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General Category => Altrincham FC First Team => Topic started by: Ukrainian Alty on January 15, 2020, 02:42:05 PM
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I see that a presentation of architect's plans for the redevelopment of the ground at Moss Lane is on the agenda for the 'Meet the Manager, Meet the Board' meeting on 24/01/2020. I am really excited about this but hope that the character of the ground is to be retained on the whole and I also worry a bit that I may not live long enough to see the '10 year plan' reach its conclusion!
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At last some attention paid to the stadium! It will be interesting to see how the plans meet the minimum criteria for the EFL, which include, the last time I looked, a minimum of 2000 seats in a minimum 5000 capacity. Also interesting to see how enhanced commercial/hospitality facilities will be accommodated.
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I'd be amazed if it was anything as grand as that. I would expect the construction of a new toilet block at the way end and not much more.
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Long overdue. The last significant change to the spectating facilities in the ground must have been the community stand alongside the main stand was the late 90s IIRC. A lot you could do but money obviously. Fascinating to see what the plan is. If we could raise and level the roof across the Pop side and make that all seater and just leave the two ends as terracing that would be my preference. A side stand dare i say it akin to Macc’s. If the Capacity for the EFL now is 5000 then given we got 4600 in against Guiseley for the Conference North play off final (and the away end was far from full that day) then I don’t think we have any issues on that front.
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Will also be interested as to when work begins and how its funded.
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The middle section on the pop side was raised to give the option of adding seats there at a later date. That and the building of the new offices/hospitality suite/family stand was all done when gerry berman was still chairman. although there was a grant a lot still got spent and the team got relegated the following season. in an ideal world i'd see a cantilever roof all the way along the pop side and steeper steps (although not as steep as Telford or I'd probably only fall down them). Steeper terracing and a cantilever roof at the Golf Road end would be a good thing, but the objection raised last time this was up for discussion was possible planning issues becuase of the houses in the road.
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If money was no object I’d like to see the following
1) away end to have a roof and new toilet block
2) turn the family stand in to away seating and away supporters bar so no away supporters have any need to breach other parts of the stadium
3) popular side roofed all the way along at the same height. Seated with a standing paddock in the last block nearest chequers end for tradition so supporters can walk around still. New family zone incorporated in to the new seated stand (not near the singing section)
4) Liberio area covered with a corrugated roof and tidied up with more seating and less sh*t. With new toilet block and ability to screen it off from the pitch so it’s still able to used as a bar/ fanzine when we get to a higher level
5) golf road end raised sight lines and cantilevered similar to droylesden or burton
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If money was no object I’d like to see the following
1) away end to have a roof and new toilet block
2) turn the family stand in to away seating and away supporters bar so no away supporters have any need to breach other parts of the stadium
3) popular side roofed all the way along at the same height. Seated with a standing paddock in the last block nearest chequers end for tradition so supporters can walk around still. New family zone incorporated in to the new seated stand (not near the singing section)
4) Liberio area covered with a corrugated roof and tidied up with more seating and less sh*t. With new toilet block and ability to screen it off from the pitch so it’s still able to used as a bar/ fanzine when we get to a higher level
5) golf road end raised sight lines and cantilevered similar to droylesden or burton
All spot on god knows what it would cost though
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I'd not bother with a roof on the away end. That would just make the away fans more comfortable and sound louder. That end does need some new bogs and repair work to the concrete.
Apart from that, the above is pretty much my wish list too.
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Peter Swales promised us a cover for the then Red Robin Club end in 1967!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156381083363055&set=g.221137068358408&type=1&theater&ifg=1 (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156381083363055&set=g.221137068358408&type=1&theater&ifg=1)
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I think that end needs a roof, it completes the ground, and offers away supporters no excuse whatsoever to be in any home area of the ground for a segregated fixture.
