Wednesday 30th January
Location
The Boardroom, Allan Scott Power Headquarters
Attendees
David Meegan of Prospect
Laura Luongo of Prospect
Peter Doumouras of Hope Valley
Stephen Woodcock of Golden Grove
Chris Silva of Hillbank
Ann Sergeant of Prospect
Simon Timms of Hawthorndene
Ken Remphrey of West Beach
June Hansen of Birdwood
John Harding of Henley Beach
Tony Saulters – Power Customer Relations Manager
John James – Power Chief Executive
Club question
How is our brand doing in the marketplace? We obviously are targeting juniors, but we are also trying to broaden our appeal to non Port Adelaide people. We want to be innovative, and different. How are we going with this?
Platinum Member discussion
- The only way to grow market share is to appeal to a wider audience.
- Port Adelaide is a ‘real’ football club. That should be the angle: to appeal to football supporters
- We need to look outward….if we continue with the ‘love us or hate us’ attitude we will just get a smaller base
- Younger people have none of the ‘baggage’ that traditional fans have
- When I attend Power games (as opposed to other games at AAMI) it feels much more welcoming with the Planet Teal Zone, and a much younger audience
Club response
Our member base is very diverse, with less than 20% in the Port Adelaide ‘heartland’ so our marketing is as broad as possible. The challenge for us is that if we can get people to our games, they can connect and become long term supporters.
Platinum Member question
Can I ask about the schools program? I know in my kid’s school the Crows have been 3 times, the Power hasn’t.
Club response
It’s always an internal debate as to whether we go to more schools, or visit fewer schools more often. Our approach in recent times has been three visits per school to educate and build a relationship with teachers and parents, whereas other clubs go to a school once, hand out show bags, and never come back. We will investigate this further, and maybe put something on our website regarding our approach with school visits, and ask for some feedback.
Platinum Member question
Sunday twilight games are not good for attendances.
Club response
We agree, especially as we did not get a number of Saturday night games to balance this out. We have continued to work with the AFL, and feel that this year is a much better draw for supporters to get along.
Club question
Did you have any specific queries regarding Grand Final ticketing?
Platinum Member response
- I felt that the process and communication went smoothly
- What is the situation regarding anchors?
Club response
Anchors are now sold out to the level that we feel comfortable in being able to adequately provide Grand Final tickets for. As in 2007, anchor holders (with a Game-Day or Platinum membership) will have the chance to pre register for Grand Final tickets, as will Platinum members without an anchor. Given the number of tickets we are likely to get in these categories, and the number of GF tickets we are allocated, it is highly unlikely that Game-Day/SANFL members without a club membership will have the chance to go to a Grand Final. We highly recommend that Game-Day members upgrade to Platinum to give themselves the best possible chance of getting a Grand Final ticket.
Club question
How is our communication with members?
Platinum Member response
I think that the SMS is a great way to communicate. I particularly liked the chance to upgrade to the Northern Grandstand last year when the weather was bad
Club response
We will certainly look to do this again in 2008. This process has been made easier with the introduction of General Admission in the Northern Grandstand. We also use SMS to advice of team selection on a Thursday afternoon, and for reminders about membership/payments etc.
Platinum Member question
What are the issues with attendances….it seems that the SANFL members stand is the most empty. Shouldn’t we be promoting outer seats more?
Club response
There are spaces all around the ground. SANFL members are just as valuable –we get some money from SANFL members, although we keep 100% of the revenue from ‘outer’ tickets. We also want everyone to be Platinum as all the money for club membership also comes to the club. We know there are a lot of time and commitment issues relating to how many games people can attend. There is a lot of work going on now regarding whether we should offer a season ticket with a reduced number. This is a project that we are working on now in advance for 2009.
Platinum Member question
Do members ever get to attend the Presidents Functions?
Club response
Yes. In 2007 this was a competition (the Ultimate Match day Experience) in which 3 Platinum members per week plus a guest were invited to attend the President’s Function, have seats in the Members’ Stand, a car park pass and see the team warm up in the change rooms prior to the game. Whilst this will not be a competition in 2008, Platinum members will be invited at random. We haven’t talked publically about these functions or the Platinum member breakfasts, but they are a win/win for the club and members. We will try to increase the level of communication in 2008 for both.
Club question
Do any of you come back to the Port Club after a game?
Platinum Member response
- Yes, every time
- No, not anymore. It’s too much trouble
- Very few of the players attend, and those that do never seem to be interested
Club response
We are the only club in the AFL that continues to run an after match function, and we think it is really important. However it is difficult to juggle with the demands of modern football (recovery times etc), so we have had to compromise with the football department and have the team come back on a rotational basis. We are hoping that the new facility at AAMI Stadium will help to make this process easier for more players to attend, and easier for supporters. The new facility should be ready next season, and will hold around 3,000 people.
Platinum Member question
How is the Planet Teal Zone going?
Club response
Very well. This will again be a focus for us in 2008. Located close to the bus terminal, we feel that a child’s football experience really begins at ‘the Zone’. With free Footy Express in 2008 and a terrific family offer, the number of kids coming to football for the first time is likely to increase. We will continue to offer fun and giveaways for all, but still look to make our Planet Teal members feel really special.
Platinum Member question
I don’t like this year’s hat….!
Club response
With so many members from varying age groups, this is always a hard on to get right. After having ‘baseball’ caps for so long, the feedback was that people didn’t want another cap like that, and didn’t want another teal cap. When we made some combat style hats for players and staff last year they were well received so we thought they would fit the revolution campaign for members this year. Our aim in future is to give members a choice of item….but this means added complications, so we will need to manage this carefully.
Platinum Member question
Can members obtain tickets for interstate games from the club?
Club response
Yes, as of this year the club is purchasing tickets for away games on behalf of members. The cost is $25 (no concession or junior prices), with a limit of one ticket per membership, and covers a single game in each state with the exception of Victoria, which gives access to all games.
If you have any questions regarding any of the above, please call the Customer Relations team on 1300 GO POWER (1300 467 693).
