Meeting of QPR Club Representatives with QPR Fans Reps Representatives
18th December 2013
Attending from the Club:
Mark Donnelly – Chief Operating Officer
Jenny Winstanley Operations Manager
Jim McNeill – Safety Officer
Alex Fish – Deputy Safety Officer
Blair Hughes – Intern
Andy Rees – Supporter Liaison / Customer Services Officer
Attending from Fans groups:
Steve Burkett – Disabled Supporters Association
Stephen Dedridge – QPR1st
Micky Fitzgerald – LSA
The primary purpose of this meeting was for fans representatives to meet with the matchday operations team. Mark Donnelly, QPR’s Chief Operating Officer attended the first half of the meeting to briefly discuss the Club’s recent unveiling of plans to build a new 40,000 capacity stadium as part of the Old Oak area regeneration project.
Populous the company which designed Wembley Stadium, the 2012 Olympics Stadium and the Emirates has been commissioned to create a design for QPR’s new home. Mark stressed that the architectural design of the stadium is still at a very early stage and very little had been agreed. He stated that as the project evolves the club was fully committed to consultation with fans primarily through representatives of the main fans groups but also through a variety of other means such as focus groups; public exhibitions etc.
Mark also acknowledged that the primary concern for QPR fans was that the architectural design should recreate the sense of atmosphere and closeness to the action associated with Loftus Road.
The following questions submitted by fans through their representative groups were then discussed.
1/ Fans in certain areas of the stadium are complaining that the PA system on match-day is too loud- also that the sound is distorted. Can anything be done about this?
The PA system at Loftus Road is very old- in fact it consists of four different systems introduced over a period of time. The cost of replacing the system is considered prohibitive given the plans to move out of Loftus Road.
In order to get the volume right for all areas of the stadium, it is really a matter of trial and error. The Club is experimenting with different settings during match-day in order to try to get it right for everyone. In order to assist in this process, if fans are still finding the noise level intolerable then they should email the Club stating time, date and where sitting. (Andy would u be best person to be emailed?)
The quality of the sound is a different matter and one which the Club will investigate in response to the concerns raised. It was pointed out that the PA System would not be relied on during an emergency so fans should not be concerned that in a scenario such as a ground evacuation they would not hear instructions.
2/ Do the stewards have to run down the touchline and crouch in from of fans whenever there is a free kick, corner or a goal as it can be distracting and interfere with the view?
This policy was brought in in response to incidences of things being thrown on the pitch or fans running on the pitch. The Club consider that it has proven to be a successful deterrent in terms of such incidences no longer being reported. The Club appreciates that when the policy was first introduced, there were issues with stewards not knowing where they should go and getting in the way of fans watching the game. It is hoped that a more consistent stewarding team has helped to alleviate some of the problems.
3/ Why do stewards sometimes check tickets when fans walk into a stand when the tickets were already checked when fans entered the ground? And why is it so ad hoc- some stewards check and others don’t.
The Club does not feel it is necessary to check tickets at every match once fans have been admitted to the grounds but has carried out occasional spot-checks to deter fans who are using children’s tickets or to address the problem of some fans converging in some stands. The practice is not as ad hoc as it might appear because stewards in targeted stands will have been instructed to carry out spot-checks on that particular matchday.
4/ Could Safe Standing be introduced at Loftus Road?
The Club is aware that recently there has been a sea change in the attitude towards safe seating. Developments such as the proposed introduction of safe standing rail seat areas at Ashton Gate are being viewed with interest and of course could have implications for QPR’s new stadium. Nevertheless current legislation continues to force clubs in the top two divisions to offer all-seater stadiums and the Club remains under pressure by both the local authority and the FA to challenge persistent standing.
5/ Could Wi-Fi be made available at Loftus Road?
The experience at Anfield suggests that introducing Wi-Fi in a stadium that was obviously not designed to accommodate it can not only prove very costly but produce poor results in terms of slow or intermittent connection. The Club therefore does not consider introducing Wi-Fi at Loftus Road as a feasible option which can be justified either in terms of costs or benefits for fans.
6/ Could fans be allowed to smoke e-cigarettes throughout the stadium?
E-Cigarettes are considered as a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes. Research carried out by the Club has shown that e-cigarettes are completely banned at most clubs in the top two divisions. QPR is one of four Clubs which allow e-cigarettes but only in designated areas. The only club which allows smoking throughout its stadium is Burnley which receives sponsorship from an e-cigarette manufacturer.
Far from QPR or any other clubs being inspired to follow Burnley’s example, it is Burnley itself which is likely to have to review its policy with regulations being introduced next season (initially in the Premier League and then likely to be extended to the Championship) which will outlaw e-cigarettes in all stadiums outside of designated areas.
7/ Could fans who do not sit in the Loft access the Blue and White Bar before the match or during half time?
This is a capacity issue which means that any increase in the number of people entering the Loft beyond those who have designated seats would raise health and safety concerns in terms of over-crowding.
8/The designated areas for wheelchair users are not covered. Could fans who use wheelchairs be issued ponchos when it is raining?
The Club consider that this is a reasonable request and will provide ponchos for these fans.