Away tickets - Ipswich policy to avoid a closed shop on getting a ticket (3 Viewers)

[DT-R]

Millwall went to generally sale. Sheffield Wednesday on a Saturday went to general sale. Portsmouth went to general sale.

You're talking shit.

Yeah but he wants to go to the big games! Leicester away or the PL team in round 3 of the FA Cup. Hes not interested in following further away, ir on a Tuesday night, or following whilst we're in L2 away at Carlise on NYD. Otherwise he'd have enough points and wouldn't be facing this issue!

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[ccfcricoh]

"Lots of people post saying the current system is fair but I can imagine the majority of those are in the 'I'm all right' cohort."

Few people complaining about the current system i imagine the majority of those are in the "I only want to go to 2 away games a season and i'm annoyed i cant pick and choose the best ones camp"

 

[DT-R]

Seen some shite posted on this forum before but this takes the biscuit. Previous 3 away games made general sale yet it’s virtually impossible to get tickets ?

If you read between the lines you'll see what he means is its impossible to get away tickets for the glamorous matches he's willing to travel to.

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[SBT]

Few people complaining about the current system i imagine the majority of those are in the "I only want to go to 2 away games a season and i'm annoyed i cant pick and choose the best ones camp"

Tbf I don’t think anyone without a ton of points expects to be guaranteed tickets to the biggest away games. Some of them would clearly however appreciate even a remote opportunity to get one.

 

[DT-R]

I'm torn on the whole away tickets debate, on one hand, I absolutely think those fans who've followed the team up and down the country deserve to have their loyalty rewarded by getting access to every away match of the season. You can't argue with that – they've put in the miles, the money, and the commitment.

But here's where I'm conflicted: there are younger fans who, because of school commitments midweek, simply can't get to Middlesbrough or Millwall away on a Tuesday night. They're therefore are struggling to build any meaningful points total, and it feels like they're being locked out of the system before they've even had a proper chance.

Yeah, Sheffield Wednesday away was a chance for them to pick up points, and I'm sure a couple of other Saturday games will drop to general sale throughout the season. But realistically, that still leaves them absolutely miles behind those who currently have decent points totals and due to their easier access to tickets the gap keeps stretching at a significant ratio.

I'm not entirely sure what the answer is, but I've been thinking about it and reckon some kind of bonus points system might work?

What if loyalty points were converted into bonus points at the start of the season? So for example (using simple numbers to illustrate):

• 2,000 loyalty points = 200 bonus points
• Each away match you attend deducts about 30-50 of your bonus points from your account entirely separate to your total points which you will still be collecting as normal.

Using that principle, it should allow the most loyal away fans with the highest points to still get to about 75% of away games and they could choose to step away from the 25% of games they're not fussed about attending.
This would then naturally free up tickets for others.

The scheme:

1. Rewards loyalty – the hardcore regulars still get priority for the vast majority of games
2. Creates natural rotation – forces people to be selective rather than hoarding tickets (not sure if this is just an urban myth but it would address it)
3. Opens opportunities – gives younger fans etc. a realistic chance

I know there's loads of holes you could pick in this, and definitely keen to hear other suggestions Or maybe should we just leave it as it is!!!!!!

I disagree on the younger fans not being able to gather points. My son is now 16 and is over 2000. And he's put the hard miles in. Since Tranmere away at the age of 4 (lost 3-0) he's been standing on chairs in away ends to see over heads ever since. Hes done 64 of the 92 and also 3 that are now non-league (4 if you include parking at Weadlestone for the Oxford game). Hes been up to Carlisle and Sunderland and down to Exeter and Pompey. Sat in -200°c at Wycombe on a Tuesday night, and even a pre-season friendly in Spain. Had STs for both seasons at St.Andrews, including one he couldn't use. Has been mascot twice, once in L1 just as we were about to be relegated and again in L2. But me and him should now miss out to a ballot because its popular to follow the club again?

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[skybluecam]

I'm torn on the whole away tickets debate, on one hand, I absolutely think those fans who've followed the team up and down the country deserve to have their loyalty rewarded by getting access to every away match of the season. You can't argue with that – they've put in the miles, the money, and the commitment.

But here's where I'm conflicted: there are younger fans who, because of school commitments midweek, simply can't get to Middlesbrough or Millwall away on a Tuesday night. They're therefore are struggling to build any meaningful points total, and it feels like they're being locked out of the system before they've even had a proper chance.

