Making Pittodrie a fortress

We have made some positive progress regarding the capacity and allocation set-up at Pittodrie which we wish to update our supporters on.

Over the last couple of seasons our attendances have increased, and the atmosphere has improved greatly, these changes are being implemented now to help grow our support and make our home advantage count as we look to enjoy the backing of as many Dons supporters as possible for every home match.

RED SHED – CAPACITY

Following continued dialogue with Aberdeen City Council’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG), we have made approximately 200 more season tickets available in the Merkland Stand. We will sell through the waiting list of fans who have registered an interest in a Red Shed season ticket, with any remaining then available on a first-come-first-served basis. This will take the useable capacity of the stand to 2,095.

We want to ensure that this high-demand area of the ground is as noisy and colourful as possible, whilst also focusing on providing a safe and secure environment for everyone. Those talks with the SAG will continue in the weeks and months ahead, and we ask for continued cooperation and collaboration with fans in the Red Shed as we strive for more available seats.

To join the Red Shed waiting list contact the Pittodrie Ticket Office via ticketoffice@afc.co.uk or by calling 01224 63 1903.

SOUTH STAND – SEGREGATION FENCE

In addition, subject to final approval from the local authority, we intend to make some structural changes to the South Stand. These modifications will allow AFC to have a more bespoke offering when it comes to setting the number of away tickets it offers to fellow SPFL clubs – anything between the current 1,770 down to 300, with the stated desire of pushing towards approximately 1,000 more Dons fans in the South Stand, in Section R specifically, for matches where it is appropriate. This would also allow our own walk-up supporters, around 2,000 per game, access to better seats and under cover from the open-to-the-elements Section Y.

This work will commence immediately following approval and will eventually result in the removal of the fence between the traditional home and away sections, the installation of additional new toilets and catering facilities at the rear of the visitor’s section and the re-routing of some entry and exit ways for home and away fans. It is anticipated this work will be complete by mid-September.

AWAY ALLOCATIONS

Whilst we hope the changes above will help continue the upwards trajectory of our home attendances and drive-up revenues, it is also our intention to hold discussions with some of our SPFL Premiership colleagues about reciprocal allocations in hope of a fair and equitable number for our brilliant away supporters. The outcome of that will play one part in the away allocations we set at Pittodrie going forward.

“We are delighted to be able to offer even more season tickets in the Red Shed ahead of the 2023/24 season,” Chief Executive Alan Burrows said.

“There has been a huge amount of excellent work undertaken by AFC staff over the last few years on engaging with supporters and making matchdays at Pittodrie more noisy and more colourful and improving the atmosphere. We will continue to engage with all stakeholders to try and build on that, whilst maintaining a safe and secure environment for everyone.

“Our plans for the South Stand are very much an extension of that desire. We want even more Aberdeen fans coming to Pittodrie in the best seats, cheering the team on. The fence has not only proved a visible hindrance for fans in that area, but it has also not allowed us any flexibility to try and maximise attendances.

“This work will also have the added benefit of increasing the catering provisions in the South Stand by 25%, which we hope will further reduce queues and waiting times in that area for specific games.”

23/24 SEASON TICKETS

A record number of season tickets have been sold for the campaign ahead and there is still time to join the combined 12,000 Dons supporters who have already signed up, buying a regular ticket or one of our seasonal hospitality packages.

A season ticket not only provides significant savings on match pricing, but also reserves your spot for our highly anticipated return to European football later this year.

Season tickets can be purchased online at afc.co.uk/tickets, in person from the Pittodrie Ticket Office or over the phone by calling us on 01224 63 1903 Monday-Friday 9.30am-5pm or Saturday 9.30am – 3pm.