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If money was no object I’d like to see the following
1) away end to have a roof and new toilet block
2) turn the family stand in to away seating and away supporters bar so no away supporters have any need to breach other parts of the stadium
3) popular side roofed all the way along at the same height. Seated with a standing paddock in the last block nearest chequers end for tradition so supporters can walk around still. New family zone incorporated in to the new seated stand (not near the singing section)
4) Liberio area covered with a corrugated roof and tidied up with more seating and less sh*t. With new toilet block and ability to screen it off from the pitch so it’s still able to used as a bar/ fanzine when we get to a higher level
5) golf road end raised sight lines and cantilevered similar to droylesden or burton
As above. That away end needs sorting, then every game can be segregated. Roof, decent toilets, improved refreshments, higher fencing in the corner to keep fans apart and I agree, give them the family stand.
Defo keep it standing in the last section at the Chequers End. Good for the atmosphere.
That corner where the Libero bar is has so much potential. Could be proper smart with an extended and better built bar, roof, toilets and benches. Maybe you could have some sort of large heavy duty marquee. To keep fans warm and dry. With the options to remove sides in the better weather.
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Unfortunately not one I can attend being a Friday, Saturday would have been preferable.
Anyway, will we be streaming this in any capacity? Even if its just via RR?
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The family stand is good for elderly supporters or those with mobility issues as it's easier to sit down there rather than trying to get up the main stand steps.
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The family stand is good for elderly supporters or those with mobility issues as it's easier to sit down there rather than trying to get up the main stand steps.
Agreed, it's probably the most comfortable part of the ground for unobstructed views and legroom. Giving it all over to away fans is self defeating in my view. And the sponsors lounge is a very undervalued asset in my view also.
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The family stand is good for elderly supporters or those with mobility issues as it's easier to sit down there rather than trying to get up the main stand steps.
Agreed, it's probably the most comfortable part of the ground for unobstructed views and legroom. Giving it all over to away fans is self defeating in my view. And the sponsors lounge is a very undervalued asset in my view also.
I also agree that the family stand is perfect to service those supporters, but that's as the ground stands currently.
Ideally, we'd introduce more home seating on the popular side, similar to how Mrs Warbouys describes, and that would free up the current family stand to be incorporated into the away end:
3) popular side roofed all the way along at the same height. Seated with a standing paddock in the last block nearest chequers end for tradition so supporters can walk around still. New family zone incorporated in to the new seated stand (not near the singing section)
Lots of talk about improving the toilet facilities in the away end. Building additional facilities in the current family stand could help.
Really interested to see what we have planned anyway.
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I agree with the need to cover the away end plus improvement to toilet facilities
Apart from other changes people have suggested, I would also like to see if it’s possible to budget so that turnstiles could be fully manned especially for big games even if it means paying people a few quid to encourage folk to do it.
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I doubt you'd get cover the away end now the flats have been built.
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I doubt you'd get cover the away end now the flats have been built.
I think with the right scheme the residents would support covering the terrace - surely better to look out onto a roof, maybe a living roof with sedum matting than the open air concrete thats there now. I imagine on a match day they can hear all sorts of language from the terrace sat in their gardens.
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Unfortunately not one I can attend being a Friday, Saturday would have been preferable.
Anyway, will we be streaming this in any capacity? Even if its just via RR?
There are no plans to live stream the event as it dissuades people from attending and has a negative impact on the attendance.
However, there will be text updates containing key quotes and talking points throughout the night. You can find these on Twitter. There will also be a full event review on the website.
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Agree with most comments, and yes it is hugely welcome that the club is thinking positively and ambitiously.
IMO we need to at least maintain the current capacity, and ideally increase it - if we progress higher - which we will do - the Guiseley crowd of 4633 will be nothing compared to what we could get if we are - for example - in the National League play offs. There was loads of room for more at that match in the away end but also in the pop side and the gold road.
We can increase the terraced capacity of the golf road with steeper terracing - the home end at Southport comes to mind. Similarly, the Pop side terracing starts 10 feet back from the barrier - so there is plenty of scope to re-terrace and build in seats behind - like the idea of keeping to corner all terracing - this would be great for home fans but gives us scope to use as overflow for big matches- Stockport the obvious one.
