We have now started sending out renewal packs to those supporters who had a season ticket last season.

We have waited until now as we were awaiting confirmation from the EFL as to exactly what we could offer with a season ticket to cover the period until fans are allowed in the ground. That confirmation came a couple of days ago. Every season ticket holder will receive a renewal pack by the middle of next week at the latest. Full details of what a season ticket will cover are contained in the pack.

Why are season ticket applications only being sent to existing holders and not put on general sale? The reason for this is that we do not know what the capacity at Blundell Park will be and it was considered only fair and equitable to make the offer to existing holders initially. I am fearful that the capacity will not be sufficient to satisfy all of our existing holders and if that is the case, we will hold a ballot.

How do we calculate the capacity? First, there will have to be a gap of two seats between each spectator. Secondly, only alternate rows can be used. Thirdly, end of aisle seats cannot be used because of the width of our walkways and stairs. Fourthly, we are required to calculate flow rates and capacity in concourses and passageways. Fifthly we are required to calculate flow rates on entrance and exit and the effect these will have outside the ground. We are allowed to have social bubbles of between 2 and 6 people without gaps between them provided they are  from not more than two households. Until the applications are received, we do not know how many individual seats will be required and how many in social bubbles. It follows, therefore, the more in social bubbles the greater capacity. We have tried to calculate what we think will be the position and it looks as if we will be able to accommodate between 1800 and 2200 supporters.

Application forms must be back with the Club by 11 September to give us time to carry out the necessary calculations and then hold the ballot if necessary. Until crowds are allowed back a season ticket holder will be able to watch the home league games on iFollow. A code will be provided to enable them to do so. If there is still spare capacity after all applications have been received and satisfied, then season tickets will go on general sale and there will be further information at that time with regard to their sale.

For those supporters who do not have a season ticket all league matches will be available to view on iFollow at a cost of £10 per match. Season ticket holders will be able to buy a match pass for away games again at a cost of £10 per match. This is to be reviewed by the EFL at the end of October and we will be bound by the decision of the EFL thereafter.

Included in the pack is a FAQ’s document covering other aspects and this can also be seen HERE. 

Season tickets are sold on the Terms and Conditions and all purchasers are deemed to accept the same when completing their purchase. The Terms and Conditions can be seen HERE.   

I have seen comment on social media about the need for fans to comply with a Code of Conduct. This is a requirement of the Sports Ground Safety Authority. That Authority is a member of the Safety Advisory Group of the local authority whom we have to satisfy to obtain the Safety Certificate for Blundell Park. Without this Certificate we cannot admit supporters. Our Code of Conduct is being prepared with the assistance of our Supporters Liaison Officer. It will not be onerous and covers conduct to ensure the safety of fans within the ground during the pandemic.

I have been asked whether there is a payment instalment plan in place for the current sales. The answer is yes, and tickets can be paid for over four monthly instalments with a £20 supplement. Full details can be obtained from the GTFC ticket office.

Can I thank our fantastic supporters for their patience over the sale of season tickets. I can only repeat that we did not want to offer for sale something we couldn’t supply, and it is only within the last couple of days that we have had the necessary clarification. In addition, I cannot repeat too often how grateful the Club is to our wonderful fans who have rallied round since lockdown and supported us financially. I also thank the volunteers from the Mariners Trust for all their hard work over the summer. A magnificent effort.

UTMM

Philip Day

Chairman