Quiet Old Trafford

[M4YON]

What prevents local fans from buying up the tickets? Manchester is the second largest metropolitan area in England. Why isn't it filled with locals? Ticket prices? They cost less than a decent MLS seat, and gobs less than a god awful NFL ticket. I paid 32 pounds for a membership, and 38-41 pounds for the seats that were available to me by being a member. Is that really that expensive? What is stopping 'locals' from doing the same as I do from 4,200 miles away?

Season ticket holders can't sell on tickets at face value anymore and risk being life banned so where you would get a local fan attending in his/her place you now have dave from Africa.

Besides to get tickets at that price you have to be a member which most dont want to be they just want to go online and buy a ticket, decent seating in Stretford and singing section are easily £40+ and that's against the lower clubs big games your talking in the hundreds.

Standing accommodation would allow us to fit more in the stadium and would essentially bring down the ticket prices too.

Most local fans used to rely on buying tickets from season ticket holders that couldn't go there used to be 'meet' points around the stadium but the risk of a lifetime ban has been enough to kill that off.

The problem is almost all the overseas fans turn up for the atmosphere but because the majority of the stadium is filled with them there ends up being no atmosphere at all, kind of ironic in a way.

If i was an overseas fan passionate about the club l would want to come to see United to be apart if the atmosphere, YouTube some of the classic chants get up and sing along, clap etc but they dont they sit there hoping to soak it in and itsead its killing the atmosphere.

 

[RedMilo]

Following on from this thread, have to say the Stretford End did us proud against Hull City, my son & I particularly enjoyed the 10 minutes non stop Tony Marshall chant followed a Felliani cameo. It woke up a dullish game for a semi-final- credit were credit is due....

 

[GDaly95]

I think there's a study to be done on how loud certain stadiums are compared to their teams performance relative to what is expected of the club, because I'm convinced that OT's athmosphere in general has improved greatly since Sir Alex left. Similarly, the athmosphere at Anfield was always annoyingly impressive but then when they almost won the league in 2012 it became a library. Is there a negative correlation between success and athmosphere or have I subconsciously made this all up to suit my own theory?

 

[The United Irishman]

Probably best if you never attend a football match.

If someone has forked out good money to attend a football match then they have a right to view the game without being visually impaired by the people in front. My granda was old and needed a walking stick to walk and help him stand and if someone was standing in front of him at a match, my dad would politely ask them to have a bit of consideration to let my granda see the game in the comfort of his seat, some kindly obliged others ignored and it was a case of reporting them to the stewards but people should never have to be put in that position. Another factor is small children going to the game and some 6ft man is standing in front of them, they are not going to see anything. This is why the safe standing is a good idea, people intent on standing will then have an area to go, and the elderly and kids, can watch from the comfort of a seat which they have every right to do so.

 

[Penna]

If someone has forked out good money to attend a football match then they have a right to view the game without being visually impaired by the people in front. My granda was old and needed a walking stick to walk and help him stand and if someone was standing in front of him at a match, my dad would politely ask them to have a bit of consideration to let my granda see the game in the comfort of his seat, some kindly obliged others ignored and it was a case of reporting them to the stewards but people should never have to be put in that position. Another factor is small children going to the game and some 6ft man is standing in front of them, they are not going to see anything. This is why the safe standing is a good idea, people intent on standing will then have an area to go, and the elderly and kids, can watch from the comfort of a seat which they have every right to do so.

I sympathise with this, being a smaller-than-average height woman. I can stand the whole time and I like standing at matches, but when you're in a big stadium packed to capacity it's a dead loss as far as seeing anything is concerned.

Safe standing areas combined with seated areas is the way to go. Football isn't just a man's game these days, you get lots of kids and women there too and we're generally much shorter.

 

[Sir A1ex]

I don't get to old Trafford every game but have been six times so far this season and have to say been really disappointed with the atmosphere. Me and my lad where stood up in south stand during a recent europa league game and was told to sit down by the guy behind. When I explained to him that we were standing up trying to create atmosphere he looked at me gone out ffs. I am aware of singing section but can anyone think of any ways to get OT rocking?

