Doncaster Rovers wish to thank all fans for attending our first home league game of the season last night against Bury.
During the close season there have been several changes at Doncaster Rovers and Keepmoat Stadium. Although as of yet the transfer of the management of the stadium hasn’t passed to Doncaster Rovers, as part of the ‘In Rovers We Trust’ project a number of suggestions have been acted upon during close season by all parties currently involved with match day provision. At the match last night there were a number of clear observations of changes which have worked well and changes which still require tweaking, we ask fans for patience whilst the Club try to provide a solution to suit all.
Catering
During June at the ‘Forum for the Future’ event Doncaster Rovers presented fans with a range of food and drink options as part of the new look catering function at the ground next season. At the end of July the club also informed fans of the prices of food and drink on match days for the 2012/13 season. See here for details
During our friendly and cup fixtures at Keepmoat Stadium however, the previous prices continued to be charged as a goodwill gesture to fans based on the nature of the fixtures. Prior to yesterday’s fixture we failed to remind fans of prices that would be charged for food and drink inside the ground.
We’re also aware that some fans have said that prices were not displayed clearly enough, more signage is being created to ensure this is not repeated for future matches.
The club is also aware that in the West stand not all kiosks were open. This decision was made based on the expected walk up crowd and sales prior to yesterday morning. The club however received a high volume of fans deciding to purchase tickets late yesterday afternoon which impacted heavily on the crowd. The club can confirm that from now on all kiosks in the West stand will be open for future match days.
Ticketing
The club are aware that last night the queue at the ticket office was large, and would like to say again that there was a higher than expected late walk up crowd.
On normal match days the club would only sell match tickets for the game taking place and only accept cash payment for tickets. As part of the ‘In Rovers We Trust’ project however the Club has listened to suggestions from fans to accept card payments on match days and sell tickets for other games and season ticket packages. Both of these options caused a longer selling time for each customer and contributed to the late volume of fans purchasing tickets to cause queues.
The club are keen to leave as many options as open as possible for fans on match days though and are looking at ways in which a range of ticket products and payment methods can be sold/used on match days whilst ensuring all fans are inside the ground for kick off.
Although a cash turnstile proposal is still under consideration, the club would like to request that in the interim period fans (where possible) buy early and assist the club in dealing with this problem at future games. The club encourages fans to purchase early through our Web Wednesday incentives and cheaper advance ticket prices. By purchasing prior to matchday you will save £1 on each ticket purchased. By purchasing for two or three matches at a time you will also save time and travel expense on visits to the ticket office.
We will continue to work with fans through the In Rovers We Trust project and will continue to try and deliver our Rovers Promise.