New stadium tackles ticket delays

BBC Wales New Website - 9 September 2005

Stadium officials undertook a 'thorough review' of operationsSwansea's new sports stadium is trying to avoid a repeat of fans being stuck outside the ground after kick-off by opening six new ticket booths.

Large queues have seen some football supporters give up and go home,claiming there are not enough sales points.

Officials said the extra booths for Saturday's game against Bristol City would speed up entry to the ground.

But they said fans should still turn-up at least 30 minutes before kick-off or buy tickets in advance where possible.

Since the stadium opened in July management company Stadco has come under fire for its ticketing operation.

At the home game against Barnsley on August Bank Holiday Monday there were reports of queues stretching the width of the South Stand and around towards the East Stand.

It was claimed as many as 2,000 people just gave up and went home.

Phil Sumbler, who runs the JackArmy fans' website, said: "The problems have been they've got one ticket office and you can't pay on the day at turnstiles."

The extra booths will sell tickets to home supporters for cash only from 1300 BST.

Bristol fans have been banned by police from making their own way to the ground and will be turned away unless on an official coach because of concerns of a repeat of violence the marred the fixture in 2000.

A Stadco spokesman said that with the Swans in the top six in League One they were expecting a bumper crowd.

"We've consulted with other stadiums and performed a thorough review of our ticketing systems and this is the first outcome of the review.

"We're confident that these new booths will offer a significant improvement and help us deliver a quality service."

Mr Sumbler said the success of the move could only be judged at kick-off on Saturday.

But he added: "It's a step in the right direction."