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Post by horseman on Oct 19, 2017 13:12:12 GMT
A Direct bus from the train station might be a good place to start..45 minutes tour of Oxford to get to the ground after a train journey..Then after the game stand and wait upwards of 20 minutes in the cold and possible rain waiting for buses then be packed in like sardines whilst you endure another tour of Oxford and hope that you make it for the last train home all this with a young child. Train + Bus + Food + Tickets around £75 An 8 hours + day for a 1.1/2 hours event it is also worth remembering that those with family do have other things to occupy their time and expenditure no matter how much fire in your belly. The public transport issue has always been a problem, even when we were at the Manor. Generally most football buses have been for the locals and even then the relationship between club and bus service provider has been far from perfect. Put simply, bus service providers don’t want drivers sat around for two hours waiting for the game to end whilst not providing any service. We always get talk of improvements in Oxford’s infrastructure but if I had a million for every pie-in-the-sky idea touted about trams, trains and new services, I’d be able to buy the Kassam! I don’t think it puts off too many overall, but I’m sure we’re not a great allure for an away fan who has visited the Kassam before. We have a neat ground with good views, although the away day experience is pretty drab from that end, I imagine. I think ST has it right above. We’re experiencing the lull two seasons after promotion. You can throw in a few other variables – northern centric league, short of feisty local encounters, price increases. However, the main one I think it that Oxford United very much have a ceiling of appeal at this level. We’re just not big enough to generate 10k every week at this level. Football interest has grown massively since 1990 in Oxfordshire with more middle class support frequenting games but I do think we have a limit. We’re never going to be Manchester United or Arsenal in support terms but there’s no reason why we can’t develop into a Wigan or Doncaster. The driver wouldn't have to be sat around though, The bus would return a few minutes before the game is due to end. Also have certain visiting teams fans not had a bus laid on for them from the station as tvp do not want them in the city? There is no magic wand but you need attract the customer not wait just expect them to turn up, find ways to give them reason to turn up and to keep doing so
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Post by foley on Oct 19, 2017 13:35:49 GMT
A bit of quick statistical comparison. We have played six home games this season against teams that we also played last season. The aggregate attendance for those six games last season was 49,309 (average 8,218). Those same six fixtures this season have produced an aggregate attendance of 41,614 (average 6,936). This is down by 15.6% on last season. Now there are some mitigating circumstances, such as two midweek games this season verses one last season and the fact that last season Shrewsbury was last game of the season (usually a good crowd). But, it is an alarming drop. I think second season syndrome is a factor, but this makes it all the more ridiculous that the club decided to increase ticket prices and not actively market ticket sales at a time when they should have been doing exactly the opposite. I find it both frustrating and depressing that we have messed this up when it was easier not to. Once people get out of the habit it's twice as hard to get them back into it. Can'r disagree with that Colin, although with the huge operating losses and huge issues with FK, I can kind of see where DE was coming from (even though I may disagree). To back up Paul's point, for anybody not attending, the football this season has generally been of a very high standard and very entertaining. Goodness I have seen enough downs and also seen the football under Atkins and Wilder to absolutely love some of the football we are now witnessing. This won't last for ever ...
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Post by Best Mate on Oct 19, 2017 14:10:59 GMT
After Saturday (which ironically, I can't attend) - we only 2 more league games at home prior to December.
Northampton (11th Nov) and Blackburn (Tues 21st Nov).
One is fairly local in terms of away support and the other a big club (historically), plus the Blackburn game could be really important in terms of league position.
Would be super if the club could implement a campaign for these games. Firstly, even if they do not incentivise the fans with discounts, lets actually email the database. I said on another thread, I am not a season ticket holder and have received one email re tickets since July and this was on the 4th August to get tickets for the Pompey game.....and I already had them. I got my dad some Burnley tickets 4-5 years ago and since July, I have had 10 emails advertising tickets, the club shop, match reports etc.....
Why not kids for a quid for Northampton AND loop in the Blackburn game where adults can purchase tickets for both matches for £30 in the East/ North and £35 on the South Stand or something like this. Then for the adults attending 1 game and paying £22 - the incentive is there to chip in the extra £8 and get the other match as well. Those taking advantage of the kids for a quid (who may not bring the child to the Blackburn evening game) can upgrade that seat for the same promotional cost (I.e another £8 or £10.50) so may come to the second game with friends.
