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Lots of corporate seats empty


thegaffer
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Being at the game yesterday and seeing all the corporate seats empty got me thinking about ways of tempting fans or companys to buy corporate hospitality at St Marys.

 

I wonder if people think they are getting value for money and thats the reason for the empty areas in the Itchen.

 

If you were in charge of organising the hospitality areas what things would you add to the package without increasing the price to tempt people to buy?

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There were more boxes sold for yesterdays game but in the main Im on about areas like the Micky Channon,Matt LeTiss an Terry Paine suites.

I two noticed how empty it was, though to be fair more boxes were occupied than last season.

I think that during tough times for businesses the first thing to go is Corporate Entertaining not even sure if free booze will change the numbers

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I've been lucky enough to attend several games in the Lounges and twice as a guest in a Box. Superb way to watch Saints, with good food and a few pints. That said, I do consider it now poor value for money. My neighbour asked me to assist him in booking for 9 members of his family to attend a game up in hospitality as a special occasion. My neighbour is not a 'football man' and had no idea how to arrange this. I contacted the club and he was quoted nealry £2k for a box and nearly £1700 for seats in the lounge.

 

Needles to say, he has given up on the idea and at my suggestion, he and his family (coming from Canada and NZ) will attend a game and afterwards go for a meal to celeberate. I pointed out that you can buy a lot of food and drink for £1300! (£1700 less the cost of 9 match tickets).

 

Another thing that annoys me, not everone attending hospitality can claim back VAT! Why price it as £145 plus VAT? Why not include VAT in the overall cost?

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Not really the corporate season at the moment with a lot of people on holiday. Things tend to pickup mid September. Also I still think that it is overpriced better options to take clients to the cricket or out in the Solent. It's cheaper and you get more chance to do business.

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It certainly looked more empty than usual, especially for a team like Leeds who are the biggest in the division by a distance. Usually the corporates flock to the big games.

 

I doubt dumping local suppliers or disrespecting popular club legends helps either.

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Corporate entertaining is the first thing to cut out in times of recession. You have to offer people deals to encourage them - we're always getting companies offering us 2 for 1 events - e.g. book grand prix, get free rugby or horse racing, but it's still ridiculously expensive. I've sat in the corporate area, but have to say my seat in the Kingsland directly opposite Cortese offers a superior view, and you don't get the sun in your eyes. It just doesn't seem value for money.

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I have been to hospitality several times, mainly when the club have 'offers' on. The matchday experience has always been good. Like others, I do not feel that the current prices do not offer good value for money. When they held the 'Curry Club', initially you received a token which could be exchanged for a pint or other drink. That has now been replaced by tea or coffee. I noted that the price for the WBA friendly was lower than that for the Markus Liebherr trophy tournament. I think that the club will only get good attendance in hospitality when they find the correct pricing level. At present it is far too high.

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Its simple - the price point is far far too high when companies and individuals are looking to cut costs. Someone needs to remind the club the there's a recession on. I am surprised they don't let ST holders have opportunity to attend the lounge for a discounted price too - the seats already been paid for afterall.

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Its simple - the price point is far far too high when companies and individuals are looking to cut costs. Someone needs to remind the club the there's a recession on. I am surprised they don't let ST holders have opportunity to attend the lounge for a discounted price too - the seats already been paid for afterall.

 

You do get the price of one game back if you have a ST. Or I did last year anyway.

 

That said, it is far too expensive.

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what about if they put on top quality entertainment before the game? Well known singer,comedian etc. I reckon they must make enough on the sale of the corporate area if full to afford one. There are some great after dinner speakers on the circuit.

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You do get the price of one game back if you have a ST. Or I did last year anyway.

 

That said, it is far too expensive.

 

Mmm, I was not aware of that. Anyway, I wouldn't pay anymore than £25 extra for a meal, a programme and a chance to wave to the person opposite in my ST seat anyway!

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Being at the game yesterday and seeing all the corporate seats empty got me thinking about ways of tempting fans or companys to buy corporate hospitality at St Marys.

 

I wonder if people think they are getting value for money and thats the reason for the empty areas in the Itchen.

 

If you were in charge of organising the hospitality areas what things would you add to the package without increasing the price to tempt people to buy?

 

This surprised me, when I saw the TV pics last night. From my seat in the Itchen the ground seemed full but clearly the Itchen was half empty. I have no idea why but if we do well it won't last, the prawn sandwiches will be back on the menu pretty soon.

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