1901 Members (Past and Present) What were your expectations when you originally signed up?

[Superphil]

I fully appreciate that and probably know him but I was just trying to understand or guess how many 1901 would be going to many away games

As others have said on this thread, I too always see quite a few 1901ers at away games, I'd probably not want to take a guess as I would only spot those who use the overline lounge. We certainly go to far fewer away games than we used to, probably a combination of cost and the fact that home games, from the point of view of the stadium and the games, are so much more enjoyable than Withdean was in a lot of ways.

 

[Beach Hut]

But wasnt 1901 envisaged as "corporate" basically for businesses..but Albion fans with a few extra quid snapped up the memberships and so as a result they are now trimming back the "benefits" so if people do leave they can bang out the "membership" at loads more money.

Nail on head regarding this, not often we agree but exactly the point as I suspect as the 1901 was one of the pushed options many fans probably opted for this immediately as there was a sort of worry about getting your season ticket sorted ASAP

 

[Superphil]

But wasnt 1901 envisaged as "corporate" basically for businesses..but Albion fans with a few extra quid snapped up the memberships and so as a result they are now trimming back the "benefits" so if people do leave they can bang out the "membership" at loads more money.

I think not so much, when we had the presentation in the portakabin, it was very much sold as 'Club' seating, for fans who were prepared to pay a bit more, in return for a more salubrious setting and some additional comforts and benefits.

 

[Ali_rrr]

Out of interest, does anybody who bought the lifetime membership have a copy (if there is one) of the contract? Or even a 1901 membership because the benefits and terms should be outlined there. Especially with the free parking and option for European games.

 

[The Merry Prankster]

The chap who sits behind me goes to pretty much every away game, especially a Tuesday night away at Huddersfield type game.

I fully appreciate that and probably know him but I was just trying to understand or guess how many 1901 would be going to many away games

I would have thought that having me sitting behind you was worth the price of admission on its own.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Out of interest, does anybody who bought the lifetime membership have a copy (if there is one) of the contract? Or even a 1901 membership because the benefits and terms should be outlined there. Especially with the free parking and option for European games.

See post #48

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

I think not so much, when we had the presentation in the portakabin, it was very much sold as 'Club' seating, for fans who were prepared to pay a bit more, in return for a more salubrious setting and some additional comforts and benefits.

The promotional stuff says corporate but without doubt at the presentation I had it was sold as club/premium seating.

 

[One Teddy Maybank]

The promotional stuff says corporate but without doubt at the presentation I had it was sold as club/premium seating.

Absolutely it was.


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[Eddiespearritt]

I'll watch football anywhere - any time. Just out of interest - and not because it is my team. But I'll admit being a 1901 member has had an unexpected side-effect. I'm less ready to go to Albion away games - to be stuck in some dingy corner - with a tiny wooden seat for comfort - generally with the expectation of a more defensive performance - and all the difficulties that away games throw at you. Generally, the 1901 experience (this pre-season apart) has been what I hoped for. Watching my team in comfort - and being able to park close to the stadium without worrying about buses, trains etc etc. I do object to the erosion of benefits, whether signalled in advance or not - and I certainly believe that the money being paid for the 1901 experience should be rewarded with little extras and proper service. Lost in the mists of time now, but I do remember the "lifetime licence" being sold to me as a potential investment, which could be passed on to another customer later if desired. Don't think that concept will hold water any more - it was just free money to the club - and it certainly wasn't sold as 50 years only.

 

[Dick Swiveller]

I'll watch football anywhere - any time. Just out of interest - and not because it is my team. But I'll admit being a 1901 member has had an unexpected side-effect. I'm less ready to go to Albion away games - to be stuck in some dingy corner - with a tiny wooden seat for comfort - generally with the expectation of a more defensive performance - and all the difficulties that away games throw at you. Generally, the 1901 experience (this pre-season apart) has been what I hoped for. Watching my team in comfort - and being able to park close to the stadium without worrying about buses, trains etc etc. I do object to the erosion of benefits, whether signalled in advance or not - and I certainly believe that the money being paid for the 1901 experience should be rewarded with little extras and proper service. Lost in the mists of time now, but I do remember the "lifetime licence" being sold to me as a potential investment, which could be passed on to another customer later if desired. Don't think that concept will hold water any more - it was just free money to the club - and it certainly wasn't sold as 50 years only.

Similar for me but I actually joined as I knew I wouldn't go to many away games now. Away days were my younger years and got to 60+ league grounds. Now I work home games around my on call rota. The money I used to spend on away games now goes towards a more comfortable experience for home games.

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

Lost in the mists of time now, but I do remember the "lifetime licence" being sold to me as a potential investment, which could be passed on to another customer later if desired. Don't think that concept will hold water any more - it was just free money to the club - and it certainly wasn't sold as 50 years only.

In the original presentation pack, there was definitely a mock-up of a web page where licences could be traded as a commodity. Will try and dig it out later, unless somebody beats me to it.

 

[Prince Monolulu]

Going to cramped places such as QPR and Brentford makes me appreciate my (standard ST) home comfort all the more.

 

[Giraffe]

We have been 1901 from the off. We bought it as I wanted the best view in the ground, my dad is elderly so the near parking appealed too. Lounge etc was just a bonus. We were also promised first choice of away tickets which for us was a big thing as go to 90% of games. We also thought we got all first team games included, including friendlies, and first choice on other events.

Now the parking has been moved to the Uni so my dad generally doesn't go as either faces a long and slow bus ride or a walk that he can't make. However my children or wife take his seat so seats are always used regardless.

At the time we were definitely sold a premium season ticket holder experience.