You tried standing in the South Stand? Good luck with that

 

[The United Irishman]

I sympathise with this, being a smaller-than-average height woman. I can stand the whole time and I like standing at matches, but when you're in a big stadium packed to capacity it's a dead loss as far as seeing anything is concerned.

Safe standing areas combined with seated areas is the way to go. Football isn't just a man's game these days, you get lots of kids and women there too and we're generally much shorter.

Exactly! @Penna

 

[pacifictheme]

If someone has forked out good money to attend a football match then they have a right to view the game without being visually impaired by the people in front. My granda was old and needed a walking stick to walk and help him stand and if someone was standing in front of him at a match, my dad would politely ask them to have a bit of consideration to let my granda see the game in the comfort of his seat, some kindly obliged others ignored and it was a case of reporting them to the stewards but people should never have to be put in that position. Another factor is small children going to the game and some 6ft man is standing in front of them, they are not going to see anything. This is why the safe standing is a good idea, people intent on standing will then have an area to go, and the elderly and kids, can watch from the comfort of a seat which they have every right to do so.

If its that inconvenient to be at a match surely it makes more sense to be at home. When a chance is created everyone stands up, regardless of who is behind them, so your grandad would miss the best bits of a match anyway...

 

[Lentwood]

It's time the club carved OT into proper sections for fans who are interested in singing versus those who don't have an interest. I sit in the East Stand and the problem is obvious - usually the Stretford End and the singing section are either singing two completely different songs or the same song but out of time with each other. Lads in my area try to get an atmosphere going but there just isn't the volume of people necessary who are keen to join in.

It would be interesting to get a poll on this page to understand how many fans currently sing, how many currently don't and how many would if they were in a nosier area. I would put myself in the latter bracket as I like a good chant but am not prepared to stand up in front of rows of tourists and families and sing on my own!

 

[faipdeooiad]

It's time the club carved OT into proper sections for fans who are interested in singing versus those who don't have an interest. I sit in the East Stand and the problem is obvious - usually the Stretford End and the singing section are either singing two completely different songs or the same song but out of time with each other. Lads in my area try to get an atmosphere going but there just isn't the volume of people necessary who are keen to join in.

It would be interesting to get a poll on this page to understand how many fans currently sing, how many currently don't and how many would if they were in a nosier area. I would put myself in the latter bracket as I like a good chant but am not prepared to stand up in front of rows of tourists and families and sing on my own!

the problem with that is, however, is too many people won't move, as we found out in J stand.

I moved to the 'singing section' from north tier 3 having applied for and taken part in the trials. the first few games were murder. having been told that standing would be ok in that area, providing it was self-policed (which is is, impeccably), we arrive in our new seats to two old fellas behind us giving all sorts of grief. Stewards threatening to throw us out for not sitting down (despite the full block (an arm's length away as I am on the first seat on the stairs) next to us standing and one getting a bit hands on with my cousin who has a serious heart condition (who advised of this prior to being manhandled out of his seat and down the stairs).

a number of season ticket holders around where I sat walked out and weren't seen again.

the club handled establishing that one block very badly. if they decided to start divvying up entire stands, it'd get very messy.

re your point on J stand and SE singing two different songs, you can rarely hear the SE singing from where we are. I've seen videos online of what sounds like really loud singing in games and you can hear sweet FA where we are.

I sat in SE lower last season for the arsenal game and you could've heard a pin drop. too many people sat talking about what they're up to that weekend, barely even arsed about the game. try and stand up to sing and get told to sit down either by irate punters or stewards.

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

Simple solution, safe standing all of West Lower.

 

[Adisa]

Think it has become a cultural thing. Can't see people shoutinh and singing just because they're allowed to stand.