Yeah, Sheffield Wednesday away was a chance for them to pick up points, and I'm sure a couple of other Saturday games will drop to general sale throughout the season. But realistically, that still leaves them absolutely miles behind those who currently have decent points totals and due to their easier access to tickets the gap keeps stretching at a significant ratio.

I'm not entirely sure what the answer is, but I've been thinking about it and reckon some kind of bonus points system might work?

What if loyalty points were converted into bonus points at the start of the season? So for example (using simple numbers to illustrate):

• 2,000 loyalty points = 200 bonus points
• Each away match you attend deducts about 30-50 of your bonus points from your account entirely separate to your total points which you will still be collecting as normal.

Using that principle, it should allow the most loyal away fans with the highest points to still get to about 75% of away games and they could choose to step away from the 25% of games they're not fussed about attending.
This would then naturally free up tickets for others.

The scheme:

1. Rewards loyalty – the hardcore regulars still get priority for the vast majority of games
2. Creates natural rotation – forces people to be selective rather than hoarding tickets (not sure if this is just an urban myth but it would address it)
3. Opens opportunities – gives younger fans etc. a realistic chance

I know there's loads of holes you could pick in this, and definitely keen to hear other suggestions Or maybe should we just leave it as it is!!!!!!

Did you ask chatgpt to write this? It’s nonsensical.

 

[Jay88]

There has been a long running conversation about it being a increasingly closed shop for away tickets.

I do hope Coventry City consider this. It is virtually impossible to get tickets now. You can only increase your points at Coventry by going to away games and when you cant get tickets you become even further behind and even less opportunity. Lots of people post saying the current system is fair but I can imagine the majority of those are in the 'I'm all right' cohort. Take a look below at Ipswich post for their away game at Coventry City. Seems a very fair approach with providing some people a chance of going and keeps the away support fresh.

The ballot for the game with Coventry will open from midday on Friday, 24 October, before closing for entries at 5pm on Monday, 27 October.

Following feedback, the Club will also be introducing a ballot for ticket sales once a fixture has sold out (a percentage will always be held back for the ballot) during a membership priority window. For example, should an away fixture sell out during the 15+ APP points window, members who fall in this and the next priority window and below (ie 5+ through to 19 APP) will be eligible to enter a ballot for the chance to purchase a ticket for the selected away fixture. The number of tickets in the ballot will be determined by the away ticket allocation that the Club receives for the selected away fixture.

EXAMPLE SALES WINDOWS FOR AWAY LEAGUE GAMES IN 2024/25

• Monday, 10am – Members with 30+ points.
• Tuesday, 10am – Members with 25+ points.
• Wednesday, 10am – Members with 20+ points.
• Thursday, 10am – Members with 15+ points.
• Friday, 10am – Members with 10+ points.
• Monday, 10am – Members with 5+ points.
• Tuesday, 10am – Season ticket holders.
  

Like many others, I totally disagree with this post.

Like a lot of the previous messages say, at least 3 away games this season have gone to general sale. Also we have got the 2 away games out of the way with the smallest ticket allocations (Wrexham & Oxford). Quite a high number of away games last season went to general sale according to the bloke who does the away tickets spreadsheet (I think it was about 13).

A ballot will only come in if either no or very limited away games are reaching general sale. This isn't the case currently.

 

[ccfcricoh]

Tbf I don’t think anyone without a ton of points expects to be guaranteed tickets to the biggest away games. Some of them would clearly however appreciate even a remote opportunity to get one.

yea but they do have an opportunity to get one, go to other games and get some points...

its a circular argument because its people who dont go to many games suggesting they should be able to buy tickets against people that go to more games and as a result, want the best tickets themselves, no solution will please everyone, its whether Doug chooses to please those that support the club more or less i suppose...

 

[Viktor17]

If you read between the lines you'll see what he means is its impossible to get away tickets for the glamorous matches he's willing to travel to.

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Spot on above. Thats all it is, someone can’t go to Leicester / Wrexham away for example and ITS NOT FAIR.

the system isn’t perfect, no system is, but it’s pretty good and rewards commitment over a number of years.

 

[clint van damme]

Tbf I don’t think anyone without a ton of points expects to be guaranteed tickets to the biggest away games. Some of them would clearly however appreciate even a remote opportunity to get one.

They've got an opportunity. Accumulate points by going to less glamorous games.

