Kane57 Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 http://fsf.org.uk/blog/view/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 way”. 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 Stand Our 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweep Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 In recent weeks we have introduced rosé wine, green tea and gluten-free meals Excellent stuff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traf Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 Giving fans what they want, eh? Who'd have thought that might work? Fair play, I say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oggybwfc Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 Giving fans what they want, eh? Who'd have thought that might work? Fair play, I say. A free drink at every game, hope Phil plays a game of "Oneupmanship" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MalcolmW Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 In recent weeks we have introduced rosé wine, green tea and gluten-free meals I wasn't planning to revisit Middlesbrough anytime soon (memories of my last trip are still vivid), but maybe I'll reconsider. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 In recent weeks we have introduced rosé wine, green tea and gluten-free meals I wasn't planning to revisit Middlesbrough anytime soon (memories of my last trip are still vivid), but maybe I'll reconsider. Fort disco? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Carlos Posted October 11, 2013 Moderators Share Posted October 11, 2013 Clearly this has been written by an Advertising student e.g. Dave is a 32 year unemployed docker from Middlesbrough. He has little disposable income and spends all that on tabs and pints of Lager. However, this is the kind of radical overhaul needed. The kids are being given what they want, computer games and shit, yet adults paying full whack (£33!!) are being short changed. I can get a decent feed in Manchester for £33, I can get a flight abroad, both places I'd get called sir. Or I can be bullied by some meathead... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweep Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 I can get a decent feed for £33 Indeed, 33 bacon barms Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marple whites Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 The disco and DJ sound similar to Mary Dees at City. Fair play to them though - great effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freds dad Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 It will never work at the Reebok. Where would we put the Werthers stall? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomski Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 (edited) Fair play I say. The only one that appeals to me would be the free pint. Its a nice touch and would save me 70 quid a year (I know I don't have to have a pint but I choose to). They have obviously tried to cater for everyone which is good. I wouldn't have to sup my pint in the games zone etc etc. Edited October 11, 2013 by tomski Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Not in Crawley Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 Fair play I say - it sounds god awful, and written by a complete moron, but at least they are trying something Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Youri McAnespie Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 Unless they gave in to their demands, The Red Faction threatened to kidnap Steve Gibson and execute him with a gunshot to the head (whilst tied up in a car boot). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gonzo Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 Thing is,if fanzone actually resembled a decent pub/bar I'd probably give it a go. Is Steve Gibson still at the helm at boro by the way? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traf Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 You take from their offering as much or as little as you like. Transfer the idea to the Reebok and if you're an ESLSC member, it just means a free pint every week. Some would ask to just have season tickets reduced in price, but it's beer you'd buy anyway. The kids will love it and to come back. You know how it is with kids, once they've been a few times, they're hooked on it. Bad football is like bad smack, you know you shouldn't, but it's highly addictive! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
no balls Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 Fair play I say - it sounds god awful, and written by a complete moron, but at least they are trying something Correct. The free pint sounds alright to me though I am allergic to confetti and presume most proper men are too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevieb Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 When it becomes official it would ruin it. Imagine a sign for the Eslsc. It'd ruin the magic. It would be too mainstream for the #hipsters who are regulars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L/H White Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 Indeed, 33 bacon barms Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traf Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 Aka Big E's breakfast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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