Update from the PTFC Trust trustees on the stadium allocation consultation
Thank you to the 1,150 fans who took part in the recent consultation on ticketing arrangements for Thistle’s League Cup quarter-final tie against Celtic. Supporters’ views were sought on two options for stadium allocation.
The two options
Option A would have seen away supporters housed in the Colin Weir stand, with an allocation of only 2,000 seats.
Option B would have seen away supporters housed instead in the Jackie Husband stand, with an allocation of 5,900 seats.
Headline result
Of those who responded to the consultation, 446 fans (38.6%) supported Option A and 704 fans (61.4%) supported Option B.
Although this consultation was not a binding beneficiary vote under the Club-Trust Agreement the expectation is now that the Club will follow the steer of the fan owners and implement Option B for the cup tie.
Ticketing arrangements will be confirmed by the Club in due course, now that the SPFL has confirmed the tie will take place on Sunday 21st September at 3.30pm.
Demographics
We are also able to provide some further information about the survey participants, who were broadly representative of the beneficiary base as a whole.
- 71% identified as season ticket holders
- 68% identified as TJF members
- 16% identified as members of The Jags Trust
- 1.4% identified as members of the 71 Club
- 67% of respondents normally watch games in the Jackie Husband stand
- 33% of respondents normally watch games in the John Lambie stand
Voting preferences by group
The voting results were similar across most cohorts of Thistle fans, with support for Option B being as follows:
- 62% of season ticket holders
- 60% of non-season ticket holders
- 60% of TJF members
- 65% of Jags Trust members
- 65% of 71 Club members
- 63% of Jackie Husband stand fans
- 57% of John Lambie stand fans
Detailed feedback
The survey also invited more detailed fan feedback on ticketing allocation and games involving larger than normal away support.
Why fans preferred one option over the other
Option A was generally supported by those who believed “home advantage” was an important principle to protect, particularly for cup ties. Some argued that this approach to ticket allocations would help to encourage, galvanise and grow the Thistle support base, especially in the longer term. Some supporters of Option A were sceptical that the revenue up-side for Option B would be significant.
Option B was generally seen as the more “pragmatic” choice, based on maximising revenue up-side. Several fans specifically noted that they voted this way with reluctance, in order to improve the Club’s finances in the short term.
There was a clear desire for a wider conversation about ticketing arrangements for games against Celtic and Rangers, especially in the event that Thistle returns to the top flight.
Importance of supporter segregation
One consistent theme, regardless of how fans voted, was a concern about effective segregation of fans.
Previous experiences of opposition fans obtaining tickets for the home end have had a significant negative impact on the matchday experience. Those experiences are discouraging a significant number of Thistle fans from attending any Firhill games involving Celtic or Rangers.
The Club is acutely conscious of the need for effective segregation. We understand it is developing plans with Fanbase to minimise the risk of away fans purchasing tickets for, and gaining entry to, the home end. These arrangements will be communicated before tickets go on sale.
Away fan behaviour
Concerns were also raised about the potential for away fans to damage parts of the stadium, including seats, as had happened on previous occasions. Several fans said they wanted reassurance that the cost of any damage would be met by the away side.
Some fans suggested that Option B was preferable because it would reduce the risks of large numbers of Celtic fans seeking to buy tickets in the home end and negatively impacting the matchday experience for home fans. Others expressed concerns about the possible use of pyrotechnics by away fans if they were to be given the Colin Weir stand.
Alternatives to Options A and B
There were some fans who suggested that other ticketing options should have been considered, or should be looked-into for future ties, such as splitting allocations within either or both the Jackie Husband stand and Colin Weir stand, or allocating the John Lambie stand to away supporters in addition to the Colin Weir stand.
All of these alternative solutions come with their own challenges and sensitivities. This is why the Club intends to consult further on this issue later in the season.
Ideas for the matchday experience
Supporters also provided suggestions for how to generate a memorable atmosphere and experience for fans at the game itself.
One particularly popular suggestion was that there should be a large tifo display in the John Lambie stand and efforts to maximise the red and yellow colours in both Thistle stands. The Club will be taking forward ideas on this with Ultras Thistle ahead of the big game.