ewood our not.

I myself are not From Blackburn so have the advantage of not been surrounded by just Blackburn fans and live in North Staffordshire an area without a Premiership and the nearest being 40-50 miles away ( Manchester, Birmingham clubs ) . Amongst the many floating fans or those that just like football but do not have a club many that I have spoken too have told me that the primary reason why they would go to Watch the Rovers is due to picture painted in the UK media of us being “bully boys” and playing negative football.

If this is turning people away from watching us, then what does it do for our reputation with Sky and the BBC . Some series PR stunts need to be pulled with rovers to get the press on our side as I sense that by having this poor image , will stunt any possible schemes put forward by Brisa or Rovers in the future

[philipl]

I think you have hit a key point there BNSG. We've always been unfashionable or patronised but the last twelve months has seen a concerted media attack on the Rovers prompted by Whinger and Moanrhino (thaanks Waggy) giving us a bad mouthing after we'd put their teams thru' the mangle. In fact, truth be told, Rovers v Chelsea was one of THE classic games in the Premiership last season.

I think the statements from Hughes and JW in the Press are first class but perhaps the club needs some high quality PR management from a London agency (this is something you cannot bring in-house; it cannot be bought that way) to up the profile positively and news manage next time somebody precious gets either a blue or white elbow where they didn't ought to.

As for a stunt? Rovers 5 United 0 and some ole football tomorrow night?

[Dr Gonzo]

Fantastic job by all concerned.

I was just wondering how this will be presented to the club. Sorry if this has already been mentioned but was there any plan to get a story in the local press about this? Obviously this would beg a full response from the club...

Am I being naive?

Edited January 10, 2006 by Dr Gonzo

[JAL]

Would it not be better if a representative of Blackburn council or the local MP be present to discuss the parking/road/ trasnsport issues around Ewood along with what the future holds for the local inhabitants regarding the present and future economic state of Blackburn with Darwen.

[Tony Diamond Inc]

Although I agree with Rev about the rolling ST, my suggestion is more aimed at the current non ST holders who would consider it. It could be similar to the stamps they sell at the post office for gas car tax etc.

[m@tt]

slightly off topic regards attendance... but linked...

Why dont they use chip and pin style season ticket cards. You enter ewood and pay for you beer and pie on the card and it automatically comes out of your bank account. Or you use it as a top up card, so you login online or go to the club shop add money to the card and then it would make buying pie's and drinks quicker and would inturn mean more are sold which would mean more money to spend on players, ground etc...

the directors need to visit disney in america and see how they do entertainment... i went about 10 yrs ago and they are miles ahead of us brits with technology and ways to increase attendance etc.

half time, full time and even before the game is often rather dull... rovers must look at ways of making it more of a day out and giving answers to the question... WHY GO? when you can watch in on tv or the highlights of rovers world...

rovers need to add something new and fresh... but also us supporters have a job to help drive support..

another quick idea is ticket referral incentives... for every person you invite to the game who buys a ticket you get £x amount to spend on your Rovers Debit Card or spend at the club shop... the personw with the most referralls gets a big prize etc...

Edited January 10, 2006 by m@tt

[ihateburnley]

slightly off topic regards attendance... but linked...

Why dont they use chip and pin style season ticket cards. You enter ewood and pay for you beer and pie on the card and it automatically comes out of your bank account. Or you use it as a top up card, so you login online or go to the club shop add money to the card and then it would make buying pie's and drinks quicker and would inturn mean more are sold which would mean more money to spend on players, ground etc...

the directors need to visit disney in america and see how they do entertainment... i went about 10 yrs ago and they are miles ahead of us brits with technology and ways to increase attendance etc.

half time, full time and even before the game is often rather dull... rovers must look at ways of making it more of a day out and giving answers to the question... WHY GO? when you can watch in on tv or the highlights of rovers world...

rovers need to add something new and fresh... but also us supporters have a job to help drive support..

another quick idea is ticket referral incentives... for every person you invite to the game who buys a ticket you get £x amount to spend on your Rovers Debit Card or spend at the club shop... the personw with the most referralls gets a big prize etc...

373176[/snapback]

Some good points there M@tt, but for some of us this is exactly what we DON'T want. I want to turn up to Ewood, pay on the gate (I can't really afford a season-ticket) sit in my seat and watch the game. I don't want to be bombarded with cheesy over-commercialised extra such as non-football entertainment. I don't want to go and spend some more cash in the 'Rovers Megastore' or whatever.

I want to pay for my ticket, maybe have a couple of beers and a pie and have a good time in a quality atmosphere. It it was up to me, I wouldn't even have a RoverVision set-up or music before kick-off. Why don't they just show highlights of the Rovers on the big-screen - in silence - and let the fans generate their own atmosphere like it used to be done!!! My ears take a severe beating when I go on Ewood now and it's not good.

To me there are major issues Rovers need to look at:

COST - Perhaps this is an issue for football in general, but there have been some good ideas above.

MARKETING - Let's increase the fan base and spread the word! Let's tap up the 'disadvantaged' areas in football such as Blackpool, Preston, Lancaster, Chorley, t'other side of Burnley , etc etc. "Come and see the Rovers for proper football - just like it used to be", could be a good start. Or in the Burnley/Blackpool/Preston areas what about "Why go and watch a lower league team? - watch the Mighty Rovers for less!!!". Imagine seeing that on a bus stop poster in Burnley town centre!!! Come on Rovers let's milk that audience because it is defintely out there!

