Etihad Stadium has advised its decision changing the arrangement for members upgrading to a reserved seat on Level 1 will remain in place.
Please refer to the following explanation:
Level 1 and Level 2 seats at have always been premium reserved seats and this policy has not changed since the stadium opened in 2000. On occasions some of these seats on level 1, near or adjacent to the cheer squad, have been released on game day with no premium attached. This may have led to the misunderstanding that these seats were not subject to a premium but results in the relevant home club potentially missing out on premium seat revenues and diluting the value of club level 1 annual reserve seat memberships. The stadium has therefore ceased with this practice for the time being.
North Melbourne Statement
We wish to apologise to all members and supporters who were inconvenienced as a result of the seating arrangements for Saturday’s match with Brisbane at Etihad Stadium.
2009 has been a challenging year for the club as a result of the current stadium deals in Victoria and we have been working hard to minimise the financial impact.
Following a meeting with the AFL and Etihad Stadium, it was determined we would close level 3 and make premium seating available to supporters at no additional cost on levels 1 and 2 in order to improve the atmosphere and maximise the match return.
Due to a larger than expected crowd and late arrivals, it was appropriate that the 3rd level be opened. We have been made aware some areas of the 3rd level were opened and then subsequently closed causing frustration to many spectators. This was not a club request however, we ultimately must share responsibility for this situation arising. We unreservedly apologise to those people who were impacted upon and will ensure this situation is avoided in the future.
North Melbourne values its members and supporters and asks they stay committed and continue their support pending an outcome to the stadium deals.
