There is no doubt that the Covid 19 pandemic has changed our lives forever. The outbreak across the world has brought challenging times for everyone, personally and within business and firstly we must share our thoughts with the many millions of families who have been directly affected by this terrible virus. Here in Dumfries and Galloway we have been more fortunate than a lot of other areas but the loss felt is no different.
In terms of the football side of things, there is no hiding from the fact that since the game was brought to an abrupt halt on the 13th of March we have faced difficult and challenging times. The country as a whole is making progress as the number of cases of Covid decrease but the virus hasn’t gone away and we still face unpredictable times.
Over recent months teams in the Championship have worked together to produce a roadmap for getting the new campaign started. As you will be aware we plan to undertake a 27 game season commencing in mid-October which will run until the beginning of May. It means we are losing a quarter of the season but we feel this is the best option as we take into account the risks as things currently stand.
We are pleased to hear that the Scottish Government are moving into phase three of their route out of lockdown and reports suggest that supporters may well be allowed back into stadiums sooner than expected which is fantastic news. If the restrictions continue to ease at the pace they are we would hopefully be able to open our league campaign in front of at least a limited number of supporters.
These uncertain times are worrying for us all and have placed many under pressure and facing financial challenges, therefore we are grateful for the support that the club has received over the past few months.
Now that football is returning we need to start making as many plans as we can for the future and it’s clear that every football club across the country is going to need more support than ever. In order for us to plan more efficiently it would be helpful for us to have an idea of our guaranteed income as much as possible, therefore we are appealing to as many Queens fans to assist the club in preparing for the coming season by buying a season ticket.
With their being 27 games, we will have either 13 or 14 home games. It still isn’t clear at this stage, if we would have to play our initial home games behind closed doors, or within a ‘socially distanced’ stadium. If it is the latter then the likelihood is that only home supporters would be allowed into the stadium. Because we cannot be certain at present of the precise split between games that will be streamed live, games that will be subject to reduced numbers, and normal matches with an unrestricted crowd attendance we need to be flexible at this stage and we ask for everyone’s understanding of these issues.
A season ticket card holder would still purchase their “normal” seat, in their favourite stand, but could only be sure of being able to sit in that specific seat when we are operating without any restrictions. In the case of a ‘socially distanced’ stadium, all season ticket card holders would have priority access to a seat. In the event that a small number of matches are played behind closed doors at the start of the campaign, all full paying adult and concession season ticket card holders will be provided with a free, live stream of the match delivered by a new camera system which will be installed in all Championship grounds for the season.
Despite the added advantage of live streaming, there will be no price increase for season tickets from last season. Based on that and it being a shorter season, we are setting our prices at £210 per adult ticket and £120 concession.
Other season ticket prices are £68 for students or those 16 – 21 year old with our value for money Junior Blue season ticket priced at £14 for next season. We are also offering accessible tickets starting at £14 for Junior Blues going up to £75 for accessible adults with accessible concessions at £42 and the 16 – 21 and student age group priced at £42 for the season.
We realise that last season was curtailed and therefore we are offering a two game rebate. It would certainly help the club if supporters were to leave the money within the club to boost the budget for the new season but if anyone wishes to reclaim their money, they should pop into the Arena once it reopens for business and apply for a refund which will be sanctioned by the Chairman.
Tickets for 2020/21 will initially be on sale via our, newly updated, online club shop - https://store.qosfc.com/202021-season-tickets - We understand things are still tight but as we prepare to start putting together a squad and it would be of great benefit to the club if supporters were to purchase their ticket now to give us an idea of the kind of budget we will have.
It also offers full paying adults or concessions the benefit of having access to all our home games via either a live streaming service or attendance wither it is social distance or normal crowd.
The Board genuinely appreciate the efforts of our fan base and your continued support, at this difficult time, the purchase of a season ticket would be hugely valued as we try to navigate our way safely through the season ahead.