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Wanderers will delay a decision on whether to close the upper tiers of the North and East Stands at the Macron Stadium until mid-June.
Around 2,000 season tickets were sold in the two stands last term but it has been mooted that closing those sections of the ground could save money and create a better atmosphere among supporters.
That decision will not be considered until the early-purchase deadline has passed on June 12.
Opinion has been divided among fans on social media, and particularly those who have occupied seats in the upper tiers since the stadium was opened.
However a poll conducted by The Bolton News and completed by just over 4,500 people, produced a fairly conclusive verdict, with 74 per cent of the respondents in favour of closing the upper tiers.
It is understood the West Stand Upper, which houses corporate guests and media, is not being considered for closure at this point.
But Richard Gough, Wanderers’ head of commercial, promised supporters no judgment would be made without full consultation.
“Absolutely no decision has yet been made and no decision will be made until the early-purchase deadline has been and gone,” he told The Bolton News.
“It will depend largely on the number of people who renew their season ticket in those areas.
“If any part of the stadium is closed then the supporters who are impacted would be contacted to get their views before any final decision is made.
“We do not underestimate in any way, shape or form how important season tickets are to supporters and the attachment some people have to certain areas of the ground.”
Wanderers could not put an exact cost on how much closing the East and North Upper would save but noted the chief outlay was on cleaning in those areas of the ground.
Others costs include opening kiosks and providing non-voluntary stewarding, although that is offset by money made on food and drink.
The question of atmosphere has also been raised with potentially lower crowd figures expected next season.
The last time Wanderers were in the third tier their average crowd at Burnden Park was 9,062.
The success of the Legends game, which attracted just over 11,000 fans packed into the lower tiers, has whet the appetite among some supporters who believe it would be beneficial to sit closer together and avoid too many empty seats.
In the event fans were displaced it has been recommended incentives are offered, such as first refusal on the upper tier in the event of it being re-opened.
The club was reluctant to close the upper tiers before season tickets went on sale as they felt it sent out the wrong message to supporters who were considering renewal.
The Bolton News’ poll – which will remain open until the end of the week and is accessible via our website – has also found that 58 per cent of respondents feel the season ticket represents good value this year.
Source
Around 2,000 season tickets were sold in the two stands last term but it has been mooted that closing those sections of the ground could save money and create a better atmosphere among supporters.
That decision will not be considered until the early-purchase deadline has passed on June 12.
Opinion has been divided among fans on social media, and particularly those who have occupied seats in the upper tiers since the stadium was opened.
However a poll conducted by The Bolton News and completed by just over 4,500 people, produced a fairly conclusive verdict, with 74 per cent of the respondents in favour of closing the upper tiers.
It is understood the West Stand Upper, which houses corporate guests and media, is not being considered for closure at this point.
But Richard Gough, Wanderers’ head of commercial, promised supporters no judgment would be made without full consultation.
“Absolutely no decision has yet been made and no decision will be made until the early-purchase deadline has been and gone,” he told The Bolton News.
“It will depend largely on the number of people who renew their season ticket in those areas.
“If any part of the stadium is closed then the supporters who are impacted would be contacted to get their views before any final decision is made.
“We do not underestimate in any way, shape or form how important season tickets are to supporters and the attachment some people have to certain areas of the ground.”
Wanderers could not put an exact cost on how much closing the East and North Upper would save but noted the chief outlay was on cleaning in those areas of the ground.
Others costs include opening kiosks and providing non-voluntary stewarding, although that is offset by money made on food and drink.
The question of atmosphere has also been raised with potentially lower crowd figures expected next season.
The last time Wanderers were in the third tier their average crowd at Burnden Park was 9,062.
The success of the Legends game, which attracted just over 11,000 fans packed into the lower tiers, has whet the appetite among some supporters who believe it would be beneficial to sit closer together and avoid too many empty seats.
In the event fans were displaced it has been recommended incentives are offered, such as first refusal on the upper tier in the event of it being re-opened.
The club was reluctant to close the upper tiers before season tickets went on sale as they felt it sent out the wrong message to supporters who were considering renewal.
The Bolton News’ poll – which will remain open until the end of the week and is accessible via our website – has also found that 58 per cent of respondents feel the season ticket represents good value this year.
Source
