Edinburgh commit to Murrayfield, seek to improve atmosphere

[MarkEdin]

http://www.edinburghrugby.org/content/view/3470/2/

An ezine has gone out to season ticket holders to the same effect, advising of five-year commitment to Murrayfield and a variety of proposals aimed at improving the match-day atsmophere for Edinburgh fans, and indeed players.

[Baz]

I quite like the idea of the standing arrangements and of course the switch to the east stand.

Mark, if ER are looking for input from the fans will you be posting the proposals and ideas on here? I imagine not everyone, like myself, is a ST holder and therefore won't get the ezine

[MarkEdin]

Hi Baz

Season ticket holders were given the information first this morning as a courtesy, and in recognition of the backing they provide, but naturally all supporters are welcome to feed in comments and suggestions.

The key points/proposals are that:

- we'd switch seating provision from west to east
- we'd introduce pitchside standing areas on the west stand track and at the north and south ends.
- Fans would be able to choose whether they sat in the east or stood trackside, and could vary from game to game. There would be a general season ticket/match ticket allowing fans to choose according to their preference
- we'd position the public bar and catering outlets on the east stand concourse, in an attempt to 'concentrate' the bulk of match-night activity in the one area, and thereby seek to generate atmosphere/club feel
- we'd introduce a free-seating policy in the east stand, reserving the right to 'section-off' areas for STH were there a demand e.g. for Heineken Cup/other big games.

Comments on this forum will be fed back to the club, or if you prefer, you can email directly: info@edinburghrugby.org

We'll be posting an audio podcast with CEO Craig Docherty on www.edinburghrugby.org later today to give further background/comment.

[Fullglass Gunner]

Whilst being closer to the action this is only applicable on one side of the pitch. Has any one from the club considered the disabled or those with limited mobility who wish to sit with friends. As from what I have been told although there is disabled access on the east stand the degree of the steps can pose problems for those who use sticks. To be honest I dont fancy the idea of the alternative of standing trackside with no protection from the elements.

[chappo]

...personal opinion...I'd be very surprised if anyone goes for the track-side option - it's Scotland we live in (you know, rain, snow, wind...?). Murrayfield's not exactly renowned for it's warm temperatures and the view of the action wouldn't exactly be very great. I doubt there'd be any kind of atmosphere generated by having random folks dotted around the ground like they've gatecrashed the game...unless some form of temporary/movable tiered terrace/seating could be installed...doubt that'd happen but they've a similar kind of thing which works well at Musgrave Park in Cork.

I'd suggest reserving the central sections (upper AND lower tier) of the East stand for STH's, and the rest of the lower tier for general admission. There's always going to be the 'better view vs being closer to the action' preference/debate...but I do believe that moving to the East stand WILL generate a better match atmosphere.

As for the bar facilities, if the MW bar was to be opened up to STH's & up to n guests (as well as away supporters), and the Hitleresque security was relaxed, that'd generate more of a club atmosphere there. East Stand Public Bar should be relatively easy to put in place so all good there.

We've a great club and potentially a great team to follow and support. If we can't move from Murrayfield to a smaller purpose built/redeveloped stadium then we have to make the best of what we have...and I believe this is the best way forward at the moment.