Libero corner largely dead space so yes that needs work, and in an ideal world with sufficient funds covering chequers end and probably re-terracing makes sense.
All the turnstiles need to be replaced, that probably needs to be high on the list actually.
Ultimately, we probably need to replace the main stand and the sponsors stand and lounge altogether, but that would probably be the biggest cost of all. All of this would take years to do, and we need to prioritise the must do first - turnstiles, toilets, catering facilities for example - then one end of the ground at a time.
I would love to fast forward a few years to see what the ground looks like - sort of thing I have been dreaming about since I was a boy.
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Interesting points Leeds, but why do you think the sponsors stand/lounge needs replacing?
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Unfortunately not one I can attend being a Friday, Saturday would have been preferable.
Anyway, will we be streaming this in any capacity? Even if its just via RR?
There are no plans to live stream the event as it dissuades people from attending and has a negative impact on the attendance.
However, there will be text updates containing key quotes and talking points throughout the night. You can find these on Twitter. There will also be a full event review on the website.
I know we disgaree on this, but I think it's pretty poor that for genuine exiles (excluding myself from that), that geographical factors prevent fans being able to be involved in the process.
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I’m surprised at the mention of replacement turnstiles ? All 3 in use blocks are relatively new build, the gates function and the tickets allow a tally of money taken.
I can understand the need to have more of them open and staffed for the peak rush.
An upgrade to electronic turnstiles is also covered by grants from I think the football foundation on promotion into the football league as part of mandatory ground change on promotion so effectively free as I understand.
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Interesting points Leeds, but why do you think the sponsors stand/lounge needs replacing?
Mad Frankie - the stand is ok in itself, but the main stand is showing its age and is nearly 60 years old. I think the main stand would have to be replaced, and in that event, it would make sense to build one continuous stand down that side of the ground. I would say this is down the list of priorities unless we draw United in the 3rd round of the fa cup next season, City in the 4th, and Liverpool in the 5th - but we need to do this at some point.
Just a personal view of course and just adding to the discussion
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Unfortunately not one I can attend being a Friday, Saturday would have been preferable.
Anyway, will we be streaming this in any capacity? Even if its just via RR?
There are no plans to live stream the event as it dissuades people from attending and has a negative impact on the attendance.
However, there will be text updates containing key quotes and talking points throughout the night. You can find these on Twitter. There will also be a full event review on the website.
I know we disgaree on this, but I think it's pretty poor that for genuine exiles (excluding myself from that), that geographical factors prevent fans being able to be involved in the process.
It is a bit of a shame for those who live further away but unfortunately we need to do everything we can to encourage people to attend, as opposed to giving people a reason not to. Hopefully exiles can understand.
That’s why I’m taking up the responsibility of as-it-happens text updates with key quotes, and I’ll push the club for an event recap / report as quickly as possible.
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Unfortunately not one I can attend being a Friday, Saturday would have been preferable.
Anyway, will we be streaming this in any capacity? Even if its just via RR?
There are no plans to live stream the event as it dissuades people from attending and has a negative impact on the attendance.
However, there will be text updates containing key quotes and talking points throughout the night. You can find these on Twitter. There will also be a full event review on the website.
I know we disgaree on this, but I think it's pretty poor that for genuine exiles (excluding myself from that), that geographical factors prevent fans being able to be involved in the process.
It is a bit of a shame for those who live further away but unfortunately we need to do everything we can to encourage people to attend, as opposed to giving people a reason not to. Hopefully exiles can understand.
That’s why I’m taking up the responsibility of as-it-happens text updates with key quotes, and I’ll push the club for an event recap / report as quickly as possible.
There are ways and means to allow for an exile only screening service,
Closed groups, password stream, patreom.
Less fan enganent for the sake of a few £3 pints, which could be more than made back if fans are truly engaged.
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I'm hoping we rip out the offices and turn them into sports themed private hospitality to be used as meeting rooms during the week. Circa 15k easily from 3 boxes sitting 6-8 people at £30 a head without additional drink sales, merchandise, raffle and golden goal, and themed meeting room booking.