 

[MTK]

I wouldn't get an away ticket for a fixture like Leicester now but I completely support the current system giving those tickets to people with the most points first. Those are the people who go every time, to the far away places on cold Tuesday nights and I'm grateful to them. I'm happy to try and get a ticket to a game that makes a lower points total or general sale. And a few have made general sale so it's not true to say it's a closed shop

 

[SBT]

They've got an opportunity. Accumulate points by going to less glamorous games.

I think they’re after an opportunity that doesn’t involve several years and hundreds of pounds!

Again, you can quite reasonably say that it’s unfair for anyone else to have a chance of a ticket unless they jump through those hoops first. And no-one is going to be first to willingly give up their spot to a newer fan. But the question over what these kinds of barriers to entry will do to our fan engagement and away atmospheres over time is worth thinking about imo.

 

[clint van damme]

I think they’re after an opportunity that doesn’t involve several years and hundreds of pounds!

Again, you can quite reasonably say that it’s unfair for anyone else to have a chance of a ticket unless they jump through those hoops first. And no-one is going to be first to willingly give up their spot to a newer fan. But the question over what these kinds of barriers to entry will do to our fan engagement and away atmospheres over time is worth thinking about imo.

The system is the fairest and there's ample opportunities for people who want to attend away games to attend a fair proportion of them if they wish to

I'm not sure what's wrong with that?

If the same 2-3K were attending every game and our away allocations were selling out in a fairly high point band thenI would 100% support introducing a ballot system of some sort but that's not the case so I can't see the issue with the current system.

 

[Viktor17]

The system is the fairest and there's ample opportunities for people who want to attend away games to attend a fair proportion of them if they wish to

I'm not sure what's wrong with that?

If the same 2-3K were attending every game and our away allocations were selling out in a fairly high point band thenI would 100% support introducing a ballot system of some sort but that's not the case so I can't see the issue with the current system.

In one. Thread closed.

 

[SBT]

The system is the fairest and there's ample opportunities for people who want to attend away games to attend a fair proportion of them if they wish to

I'm not sure what's wrong with that?

If the same 2-3K were attending every game and our away allocations were selling out in a fairly high point band thenI would 100% support introducing a ballot system of some sort but that's not the case so I can't see the issue with the current system.

I don’t think there’s anything massively wrong with the current system. I also don’t think there would be anything massively wrong with holding a small number of tickets for a ballot, to be distributed only after the very top tiers have had the chance to buy. I don’t think it’s a huge injustice if 30 people with fewer points than me got a ticket to Leicester away before I did, although you wouldn’t expect me to be happy about it. If you’re talking about 1% of an away allocation, then maybe that’s worth the extra excitement and engagement that a regular ballot brings?

As I say, it’s not likely to change. The best system of all would probably be one that prioritises people in the 1150-1200 band imo…

 

[David O'Day]

I actually miss the free for all scramble at 10am. Should bring it back for some games, in fact they could have a ballot to decide which ones.

 

[Flying Fokker]

Basically 2 pages because Mr Entitled didn't manage to source a Wrexham ticket.

We have 3 of us in our family who travel around and go to most games. Work commitments can be a struggle and often only 2 of us for midweek games. That meant on the Wrexham allocation we tried for the third at 1620 points but were unsuccessful, so there are only 2 of us going. We'd have loved a 3rd, but accept that the points are what they are and we missed out fairly. Had we missed out because someone less deserving had got them I'd be much more pissed off.

Agreed, I hope a friend of someone’s friend isn’t ahead of you.

 

[Macca1987]

I disagree on the younger fans not being able to gather points. My son is now 16 and is over 2000. And he's put the hard miles in. Since Tranmere away at the age of 4 (lost 3-0) he's been standing on chairs in away ends to see over heads ever since. Hes done 64 of the 92 and also 3 that are now non-league (4 if you include parking at Weadlestone for the Oxford game). Hes been up to Carlisle and Sunderland and down to Exeter and Pompey. Sat in -200°c at Wycombe on a Tuesday night, and even a pre-season friendly in Spain. Had STs for both seasons at St.Andrews, including one he couldn't use. Has been mascot twice, once in L1 just as we were about to be relegated and again in L2. But me and him should now miss out to a ballot because its popular to follow the club again?