Then if they decide to do this - either advertise in the press or God forbid, push it bloody hard via Twitter/ Facebook/ Email and ask the existing fan base to help spread the word (posters to download etc)
No reason we could not get 8,000-9,000 plus home fans alone for those games as opposed to 6,000 - 6,500.
Then on the Northampton match day, slip in the programme/ use the scoreboard (pre-kick off) and announce /tannoy that any child attending on the 9th December (Donny at home) / Wigan (23rd December) will get a free present - and that includes child Season ticket holders. So we are including all young supporters of the club.
In terms of the present, that could be a cardboard face mask, flag, colouring book, eraser topper set, fake Santa beard - one of a hundred things costing less than a quid and their entry will cover the promotion and hopefully the parent appreciates the gesture/ hopefully enjoys the game and more importantly, the kid wants to come back.
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Post by oxfordboy on Oct 19, 2017 14:26:51 GMT
We'll be fairly close to a sell out for Northampton anyway, doing kids for a quid there would be insane
It would be good to do a kids for a quid or something similar on a Tuesday night game though
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Post by oufcyellows on Oct 19, 2017 14:36:50 GMT
Is Blackburn the last home Tuesday game of the season ?
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Post by Colin B on Oct 19, 2017 14:46:18 GMT
We'll be fairly close to a sell out for Northampton anyway, doing kids for a quid there would be insane It would be good to do a kids for a quid or something similar on a Tuesday night game though I don't think we'll be anywhere near a sell out for Northants. We only had 7,700 home fans for Portsmouth, who I'd argue are a bigger draw. Promote it, market it, push it through all media outlets, and maybe we might get close, but do nothing and you're looking at just over 7,000 home fans plus what Northampton bring.
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Post by Trevor L on Oct 19, 2017 15:11:08 GMT
A bit of quick statistical comparison. We have played six home games this season against teams that we also played last season. The aggregate attendance for those six games last season was 49,309 (average 8,218). Those same six fixtures this season have produced an aggregate attendance of 41,614 (average 6,936). This is down by 15.6% on last season. Now there are some mitigating circumstances, such as two midweek games this season verses one last season and the fact that last season Shrewsbury was last game of the season (usually a good crowd). But, it is an alarming drop. I think second season syndrome is a factor, but this makes it all the more ridiculous that the club decided to increase ticket prices and not actively market ticket sales at a time when they should have been doing exactly the opposite. I find it both frustrating and depressing that we have messed this up when it was easier not to. Once people get out of the habit it's twice as hard to get them back into it. With no market research to back up what I say, I'd have thought that price has a big part to play Colin. A minimum on the day price of £22 for third tier football is an awful lot of cash for a third division match and to take this week as an example, asking folk to stump that up twice within five days is bound to hit the non-season-ticket / walk up fan numbers hard. A big hit on limited disposable income, and pricey compared to cinemas / meals out etc. It'll be interesting to see how Saturday's crowd compares with Tuesday. I know the bottom line financially is total attendance, but netting out the away fan numbers gives a better idea of the local support. I've had a look at it for those six games but it's hard to find the detail on the club website for last season. I do hate seeing 4000+ empty seats every match standing as a sort of testimony to a failed pricing policy, given the football is well worth watching.
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Post by oxfordboy on Oct 19, 2017 16:04:32 GMT
We'll be fairly close to a sell out for Northampton anyway, doing kids for a quid there would be insane It would be good to do a kids for a quid or something similar on a Tuesday night game though I don't think we'll be anywhere near a sell out for Northants. We only had 7,700 home fans for Portsmouth, who I'd argue are a bigger draw. Promote it, market it, push it through all media outlets, and maybe we might get close, but do nothing and you're looking at just over 7,000 home fans plus what Northampton bring. Maybe close to a sellout was a bit much, but i'd definitely expect 9000 for it, i've been mostly ok with our attendances so far this season but if we're not close to that for Northampton then i'll be very disappointed
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Post by pottersrightboot on Oct 19, 2017 16:30:42 GMT
Look I know this might not be a popular view as we all have limited disposable income - but the football being played justifies the price increase . So far we have had 1 clunker, 1 game where we hung on to a point against the surprise runaway leaders , and 5 other excellent games - with goals, technical ability aplenty, clever tactics. - often from both sides all on show.
Some people just get into the default, it’s too far, it’s only lower league, the ground sucks mode . The football plus the general experience at home games is currently well worth the ticket price.
And it won’t last for ever...