TRAFFIC/PARKING - This is possibly more of an issue for Blackburn Council rather than BRFC.

With regards the report - well done lads and lasses! A cracking read and just about gets all the relevant points across. Just one question though? Why on the BRISA logo, does it have the blue half on the wrong side?

Edited January 10, 2006 by ihateburnley

[Welshrover1981]

Well done to those who compiled and wrote the report.

Got to the point and produce very good ideas to get local support back into Blackburn Rovers.

not living in the Rovers area I can not comment or even be prepared to comment on what the situation is like in and around blackburn but I can not help but notice a few things which are very similar to other football clubs. I will take the local club Cardiff City for example.

As we all know Cardiff City are in the Champoinship and this season and the last Cardiff City have struggled to get support back into Ninian Park. Many are of the problem highlighted to this report can be linked into the same problems which Cardiff have. However the difference between Cardiff and Blackburn is the Direct support which Cardiff could achieve. Cardiff City are reputed to have a possible fan base of over 1 million people due to the lack of premiership teams around the area (only swansea and Bristol Teams local to cardiff) whereas rovers have to compete directly with Burnley, Preston, Bolton, Manchester, Blackpool and even the likes of Liverpool, Everton, and Wigan. So Blackburn have a much harder task in getting fans and attracting new fans into the club.

But yet again it seems Club Chairman and Directors seem to come up with this ridculous excuse of not knowing what to do. Sam haman stated in the local press that he has tried everything to get fans back into the ground and could not think of any other ideas, yet me and my mates came up with at least 20 ways to get fans back and my mate personally wrote these ideas to CCFC.

Put simply, Chairman and Directors simply do not want bother in spending vast amount of time and money in getting fans back to the club and is left to the Supporters clubs/fans to sort and propose what can be done. This to me is the main problem with alot of Premiership and League clubs.

Plus one of the main facts is... Players wages. Lets face it players are paid too much and club like us are in a catch 22 situation. We got to pay big saleries to get big players to achieve premiership survival and success at the cost of match day prices.

Lets get standing areas back. It works in Germany and works very well. a mate of mine watch Dortmund for cheap ticket price and said it was the best game and atmosphere he has been to, fans were civilised but really got behind the team. This game was also against Munich 18something who arent a big player in the german league.

I agree with the report to get match day tickets and to get young adults back into Ewood by offering cheap prices. This is the core group you need in order to be affiliated to a club. This is where you gain and lose fans. Get Youth Tickets for 14-18 year olds.

Finally, has anyone looked at the fact that Blackburn and the surrounding area is not the most affulant of places in the UK. Those the demographic may largely be on a much lower income and thus simply do not have the economic power to get tickets.

Good Luck

Edited January 10, 2006 by Welshrover1981

[Billinge End Blue]

The report is great, hope it provides the basis not only for improvement in the number of fans attending Ewood Park but a better supporting experience and choice for those who already go....

One possible addition, especially after our recent Wigan JJB jaunt, is to foster the 'Fernhurst Factor' for away fans, especially with the apparent dip in numbers of travelling support nationally. For many supporters of other clubs (apart from Burnley), a trip to Ewood is said to be particularly enjoyed because as well as being reasonably priced they can have a few beers in a convivial atmosphere.

Perhaps a 'Marquee-like' beer tent behind the Darwen End for big games would provide some competition for the Fernhurst pub and encourage away supporters to Ewood to return next season?

Nowt wrong with a bit of Lancashire hospitality, off the pitch though.

[thenodrog]

However, I think Rev missed a point. The report doesn't say the Asian support isn't an issue, it says it is so important an issue that it deserves a separate meeting as a topic on its own if I read it correctly.

373087[/snapback]

If I understand things correctly that could be deemed a racist action. Couldn't it?

[philipl]

If I understand things correctly that could be deemed a racist action.  Couldn't it?

373233[/snapback]

No

[m@tt]

Some good points there M@tt, but for some of us this is exactly what we DON'T want. I want to turn up to Ewood, pay on the gate (I can't really afford a season-ticket) sit in my seat and watch the game. I don't want to be bombarded with cheesy over-commercialised extra such as non-football entertainment. I don't want to go and spend some more cash in the 'Rovers Megastore' or whatever.

I want to pay for my ticket, maybe have a couple of beers and a pie and have a good time in a quality atmosphere. It it was up to me, I wouldn't even have a RoverVision set-up or music before kick-off. Why don't they just show highlights of the Rovers on the big-screen - in silence - and let the fans generate their own atmosphere like it used to be done!!! My ears take a severe beating when I go on Ewood now and it's not good.

Valid points.

Sorry i did not mean we should have cheerleaders and all that.

One simple thing would be if rovers do have the database of who has ever bought a season ticket etc simply contact everyone and ask why they dont go anymore...

One point if we did not have rover vision etc (on the subject of rover vision i think it needs a new image seems old and amateurish) and music would rovers fans really start singing and banter??

The problem is anyone can now go to the pub watch the big games or watch match of the day or whatever for the best bits and dont have to go to ewood. The club has to think of a reason for WHY people should go.

My point about entertainment management is not turning ewood into a disney of the north west but instead improving on the commercial side of things. The bars, food and products rovers produce etc. The service which ewood offers needs modernising.

Just as football clubs are having poor attendances shops are having low sales figs. The reason, people want to have an experience. Why pay £30 extra for a new camera in dixons when you can buy it cheaper off amazon?

Why spend £30 on a rovers ticket when you can watch the best bits on rovers world etc...