We have today launched a survey asking season ticket holders for their views on getting back into Pittodrie, whilst revealing our comprehensive operational plans for test events with increased numbers.
View the operational plans in full
The survey, which has been sent to season ticket holders directly via e-mail, asks a series of questions, including how ready they are to return, what they are missing most about not being able to attend games and how they would travel to Pittodrie should they be able to attend. The short questionnaire also seeks to establish if the measures in place reassure them that Pittodrie is a safe environment.
We are conducting the research to provide evidence to support our case for more test events with larger crowds.
Rob Wicks, commercial director at AFC, said: “We recognise the virus continues to spread, affecting many families up and down the country, and further restrictions may be imposed. However, we want to be ready and able to proceed with test events as soon as is practicable.
“We would not be looking to press ahead with these test events if we thought there was any risk to supporters attending. We are confident in our rigorous approach to ensuring a highly-regulated test event with significant measures in place to protect supporters in an outdoor environment. Unlike an indoor cinema, supermarket or shopping centre for example, we will know exactly who will be in our stadium and be able to contact everyone attending.”
We feel that the plans on show today summarise the robust operational plan which has been submitted to the footballing authorities and reveal that the Club is well-prepared to host test events with a minimum of 1,000 supporters in a highly-regulated manner which ensures their safety and well-being. Pittodrie successfully hosted an initial trial for 300 fans in September.
AFC’s Director of Football Operations, Steven Gunn, said: “We are ready to host another test event and are hopeful that the significant mitigation we’re proposing to safely host supporters will allow us that opportunity sooner rather than later.
“Since the season started, we’ve been commended not only by the SPFL, but also the SFA and UEFA, on the standard and execution of our plans and protocols for match days at Pittodrie. Working across all areas of the Club, we left no stone unturned in preparing the initial trial and that experience has informed an even more robust plan for future test events with increasing numbers, albeit still at a significantly reduced capacity.
“Everyone connected with the Club has worked tirelessly to plan and execute the first test event which was an overwhelming success. We’ve taken on board all the feedback from SPFL, the local authority and Police Scotland and made our plans even more robust.”
The full document, which amounts to almost 30 pages, shares sensitive information which could lead to AFC’s matchday operation being compromised. But the Operational Plan Summary can be found by clicking here.
