Off the field operations

[Smug in Boots]

Yes that this should be stamped out immediately. Club should have measures in place to prevent this. This new 70% thing does nothing whatsoever to stop this, as it's simply how many times the ticket is used or forwarded, and not down to people illegally entering the SOL.

It already does and has just announced further SC checks at the turnstiles.*

As for the 70% issue, you've totally grabbed the wrong end of the stick ...

... it has absolutely nothing to do with entering the SOL.

* 13th Feb 2025

Sunderland AFC supporters are advised that ticket checks have been introduced throughout the Stadium of Light.

Fans are reminded that all match tickets and season tickets (card or digital) must correspond with their correct age and status.

In recent weeks, spot checks have unfortunately resulted in several fans being escorted from the stadium after entering the ground with tickets that did not align with their correct status.

These instances have taken place in general admission and premium areas and included adults entering with concession tickets and personal assistants entering without their dependent.

Club policy states that any person(s) identified entering the stadium using an incorrect ticket will be escorted from the ground and provided with an opportunity to purchase the correct ticket, including match and season tickets.

 

[Prehab26]

It already does and has just announced further SC checks at the turnstiles.*

As for the 70% issue, you've totally grabbed the wrong end of the stick ...

... it has absolutely nothing to do with entering the SOL.

* 13th Feb 2025

Sunderland AFC supporters are advised that ticket checks have been introduced throughout the Stadium of Light.

Fans are reminded that all match tickets and season tickets (card or digital) must correspond with their correct age and status.

In recent weeks, spot checks have unfortunately resulted in several fans being escorted from the stadium after entering the ground with tickets that did not align with their correct status.

These instances have taken place in general admission and premium areas and included adults entering with concession tickets and personal assistants entering without their dependent.

Club policy states that any person(s) identified entering the stadium using an incorrect ticket will be escorted from the ground and provided with an opportunity to purchase the correct ticket, including match and season tickets.

This is the first message I have replied to you in a month. That's a different issue you're quoting.

This 70% one does. Season cards of junior tickets have to be used for 70% of games.

 

[Smug in Boots]

This is the first message I have replied to you in a month. That's a different issue you're quoting.

This 70% one does. Season cards of junior tickets have to be used for 70% of games.

They don't imo.

But, as I've said, GG, Becs, etc have raised the issue with the club as you know ...

... so, as I've already said, everyone can stop interpreting things and wait for clarification.

 

[Prehab26]

They don't imo.

But, as I've said, GG, Becs, etc have raised the issue with the club as you know ...

... so, as I've already said, everyone can stop interpreting things and wait for clarification.

They do. I have seen clarification today about it. They are staying that tickets have to be used 70% of the time. That will then trigger a message to the parent for a discussion/consultation on a case by case basis.

It's just incredibly poor and bad logic. From what I see it's down to cash. They have already raised the under 18 tickets by 35% or so and the under 16 tickets by treble at 150%! Now they are not happy if a under 14 is not being used as much as they want it to be/opportunity to sell it to an adult for more. It's an American model of ensuring all tickets have maximum intake for the business.

 

[Smug in Boots]

They do. I have seen clarification today about it. They are staying that tickets have to be used 70% of the time. That will then trigger a message to the parent for a discussion/consultation on a case by case basis.

It's just incredibly poor and bad logic. From what I see it's down to cash. They have already raised the under 18 tickets by 35% or so and the under 16 tickets by treble at 150%! Now they are not happy if a under 14 is not being used as much as they want it to be/opportunity to sell it to an adult for more. It's an American model of ensuring all tickets have maximum intake for the business.

So post it.

 

[Prehab26]

It's nothing to do with adults using kids tickets on the scum. That's a separate issue. They need to employ people at each turnsile to stamp that out. They don't so people cheat the system.

 

[Prehab26]

So post it.

13/03 Update: Junior Season Tickets - 70% Attendance
1 hour ago Updated
On Thursday, the Club provided an additional update regarding junior season tickets for the 2025-26 season.

A significant number of these tickets have not been redeemed during the 2024-25 campaign, with an average of 32% of junior tickets not being used each matchday.

Next season, fans aged 14 and under must use or forward their ticket for at least 70% of daytime fixtures to guarantee access to future loyalty pricing.

Fans aged 14 and under that fail to attend at least 70% of daytime fixtures also risk having their season ticket cancelled.

In these instances, the ticketing team will contact the account holder directly to discuss the supporters’ circumstances and ensure a reasonable conclusion is reached.

These measure aims to reduce the number of unused seats and ensure all supporters, including season ticket holders, can access a wider range of seats on a game-by-game and seasonal basis.

Demand is continually increasing for match tickets and availability for supporters wishing to purchase multiple seats is now extremely limited, especially in the lower bowl.