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Completely with you here DT-R
My son has had a season ticket since he was 2 he's now 25, only season missed was at Northampton, we wen to Brum as we felt we were pushed out rather than left. He is also in the 2000s, in fact he now has more points than me, been taking himself to away games on his own when I couldn't make it, he's been all over the country, Wembley 4 times and wouldn't hazard to guess how many grounds he's been to

 

[Tommo1993]

I disagree on the younger fans not being able to gather points. My son is now 16 and is over 2000. And he's put the hard miles in. Since Tranmere away at the age of 4 (lost 3-0) he's been standing on chairs in away ends to see over heads ever since. Hes done 64 of the 92 and also 3 that are now non-league (4 if you include parking at Weadlestone for the Oxford game). Hes been up to Carlisle and Sunderland and down to Exeter and Pompey. Sat in -200°c at Wycombe on a Tuesday night, and even a pre-season friendly in Spain. Had STs for both seasons at St.Andrews, including one he couldn't use. Has been mascot twice, once in L1 just as we were about to be relegated and again in L2. But me and him should now miss out to a ballot because its popular to follow the club again?

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If that was 2014 against Tranmere, then it was 3-1, I remember Michael Petrasso scoring

 

[RegTheDonk]

As a non-ST holder I go whenever practical and though well outside the "allright" cohort, it's only just that those who put in the effort over the years and spent their money get first dibs.

Perhaps for the sell outs that are not on Sky the club could look to put something on at the CBS, big screens in the fan zone for the unlucky ones, make a few bob that way IF the league would allow it.

I do get there will be people who have ST's and a fair few points but still miss out, though introducing any other system will undoubtedly cause a fuss and could unfairly penalise some people. Some might think it's unfair and limit opportunity for up and coming supporters, but that's the price of success.

Whatever might change in the future, for now we can all hopefully be happy the club are doing well and we can at least all follow them at home.

 

[rob9872]

I disagree on the younger fans not being able to gather points. My son is now 16 and is over 2000. And he's put the hard miles in. Since Tranmere away at the age of 4 (lost 3-0) he's been standing on chairs in away ends to see over heads ever since. Hes done 64 of the 92 and also 3 that are now non-league (4 if you include parking at Weadlestone for the Oxford game). Hes been up to Carlisle and Sunderland and down to Exeter and Pompey. Sat in -200°c at Wycombe on a Tuesday night, and even a pre-season friendly in Spain. Had STs for both seasons at St.Andrews, including one he couldn't use. Has been mascot twice, once in L1 just as we were about to be relegated and again in L2. But me and him should now miss out to a ballot because its popular to follow the club again?

Agree with the sentiment and at 18 my daughter is very similar, but we were lucky. Like you, most of those games were before we needed points and none of them count now. The last 3 seasons +this, are what currently counts and as you, we're in the I'm alright cohort.

Where I disagree slightly, is for those who have young kids now and were just getting the bug, perhaps been everywhere over the past season or so, barely miss a game but don't have the points from 3-4 years ago. They're the ones who miss out despite being regulars and if it's a family that go together, the mum and dad can't buy tickets until it reaches the bracket the kids are in and potentially all miss out or end up not attending as a family unit and the kids get further behind. Not sure what the solution is there and cases are limited, but I do know of a few in that situation. On the ones that do reach lower, if you already have yours you also pay a premium for additional booking fees. I know it's only £1.80, but that's annoying too when you have to pay 2 or 3 times for an online transaction that is basically all gravy for the provider (less issue if it went to the club).

 

[alexccfc99]

Sounds like your 'friend' needs banning, buying tickets for others and flogging them on all for the points. tut tut tut.

Newcastle introduced an interesting concept last season... 10% of the away allocation is held back and to be collected at the away stadium, where ID/Season Ticket matching supporter number must be shown in order to collect the ticket - To deter people from buying away tickets and selling them on

 

[DT-R]

If that was 2014 against Tranmere, then it was 3-1, I remember Michael Petrasso scoring

It may have been 3-1 tbf. It was a pretty miserable day that ive tried to erase from memory!

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[Legia Sky Blue]

Newcastle introduced an interesting concept last season... 10% of the away allocation is held back and to be collected at the away stadium, where ID/Season Ticket matching supporter number must be shown in order to collect the ticket - To deter people from buying away tickets and selling them on

Would have liked to have seen that in operation for the Millwall cup game where it was obvious people were buying for the points with no intention of attending, with the additional criteria that any person not collecting tickets doesn't get the points for the game.