 

[Jacko21]

The atmosphere is poor at Old Trafford for the following reasons:

• Lack of European football and fixtures with lots at stake - that's what OT thrives off.

• Decent number of long-standing and vocal Stretford Enders have forgone their season tickets in recent years - for obvious reasons.

• High season ticket prices, driving out younger, more vocal supporters - avg. age of a ST holder at OT is in their 50s! - contrast that with Germany and it's mid 20s.

• Disconnect between players and fans - because of salaries, supporters are demanding and are more likely to vocalise their criticism, rather than support.

• No safe standing, makes it more inhibiting.

• Whilst the acoustics at OT are far from perfect, it is not a defining factor.

• Tourism, day-trippers etc

• Sporadic kick-off times - as appealing as 'Old Trafford under the lights' is, the reality is very different. In the main, supporters aren't enthused about heading out in the pouring rain, on a Monday night, to spend a pretty penny and get stuck in traffic only to watch an average game - not conducive to creating a good atmosphere.

• Poor logistics in and around the stadium, fans have further to travel, more inclined to leave early to beat the rush.

When Champions League nights return, that will help - as will a title challenge. Beyond that though, the atmosphere will not improve much without intervention from the club.

 

[arthurka]

I can safely say that us who travel to OT couple of times a year and want to yell our lungs out will struggle to find places in the stadium to do so.. Been going to Utd matches for a while now or since 86 but regularly since 1999.. The atmo for the game vs Arsenal was very poor.. But what has changed is that the supporters groups that were scattered around the stadium are to few and far between.. So the supporters who want do something are left alone with no group helping them out..

 

[AXVnee7]

How good was the atmosphere yesterday in relation to your average home game this season?

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

Think it has become a cultural thing. Can't see people shoutinh and singing just because they're allowed to stand.

Why? Works in every other country with standing.

You think Glastonbury would be a good atmosphere if everyone had to sit?

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

The atmosphere is poor at Old Trafford for the following reasons:

• High season ticket prices, driving out younger, more vocal supporters - avg. age of a ST holder at OT is in their 50s! - contrast that with Germany and it's mid 20s.

Not so high at United actually, very affordable.

 

[iKeano]

How good was the atmosphere yesterday in relation to your average home game this season?

Electric, Stretford end was bouncing. That said, if you can't get up for a game against the bin dippers then you'd best check your pulse!

 

[Sylar]

How good was the atmosphere yesterday in relation to your average home game this season?

It was really good. Problem was I had a row completely in front of me who were just sat, glum, complaining about everything, or taking pictures not really bothered about singing. Its weird when its only 5 or 6 people trying to sing in a section of about 100. (was in the North stand)

 

[AXVnee7]

Electric, Stretford end was bouncing. That said, if you can't get up for a game against the bin dippers then you'd best check your pulse!

It was really good. Problem was I had a row completely in front of me who were just sat, glum, complaining about everything, or taking pictures not really bothered about singing. Its weird when its only 5 or 6 people trying to sing in a section of about 100. (was in the North stand)

So it is possible to get a good atmosphere going. Do you think the club is taking the issue seriously? Do they even perceive it as an issue?

 

[711]

the redesign of the stadium means that you cant even hear the Stretford End from the Singing Section nowadays - that is a big part of the problem and one the reasons we will never get the whole stadium bouncing in unison like in the past

Yeah, others have said it and I agree. I've been in the scoreboard at times you know the stretty will be roaring, but you can't hear them. Meanwhile the north third tier is in a world of it's own, no one knows what's going on up there, although it can be surprisingly ok in an isolated sort of way. Short of a complete rebuild I'm afraid we're stuck with that.

 

[UnrelatedPsuedo]

Haven't been to OT for 3 years since I moved across the globe - last night in England was the Sunderland penalty shoot-out debacle. So serious questions to regular matchday fans;

1. How many people sing? (An horrendously difficult guess I'm sure).

2. If you split up the above number, how many pockets of people would be needed to see a song sang by all four stands at once? 50 pockets of 50 people? Higher, lower?

