Much as I think we should add 5,000 seats as soon as possible and would love this to be true, I'm afraid it's almost certainly bollocks.
In my view, it's a poor design. The scanners are in the wrong place relative to the turnstile, and the scanning system's vague. Could be bollocks, but someone that said they were involved with the installation claims the system couldn't cope with people going through the turnstiles at a reasonable rate. According to them, it's why they've limited the turnstiles you can use. They said it a bit back, but I've seen nothing to discredit it as a theory so far.
They seem to be guessing numbers and unclear on where the design's from. It's a shame the club never looked at the stairway option it shows to upper west though.
But this is always the case. So what is the reason for the long queues on Saturday - is it do with less stewards on hand to help out with the scanning (which I think I read some weeks back) ?
You can only go through 3 turnstiles now where in previous seasons you had about 8 in the South stand. Queued for 25 mins on Saturday to get in . I normally take an 81 year guy who lives near me who would have been well shafted if he'd gone on Saturday coz he can't stand for long. Stadiums big enough has it is the novelties wearing off for a few people that I know who don't go anymore.
Regarding the turnstiles, it should be more like Man Utd's. Last time I went (which was a few years ago) instead of funnelling into the scanning area, you scanned the pass or ticket outside the stadium and then funnel into the stadium.
That's how it is at most outside stadiums here. Come to think about it the only lines I have ever had to stand in are in door stadiums where the scanners are inside the stadium doors.
