In an email sent to Alliance members (season ticket holders - STH) the Seattle Sounders announced various reworkings on some of the most criticized elements to the fan experience in 2016. While the unpopular security changes will not be rolled back, the club is doing a few things to reduce their impact on their most loyal fans.
Season Ticket Holders in 2017 will be getting an approved clear bag. There will be bag check areas by the start of 2017, if not sooner. Bag exceptions for those with medical or parental needs will continue as well.
Not only that, but the club is going to offer a non-mobile ticketing option in 2017 and start printing a smaller matchday program. This will mean those that have non-supported mobile devices, or no device at all, will still have access to the roster, tickets and other key information about the team while in the stadium.
The close also reminds all STHs of the three core goals of the organization.
We want to provide the best fan experience in sports, deliver an MLS Cup to Seattle and create unforgettable moments along the way. Let us know if there is anything we can do to enhance your matchday experience and membership with Sounders FC.
Listening and responding to online, phone and in-person complaints through many venues is a key part of helping the fan experience. During a season when there are questions about the on-field product the organization could not afford off-field issues as well.
Today's email goes a long way towards correcting the off-field issues.
The full email is below;
As a season ticket member you are the most important part of Sounders FC. Supporting the Sounders on matchday should be enjoyable, safe and easy. We want you to be able to chant 'til you can't, without distraction or inconvenience.
We know the start of the 2016 season has not been without challenges. We've heard from our season ticket members, we've listened to your feedback, discussed with Alliance Council, and we will be implementing the following items:
- Beginning July 31, we will print a limited-edition matchday poster and roster for remaining home matches. In addition, the full matchday program will continue to be available on the Sounders FC mobile app and website. Also of note, we are planning a revamped print edition of the matchday program for the start of the 2017 season.
- For the remainder of the 2016 season and the entirety of the 2017 season, bag exceptions will continue to be made for those needing medical equipment and/or diaper bags.
- We will provide all season ticket members clear bags prior to the 2017 season to ease the transition to the new stadium bag policy.
- Bag check stations will be available in the 2017 season, and we are exploring options to deliver this benefit ahead of next season, if possible.
- While mobile ticketing has seen a strong adoption rate in 2016, an alternative ticketing option will be available for the 2017 season to accommodate those who do not want to utilize mobile ticketing. This alternative option will be available for selection during the renewal process in August.
We want to provide the best fan experience in sports, deliver an MLS Cup to Seattle and create unforgettable moments along the way. Let us know if there is anything we can do to enhance your matchday experience and membership with Sounders FC.
Sincerely,
Sounders FC Fan Relations Team
877-657-4625
customerservice@soundersfc.com