Focus Groups

Did You Apply To Join A Focus Group?

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Mikey Bee

Mikey Bee

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Focus Groups

The club recently gave fans the option to join focus groups to "have their say and share their thoughts on what could happen before, during and after matchdays at the new stadium" *.

The groups covered ten specific areas:

  • Locations, who sits where? /Atmosphere
  • Technology
  • New Stadium Events
  • Farewell Griffin Park
  • Heritage/Legacy
  • Family Area
  • Food and Beverage
  • Transport
  • Ticketing
  • Inclusion

Did you join one of the focus groups or not?

If so, why? If not, why?

* - Source: https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2018/july/fans-focus-groups/
 

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I didn't mainly because I didn't pay attention to the deadline!

However I would have liked to have been involved in 7 & 9 as, to me, they are a key part of my matchday experience.
 

Focus Groups

I think the youth element, under 30s, Ealing Rd Loyals, sons daughters of Hounslow mental call them what you will are organising via their West Stand Alliance to create a proper home end and they do it their way through social media and not organised focus groups.
Any fan who does not get involved in any way thats fine, but don't clog up the GPG if your personal requirements aren't met by the new stadium.
I understand the next consultation meeting is planned to be online which will be interesting.
 

Focus Groups

Mikey Bee said:
If not, why?
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i live too far away, and don't go often enough.

doesn't seem like there was a lot of interest among the GPG for these, though.... hope it doesn't mean we end up with more naffness like the pitch, kits, badge, ticket system, etc
 

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In my experience, they'll be populated mainly by the same old faces saying the same old things. If they're willing to use social media to get some younger fans involved, then that's a good thing but let's hope it's not going to be a token gesture.

I'm down for a couple and, Mikey Bee, I'm sure you can drop them an email if you still want to get involved. I'd like to see some attendees with experiences outside BFC, for example fans who also attend other sports venues.
 

Focus Groups

jlove said:
In my experience, they'll be populated mainly by the same old faces saying the same old things. If they're willing to use social media to get some younger fans involved, then that's a good thing but let's hope it's not going to be a token gesture.

I'm down for a couple and, Mikey Bee, I'm sure you can drop them an email if you still want to get involved. I'd like to see some attendees with experiences outside BFC, for example fans who also attend other sports venues.
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I've applied to join the family section group. By the time we're in the new stadium (assuming two years from now) my kids will be approaching 5 and two and a half. I'm keen that at same point when they're not too much older than that they will be keen to join me at games and to be honest I wouldn't dream of taking kids to GP for a regular game now because it would be a complete and utter headache.

I've got a few ideas for what I'd like to see in a family section. I've seen a fair few baseball games in the states and while we obviously don't want a US sport type atmosphere, I've been impressed with a few of the touches. I was at Wrigley Field in Chicago last summer and fans visiting the stadium for the first time can queue for a photo that's then printed onto a certificate that provides the details of their first game. Stuff like that...
 

Focus Groups

jlove said:
I'm down for a couple and, Mikey Bee, I'm sure you can drop them an email if you still want to get involved.
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Thanks. I'll drop them a line once I've sorted out some personal stuff which is taking up most of my time at the moment.

BTW, thanks to the mods who added a larger poll rather than my original Yes/No but you missed out the Food & Beverage option ;)
 

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I wrote a fairly detailed application for joining the group's, but haven't heard anything from the club at all. Should I assume I didn't get in? Has anything been sent to anyone else to tell them that they're part of a group?
 

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Not many votes from here.

Missed the boat, if there was one?! But I hate boats..... lol

Heritage and Legacy, anyone join?!

It’s having the time etc :grey:
 

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Fat Bee Slim said:
I wrote a fairly detailed application for joining the group's, but haven't heard anything from the club at all. Should I assume I didn't get in? Has anything been sent to anyone else to tell them that they're part of a group?
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I would be amazed and horrified if you or any fan is not welcomed. PM me your details if you want me to help.
 

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I've put my name against a few...
Legacy
Technology
Food and Drink
Not heard anything yet.
Why...Because despite being somewhat cynical its the way we have been offered to potentially impact the stadium and its important enough to me to be involved.
 
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Focus Groups

Fat Bee Slim said:
I wrote a fairly detailed application for joining the group's, but haven't heard anything from the club at all. Should I assume I didn't get in? Has anything been sent to anyone else to tell them that they're part of a group?
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You obviously had too many ideas and were therefore deemed unsuitable.
 

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Banana said:
You obviously had too many ideas and were therefore deemed unsuitable.
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Probably not.....
As far as I am aware no-one has been contacted yet.....
 

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I put my name forward for two of the groups, largely because the club asked fans to get involved and it would look pretty poor if most of us turned our backs. I’m sure many people have more to offer than I have but, in my view, I forfeit the right to whinge in the future if I can’t be bothered to contribute now.
 