The only tickets I could ever get were in absolute non-singing areas. It was almost embarrassing to stand/sing.

Would be really interesting to see a map of season ticket seats and stranger-danger seats.

 

[marukomu]

Ban phones. People spend more time on them than watching the game.

 

[Ødegaard]

A friend of mine bought us tickets for the last home game of the season. It will be my first trip to England, and while I have physical problems (can't stand for long, and normally cannot handle sound well), I really hope some adrenaline makes it so I won't end up as one of the daytrippers you folks talk about. Won't be able to sing, but clapping (and booing if someone deserves it as it doesn't affect my throat as much as singing) there should be loads of unless I'm sitting with 98 silent people.

If I do however, sorry beforehand, can promise I won't tell someone celebrating a goal to sit down though!

 

[LFC-Fans]

Different types of fans I suppose, there are those that sing their heart out, and there are those who just watch.

I dunno. For me personally if you're just gonna watch the game then just stay at home, the whole point of going to the game is that you get a chance to cheer on the team.

 

[faipdeooiad]

Simple solution, safe standing all of West Lower.

the vast majority would use the attached seats and complain to stewards that they can't see, despite it being a designated standing area.

I just hope when the new stadium is built, they seriously bear in mind acoustics.

 

[NextSeason]

the vast majority would use the attached seats and complain to stewards that they can't see, despite it being a designated standing area.

I just hope when the new stadium is built, they seriously bear in mind acoustics.

Doubt we'll ever get a new stadium. Will just upgrade OT.

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

Doubt we'll ever get a new stadium. Will just upgrade OT.

Aye, there is so much that can be upgraded on the current stadium, not least the roof. A new improved roof and safe standing in West Lower would do absolute wonders!

I hate that fecking roof

 

[faipdeooiad]

Doubt we'll ever get a new stadium. Will just upgrade OT.

We will. The lure of naming rights money, more seats and better facilities will see to that.

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

We will. The lure of naming rights money and better facilities will see to that.

We can do that with the current stadium though. I mean, we've always improved the stadium & facilities.

Liverpool just added an entire new stand too with some great facilities if you didn't notice.

 

[NextSeason]

We will. The lure of naming rights money, more seats and better facilities will see to that.

All can be done with the current stadium.

 

[sunama]

Well i imagine you've stuffed a few prawn sandwiches into your gob a few times.

I imagine it's something other than prawn sandwiches you have had stuffed into your gob. But each to their own

I don't wish to interrupt your argument, but I must say that Woeisme's comment made me laugh.
I'm sure that nokillingmoths can appreciate this.

Very funny.

 

[johanovic]

The atmosphere is poor at Old Trafford for the following reasons:

• Lack of European football and fixtures with lots at stake - that's what OT thrives off.

• Decent number of long-standing and vocal Stretford Enders have forgone their season tickets in recent years - for obvious reasons.

• High season ticket prices, driving out younger, more vocal supporters - avg. age of a ST holder at OT is in their 50s! - contrast that with Germany and it's mid 20s.

• Disconnect between players and fans - because of salaries, supporters are demanding and are more likely to vocalise their criticism, rather than support.

• No safe standing, makes it more inhibiting.

• Whilst the acoustics at OT are far from perfect, it is not a defining factor.

• Tourism, day-trippers etc

• Sporadic kick-off times - as appealing as 'Old Trafford under the lights' is, the reality is very different. In the main, supporters aren't enthused about heading out in the pouring rain, on a Monday night, to spend a pretty penny and get stuck in traffic only to watch an average game - not conducive to creating a good atmosphere.

• Poor logistics in and around the stadium, fans have further to travel, more inclined to leave early to beat the rush.

When Champions League nights return, that will help - as will a title challenge. Beyond that though, the atmosphere will not improve much without intervention from the club.

