DISGRACEFUL treatment of Afl Members

[Merv_Hughes]

The way AFL members these days are being treated is nothing short of an absolute joke. A few points I'd like to make.

1. Having to show your ticket to get into level n and p every time you go in and out. As an AFL member, you should have access to these areas even if you don't reserve a seat. You still should be allowed to walk around these areas. It is very annoying having to show your ticket everytime you walk out to have a piss or when you are carrying food back in. If people are going to sit in the wrong sits, people with the right tickets will call the attendants over to sort it out, don't annoy everyone else by overpolicing something.

2. Nazi like attendants. I was standing on level n last night with a couple of people. Some of the guys were being fairly loud, but not swearing or doing anything wrong. An attendant came over and asked us what was going on. Aren't we allowed to stand in the foyer section of n (past the gate, but before the seats) and talk these days.

3. The attendants SNATCH your ticket off you both at the gates when you come in and when you are going to your seats. If you want to see our tickets, ASK. Do not grab them off us rudely.

4. I know a mate who went to the Bulldogs Cats game on his membership card, he showed up and swiped it. He was pulled up because it was a concession and asked to show his concession card. He explained that he didn't have it and that id should be enough because he had to show proof of concession entitlement at the start of the year to get the concession membership. If he shows the id, this is enough. But the moron at the ground couldn't get this. Absolute disgrace.

5. Asking us to bring our memberships to finals. If we reserve a seat with our membership, we shouldn't have to. What about people with guest passes? They don't even have memberships. Work that out? What are they going to do with the people on guest passes.

The standard of service for afl members has got worse every single year. It is about time they started giving us value for money and treating us like humans when we get to the ground. They really need to stop acting like Nazis.

I will be putting my complaint in writing to the afl membership department, I urge anyone who feels the same to do so as well.

END OF RANT.

 

[EssendonPride]

4. I know a mate who went to the Bulldogs Cats game on his membership card, he showed up and swiped it. He was pulled up because it was a concession and asked to show his concession card. He explained that he didn't have it and that id should be enough because he had to show proof of concession entitlement at the start of the year to get the concession membership. If he shows the id, this is enough. But the moron at the ground couldn't get this. Absolute disgrace.

I'm sorrry but that one makes sense. It's the same with train tickets, etc.

Just because you're eligible at the time of purchase doesn't mean much. You must maintain that concession in order to continue benefitting from it.

I can't think of a valid reason you wouldn't have the concession card on you, so can only assume his had expired and the correct call was made.

 

[MC Bad Genius]

I too am disgusted that you were treated so horrifically and am actually considering writing in a complaint letter on your behalf not only to the AFL, but also to the MCG. Maybe we could start a petition for everyone that has been ill-treated in this way and present it to Andrew Demetriou at the Grand Final Breakfast in an effort to get as much media coverage as possible. This is an outrage.

 

[hamG]

AFL member rage, sorry but this is pretty funny.

Basically the staff are making sure you don't have anyone sneaking into your sections but apparently you are savagely outraged by this. I say stop checking tickets, let people walk in and steal your seats, and then when you ask a staff member for help he can't because he has been told to stop looking at peoples tickets.

 

[Godzke]

I wonder if I'll be chirping up with an MCC rant this time next year if membership prices rise due to the new MCC / AFL clubs deal for match revenue.

:\

 

[Consolaçao]

Come on man... stop whinging. The only point with any validity is the second, and we'd have to take it as gospel that it happened exactly as you put it. And it probably didn't. Stop trying to convince yourself the world is against you, and just enjoy the game.

 

[Jonno_]

They have done this since for as long as I can remember... its annoying. You can't even go to the toilet without getting checked; its worse than a cinema. Compared to vic park where you could literally sneak in, it is ridiculously strict.

I also find it ridiculous that AFL members missed out on tickets to the St Kilda v Collingwood game because every ticket holder could buy four guest passes. Surely there should be a system by which guest passes go on sale after a membership sale date? I dont know

 

[footyfreak]

 

[DeanoT]

The way AFL members these days are being treated is nothing short of an absolute joke. A few points I'd like to make.