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Food, Technology and Ticketing I put down. I'll leave Farewell/Heritage for those older to be honest who have been going for longer.

The three I put down, plus inclusion, are the ones where we can really make a positive change going into the new stadium to be honest. They can all be modernised smartly in a way that will really improve the experience and accessibility for those wanting to go.

Haven't heard back either, but am not sure on the deadline for them to have done so.
 

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I’ve had an email from Ryan Murrant at the club telling me that the Food and Drink focus group takes place on 8 January and asking me to confirm my attendance by 20 December.

Anyone else heard anything about this or other focus groups?

Have to admit my initial enthusiasm has waned a bit.
 

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Still no bar ,enjoy your tea and rip off coffee
 

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Here is the list of Focus group dates that I have. I think this is all of them, Some of them are not until late February or March which is deeply concerning as I'm not sure how much influence they will have by the time they come round.

8th Jan Food & Beverage
10th Jan Ticketing
8th Feb Heritage and Legacy
19th Feb Inclusion and Diversity
25th Feb Transport
27th Feb Locations and Atmosphere
4th March Technology
6th March New Stadium Events
11th March Farewell to Griffin Park
13th March Family Area
 

Focus Groups

New Stadium, Fan Focus Groups - March 2019
Good Afternoon All

The various fan focus groups will be held in early 2019, emails from the club received today as per below:

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"Thank you for expressing an interest in the Brentford Football Club {insert specific group} focus group.

The first meeting will take place on March {date per specific group} 2019 in The Hive at Griffin Park from 6-8pm.

The meeting will be chaired by Cliff Crown or Nity Raj and will be an open forum, however if there are any matters you may wish to bring up then please get in touch with Cliff, Nity or myself beforehand.

If you could please confirm your attendance by return email by January 7.

Thank you again for your support with this new stadium project.

Best Wishes

Ryan Murrant
Fan Engagement Manager"

----------------------------------

If anyone wants to get their questions in beforehand post them here or alternatively feel free to get onto the club directly yourself.

Cheers :sorted:
 

Focus Groups

GABS said:
New Stadium, Fan Focus Groups - March 2019
Good Afternoon All

The various fan focus groups will be held in early 2019, emails from the club received today as per below:

----------------------------------

"Thank you for expressing an interest in the Brentford Football Club {insert specific group} focus group.

The first meeting will take place on March {date per specific group} 2019 in The Hive at Griffin Park from 6-8pm.

The meeting will be chaired by Cliff Crown or Nity Raj and will be an open forum, however if there are any matters you may wish to bring up then please get in touch with Cliff, Nity or myself beforehand.

If you could please confirm your attendance by return email by January 7.

Thank you again for your support with this new stadium project.

Best Wishes

Ryan Murrant
Fan Engagement Manager"

----------------------------------

If anyone wants to get their questions in beforehand post them here or alternatively feel free to get onto the club directly yourself.

Cheers :sorted:
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Hi GABS. I don’t know which category this falls under but I’d love to know if certain elements of the stadium design e.g. seat colours are now a ‘closed shop’ or if the club are still open to change depending on feedback from fans?
 

Focus Groups

CTBee said:
Hi GABS. I don’t know which category this falls under but I’d love to know if certain elements of the stadium design e.g. seat colours are now a ‘closed shop’ or if the club are still open to change depending on feedback from fans?
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Mr Banana posted earlier that, I think, feedback had been given by fans prior to the release the other day. As a result there will be more red seats in the central areas.

I've got no idea why they released the graphics / video without this being reflected first.
 

Focus Groups

GABS said:
Mr Banana posted earlier that, I think, feedback had been given by fans prior to the release the other day. As a result there will be more red seats in the central areas.

I've got no idea why they released the graphics / video without this being reflected first.
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I'm not sure that they did! There are more red seats there.

Actually I asked at the ticket event if the seat colours were correct i.e. if I bought this seat will it be (say) yellow. I was told no. So not sure how firm the current set-up is. It's not going to be red and white though. Conor is set on that.
 

Focus Groups

Banana said:
I'm not sure that they did! There are more red seats there.

Actually I asked at the ticket event if the seat colours were correct i.e. if I bought this seat will it be (say) yellow. I was told no. So not sure how firm the current set-up is. It's not going to be red and white though. Conor is set on that.
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Do we know why he is set on that Banana?
 

Focus Groups

Banana said:
I'm not sure that they did! There are more red seats there.

Actually I asked at the ticket event if the seat colours were correct i.e. if I bought this seat will it be (say) yellow. I was told no. So not sure how firm the current set-up is. It's not going to be red and white though. Conor is set on that.
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If he’s set on it not being red and white would he at least be open to losing the green? I think red, white, yellow and black would have the same effect without us losing so much of our identity.

Green is never a colour I’ve associated with BFC.
 