These could also be leased to a sponsor in Altrincham for 5k for match day use, or 7k for use during the week. Meaning club don't have to worry about selling smaller packages for CSC etc. , offering charitable use if a sponsor can't make it.
With Alt space, a deal could be struck to allow member use of these if they want somewhere more quirky to have a meeting.
I hope we rip out the noel White and turn that into a fan bar allowing fans to congregate somewhere pub-like at the ground whilst retaining the CSH for fans.
Libero corner should be giving programme shed back corner then a fence keeping the pitch out of view
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Unfortunately not one I can attend being a Friday, Saturday would have been preferable.
Anyway, will we be streaming this in any capacity? Even if its just via RR?
There are no plans to live stream the event as it dissuades people from attending and has a negative impact on the attendance.
However, there will be text updates containing key quotes and talking points throughout the night. You can find these on Twitter. There will also be a full event review on the website.
I know we disgaree on this, but I think it's pretty poor that for genuine exiles (excluding myself from that), that geographical factors prevent fans being able to be involved in the process.
It is a bit of a shame for those who live further away but unfortunately we need to do everything we can to encourage people to attend, as opposed to giving people a reason not to. Hopefully exiles can understand.
That’s why I’m taking up the responsibility of as-it-happens text updates with key quotes, and I’ll push the club for an event recap / report as quickly as possible.
There are ways and means to allow for an exile only screening service,
Closed groups, password stream, patreom.
Less fan enganent for the sake of a few £3 pints, which could be more than made back if fans are truly engaged.
Now you're just being presumptuous. Who said anything about beer sales?
You're right, fans do need to be truly engaged. That is the entire point.
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I'd love to be fully engaged. Unfortunately I work on Friday nights.
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I'd love to be fully engaged. Unfortunately I work on Friday nights.
Yup.
I’d be interested to see us try one of these on a Saturday morning. We’re at home the following day. I’m sure there’d be a much better turnout. FC United for example do this once every other month as a scheduled event with comp food etc and it’s very well attended.
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Unfortunately not one I can attend being a Friday, Saturday would have been preferable.
Anyway, will we be streaming this in any capacity? Even if its just via RR?
There are no plans to live stream the event as it dissuades people from attending and has a negative impact on the attendance.
However, there will be text updates containing key quotes and talking points throughout the night. You can find these on Twitter. There will also be a full event review on the website.
I know we disgaree on this, but I think it's pretty poor that for genuine exiles (excluding myself from that), that geographical factors prevent fans being able to be involved in the process.
It is a bit of a shame for those who live further away but unfortunately we need to do everything we can to encourage people to attend, as opposed to giving people a reason not to. Hopefully exiles can understand.
That’s why I’m taking up the responsibility of as-it-happens text updates with key quotes, and I’ll push the club for an event recap / report as quickly as possible.
There are ways and means to allow for an exile only screening service,
Closed groups, password stream, patreom.
Less fan enganent for the sake of a few £3 pints, which could be more than made back if fans are truly engaged.
Now you're just being presumptuous. Who said anything about beer sales?
You're right, fans do need to be truly engaged. That is the entire point.
Are you advocating presenteeism as the only way to be engaged?
Re. sales - "we need to do everything we can to encourage people to attend, as opposed to giving people a reason not to" What difference does being in the room make being involved, unless you want it to use it as an additional cash flow fundraiser (which again there is no issue with).
Engagement is about barriers to entry, you're using geography as one here, or atleast the ability to go.
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I think the fact that the club is bringing people together to discuss their potential plans is a really good thing. It indicates to me that the club wants to engage with, and consult, supporters, which is what it should be doing. Being based in Leeds means I will not be able to get over for this myself, so I do understand the frustration of those long distance supporters who feel aggrieved that they cannot participate, however, I do think that there are other ways to consult and engage, and I would hope that I will have plenty of opportunities to submit views and ideas through other channels.