NOW, its a seat with a good view, and that's about it. Free programme. I did like the free tea/coffee but now don't get that so no reason to go to the lounge. We still get the car parking pass although had to re-apply (I still don't know why!). Friendlies and other events pass us by as we either can't sit there or have to pay for hospitality which we don't want. Suspect if ever we got a European game we would be shafted. Not so bothered on the friendlies as gives us a chance to go elsewhere if we want and try a different part of the stadium.

On the away thing, out of the four of us, I go to nearly every away game and I'd say the other three go to 50-75% of away games. Personally I like going to go away games as it is more proper football than 1901 but still love the view from the seat hence why we have all renewed.

Would I make the same decision again, possibly not. But the cost over the last five years has been good value. Over the coming five years it is less good value, but what is the alternative? The season tickets available elsewhere are limited, mostly in the corners for a group of 4, so they kind of have us over a barrel. However if the team performance ever dips and we are struggling in the lower reaches then watch 1901 exit to other parts of the stadium really quickly as the difference in view will be less marked I suspect.

In my experience, and anecdotally from Paul Rogers, 95% of 1901 are fans, previous season ticket holders at Withdean, 5% are what he classes as corporates. As I have said before it should be treated as a premium season ticket not a corporate, and the lounges and everything else should reflect this.

 

[Icy Gull]

We have been 1901 from the off. We bought it as I wanted the best view in the ground, my dad is elderly so the near parking appealed too. Lounge etc was just a bonus. We were also promised first choice of away tickets which for us was a big thing as go to 90% of games. We also thought we got all first team games included, including friendlies, and first choice on other events.

Now the parking has been moved to the Uni so my dad generally doesn't go as either faces a long and slow bus ride or a walk that he can't make. However my children or wife take his seat so seats are always used regardless.

At the time we were definitely sold a premium season ticket holder experience.

NOW, its a seat with a good view, and that's about it. Free programme. I did like the free tea/coffee but now don't get that so no reason to go to the lounge. We still get the car parking pass although had to re-apply (I still don't know why!). Friendlies and other events pass us by as we either can't sit there or have to pay for hospitality which we don't want. Suspect if ever we got a European game we would be shafted. Not so bothered on the friendlies as gives us a chance to go elsewhere if we want and try a different part of the stadium.

On the away thing, out of the four of us, I go to nearly every away game and I'd say the other three go to 50-75% of away games. Personally I like going to go away games as it is more proper football than 1901 but still love the view from the seat hence why we have all renewed.

Would I make the same decision again, possibly not. But the cost over the last five years has been good value. Over the coming five years it is less good value, but what is the alternative? The season tickets available elsewhere are limited, mostly in the corners for a group of 4, so they kind of have us over a barrel. However if the team performance ever dips and we are struggling in the lower reaches then watch 1901 exit to other parts of the stadium really quickly as the difference in view will be less marked I suspect.

In my experience, and anecdotally from Paul Rogers, 95% of 1901 are fans, previous season ticket holders at Withdean, 5% are what he classes as corporates. As I have said before it should be treated as a premium season ticket not a corporate, and the lounges and everything else should reflect this.

Some good points. Should we make the Premier League I suggest we will be back to thinking good value.

 

[ofco8]

Over the last two seasons i have attended 8 games at the amex all in the 1901 paddock! Great to be able to get a beer and a seat and not to have to stand on a drafty concourse,love the free cuppa at half time That's all i expect and want from the 1901 paddock

Drafty concourse!!! It was so hot in the WSU concourse on Friday, could not wait to get into the stand to cool down.

 

[adub68]

The way I read the licence - If you went for the lifetime licence then I guess it still has some "investment value" as it is transferable and capable of being traded. To have received any value for this you would have had to transfer (sell) it to someone prior to renewal. I assume this person would then have "inherited" a lifetime licence and would have avoided the renewal / licence fees for a new ticket that the lifetime licencee paid originally. Not sure how much these fees were this time and given they say more than 90% renewed am not sure if anyone who had a lifetime licence, didn't review but took advantage of this provision to sell to someone who wanted to join.I certainly dont relall the club encouraging this!

When I was looking at renewing I found the original marketing presentation - it said it was fully transferable and could be traded - "You own a piece of real estate"

The marketing specifically mentions friendlies and it says you will have priority booking for tickets for "A list away games". Am not sure how the latter is monitored. I attend about one third of the away games

 

[WonderingSoton]

Have never been a 1901 member. However some of the responses to this I find pretty sad. It's a football match. Not a luxury spa day or a 5* hotel break with the misses. Football. Beer. Job done.

 

[Exile]

Now the parking has been moved to the Uni so my dad generally doesn't go as either faces a long and slow bus ride or a walk that he can't make. However my children or wife take his seat so seats are always used regardless.

Speak to Dodge if your Dad wants to go. They'd definitely let you move to Bennett's Field if you wanted. Probably even let you move on a match by match basis if you asked nicely.

 

[Goldstone1976]

.... it says you will have priority booking for tickets for "A list away games". Am not sure how the latter is monitored. I attend about one third of the away games

1901 get 1100 loyalty points as the default, rather than the 1000 that standard ST holders get. That gives you some level of "priority" over all away games that are limited by loyalty points, depending on where the cut off between the LP bands actually lies.

 

[Exile]

Read wrong then, the point was many 1901 members are company owned therefore used for corporate entertaining so unlikely ever to go to an away game.

I think you overestimate how many are genuinely company owned, in the manner you suggest. Some absolutely are (EDF for example have 12) but many that are TECHNICALLY 'company owned' like our two, are only in the company name for tax purposes. Overwhelmingly proper fans in those lounges, despite what some would have you believe.