We appreciate the feedback received from supporters throughout the last 24 hours and fans with additional questions are encouraged to get in touch with our ticketing team by submitting a request.



They we have it. A new update today. And there you go. The 70% is there with clear information.

 

[Essayyeffcee]

13/03 Update: Junior Season Tickets - 70% Attendance
1 hour ago Updated
On Thursday, the Club provided an additional update regarding junior season tickets for the 2025-26 season.

A significant number of these tickets have not been redeemed during the 2024-25 campaign, with an average of 32% of junior tickets not being used each matchday.

Next season, fans aged 14 and under must use or forward their ticket for at least 70% of daytime fixtures to guarantee access to future loyalty pricing.

Fans aged 14 and under that fail to attend at least 70% of daytime fixtures also risk having their season ticket cancelled.

In these instances, the ticketing team will contact the account holder directly to discuss the supporters’ circumstances and ensure a reasonable conclusion is reached.

These measure aims to reduce the number of unused seats and ensure all supporters, including season ticket holders, can access a wider range of seats on a game-by-game and seasonal basis.

Demand is continually increasing for match tickets and availability for supporters wishing to purchase multiple seats is now extremely limited, especially in the lower bowl.

We appreciate the feedback received from supporters throughout the last 24 hours and fans with additional questions are encouraged to get in touch with our ticketing team by submitting a request.



They we have it. A new update today. And there you go. The 70% is there with clear information.

You sure the club are saying 70% of all games? According to your post it states that "Fans aged 14 and under that fail to attend at least 70% of daytime fixtures also risk having their season ticket cancelled."

To me that's only Saturday afternoon matches, I don't think it includes evening games

 

[Smug in Boots]

13/03 Update: Junior Season Tickets - 70% Attendance
1 hour ago Updated
On Thursday, the Club provided an additional update regarding junior season tickets for the 2025-26 season.

A significant number of these tickets have not been redeemed during the 2024-25 campaign, with an average of 32% of junior tickets not being used each matchday.

Next season, fans aged 14 and under must use or forward their ticket for at least 70% of daytime fixtures to guarantee access to future loyalty pricing.

Fans aged 14 and under that fail to attend at least 70% of daytime fixtures also risk having their season ticket cancelled.

In these instances, the ticketing team will contact the account holder directly to discuss the supporters’ circumstances and ensure a reasonable conclusion is reached.

These measure aims to reduce the number of unused seats and ensure all supporters, including season ticket holders, can access a wider range of seats on a game-by-game and seasonal basis.

Demand is continually increasing for match tickets and availability for supporters wishing to purchase multiple seats is now extremely limited, especially in the lower bowl.

We appreciate the feedback received from supporters throughout the last 24 hours and fans with additional questions are encouraged to get in touch with our ticketing team by submitting a request.



They we have it. A new update today. And there you go. The 70% is there with clear information.

So it's not 70% of games, just weekends ... not exactly the disgrace that was suggested.

And it's not automatic but will be subject to contact from the club and a discussion.

In reality a third of junior tickets, not being used, is ridiculous and the club are right to address it.

If that figure remained the same, after promotion, it would have a significant effect on finances.

Those people who keep demanding flex/ambition/spending should appreciate that.

 

[Prehab26]

You sure the club are saying 70% of all games? According to your post it states that "Fans aged 14 and under that fail to attend at least 70% of daytime fixtures also risk having their season ticket cancelled."

To me that's only Saturday afternoon matches, I don't think it includes evening games

Hi mate. When I posted about this all yday it was all games. Due to the amount of kick back the club have been forced to release that statement above. They have now included 'daytime' into the updated statement.

I hope it see this reflected in their official terms and conditions. It's a step in the right direction and better than the initial communication yday however, I still find it unacceptable.

 

[Prehab26]

So it's not 70% of games, just weekends ... not exactly the disgrace that was suggested.

And it's not automatic but will be subject to contact from the club and a discussion.

In reality a third of junior tickets, not being used, is ridiculous and the club are right to address it.

If that figure remained the same, after promotion, it would have a significant effect on finances.

Those people who keep demanding flex/ambition/spending should appreciate that.

Refer you to the post I replied to above. Initially it absolutely was 70%. A disgrace.

They have now been forced to put out an updated statement to add daytime to roll back a little.

Thanks to those who made noise, contacted the club and RAWA who raised concerns.

Least it's daytime now.

 

[Prehab26]

Once again, it's ok for the club to be wrong and make a bad decision you know guys. They mess up time to time. We don't have to just go along with them and disbelieve anyone who is critical of it.

This has been poor but at least they have flexed a little within 24 hours of people being really unhappy.

 

[Smug in Boots]

Refer you to the post I replied to above. Initially it absolutely was 70%. A disgrace.

They have now been forced to put out an updated statement to add daytime to roll back a little.