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Post by henleyox on Oct 19, 2017 16:32:11 GMT
Certainly think the club have dropped a clanger this year with pricing. I know half a dozen chaps that have probably done up to about 10 home games a season last few years, not been once yet this year.not massive fans , but the numbers add up. And it's alright people on here saying costs are ok, but that's preaching to the already converted. Also agree the marketing is shocking now.
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Post by foley on Oct 19, 2017 16:41:07 GMT
Certainly think the club have dropped a clanger this year with pricing. I know half a dozen chaps that have probably done up to about 10 home games a season last few years, not been once yet this year.not massive fans , but the numbers add up. And it's alright people on here saying costs are ok, but that's preaching to the already converted. Also agree the marketing is shocking now. I am just a little surprised that from 10 they have been to none so far. The football and entertainment is incredibly high for Division 3. Rather than reducing the number of games they have decided to go to none?
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Post by henleyox on Oct 19, 2017 16:45:11 GMT
Like I said , on here preaching to the converted. I'm more than happy with the football, but the numbers don't lie no matter how it's painted.
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Post by oufcyellows on Oct 19, 2017 16:46:03 GMT
I had talked someone who came to the first 5 into getting a season ticket, the clubs failure to offer some money off seeing he had paid 5 match day prices meant he didn’t buy it, he hasn’t been up since. Now he might get a half season ticket but surely a bit of flexibility would be beneficial to the club, they would have had an additional season ticket holder, who would then have probably renewed year on year. Instead they missed out
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Post by Best Mate on Oct 19, 2017 16:50:00 GMT
We'll be fairly close to a sell out for Northampton anyway, doing kids for a quid there would be insane It would be good to do a kids for a quid or something similar on a Tuesday night game though Why would you do kids for a quid for a night game? The majority (not all) of under 10's would be a school night and probably would not attend. We would be trying to encourage families up, so doing on a night match....that would be insane. Northampton at home - was a sell out last year as it was Boxing day.... Year before they were top and we were not far behind (3rd?) - 9559 (1934 visitors) - and we didn't sell that out. 7,500 home fans... 14/ 2015 - 4,836 13/14 - 6,177 12/13 - 6,635 11-12 - 7,517 10-11 - 7,647 I think its the perfect game to try and get 8,500 home fans too....
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Post by scotters on Oct 19, 2017 16:56:32 GMT
I had talked someone who came to the first 5 into getting a season ticket, the clubs failure to offer some money off seeing he had paid 5 match day prices meant he didn’t buy it, he hasn’t been up since. Now he might get a half season ticket but surely a bit of flexibility would be beneficial to the club, they would have had an additional season ticket holder, who would then have probably renewed year on year. Instead they missed out Have the club ever offered discounted season tickets, bar the half-season? From a business POV I can imagine they'd be wary of giving season ticket holders the option to wait and see whether they fancied it.
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Post by oufcyellows on Oct 19, 2017 17:00:06 GMT
According to the woman he spoke to in the ticket office yes they have. I’m not talking about an across the board per game pricing. But would be sensible to offer those who can prove they have paid full match day prices for games, some money off rather than attempting to charge them twice for the same games. That’s different in my book to someone who wants to buy a season ticket 6 games in who hasn’t been to a match who’s been waiting to see how we do
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Post by scotters on Oct 19, 2017 17:01:42 GMT
Fair enough, I stand corrected.
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Post by paulbeasley on Oct 19, 2017 17:19:29 GMT
I had talked someone who came to the first 5 into getting a season ticket, the clubs failure to offer some money off seeing he had paid 5 match day prices meant he didn’t buy it, he hasn’t been up since. Now he might get a half season ticket but surely a bit of flexibility would be beneficial to the club, they would have had an additional season ticket holder, who would then have probably renewed year on year. Instead they missed out Have the club ever offered discounted season tickets, bar the half-season? From a business POV I can imagine they'd be wary of giving season ticket holders the option to wait and see whether they fancied it. A very good point. Glad I read that before I posted cos I was going to say the club should reduce prices of season tickets after every league game. Imagine how many we'd sell overnight if we drew say Man Utd at home in the FA Cup. (Not taken the PV game as one we'll definitely win by the way).
