NEW SYSTEM JUST NOT FANS' TICKET

22 September 2005

Sports fans claim they are being ripped off by a new ticketing system at the city's landmark stadium. It comes as questions are again raised about the search for a site sponsor.

A new ticketing system has been put place after complaints from supporters. But fans now say they are not happy at charges being added to prices.

Andrew George, of Gorseinon, wanted to buy tickets for Swansea's upcoming home games against Nottingham Forest and Blackpool.

"I buy my tickets well in advance to ensure I get to see the match," he said.

"I do not have a season ticket as I am a shift worker and may not be able to attend every home game.

"As always I pay with my debit or credit card via the telephone, but I was informed there would be a £1.50 admin charge.

"As I required two tickets for two different matches that would entail a £3 charge even though I was only making one transaction."

The situation is the same for online customers as well and applies to both rugby and football fans.

The new system was introduced last week after widespread criticism of ticketing at the stadium.

Hundreds of fans complained to Stadco ahead of the first game at the stadium when tickets did not arrive on time.

When the Welsh international team played the first friendly in Swansea for 17 years, some fans got no tickets while others were sent double.

A spokeswoman for Stadco said: "The system in place at the new stadium is the same as that which other stadia have in place when taking telephone and online bookings, as well as cinemas and theatres.

"The system was brought in to cover the costs of being able to offer customers the convenience of being able to book online or over the phone."

Meanwhile, Labour councillors are pressing for answers over the naming row after being told talks are ongoing - eight weeks after the first game.

It was hoped that a major company would stump up £250,000 a year for the right to have its name on the stadium.

Group leader David Phillips submitted an official request to council leaders as signs for the both the Swans and the Ospreys were put up at the ground.

Managers had hoped to announce the sponsor ahead of the new season.

But they were forced to adopt the official name - The New Stadium Swansea - much to the annoyance of both rugby and football fans, who favoured White Rock.

Councillor Gerald Clement, chairman of Stadco, reiterated that there are still a number of companies involved in talks.

"No timescale is being fixed for concluding those discussions," he said.

"What is important is attracting an appropriate sponsor at an appropriate price."