For the viability of any club, it is important to get as many fans through the gate and attending each game.
In the modern game, supporters do have increased expectations and it’s important for administrators of a club to consider the experience they are providing for their fans on every match day.
Here a few suggestions to help you improve the match day experience for your local club.
- Provide high-quality food and beverage options at a reasonable price
Providing supporters with high quality food and beverage options is an integral part of a matchday experience – especially at a grassroots level.
It’s important to invest in offerings that are unique to your club and it is important to know what exactly your fans are looking for. It is also a good sign if you stand out as a venue that provides good food and beverage – for opposing travelling fans to your club.
Partnering with local food vendors or breweries may also be a viable option for the club – providing authenticity and boosting the local economy at the same time.
Providing spectators with a wide range of food and beverage is also paramount, ensuring that those with certain dietary requirements are also catered for.
Pricing and length of queues are also significant factors for food and beverage options and must be thought through accordingly.
- Provide other forms of entertainment beyond the match
Although most are there for the football, it is important to provide entertainment at your local club that extends past the match.
Organising pre- and post-match entertainment options such as live music, interactive fan experiences, comedy shows can be a real hit with supporters and further engage the local community. Alongside this, you could also organise initiatives such as a kid zone for young children to participate in activities, games, quizzes and more.
Linking up with local charities on a gameday can also be useful, spreading awareness and involving the local community in useful causes.
These experiences can build a festival-like atmosphere that young adults and families will enjoy – which will lead them to come back more often in the future.
- Embrace different forms of technology
In the modern world, it is important that your local club utilises technology to enhance the match day experience at your home ground.
Providing spectators with high-speed Wi-Fi in club rooms, mobile ordering, in-seat delivery options and more will ensure they have access to services necessary to further enjoy their game day experience.
Electronic scoreboards, monitors or large screens that provide highlights, replays and so forth will also enhance the match viewing experience.
If you want to be a little extravagant, consider virtual reality or augmented reality experiences which provides supporters with a viewpoint closer to the action.
- Encourage fan engagement
To really hone in on the sense of community amongst fans, encourage fan engagement on any given match day. Provide opportunities for fans to interact with players, coaches and staff members. This could include photograph opportunities, autograph sessions, meet and greets, Q&A’s – which will create memorable experiences for fans.
It will also be worthwhile to encourage fans to share their experiences on social media through the use of hashtags and offering prizes to the well-constructed posts – which will further help promote the football club.
5. Offer premium seating options
While many will enjoy standard seating or standing options at your home ground – it is worthwhile planning and investing in premium seating options.
Whether that be luxury boxes, VIP Lounges or private suites – these are different, exclusive experiences that many fans will be willing to pay for.
These areas must be equipped with luxuries such as comfortable seating or dedicated service staff who deliver food and drink – depending on the way your club decides to organise these areas.
Not only could this be a revenue success for your club, the premium options can increase fan attendances at games.
In conclusion, these are just a few methods that will improve the matchday experience at your club.
For further tips and tricks – feel free to sign your club up to the Football Pro Directory business platform here.
