Digital Strategy Review:
SC gave the committee an update. This is a two-phase strategy and we are endeavouring to change our ticketing and retail systems by the end of the 2015/16 season. It was noted that the FLi contract expires in July 2017.
SC advised that we are in the process of appointing an advisor to assist with researching our digital strategy. They will consequently be contacting all committee members over the course of the next few months to ask for your input. SC also felt that it is important that we look at businesses outside of football, when considering the way forward.
SC advised that by March 2016 the Club is aiming to have a fully operational ticketing function, including website, up and running, in order for us to go on sale with season tickets for the 2016/17 season, with the new system.
It was confirmed that fans should be able to use the new system on mobiles and tablets going forward.
There is a great deal of work taking place in the background and if any committee members are interested in being part of a testing team later in the year, please e-mail fcc@lcfc.co.uk or please send us any links of website that are good or bad, with your comments. ACTION POINT FOR ANY INTERESTED COMMITTEE MEMBERS.
Matchday atmosphere:
We discussed matchday atmosphere at the last meeting but we would like to review and ask for committee members’ feedback taking into consideration the last few games.
Robert Maybury felt that the change in the team results was the biggest impact on the atmosphere and everyone felt that the clap banners make a massive difference due to the noise they create.
IF felt that the atmosphere was due to a combination of the team performance, the Union FS mosaic in the Kop, and our supporters overall contribution.
JT asked the committee how they feel we can replicate the atmosphere for next season.
Frank Moss felt that the foxes head mosaic looked impressive. James Challinor/Union FS have a few ideas for next season and JC is happy for anyone to contact him with further ideas. JC advised that the foxes head mosaic cost around £600 which was funded by around 30 supporters. It is very special for the supporters when they initiate the ideas and James felt very proud to be part of the foxes head display.
The Club confirmed that when initiatives/ideas come from the fans we will always endeavour to support and back the ideas wherever possible.
It was felt that the Introduction of the additional group of supporters in SK1 helps the atmosphere. JC said that Union FS are very grateful for the support received from the Club for their various initiatives. Supporters feel that the stadium now feels like home with large groups of fans creating their own atmosphere.
SJ/JD had been to a Premier League meeting and other clubs from all over the country were saying how good the atmosphere is at King Power stadium.
PL Away Supporter Initiative Feedback:
It was felt that the £5 food and drink voucher at away games is good to encourage fans to the stadium earlier and helps with the cost of the day.
Reduced ticket prices are a good idea if the other Premier League clubs agree to reciprocal deals. Chloe Dexter felt that the Club should let fans know how much the Club subsidises the away ticket price.
SC advised that the Club has actually spent more than the £200k allocation and that LCFC is one of the leading clubs in the Premier League for this initiative. JC felt it would be a good idea for the Club to provide a financial breakdown of where the money has been spent. SC advised that the size of the budget is based on the size of the TV deal which is the same for next season.
It was noted that next season the Premier League will send out guidelines on how to spend the £200k to all clubs.
SC confirmed there is a fixed formula for solidarity payments.
ACTION POINT FOR ANY MEMBERS WITH NEW IDEAS FOR NEXT SEASON TO EMAIL FCC@LCFC.CO.UK
Matchday Magazine:
JT asked for committee members’ feedback however only a few members actually purchase the matchday magazine. This was no reflection on the quality of the magazine purely personal choice. Reasons for not purchasing were, nowhere to put the magazine during the game and lack of storage space at home. JC feels it is the best magazine in the League, it is well laid out and professional. It was noted that publications are generally in decline across all businesses and consequently digital is the way forward. The sales figures are healthy and we sell out every game. Some supporters like to keep the magazine as a souvenir.
Corporate clients receive a matchday magazine as part of their hospitality package.
Some supporters would like to read more personal information regarding the players.
ACTION POINTS FOR IAN FLANAGAN:
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LOOK INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF THE CLUB PRODUCING A DOWNLOADED VERSION OF THE MATCHDAY MAGAZINE.
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LOOK INTO REINSTATING MATCHDAY MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Could the Club confirm that the structure of the stadium inside the bowl is safe, as it has been noticeable that it shakes?
SC advised that as part of our feasibility study the Club has undertaken with regard to holding proposed concerts at the stadium, we engaged an independent world leader in structural engineering to assess the stadium. Although the stadium shakes we can confirm it is completely safe. In addition designs have been produced to strengthen the stands and we are ascertaining costs and whether the work can be carried out during the season.
Are there any plans to extend the stadium?
SC advised that the Club is currently looking at the possibility of expanding the stadium but this is not imminent.
How does the purchasing of away tickets works?
Ticket availability to visiting supporters is based on 10% of the ground capacity or 3000, whichever is the lowest.
There is the option to buy the entire allocation but sell in blocks.
It was noted that QPR took their full allocation but then returned some tickets later.
SC confirmed that we are also able to move concourse shutters and segregation to accommodate more home sales in the away end when the visiting team doesn't take their full capacity.
LCFC are second in the Premier League table in relation to the utilisation of tickets.
JT thanked everyone once again for attending the meeting and hoped that members had enjoyed their experience behind the scenes in the Control Room.
Ian Clements wanted to place on record his thanks to the Club for the free breakfasts and t-shirts, and also for the chocolate champagne bottle provided at tonight’s meeting.
Present: Alan Digby (Foxes Trust), Ali Grimsley (Leicestershire Constabulary), Angela White (LCFC), Chloe Dexter (East Stand), David Seddon (Fosse Club, Premium Seating), Frank Moss (Hospitality, Premier Lounge), Heather Wood (West Stand), Ian Clements (Spion Kop), Ian Flanagan (LCFC Commercial Director), James Challinor (Spion Kop), Jamie Tabor (LCFC), Jim Donnelly (LCFC), Michelle McLean (Family Stand), Nicholas Palmer (West Stand), Robert Maybury (East Stand) Simon Capper (LCFC Finance Director), Stuart Symons (East Stand), Yogesh Kholia (Spion Kop).
Apologies: Andrew Neville, Richard Lymbury, Ian Clements, Jon Rudkin, Mick King, Peter Hill, Simon Grindrod, Susan Whelan (letter sent to all members)
Members not attending: Andy Gubbins, Cliff Ginnetta, Richard Tullis
The next FCC meeting will take place at King Power stadium on Wednesday 9 September 2015.
These notes are documented by LCFC