ian
Spectator
Posts: 32 
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Post by ian on Sept 27, 2021 11:12:45 GMT
Looking forward to finally getting to follow the team at some away games but what a minefield getting tickets is for those of us who are 'Sutton exiles'.
Is it certain that Northampton will have tickets for sale for away fans on the day?
Rochdale could be a non-starter: "Please note that the Crown Oil Arena now operates a barcoded entry system. Therefore, there are no cash turnstiles available at the ground. Away tickets must be purchased in advance from the visiting club’s ticket office. Occasionally, away tickets can be purchased on matchday, which will be communicated to the away club on a match-by-match basis."
Why is the EFL so pernickety about some things but clubs have a free rein when it comes to tickets for away fans?
In the longer term is there any way 'exiles' could register with Sutton United and obtain away match tickets by post or email - or any other suggestions? I realise this would be yet another admin job for our wonderful staff / volunteers but the current situation makes me think twice about going to games when travel arrangements have to be factored in as well - I do not want to travel over 100 miles to find I cannot get to watch the match.
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Post by Stewart on Sept 27, 2021 14:03:37 GMT
Looking forward to finally getting to follow the team at some away games but what a minefield getting tickets is for those of us who are 'Sutton exiles'. Is it certain that Northampton will have tickets for sale for away fans on the day? Rochdale could be a non-starter: "Please note that the Crown Oil Arena now operates a barcoded entry system. Therefore, there are no cash turnstiles available at the ground. Away tickets must be purchased in advance from the visiting club’s ticket office. Occasionally, away tickets can be purchased on matchday, which will be communicated to the away club on a match-by-match basis." Why is the EFL so pernickety about some things but clubs have a free rein when it comes to tickets for away fans? In the longer term is there any way 'exiles' could register with Sutton United and obtain away match tickets by post or email - or any other suggestions? I realise this would be yet another admin job for our wonderful staff / volunteers but the current situation makes me think twice about going to games when travel arrangements have to be factored in as well - I do not want to travel over 100 miles to find I cannot get to watch the match. I contacted their ticket office. Here is their response. It will be dependant on Sutton selling all their allocation. If they don't then there will be tickets available on the day
Card payment only .I assume that’s the case for all away games this season. |
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Post by Stewart on Sept 27, 2021 14:33:09 GMT
Maybe getting tickets on the day maybe a wise choice!
It seem there are a number of postponements this week.
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Post by timall on Sept 27, 2021 14:40:19 GMT
Looking forward to finally getting to follow the team at some away games but what a minefield getting tickets is for those of us who are 'Sutton exiles'. Is it certain that Northampton will have tickets for sale for away fans on the day? Rochdale could be a non-starter: "Please note that the Crown Oil Arena now operates a barcoded entry system. Therefore, there are no cash turnstiles available at the ground. Away tickets must be purchased in advance from the visiting club’s ticket office. Occasionally, away tickets can be purchased on matchday, which will be communicated to the away club on a match-by-match basis." Why is the EFL so pernickety about some things but clubs have a free rein when it comes to tickets for away fans? In the longer term is there any way 'exiles' could register with Sutton United and obtain away match tickets by post or email - or any other suggestions? I realise this would be yet another admin job for our wonderful staff / volunteers but the current situation makes me think twice about going to games when travel arrangements have to be factored in as well - I do not want to travel over 100 miles to find I cannot get to watch the match. I contacted their ticket office. Here is their response. It will be dependant on Sutton selling all their allocation. If they don't then there will be tickets available on the day
Card payment only .I assume that’s the case for all away games this season. Slightly nuanced. The home club speak to us about what the allocation is, and how many tickets we want sent to us (some clubs sell online via ticket office, but this response relates solely to "physical" ticket clubs). We base that decision on how many we are likely to sell, and not wanting to be short, but we are cognizant not all of our fans are able to buy from us in person, and the lack of realistic posting options. We are then required to physically take unsold tickets back to the game to allow these extras to be sold. So it depends on the size of the away end capacity, and the likely physical sales we will make, but we attempt not to take the full allocation of physical tickets, to allow ticket sales at the home club on the day not relying on the return delivery of unsold tickets, in case of any transport delays etc. One of the advantages of being a relatively small club, in terms of travelling support, visiting relatively large clubs, in terms of stadia and away capacity, is our fans can normally buy tickets on the day at the ground, assuming the home club rules permit it. |
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Post by Amber Aleman on Sept 27, 2021 16:02:21 GMT
A glance at the ground guide tells us that the (all-seater) capacity at the Sixfields Stadium is just shy of 7,800. Northampton Town's average attendance this season is less than 5,400. So, even without knowledge of the exact split between home and away capacity, it's a pretty good bet that there will be seats available for any fan who just turns up on Saturday.