1. Having to show your ticket to get into level n and p every time you go in and out. As an AFL member, you should have access to these areas even if you don't reserve a seat. You still should be allowed to walk around these areas. It is very annoying having to show your ticket everytime you walk out to have a piss or when you are carrying food back in. If people are going to sit in the wrong sits, people with the right tickets will call the attendants over to sort it out, don't annoy everyone else by overpolicing something.

2. Nazi like attendants. I was standing on level n last night with a couple of people. Some of the guys were being fairly loud, but not swearing or doing anything wrong. An attendant came over and asked us what was going on. Aren't we allowed to stand in the foyer section of n (past the gate, but before the seats) and talk these days.

3. The attendants SNATCH your ticket off you both at the gates when you come in and when you are going to your seats. If you want to see our tickets, ASK. Do not grab them off us rudely.

4. I know a mate who went to the Bulldogs Cats game on his membership card, he showed up and swiped it. He was pulled up because it was a concession and asked to show his concession card. He explained that he didn't have it and that id should be enough because he had to show proof of concession entitlement at the start of the year to get the concession membership. If he shows the id, this is enough. But the moron at the ground couldn't get this. Absolute disgrace.

5. Asking us to bring our memberships to finals. If we reserve a seat with our membership, we shouldn't have to. What about people with guest passes? They don't even have memberships. Work that out? What are they going to do with the people on guest passes.

The standard of service for afl members has got worse every single year. It is about time they started giving us value for money and treating us like humans when we get to the ground. They really need to stop acting like Nazis.

I will be putting my complaint in writing to the afl membership department, I urge anyone who feels the same to do so as well.

END OF RANT.

1. They should check tickets to prevent others from sitting in your seat. People don't usually deliberately try to take the seat of others, but those without a reserved seat might wander into your seats, unaware that they are booked. Staff make sure that those without reserved seats are redirected. My experience is that they don't hassle you much after quarter time, especially if they recognise you from earlier, and if you've got an armful of drinks/food.

2. Never had this experience before. Most of the staff have been pleasant enough.

3. Never had anyone snatch a ticket out of my hand.

4. Your mate is required to show his concession if asked, and should be aware of this.

5. Read your membership brochure. Attendants asking for your membership is a way AFL members rights are protected by ensuring that memberships aren't used inappropriately by non-members. As you no doubt know, all you need to book a reserved seat is the barcode. The fact you have a ticket in your hand means nothing unless it agrees to your membership card, and ID. Most AFL members I know have no problems with the policing of ticketholders. It is one way of ensuring that paying members are protected from freeloaders entering on their mates barcodes.

You have no real issue here, except with poor customer service, which going by your post, probably is probably a direct result of your attitude towards complying with the terms of your membership, which are spelt out clearly in all AFL membership materials.

 

[Rob]

You're getting entry to a shitload of games, including finals, in the best stadium in the country for 2/5ths of **** all.

You should be on your hands and knees kissing the AFL's arse.

 

[fraser25]

You're getting entry to a shitload of games, including finals, in the best stadium in the country for 2/5ths of **** all.

That isn't true.

 

[greennick]

That isn't true.

What part isn't true?

You guys get an AFL membership for about what we pay for a membership to our clubs with 11 games a year at shitty Subi.

 

[doodlefeatures]

The way AFL members these days are being treated is nothing short of an absolute joke. A few points I'd like to make.

1. Having to show your ticket to get into level n and p every time you go in and out. As an AFL member, you should have access to these areas even if you don't reserve a seat. You still should be allowed to walk around these areas. It is very annoying having to show your ticket everytime you walk out to have a piss or when you are carrying food back in. If people are going to sit in the wrong sits, people with the right tickets will call the attendants over to sort it out, don't annoy everyone else by overpolicing something.

2. Nazi like attendants. I was standing on level n last night with a couple of people. Some of the guys were being fairly loud, but not swearing or doing anything wrong. An attendant came over and asked us what was going on. Aren't we allowed to stand in the foyer section of n (past the gate, but before the seats) and talk these days.

3. The attendants SNATCH your ticket off you both at the gates when you come in and when you are going to your seats. If you want to see our tickets, ASK. Do not grab them off us rudely.

