You can now drink at your seat at most of Footy Park!
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 3:37 pmSANFL GIVES FANS A CHOICE AT AAMI STADIUM
Football supporters at AAMI Stadium will be able to choose to take alcoholic drinks to their seats in the 2009 season.
Announcing the relaxation of the rules today, SANFL Executive Commissioner Leigh Whicker said the changes had been made in light of the current financial crisis facing many businesses across Australia.
He said that this could be a tough season for the SANFL and the League wanted to ensure that patrons were provided with a choice that may encourage them to come to AFL matches.
“This is a commercial decision for us,” Mr Whicker said.
“We are dealing currently with some issues regarding match attendances and we consider this revised policy should give some fans a reason to come back to AAMI Stadium and watch live matches.”
Mr Whicker gave his assurance that the changes would be monitored closely to ensure that the comfort of all fans would not be compromised.
“Our primary concern is always to ensure that supporters who come to AAMI enjoy the game in safe, secure, family-friendly conditions, and we will continue to encourage patrons to drink in a responsible manner.”
He said there would be special dry areas created in Bay 102 (public area) and Bay 103 (members’ reserve). These would be filled on a ‘first in, first seated’ basis.
Lids on cups would also deal with the problem of spillage and the restriction of four beers per patron in carry trays will continue. Drinking will not be allowed in the designated standing areas within the Stadium.
Only medium-strength beer would be served at night matches.
Mr Whicker said the current security controls and monitoring of patrons would continue and fewer people congregating around bars in the back road-way area of the stadium would also improve pedestrian traffic flow.
“We’ll be working closely with the Liquor Licensing Commission, the police and both AFL clubs to ensure the success of this move.”
He added the decision was made easier following last year’s successful trial with a section of the stadium and further trials at the recent Twenty20 cricket match and the NAB Challenge trial match.
“The revised policy last year was an outstanding success.
“Given this, we are happy with our decision and confident that this will be welcomed by Power and Crows fans regardless of whether or not they want to drink in their seats.
“AAMI has now been brought into line with other major stadia such as the MCG and Etihad.”
Mr Whicker said the new rule would come into effect from next Sunday afternoon when the Power plays Essendon.
Football supporters at AAMI Stadium will be able to choose to take alcoholic drinks to their seats in the 2009 season.
Announcing the relaxation of the rules today, SANFL Executive Commissioner Leigh Whicker said the changes had been made in light of the current financial crisis facing many businesses across Australia.
He said that this could be a tough season for the SANFL and the League wanted to ensure that patrons were provided with a choice that may encourage them to come to AFL matches.
“This is a commercial decision for us,” Mr Whicker said.
“We are dealing currently with some issues regarding match attendances and we consider this revised policy should give some fans a reason to come back to AAMI Stadium and watch live matches.”
Mr Whicker gave his assurance that the changes would be monitored closely to ensure that the comfort of all fans would not be compromised.
“Our primary concern is always to ensure that supporters who come to AAMI enjoy the game in safe, secure, family-friendly conditions, and we will continue to encourage patrons to drink in a responsible manner.”
He said there would be special dry areas created in Bay 102 (public area) and Bay 103 (members’ reserve). These would be filled on a ‘first in, first seated’ basis.
Lids on cups would also deal with the problem of spillage and the restriction of four beers per patron in carry trays will continue. Drinking will not be allowed in the designated standing areas within the Stadium.
Only medium-strength beer would be served at night matches.
Mr Whicker said the current security controls and monitoring of patrons would continue and fewer people congregating around bars in the back road-way area of the stadium would also improve pedestrian traffic flow.
“We’ll be working closely with the Liquor Licensing Commission, the police and both AFL clubs to ensure the success of this move.”
He added the decision was made easier following last year’s successful trial with a section of the stadium and further trials at the recent Twenty20 cricket match and the NAB Challenge trial match.
“The revised policy last year was an outstanding success.
“Given this, we are happy with our decision and confident that this will be welcomed by Power and Crows fans regardless of whether or not they want to drink in their seats.
“AAMI has now been brought into line with other major stadia such as the MCG and Etihad.”
Mr Whicker said the new rule would come into effect from next Sunday afternoon when the Power plays Essendon.