Thanks to those who made noise, contacted the club and RAWA who raised concerns.

Least it's daytime now.

If a third of juniors aren't attending 70% of weekend games it's no surprise there are so many empty seats.

The club are planning for the Premier League and this is part of it ...

... if people want more money spent they have to understand it has to be earned.

As I've kept saying no genuine junior would lose their SC, it's simply the club putting in anti-fraud Ts&Cs.

As far as I'm concerned people should just let it all drop now as this benefits the club and the supporters.

 

[Prehab26]

If a third of juniors aren't attending 70% of weekend games it's no surprise there are so many empty seats.

The club are planning for the Premier League and this is part of it ...

... if people want more money spent they have to understand it has to be earned.

That's not the reason. To pin it on kids who may not attend for whatever reason is weak. We don't have the demand. We have sold out once or twice in about 20 year man. That may increase and I hope it does. But this doesn't sit right with me.

There are loads of people who I know, me included who got their kids tickets at 5/6/7 years old. They may have taken it left it. Went to 50% of games. Eased them in get them addicted to safc. Now they all are. Under this term and update, these , next generation of fans run the risk of being told they are not welcome.

Anyway, glad the club have rolled back on their initial term and condition which they posted yday, and subsequently posted a more relaxed stance due to fan backlash.

 

[APC]

Question and a bit off topic but is founders going to be the new hospitality experience in place of the black cats bar? Or is there going to be something that directly replaces the black cats bar?

 

[Iain]

So it's not 70% of games, just weekends ... not exactly the disgrace that was suggested.

And it's not automatic but will be subject to contact from the club and a discussion.

In reality a third of junior tickets, not being used, is ridiculous and the club are right to address it.

If that figure remained the same, after promotion, it would have a significant effect on finances.

Those people who keep demanding flex/ambition/spending should appreciate that.

I'm sure I heard on here a few times mate of posters complaining when the attendance is read out that there's no way there was that many in the ground.
This is to do with season tickets not being used but the ticket has already been sold.
To me the club are trying to make sure the stadium is as full as possible, you can't do that if the tickets being sold are not being used.
On the other hand we are not selling out on a weekly basis so anyone extra trying to attend will be able to get a seat.
However I'm sure the club have experts in place to over look these issues.
I'm sure it's not a case of ripping people off as some many suggest, more a case of generating the right atmosphere within the stadium.

 

[Prehab26]

Question and a bit off topic but is founders going to be the new hospitality experience in place of the black cats bar? Or is there going to be something that directly replaces the black cats bar?

No.

The founders is the entry level to a bit of hospitality. The black cats bar is getting done out and going to be repackaged. However , from what I hear the new price to be in there is going to jump at least 30%.

 

[Smug in Boots]

That's not the reason. To pin it on kids who may not attend for whatever reason is weak. We don't have the demand. We have sold out once or twice in about 20 year man. That may increase and I hope it does. But this doesn't sit right with me.

There are loads of people who I know, me included who got their kids tickets at 5/6/7 years old. They may have taken it left it. Went to 50% of games. Eased them in get them addicted to safc. Now they all are. Under this term and update, these , next generation of fans run the risk of being told they are not welcome.

Anyway, glad the club have rolled back on their initial term and condition which they posted yday, and subsequently posted a more relaxed stance due to fan backlash.

I'm sure I heard on here a few times mate of posters complaining when the attendance is read out that there's no way there was that many in the ground.
This is to do with season tickets not being used but the ticket has already been sold.
To me the club are trying to make sure the stadium is as full as possible, you can't do that if the tickets being sold are not being used.
On the other hand we are not selling out on a weekly basis so anyone extra trying to attend will be able to get a seat.
However I'm sure the club have experts in place to over look these issues.
I'm sure it's not a case of ripping people off as some many suggest, more a case of generating the right atmosphere within the stadium.

The club are clearly planning for the PL, surely that's what we all want and what people are demanding.

They also need to maximise income so they can invest in the signings some are screaming for.

Whatever the case, unless anyone ever has their SC rescinded that's basically the end of the matter ...

... so everyone can forget all about it and concentrate on the football.

 

[King Kareoke]

Hopefully this is a storm in a teacup.

Club need to remember the kids of today are the fans of the future

By the way I am reet old and my kids are on their twenties. Last year I gave up a ticket as one of my daughters could not always guarantee attendance due to work. However I do feel if I was willing to fork out and attendance was low it is still acceptable because of work.

With the varied kick offs the club need to ge careful not to lose genuine fans with genuine excuses. I hope this is the case

 

[Smug in Boots]

No.

The founders is the entry level to a bit of hospitality. The black cats bar is getting done out and going to be repackaged. However , from what I hear the new price to be in there is going to jump at least 30%.

If it's 30% better I'm sure people will be happy to pay.