Bramall Lane: Feedback : Sat Jun 05, 2010 2:16 pm  

The club is looking for feedback from fans, old and new, about our move to Bramall Lane now we have played a number of games there. We are looking for both positive and negative feedback from fans who supported us at the DVS and have made the trip across the city with us to Bramall Lane, fans who have resumed watching the Eagles since our move and from new supporters trying rugby league in Sheffield for the first time since we have moved to the Lane. I have been asked to try and instigate some feedback via this particular medium.

I'll start off with a small criticism about the organisation, everything was well organised at Don Valley, I guess that's what happens when you play there for 20 years(ish?) Things at Bramall Lane are nowhere near as organised, for example the Club 300 members not having their tickets taken off them at the last game, literally anyone could've wandered up there and took the game in for free as well as the pre and post match hospitality. I guess the organisation will come with time.

Re: Bramall Lane: Feedback : Sat Jun 05, 2010 2:46 pm  

For me the plusses
+ closer to the pitch
+ better atmosphere - or should I say that there now is one
+ after match hospitality suites - fantastic
+ scoreboard/big screen
+ chance to forge a great partnership with United and hopefully the prospect of a big game at Bramall Lane
+ good shop if only we had stuff to sell

Minuses
- John Street is better that the South Stand
- Beer pricy but to be fair better food than DVS
- Why can't the tunnel bar open on match days? It was for Wigan but that seems all
- Gary Sinclair - seems to be just going through the motions, announcements at silly times

Re: Bramall Lane: Feedback : Sat Jun 05, 2010 8:03 pm  

The main plus for me is that it now takes me 20 minutes on one bus, to get to home games, rather than the hour plus (2 buses or a bus and a tram) it took me to get to the Don Valley Stadium. This is something that will always vary, though, and you'll never get it completely right for everyone. Apart from this, I agree with most of the points made by Airborne Eagle. The atmosphere is much better, the beer IS pricy but it's like that at most stadia now. The food I can't say anything about since I haven't had any. If I do have a criticism, it's only a small one. When you're sitting in the John Street Stand towards then kop end, it a bit difficult to see the replays on the screen because it's on the same side as the stand, but hey, I've lived without it before. As far as I'm concerned, this move is the best thing since sliced bread.
Having said that, I've been talking to fans of other clubs, and as far as access is concerned, they've all said that the Don Valley would be better for them, as it's just off the motorway coming from the direction most of them do, whereas they have to travel through the city centre to get to Bramall Lane. As I say, you're never gonna please everyone.

Re: Bramall Lane: Feedback : Sat Jun 05, 2010 8:49 pm  

To be honest, how much city centre do you have to travel through if you come off the Parkway ? Turn left past the station and you're just about there. Away supporters will get used to it once they find their best route in.

Re: Bramall Lane: Feedback : Sun Jun 06, 2010 1:11 am  

Only starting wathcing the eagles when they moved the BL against featherstone s can't comment on DVS however I think BL + and - points are:

Pluses

For a crowd of around 1000 + or - a 100 or so the atmosphere is good however a drum love em' or hate em (and i'm not a big fan of them if i'm honest) would be a great asset. Can't be picky when it comes to trying to (excuse the pun) drum up some vocal support on a matchday.

Good offers such as the Hat trick pack

Excellent facilites, great PA system and big screen and scoreboards.

Good entertainment. Cheerleaders, lottery and kids touch rugby games considering club's budget etc.

Minuses

Poor communication - Website as i've gone on and on about is awful and little things like which stand where in.

Poor marketing - I know it's hard given the size of the club and resources available but 1st game got 2800 through the gate and the club from what i seen did very little to get them back. I gave all my details over the phone when i booked my tickets for the 1st game and since I've had no letter, leaflets etc promoting games or trying to sell me tickets etc. The club for all they know think I haven't been back to a game since i've just shown up on matchdays and got a ticket there and then.

Merchandise - I want a t-shirt!!!! Let me buy a t-shirt

Overall its a good ground, way to big but beggers can't be choosers with a great atmosphere considering the attendances. The downside is the organisation which will take a bit of getting use to and ther aspects have fallen since the move such as the weekly e-newsletter, eagles tv and the website which helps keep people informed and interested.