4. I know a mate who went to the Bulldogs Cats game on his membership card, he showed up and swiped it. He was pulled up because it was a concession and asked to show his concession card. He explained that he didn't have it and that id should be enough because he had to show proof of concession entitlement at the start of the year to get the concession membership. If he shows the id, this is enough. But the moron at the ground couldn't get this. Absolute disgrace.

5. Asking us to bring our memberships to finals. If we reserve a seat with our membership, we shouldn't have to. What about people with guest passes? They don't even have memberships. Work that out? What are they going to do with the people on guest passes.

The standard of service for afl members has got worse every single year. It is about time they started giving us value for money and treating us like humans when we get to the ground. They really need to stop acting like Nazis.

I will be putting my complaint in writing to the afl membership department, I urge anyone who feels the same to do so as well.

END OF RANT.

5. People with guest passes have a ticket that says 'guest pass' on it

 

[Lach72]

Very true.

 

[dart]

What part isn't true?

You guys get an AFL membership for about what we pay for a membership to our clubs with 11 games a year at shitty Subi.

depressing isn't it.

 

[stefoid]

I am not an AFL member, yet I am outraged on your behalf. I almost spilled my 2007 Ithaca Chardonnay in shock!

I emplore all AFL members to boycott going to the footy for the next 20 years in protest at this behaviour!!

(then maybe there would be enough seats for club members to see their own teams in the finals)

 

[mjr_42]

You'd hate life in the MCC members, then.

What you consider an outrage is what I consider the bare minimum of security and diligence for the protection of your rights in your reserve.

If you want those rights gradually eroded through lack of policing by attendants and security, by all means keep complaining.

 

[Lach72]

40 Matches

In any combination at the MCG & Etihad Stadium*

Membership of your AFL club

* Access to all home matches of your club of support (regardless of venue)
* Inclusion in your club's membership numbers
* Club membership fulfillment pack
* Financial support for your team – $131 of your membership fee paid directly to your club


NAB CUP

Access to the NAB Cup – all matches and finals

Toyota AFL Finals Series

Access to matches in weeks 1 & 2 of the Toyota AFL Finals Series played in Victoria

http://www.aflmembership.com.au/afl membership entitlements/tabid/14072/default.aspx

All this for $325 bucks...I think I might get outraged myself when I have to $450 buck for my membership this year.

 

[JUBJUB]

5. Asking us to bring our memberships to finals. If we reserve a seat with our membership, we shouldn't have to.

Yeah,it's a real strain having to take a tiny piece of plastic to the footy

 

[fpm84]

The smartest thing I ever did was switch to AFL membership. I've been to every final in Melbourne so far this year for a grand total of around $50 and went to about 30 games during the season plus NAB Cup games including the GF.

Can't see any problems with what the OP is saying, and short of them rolling out a red carpet at gate 6 at the G I think we're treated pretty well.

 

[MotlopRules]

Geez have a giant whinge why don't you. Don't you have anything better to do with your life than rage against people checking your tickets....

It's just sad.

 

[bigdroppunt]

Ive been to 35 NAB cup and H&A games this year on a membership that cost me $325.... thats a little over $9 per game.... yes some of thos times i may of payed a $5 booking fee to reserve a seat....in that whole time i have never been once asked to show my card.... i never even signed it.... and to top that off.. i lost it about 4-5 weeks ago....

the only thing that is "DISGRACEFUL" about been an AFL member is that i didnt get onto this years ago.... because i could of been a gold member by now...

 

[AFaiL]

$440 this year for 40 games, all pre season, $13.5 ticket to qualifying final, $16 ticket to prelim, guaranteed GF ticket for $105

I don't see the point in complaning.

But it is a bit of a pain to have to bring ya membership to each game

I dont keep mine in my wallet, its not like i use it daily. Meh, ill cop that.

 

[King Elvis]

http://www.aflmembership.com.au/afl membership entitlements/tabid/14072/default.aspx

All this for $325 bucks...I think I might get outraged myself when I have to $450 buck for my membership this year.

Jesus, 40 games for $325?!?!

Big Footy is no longer the best deal in town.

 

[Lach72]

If WA gets a bigger stadium, it will be interesting to see whether they make this package available to us...
Be good to go to Melbourne for a couple of weekends of footy