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Post by nottsyellow on Oct 19, 2017 18:20:33 GMT
A bit of quick statistical comparison. We have played six home games this season against teams that we also played last season. The aggregate attendance for those six games last season was 49,309 (average 8,218). Those same six fixtures this season have produced an aggregate attendance of 41,614 (average 6,936). This is down by 15.6% on last season. Now there are some mitigating circumstances, such as two midweek games this season verses one last season and the fact that last season Shrewsbury was last game of the season (usually a good crowd). But, it is an alarming drop. I think second season syndrome is a factor, but this makes it all the more ridiculous that the club decided to increase ticket prices and not actively market ticket sales at a time when they should have been doing exactly the opposite. I find it both frustrating and depressing that we have messed this up when it was easier not to. Once people get out of the habit it's twice as hard to get them back into it. In those 6 games we are down by 7,695. As you mention, last year Shrewsbury was last game of season with approx. 9,000, this year was 7,120. So there was probably 1,500 last year with it being last game of season. Last year Walsall was between Christmas and New Year, again this always attracts a few more, with people not playing Saturday football and some fed up with sitting at home over the festive period. The crowd was 8,340 compared to 6,895 this year. Again, possibly 1,000+ due to date of last years game. This year, both Charlton and Bradford were midweek. I think this results in about 700 less away fans and possibly 500ish home fans. So over these 2 games that is another 2,400. The Wimbledon game - Bearing in mind the opposition, I thought this years crowd was a decent turnout. Last year it was on a Sunday and we had a surprisingly good 7,700. Again being a Sunday did all the Saturday afternoon "playing" supporters turn up - does this account for 500? The Gillingham game was the about the same 6,848 (away 301) last year and 6,730 (away 382) this year. So whilst the hard numbers indicate an alarming drop, there are some mitigating reasons. Also, if we take games 2 and 3 last year and this year Last year Peterborough 7,500 (home 6,702 away 798) Rochdale 6,939 (home 6,707 away 232) This year Shrewsbury 7,120 (home 6,678 away 442) Gillingham 6,730 (home 6,348 away 382) Whilst there is a drop off in attendances perhaps it is not quite as bad as 15%. I think Saturday will tell us a lot more. Unfortunately my dot thing is not working so I can't see how Saturday sales are going.
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Post by Colin B on Oct 19, 2017 19:03:16 GMT
A bit of quick statistical comparison. We have played six home games this season against teams that we also played last season. The aggregate attendance for those six games last season was 49,309 (average 8,218). Those same six fixtures this season have produced an aggregate attendance of 41,614 (average 6,936). This is down by 15.6% on last season. Now there are some mitigating circumstances, such as two midweek games this season verses one last season and the fact that last season Shrewsbury was last game of the season (usually a good crowd). But, it is an alarming drop. I think second season syndrome is a factor, but this makes it all the more ridiculous that the club decided to increase ticket prices and not actively market ticket sales at a time when they should have been doing exactly the opposite. I find it both frustrating and depressing that we have messed this up when it was easier not to. Once people get out of the habit it's twice as hard to get them back into it. In those 6 games we are down by 7,695. As you mention, last year Shrewsbury was last game of season with approx. 9,000, this year was 7,120. So there was probably 1,500 last year with it being last game of season. Last year Walsall was between Christmas and New Year, again this always attracts a few more, with people not playing Saturday football and some fed up with sitting at home over the festive period. The crowd was 8,340 compared to 6,895 this year. Again, possibly 1,000+ due to date of last years game. This year, both Charlton and Bradford were midweek. I think this results in about 700 less away fans and possibly 500ish home fans. So over these 2 games that is another 2,400. The Wimbledon game - Bearing in mind the opposition, I thought this years crowd was a decent turnout. Last year it was on a Sunday and we had a surprisingly good 7,700. Again being a Sunday did all the Saturday afternoon "playing" supporters turn up - does this account for 500? The Gillingham game was the about the same 6,848 (away 301) last year and 6,730 (away 382) this year. So whilst the hard numbers indicate an alarming drop, there are some mitigating reasons. Also, if we take games 2 and 3 last year and this year Last year Peterborough 7,500 (home 6,702 away 798) Rochdale 6,939 (home 6,707 away 232) This year Shrewsbury 7,120 (home 6,678 away 442) Gillingham 6,730 (home 6,348 away 382) Whilst there is a drop off in attendances perhaps it is not quite as bad as 15%. I think Saturday will tell us a lot more. Unfortunately my dot thing is not working so I can't see how Saturday sales are going. I haven't even done any dot counting this season. Bad times indeed.........