I agree with a lot of these point´s but for me there is also one vital thing missing and that is breathtaking football, I remember how Ronaldo,Giggs,Scholes,Becks and so on could bring everybody at the stadium to the edge of their seat but sadly we are lacking a little bit yet in order to get there. Being one of those tralveling from abroad to see my beloved United I would like to point out that is a vital part of United, the global reach the club has. But does the club not have to find ways to improve this like for example: bringing in drummer/singing groups in various part´s of the stadium, making small posters for every fan as part of the ticket check in and at the back of the posters would be singing text´s? How about doing simple thing´s like the Icelandic viking clap that everyone can take part in? Old Trafford is indead a theater of sort´s and there are plenty of things that could be done in order to make the spectacle more interesting but that also has to come from the pitch,in playing fast and skilfull attacking football.

 

[Token Sheet]

The Stretford End and East Stand tier 2 are I assume basically the same in their seating plan.

Why not switch all ST'S in Stretford End with East Stand. They just basically keep same seat from the other stand. Same view just different end and no need to upset people with moves ie J Stand/singing section upheaval.

You then have a bank of home end supporters comprising of the ex Stretford Enders, singing section and K Stand. Plus it's right next to the away support.

Would of thought that would improve atmosphere.

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

The Stretford End and East Stand tier 2 are I assume basically the same in their seating plan.

Why not switch all ST'S in Stretford End with East Stand. They just basically keep same seat from the other stand. Same view just different end and no need to upset people with moves ie J Stand/singing section upheaval.

You then have a bank of home end supporters comprising of the ex Stretford Enders, singing section and K Stand. Plus it's right next to the away support.

Would of thought that would improve atmosphere.

Surely you'd just move the away fans & K stand to next to stretty in your scenario?

 

[pascell]

The Stretford End and East Stand tier 2 are I assume basically the same in their seating plan.

Why not switch all ST'S in Stretford End with East Stand. They just basically keep same seat from the other stand. Same view just different end and no need to upset people with moves ie J Stand/singing section upheaval.

You then have a bank of home end supporters comprising of the ex Stretford Enders, singing section and K Stand. Plus it's right next to the away support.

Would of thought that would improve atmosphere.

United tend to attack the Stretford End in the second half, think you'd much rather see that happen right in front of you, than watching it in the first half at the opposite end.

Also, I feel United want to do something to improve the atmosphere, hence giving the green light to the 'singing section' and also asking ST holders about safe standing in a recent survey.

As @Jacko21 said, our fans thrive on the team being in the CL and title race which helps them get behind the team even more. I think the recent comments from Mourinho about the atmosphere will help, we're all in it together after all.

I firmly believe if OT was rocking in the games against Burnley, Stoke and Arsenal we'd have beaten them.

 

[Token Sheet]

Surely you'd just move the away fans & K stand to next to stretty in your scenario?

The exec suite at the Stretford End would prevent that. No such exec facilities at East Stand.
Thinking about it that would probably affect any plans for safe standing in West Lower.

 

[ManUchosenbosslvg]

How good was the atmosphere yesterday in relation to your average home game this season?

Started off great but most went quiet around me as the 1st half went on as it seemed like Rojo and Tony V were the only ones showing a bit of fight to match the passion in the stands. There's a huge amount to be said for pushing for an early goal rather than settling in tactically while keeping things solid.

 

[Sylar]

Started off great but most went quiet around me as the 1st half went on as it seemed like Rojo and Tony V were the only ones showing a bit of fight to match the passion in the stands. There's a huge amount to be said for pushing for an early goal rather than settling in tactically while keeping things solid.

Where were you sat?

It was eerie how quiet the ground went when the handball was given.
Also that one second gap when the opposition score, theres quiet, then all of a sudden you hear a roar from the opposition fans for the goal is always weird.

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

The exec suite at the Stretford End would prevent that. No such exec facilities at East Stand.
Thinking about it that would probably affect any plans for safe standing in West Lower.

The international Suite isn't a big Suite though and could easily be moved to East Stand.