The club may be a little cautious about on-the-day ticket sales because sell-outs could well have occurred last season when they were in League One.
EDIT: having checked the ground guide again, I see that the standard away capacity is 800. With all due respect to our travelling support, I don't think we'll take that many.
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ian
Spectator
Posts: 32
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Post by ian on Sept 27, 2021 16:57:36 GMT
Will take my chances on Saturday - appreciate the comments.
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Post by terrier on Sept 27, 2021 16:58:05 GMT
I’ve been to Northampton several times to see HTAFC over the years, though admittedly not for a few years now. In my opinion it’s the perfect ground for them, and I like it. The ground is easily accessible from the M1 and there is (or was) a decent sized car park, with quick getaway. The ground is on the edge of a pleasant enough retail park area and there are several decent places to get a drink or a meal.
The ground is set in a bit of a bowl and there are decent views into the ground from outside, particularly behind the home end. Away supporters have always been located in the opposite end, which is a good size stand, perhaps 15 rows deep or so. However, I think this season they are housing away fans in the stand opposite the main stand. This stand used to be the same size as both ends but was controversially extended a few years ago (funded by the council, I think). I don’t think it’s actually been finished yet.
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Post by VCLXI on Sept 28, 2021 23:26:26 GMT
My two tickets arrived this morning via post. Judging by the stadium map right behind the goal too, should be great. Very impressed with the service I received from the club. Massive thank you to Phil.
Late to response due to only having just finished work!
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Post by Amber Aleman on Oct 1, 2021 12:14:53 GMT
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Post by terrier on Oct 1, 2021 12:26:32 GMT
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Post by chiefwiggum on Oct 1, 2021 12:59:35 GMT
Hi. NTFC fan here. As the link highlights the Saints are at home on Saturday also with a 2pm kick off so it will be busy in the area as they get about 15k attendances and it’s close to Sixfields. We’re likely to be around 5k ish. If you’re driving come off M1 at 15a and it’s easy to find us. There is a football car park that is on the right as you approach the ground on the dual carriageway. Might be the easiest to get out of afterwards. Otherwise there are other car parks by the ground although some are linked to the establishments by them but in truth they are rarely enforced but don’t park at the Sainsbury’s as this one is, no need to park there but just in case you’re tempted there are better options closer.
If you’re less than 350-400 you may get put in the unfinished East stand in the corner but in the main it’s behind the goal in the South Stand. If you arrive by train as you come out of the station turn right and keep going. On the way you’ll pass the rugby at Franklin’s Gardens and a couple of pubs all reasonably decent. First the Thomas A Beckett, then the Foundrymans, then the Severns before you head up to the ground where you have the Walter Tull and the Sixfields Tavern. All reasonably friendly unless you’re an idiot but that goes for life in general!
Numerous places to eat and better than wasting it on footie fare. Enjoy the game apart from hopefully a result for us!
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Post by sallycat on Oct 1, 2021 14:04:36 GMT
That's very helpful. Thank you
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oohaah
Top Performer
Posts: 3,138
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Post by oohaah on Oct 1, 2021 14:11:04 GMT
Thanks Chiefwiggum (love it!), I shall be dropping Dear Wife at the market, then on to the ground. If I remember, I'll pick her up afterwards and return down South. Any extra advice on that?
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Post by chiefwiggum on Oct 1, 2021 15:01:53 GMT
Town centre is not very car friendly as a lot of one way bits and bus lanes. I’d set my sat Nav for Wood Hill and drop off pick up by there. Next to Nando’s! Right next to All Saints Church which is right next to the Market Square. A bit tricky for parking but you could ,if needed, park in Bridge St which you’d have to come up and back down anyway. Street parking via meter at £1.20 an hour, max 2 hrs.
If you stop for a town centre beer pre or post match there are a few decent options available.If arriving by train go left as you come out of the station. The Fish in Fish st is ok and just round the corner is The Cordwainer which is a Wetherspoons for the breakfast drinkers amongst you and is cheap. On St Giles St is St Giles Ale House and The Wig & Penn with Maule brewery nearby. If real ale is your thing the The Malt Shovel and Phipps Brewery at the bottom of Bridge st are good options.
There’s plenty of others but mostly average to dumps. Town centre is full of charity shops, bookies, mobile phone shops and empty ones so no different to many places.
Hope this is helpful!
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oohaah
Top Performer
Posts: 3,138
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Post by oohaah on Oct 1, 2021 15:54:16 GMT
VERY helpful - many thanks!
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