Focus Groups

Got mine for atmosphere/locations as well, was slightly surprised by the date being in two and a half months as highlighted above... Will do what I can there to communicate what is important for us.
 

Focus Groups

CTBee said:
If he’s set on it not being red and white would he at least be open to losing the green? I think red, white, yellow and black would have the same effect without us losing so much of our identity.

Green is never a colour I’ve associated with BFC.
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No but it is associated with London Irish.
 

Focus Groups

whyteleafebee76 said:
Do we know why he is set on that Banana?
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For reasons previously stated: to provide a better background in TV appearances if the stadium is less than full, sharing of stadium with London Irish, and red seats fade a lot in the sunshine.
 

Focus Groups

CTBee said:
It’s not their stadium though, Reading didn’t put green seats in the Madejski for them.
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I would hope / think that MB is charging them way more for use of a brand spanking new facility, purpose built for rugby use along with football. It's also a prime West London location by the Thames and London Irish coming "home", all worth a pretty penny.

Don't get me wrong though, I detest the green, white and gold seats! :D
 

Focus Groups

Banana said:
For reasons previously stated: to provide a better background in TV appearances if the stadium is less than full, sharing of stadium with London Irish, and red seats fade a lot in the sunshine.
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I assume Conor knows our colours are red and white:rolleyes:

Attendance will depend on performance. If we're doing well, the stadium will be full. If we're crap, the stadium will be empty. Perhaps they should have cardboard cut outs sitting in the empty seats. The way things are going the atmosphere will be drained out so cardboard cut outs won't be noticed;)

Sharing with London Irish is b***ocks, its our stadium, they are only tenants for a fixed term. Have they put any money into the construction?

As for fading seats, why not invest in a better quality of seat that doesn't fade?

I suppose we could always leave top Bob the kit man and have sh*t brown seats.
 
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Focus Groups

Banana said:
For reasons previously stated: to provide a better background in TV appearances if the stadium is less than full, sharing of stadium with London Irish, and red seats fade a lot in the sunshine.
Click to expand...

Interesting. It's funny how no other football club has such concerns. Plus multi coloured seats look awful to the TV viewer. Not in the best of moods after today but little decisions like this really annoys me and just keep chipping away at the club's identity.
 

Focus Groups

The more I see of what's happening at the club, the more I think these sessions will be nothing other than a "show and tell" exercise to tick boxes rather than an opportunity to actively take on board fans concerns/suggestions.
 

Focus Groups

Mikey Bee said:
The more I see of what's happening at the club, the more I think these sessions will be nothing other than a "show and tell" exercise to tick boxes rather than an opportunity to actively take on board fans concerns/suggestions.
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has been since the start.
 

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The fact that they're using a badge that's well past its expiry date doesn't exactly inspire confidence....
 

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hobbsy said:
So the Food and Drink focus group is tonight but it appears that the food contract tender has already been awarded:

http://www.leafcatering.com/case-study-brentford-fc.html

Not sure if this is for all concessions or just corporate
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Hobbsy - Leaf are our existing caterers at Griffin Park - they have given some advice on the new stadium but the last i heard they were not likely to be involved in pitching for the Lionel Road contract. Will be interesting to see who is given the contract/s - typically they would pay something up front to the Club and then pay a royalty based on turnover. Deals are typically 3-7 years - maybe longer if the upfront payment is larger.
 

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Obviously that means leaf won’t do onions
 

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Any feedback (!) from the Food & Drink Focus Group?
 

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rfr100 said:
Interesting about potential for food/drink outlets outside the ground.
First time at the upgraded Ashton Gate on Boxing day and the stuff outside the main stand was a cracking atmosphere.
Live music, lots of different food and drink options.

Something similar to that would be great
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There isn't a lot of space there
 

Focus Groups

Where?

In front of the main stand at LR?

More than the corner where all the food places etc are at Ashton Gate
 

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rfr100 said:
Where?

In front of the main stand at LR?

More than the corner where all the food places etc are at Ashton Gate
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Yes, once the flats are built it will be a bit of a funnel. It might be okay but looks tight to me.
 

Focus Groups

hobbsy said:
There isn't a lot of space there
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As the Northern access road will be closed off on match days, there was a previous discussion about concessions in that area.
 

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hobbsy said:
Yes, once the flats are built it will be a bit of a funnel. It might be okay but looks tight to me.
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Have a look at the space outside Ashton Gate on google maps.
Bottom corner by the KFC, you can see the food outlets there.

There’s a lot more space in the square and area in front of the main stand.
 

Focus Groups

Just read the latest minutes of the two Focus Groups which are now on the BFC website.

https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2019/january/focus-groups-update-17.01.19/

I know that in the scheme of things it's maybe not considered important but if this is a permanent record and being put up on the official website then I suggest that a little more care in actually proper proof reading and getting the date right is required.

According to this the meetings took place in December 2019.
 
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