Ray's Question and Answer Session to Albion about Falmer
THE news came out early on Tuesday morning. It might not be a huge surprise but it is a big deal in every sense!
The statement read: "The club is delighted to announce that our new home will be known as the American Express Community Stadium after agreeing a multi-year naming rights deal with the worldwide travel, financial and network services company."
It was good timing! As the new stadium rises up out of the Falmer site, revealing its exciting shape, last week I took the chance to ask CEO Martin Perry "Is this going to be the best football stadium in the UK?" I didn't get an immediate response. I now know why! Deal done and Richard Hebberd, who had shown me around the stadium a few weeks earlier, came back quickly with the answers to my questions.
Q Is work on schedule for the kick-off in August 2011?
A Yes! Following the weather delays in the winter, we are back on schedule.
Q When will the first "trial" event take place and what might it be?
A The practical completion date is end of May 2011. We will start shortly after that with very small events working up to a 10,000 football match in early July.
Q No stadium sponsor has been announced. Is there one signed up yet? And when might fans get to know the new name?
A Announcement today! – American Express Community Stadium.
Q Will the stands be named? (Other than West, East, North or Away).
A No plans to do so at the moment.
Q Will the capacity be 23,000 in the first season? Looking ahead (I'm thinking Premiership by 2015!) what is the potential for an increased maximum?
A Capacity is 22,500 at opening with the potential to increase to 30,000 subject to planning and successful transport schemes.
Q Can you say what the cost of a basic season ticket might be for 2011/12? (Comparing with the Withdean 425 South Stand).
A Prices have not been decided yet.
Q Presumably there won't be a travel voucher included in the tickets? Will there be (and where) Park-and-ride sites?
A Free travel WILL be part of the ticket. Park and ride sites still being decided but at the moment Mithras House, Mill Road, Racecourse and others being negotiated.
Q I know the club intend supporters to travel to the stadium by bus and train. But will there be car parking available at Sussex University, or elsewhere?
A Pre-booked car parking WILL be available at Sussex University and other nearby sites.
Q I believe the Falmer railway station is to be enlarged and improved, with easy access to the stadium. Will eight coach trains be accommodated and will services be increased for match days?
A Although the station is being improved, it does not need to be enlarged. The size of trains will be for Southern to decide. We are working very closely with them on all aspects of train travel.
Q Will there be any "pay-at-the-gate" facility? Can you tell us about the "intelligent" tickets that will be issued?
A There will be NO pay at the turnstile available. People who purchase tickets will be sent a card which they can update by phone, internet or personal visit to the City store. On the first occasion people purchase tickets they can be bought on line or by mobile phone.
Q All those who have queued at the vans in the Withdean car park are interested in the catering facilities! Can you say what we might expect?
A All catering facilities are in the dry! Alcohol will be served in all concourses. The food on offer will be varied and of good quality.
Q I was told the away supporters were to be well catered for (After Withdean they do deserve it!). Can you say what they might expect?
A The facilities in the away end will be the same as those in the home ends. They will even be in the same postcode as the rest of the stadium! (I had heard that lighting would be in away colours).
Q I saw what looked like Italian marble finish to the main concourse in the west stand. Will all the public areas be finished to such a high standard? Are there other top notch features you can reveal?
A The standard of finish in the concourse will be second to none. All walls will be rendered and painted, the floor is power floated which does indeed give a finish that looks like marble. There will be shelves for food and drink and ample TVs for everyone to watch.
Q I was told the pitch will be as big as Wembley's! Is that right?
A The pitch size is the same as Wembley! The pitch will have under soil heating and a watering system.
Q With apologies to Tina Turner, and Chris Eubank, is our stadium going to be "Simply the Best" in the UK?
A Absolutely!!!
Thank you! Exciting stuff for Seagulls' fans - roll on August 2011!
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Weather for Lewes
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 12 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: East
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Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
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