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Post by ox4eva on Oct 19, 2017 19:03:44 GMT
We'll be fairly close to a sell out for Northampton anyway, doing kids for a quid there would be insane It would be good to do a kids for a quid or something similar on a Tuesday night game though I don't think we'll be anywhere near a sell out for Northants. We only had 7,700 home fans for Portsmouth, who I'd argue are a bigger draw. Promote it, market it, push it through all media outlets, and maybe we might get close, but do nothing and you're looking at just over 7,000 home fans plus what Northampton bring. Agreed, Northampton is not a draw fan wise and maybe the club could do a family day with a kid going free with 2 adults or something like that.
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Post by Best Mate on Oct 19, 2017 19:49:53 GMT
If they are going to do a promotion - it would be great if they could announce it on Saturday...would have a captive audience of fans who could help to spread the word - and then follow up via social media in the coming weeks...
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Post by carefreeoufc on Oct 19, 2017 20:11:14 GMT
As far as DE is concerned if he's making the same or more money with less sales why is he bothered? I don't know if this is the case or not but accounting for everything from stewards to policing costs etc. and the increase it may be he isn't too worried at a 15.6% drop. I always think it entices players to join seeing decent crowds so I don't particularly like it. Saying that I ditched the season ticket this year after not going as much last year.
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Post by plonker on Oct 19, 2017 20:55:52 GMT
As far as DE is concerned if he's making the same or more money with less sales why is he bothered? I don't know if this is the case or not but accounting for everything from stewards to policing costs etc. and the increase it may be he isn't too worried at a 15.6% drop. I always think it entices players to join seeing decent crowds so I don't particularly like it. Saying that I ditched the season ticket this year after not going as much last year. Does a ~20% rise in prices from 7,300 fans cover a 100% loss from nearly 1,000? Genuine question, I'd love to know. Obviously there are a lot of factors for the lower attendances, I was just curious from strictly an accounting perspective. Also, surely it looks better to any potential buyers if there are larger crowds? So yeah, I think he would care in that respect.
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Post by carefreeoufc on Oct 19, 2017 21:10:29 GMT
That's why I was asking.
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Post by eraser on Oct 19, 2017 21:48:50 GMT
As far as DE is concerned if he's making the same or more money with less sales why is he bothered? I don't know if this is the case or not but accounting for everything from stewards to policing costs etc. and the increase it may be he isn't too worried at a 15.6% drop. I always think it entices players to join seeing decent crowds so I don't particularly like it. Saying that I ditched the season ticket this year after not going as much last year. Does a ~20% rise in prices from 7,300 fans cover a 100% loss from nearly 1,000? Genuine question, I'd love to know. Obviously there are a lot of factors for the lower attendances, I was just curious from strictly an accounting perspective. Also, surely it looks better to any potential buyers if there are larger crowds? So yeah, I think he would care in that respect. On a £ for £ basis on tickets only you would increase revenue by 5.3% based on your numbers. However in reality once you add in the loss of 1000 fans with regards to programmes, merchandising and the share that FK gives us from catering / hospitality I can't see how it can be more than break even. The numbers could be worse or better depending on what type of fan has vanished - damage is less if kids but more if beer swilling pay on the day adults! I still think it's a bit of an own goal. Lower gates and no real revenue increase overall.
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Post by jambon46 on Oct 19, 2017 22:23:07 GMT
Does a ~20% rise in prices from 7,300 fans cover a 100% loss from nearly 1,000? Genuine question, I'd love to know. Obviously there are a lot of factors for the lower attendances, I was just curious from strictly an accounting perspective. Also, surely it looks better to any potential buyers if there are larger crowds? So yeah, I think he would care in that respect. On a £ for £ basis on tickets only you would increase revenue by 5.3% based on your numbers. However in reality once you add in the loss of 1000 fans with regards to programmes, merchandising and the share that FK gives us from catering / hospitality I can't see how it can be more than break even. The numbers could be worse or better depending on what type of fan has vanished - damage is less if kids but more if beer swilling pay on the day adults! I still think it's a bit of an own goal. Lower gates and no real revenue increase overall. The club must know which seats are most under used (old family area ssl) so why not do kids for a quid or free with a paying adult, most weeks these seats remain empty
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Post by pottersrightboot on Oct 19, 2017 22:53:45 GMT
I bet some of the people pontificating on this thread haven’t been to a single home game this season...
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Post by northstand12 on Oct 19, 2017 22:56:36 GMT
apparently a lot of fans wont come till the chant of yellows,yellows,yellows hmm?,yellows has stopped.united,united is what they want for the common man.
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Post by Colin B on Oct 20, 2017 6:47:53 GMT
I bet some of the people pontificating on this thread haven’t been to a single home game this season... Not guilty m'lud. I've been to every game this season.
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