Whilst in theory screening on t tinternet seems like a good idea, I do know from my experience that the likelihood of it being a less than ideal experience is pretty high - if it is going to be interactive, how do you know who wants to speak when, and how do you prevent it from descending into chaos? if it isn't interactive, then you cannot contribute anyway.
So perhaps if someone at the club can come up with alternative consultation channels for this important and fascinating initiative, then this will allay the concerns of those who cannot travel to this meeting. A commitment before or at the meeting to ongoing engagement and consultation will be helpful in itself.
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It's clear that if football gives us anything it is the opportunity to find fault in everything and anything that anyone does.
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I think the fact that the club is bringing people together to discuss their potential plans is a really good thing. It indicates to me that the club wants to engage with, and consult, supporters, which is what it should be doing. Being based in Leeds means I will not be able to get over for this myself, so I do understand the frustration of those long distance supporters who feel aggrieved that they cannot participate, however, I do think that there are other ways to consult and engage, and I would hope that I will have plenty of opportunities to submit views and ideas through other channels.
Whilst in theory screening on t tinternet seems like a good idea, I do know from my experience that the likelihood of it being a less than ideal experience is pretty high - if it is going to be interactive, how do you know who wants to speak when, and how do you prevent it from descending into chaos? if it isn't interactive, then you cannot contribute anyway.
So perhaps if someone at the club can come up with alternative consultation channels for this important and fascinating initiative, then this will allay the concerns of those who cannot travel to this meeting. A commitment before or at the meeting to ongoing engagement and consultation will be helpful in itself.
We've previously used Stanzo to take in-room questions and they have software to deliver Q and A events.
Given the likelihood of ongoing events we should really invest in kit to do these events.
Last night there was a fantastic live stream of Tommy UDa giving a live update which wouldn't have been anywhere near as interesting if it was just a quote on the website
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Unfortunately not one I can attend being a Friday, Saturday would have been preferable.
Anyway, will we be streaming this in any capacity? Even if its just via RR?
There are no plans to live stream the event as it dissuades people from attending and has a negative impact on the attendance.
However, there will be text updates containing key quotes and talking points throughout the night. You can find these on Twitter. There will also be a full event review on the website.
I know we disgaree on this, but I think it's pretty poor that for genuine exiles (excluding myself from that), that geographical factors prevent fans being able to be involved in the process.
It is a bit of a shame for those who live further away but unfortunately we need to do everything we can to encourage people to attend, as opposed to giving people a reason not to. Hopefully exiles can understand.
That’s why I’m taking up the responsibility of as-it-happens text updates with key quotes, and I’ll push the club for an event recap / report as quickly as possible.
There are ways and means to allow for an exile only screening service,
Closed groups, password stream, patreom.
Less fan enganent for the sake of a few £3 pints, which could be more than made back if fans are truly engaged.
Now you're just being presumptuous. Who said anything about beer sales?
You're right, fans do need to be truly engaged. That is the entire point.
Are you advocating presenteeism as the only way to be engaged?
Re. sales - "we need to do everything we can to encourage people to attend, as opposed to giving people a reason not to" What difference does being in the room make being involved, unless you want it to use it as an additional cash flow fundraiser (which again there is no issue with).
Engagement is about barriers to entry, you're using geography as one here, or atleast the ability to go.
Take a look at the comments section of the last live streamed Meet The Board event. There are dozens of local names, many of whom I am certain could have attended on the night.
Personal opinion, they should be making an effort to go if they're arsed enough to comment on the live stream, but they won't, because it's easier to sit on the couch and watch it. Who knows, that may be where your advocacy stems from too.
At a time where the club are looking to be increasingly proactive I'd like to think that people would make the effort themselves and come down to see what the latest developments are. Live streaming the event is completely counter productive in that regard. It gives people an excuse to stay at home and, in some cases, hide behind a keyboard when there is a perfectly viable opportunity to come and pitch their questions in person.
Re. sales - I'm sure the club would have no issue with them coming and spending £0 at the bar. It is a free event.
As has always been the case, if anyone has pressing questions they'd like to send from a distance then Bill Waterson's inbox has always been open for that.
