Caution if going to OT with very small children

tuafc · Post by **tuafc** » 23 May 2011, 22:44

Just to make people aware I have been informed by both Manchester United and Stevenage that tickets will need to be purchased for children of any age, including under 1s.

I did ask Torquay but they have not responded to my emails nor picked up the phone in the last two days, but having queried with Man Utd regarding the possibility of storing a pram at the ground I was informed that:
a. This is not possible
b. I would need to purchase a ticket for my 3 month old son otherwise he will not be let in

When I queried why I should buy a seat for someone who won't use it, I was told they would need a ticket for health and safety reasons to make sure the ground is not over-filled. I stated there would be 60k empty seats so couldn't see it being a problem, however they wouldn't budge. I confirmed this by calling Stevenage (who picked up straight away and were very helpful) and they said this is a ground order and that every individual must have a ticket but the club has the right to sell at a concessionary rate.

I have been to lots of games recently with a small baby and never been asked to pay for him. Equally at places like Theme Parks a ticket is required but this is to manage numbers and does not come with any cost. Forking out for travel, a hotel and tickets for the rest of my family was bad enough, but throw another 'unplanned' ticket into the mix and I am understanding the argument of the stay at homes.

Had I not queried the possibility of taking a pram to the ground I would not have thought to buy him a ticket so wanted to make people aware who, like me, are in the position where they have no choice but to take a baby along, that they would need to buy an additional ticket and not be faced with getting caught out at the ground.

Post by **Southampton Gull** » 23 May 2011, 22:54

If I was you I would email the Chairman and inform him of this, I'd be very surprised if the Club would want any more than a token fee to allow you to take your son.

I'll sticky this for a couple of days to keep it at the top, hopefully someone from the Club will read it and inform us if anything can be done.

tuafc · Post by **tuafc** » 23 May 2011, 22:58

Thanks, as for your suggestion do you have contact details for him? I have emailed the Club Sec and Reception about this but got no response, yet can't get through on the phone to escalate it.

Post by **Southampton Gull** » 23 May 2011, 23:01

Club Secretary is Kerry Haggan and I'm sure she'll act upon it when she reads it.

EDIT: I'll link this thread to someone via pm who may be able to draw their attention to it a little more quickly.

Post by **Trojan 67** » 24 May 2011, 21:46

I'm glad I'll be at that huge stadium with my "little" (much taller) younger brother to look after me, especially as I'll be the one in the short pants called "desert storm" cut offs. :Oops:

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