PALACE V MILLWALL MATCH
Tickets
Many of you will already be aware that the fixture against Millwall on Saturday 16 October 2010, is an ALL TICKET match. Millwall have sold out their allocation of tickets and will occupy most of the Arthur Waite Stand.

Tickets are still available for home areas, subject to availability until 5pm on Friday 15 October 2010. However, tickets will only be available to Palace supporters with a recent booking history.

Travelling
A large crowd is expected for this match. There are also road works and traffic diversions around and about the Selhurst Park area, which may contribute to traffic hold ups and delays. The club will be advising supporters to arrive early. Supporters may therefore wish to consider allowing additional time when setting out for the match and taking additional care approaching the stadium.

FOCUS GROUPS
Ticketing
A ticketing focus group was held recently at the club, at which PISA was represented. It was raised at the meeting that some supporters were unaware of some of the ticketing arrangements already in place. Key for supporters to note are:

• Long term season tickets will be honoured for their duration.
• The 6 and 12 match packages available, are usable for any home match.
• Concession season tickets can be used by adults for the 4 evening matches.
• Membership cards can be used when purchasing tickets including the 6/12 packages.
• Season ticket sales for 2011/12 will start in November 2010.

The club’s ticketing operations and software are run by Ticketmaster. The trend is for more on-line ticket sales, which currently account for around 15-20% of sales. A new marketing manager was due to start and would cover Group Ticket Sales eg to local groups, charities, schools etc. The club are also planning a coach service to home games from various areas, provided a trial is a success.

Points to be explored included:

• Review of booking fees.
• A user-friendly on-line ticket site.
• Away season tickets and similar options.
• Travel deals/discounted rail tickets.
• Additional ticket selling outlets around the ground.
• TV on concourses advertising ticket deals and promotions.
• Ticket concession for the unemployed.

Merchandise
A Merchandising Focus Group has also met. Palace have a contract with Just Sport, which ensures Palace benefits from merchandise sales. However, the Sash ‘away’ shirt is a bespoke shirt, and 5000 were ordered, but only a 1000 have sold, so it may be extended into next season as a ‘third’ shirt. Just Sport will have access to Umbro and Nike off-the-peg designs for next season.

There is the prospect that the club shop may be extended in the future and fans’ views sought before ordering certain items. On-line sales were around 20% and increasing, but greater publicity might be given to current merchandise, and to the sales kiosks in the Holmesdale. Merchandise might also feature in promoting the club to children.

A DVD covering recent years, and the feasibility of producing an annual season handbook and a history book would be explored and may involve fans’ input.