Last I'll say on it.
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It's clear that if football gives us anything it is the opportunity to find fault in everything and anything that anyone does.
That's completely the attitude that strangled the club for years. Any business or club will need have comments that are not necessarily about faults but improvements.
Andrew has made his points and I accept those reasons, but as a club we should strive ask questions why, even if we don't agree with them
I remember a similar thread a while back about e tickets....
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Thank you all for your comments on this thread and I am glad it has generated so much interest.
With regards to when we hold these events, I like the idea of a Saturday morning presentation. I believe that we have not done enough of these fan sessions - as they are quite difficult to organise. There may be a case to do more "low key" sessions of maybe one hour duration, maybe as frequently as monthly. And if theres nothing specific to say, we just cancel that months episode.
In parallel therefore we should look at a digital means of broadcasting this kind of thing - from a Brian Flynn interview to filing a presentation (perhaps more than a bit dry!)
We will use next weeks session to set our vision for the club, to reiterate and clarify the strategy and as a specific example of vision, to showcase our thinking on our ground.
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Would love to see a new acoustic roof on the gold road and pop side middle roof extending full length possible seating in the center with keeping terracing in each corner ?, if a roof goes on the away end segregate it half way that would be excellent for atmosphere.
Went to Stockport to see the Blossoms concert this last year amazing set up and must of made a fortune, also alty ice rink hosting very good boxing events, could Alty host events in the summer to?
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Just from a personal standpoint ....I’d be pleased to see the back of the scaffolding on the Pop side. Looks so scruffy, does nothing for the general look of the ground and impairs viewing. Low cost improvement, surely we can do better?
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Would love to see a new acoustic roof on the gold road and pop side middle roof extending full length possible seating in the center with keeping terracing in each corner ?, if a roof goes on the away end segregate it half way that would be excellent for atmosphere.
Went to Stockport to see the Blossoms concert this last year amazing set up and must of made a fortune, also alty ice rink hosting very good boxing events, could Alty host events in the summer to?
I've put two event organisers in touch with the club over the past two seasons, both wanted to use the pitch over the summer. Not sure as to why nothing came of either...
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Would love to see a new acoustic roof on the gold road and pop side middle roof extending full length possible seating in the center with keeping terracing in each corner ?, if a roof goes on the away end segregate it half way that would be excellent for atmosphere.
Went to Stockport to see the Blossoms concert this last year amazing set up and must of made a fortune, also alty ice rink hosting very good boxing events, could Alty host events in the summer to?
I've put two event organisers in touch with the club over the past two seasons, both wanted to use the pitch over the summer. Not sure as to why nothing came of either...
The pitch refurb puts a dampner on a lot of summer possibilities - ripped up in mid May and reseeded, which then means it cant be used for as long as possible to give the grass the best chance of rooting and thickening out. At the start of this season it still looked a bit thin.
I've pondered whether it should be re-turfed at greater cost, but faster recovery time ie leave it much later, to be able to use the pitch for longer for other events if they'll make more money that offsets the higher cost of turfing.
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Would love to see a new acoustic roof on the gold road and pop side middle roof extending full length possible seating in the center with keeping terracing in each corner ?, if a roof goes on the away end segregate it half way that would be excellent for atmosphere.
Went to Stockport to see the Blossoms concert this last year amazing set up and must of made a fortune, also alty ice rink hosting very good boxing events, could Alty host events in the summer to?
I've put two event organisers in touch with the club over the past two seasons, both wanted to use the pitch over the summer. Not sure as to why nothing came of either...
The pitch refurb puts a dampner on a lot of summer possibilities - ripped up in mid May and reseeded, which then means it cant be used for as long as possible to give the grass the best chance of rooting and thickening out. At the start of this season it still looked a bit thin.
I've pondered whether it should be re-turfed at greater cost, but faster recovery time ie leave it much later, to be able to use the pitch for longer for other events if they'll make more money that offsets the higher cost of turfing.
Even breaking even would be okay because you'd gain the awareness of it.