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Trinidad and Tobago national senior women’s team captain Maylee Attin-Johnson has publicly criticised ticket prices for the upcoming FIFA Play Off second leg against Ecuador from 6 pm on December 2 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain.
Trinidad and Tobago and Ecuador played to a goalless draw in Quito on November 8 and the “Women Soca Warriors” need a win next month to qualify for the Canada 2015 Women’s World Cup. No Caribbean women’s team has ever qualified for a FIFA tournament.
(Courtesy CONCACAF)
But the 28-year-old Attin-Johnson, who has a Sports Management degree from Kennesaw State University in Georgia, believes it will be harder to fill the Hasely Crawford ground at the $200 (covered stands) and $100 (uncovered stands) prices announced by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA).
The proposed price is a steep increase in the $50 fee (covered and uncovered stands) charged for the women’s last competitive game in Port of Spain three months ago; although it matches the admission charge for the men’s team, in October 2005, when the Warriors faced Mexico in a vital 2006 World Cup qualifier.
Attin-Johnson, a classy midfield player, thinks the TTFA should have mirrored the approach in Ecuador where a US$5 and US$2 entrance fee provoked a record women’s attendance of 17,500 patrons.
“I’m very much against those ticket prices (for the second leg),” Attin-Johnson told Wired868. “All we as players want is a full stadium and with those prices, unfortunately, I don’t think we will have one.”
The Warriors captain said she raised her concerns to TTFA general secretary Sheldon Phillips who replied that the goal was to have parity with prices for men’s games and that the special nature of the Play Off game needed a special price to match.
“That is Ecuador; Ecuador is not Trinidad and Tobago,” Phillips told Wired868. “We based our discussion based on feedback we got from the folks in Trinidad and Tobago. That was good and appropriate for Ecuador…
“When the tickets go on sale on Monday that is when the market will speak. But people are waiting to buy tickets and we already have pre-orders… So the overriding issue is the importance of the game and the level of excitement from the public.”
But Attin-Johnson suggested that, after all the women went through in getting to this stage, they deserved a break.
(Courtesy Jinelle James/WOLF)
Phillips suggested yesterday that the TTFA would be happy to get between 12,000 and 15,000 fans on December 2 although he did think a full stadium was possible. The national captain thinks the volume of supporters and not revenue should be the motivating factor behind the local football body’s approach to the upcoming match.
No Trinidad and Tobago women’s player or local coach has ever received a match fee during the course of their international careers. They often received no per diems either and it was not unusual for players and staff to pool money to buy refreshments after training sessions.
After all the problems the Women Warriors overcame to get here; could the TTFA give them the favour of doing everything possible to provide a full stadium for the game of their lives in Port of Spain?
Phillips promised the players a match fee for the first time on December 2. But Attin-Johnson said the team is more interested in getting the emotional support from the public.
“We as players will not be exploited because it is exactly that what is going on,” said Attin-Johnson. “We are the main attraction and we want a packed stadium. What is the reason for the price? Where is the money going?”
In Quito, Trinidad and Tobago head coach Randy Waldrum predicted a full stadium in Port of Spain for the return leg and Attin-Johnson echoed his call.
Whatever the TTFA decides, the Warrior captain hopes Trinidad and Tobago football fans turn out to help push the team over the finish line and into the history books.
(Courtesy TTFA Media)
“I’m just hoping the fans don’t see the cost as a reason not to come,” said Attin-Johnson. “I’m hoping they look at it as a chance to be part of history.”
Match tickets go on sale on Monday November 17 at all Kenny’s Sports Centre outlets, Trotter’s (Maraval Road, Port of Spain), Skinner Park (San Fernando), The Fan Club (Movietowne, Mucurapo), Ramsingh’s Sporting Goods (Chaguanas), All Out (Queen’s Park Oval), Econo Supermarket (Sangre Grande) and Heritage Sport (Scarborough)
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Lasana Liburd is the managing director and chief editor at Wired868.com and a journalist with over 20 years experience at several Trinidad and Tobago and international publications including Play the Game, World Soccer, UK Guardian and the Trinidad Express.
Keith Clement are you the guy no one spoke out against during the Life Sport era?
So no one came out and supported before, now that it’s a “major event” everyone’s bothered by ticket prices…if supporters were packing the Stadium from the onset, then tickets might have been minimally priced. Considering the price of a “Machel Monday” which sells out in no time – this price point is not that bad…
That’s cause your probably ordered it Mark. I paid just over 40 pounds for my Veron Manchester United jersey. It had his name and number and it was reversible… Two jerseys in one.
Now I understand about supporting the team financially. But you will have your doubts about the competence of the people holding the purse strings.
The same ppl who making the $100 and $200 a problem go to every All Inclusive fete for the Carnival season for $500-plus not counting the additional costs for new outfits….and them same players are in all the concerts which cost big bucks…..half of those who are complaining have never gone and see a women’s game not even at school level, but fex about the price. Ask them when last the by a T&T jersey or they waiting on one free.
Pay the team’s and your expenses and all incidentals Captain and also play for free at all times. Organize your own games. ” A still tongue keeps a wise head.”
I started to respond then I let go of the worm, wont take bait today, you are entitled to express your opinion (albeit erroneous) as much as I believe Ms Johnson is. #justwanttobecontrary, #ramblingnotmakingsense
I paid $900 for the latest Spain national team jersey an they collect real goals. Marketing is not for everyone. Sell the jerseys for $250 and the tickets $100 & $75. When we make world cup then raise ticket prices.
That why real and serious sporting organisatioins have a Code of Ethics and why T&T sports will continue to be third world satisfying the greed of those who are only interested in bacchanal rather than logic…
Should the TTFA look for a quick one off score or to build a relationship with fans? Keith, there are several ways to approach a situation. So I won’t say the TTFA’s way might not work in the end. Who knows.
I never encourage athletes to speak out because I know there is a big chance of victimisation. So I allow them to remain anonymous most times.
Maylee Johnson was brave enough to speak her mind though. I can only respect that.
Kk tks
The focus now in on the job at hand….when that is achieved then…..let you and I take up that fight not the players. That continue to be our problem some players want to play, manage, referee and coach…..despite all the criticism of the TTFA, the fact is it cost money put field a sports team, players want to get pay and big pay too and why not…..
STEUPS, shes one of the major stakeholders, she has every right to voice her opinion,
They haven’t announced the venue yet.
Where will tickets be sold Lasana liburd?
They complained about funding when in the US for the qualifiers and now complain about ticket prices. Are taxpayers an ATM?
I started complaining about the ticket prices too until your comment hit me with the painful truth. Thanks for the reality check.
i fully agree!!!!
Keith you surprise me. After all those Girls went through you have the gall to say she has no right to open her mouth? They’ve been royally screwed by the TTFA from the start and the shit continues. All those Girls want to do is win and all they’re asking for is a chance to get a full stadium. They’re not stupid. They know exploitation when they see it and i don’t blame her for getting blasted vex and telling it as it is. Maybe if some of the Men showed her cohoness Football won’t be in the mess it’s in today.
We are accustomed to athletes saying nothing worth remembering. Just empty cliches. They have to try to never offend anyone so their sponsors can make more money off them.
People like Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan rarely ever said anything memorable in their entire lives.
For me, if Maylee wants to have an opinion and share it then more power to her.
She has her job to do on the field and the TTFA has its job to do in administration. She deserves respect too.
I think the T&T captain is totally out of place to comment on the ticket prices…leave that for the m,an on the street…all the captain should be doing is urging the fans to come out and support them…..
they go KKKKKKIIIIIIIIIIILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL WWWEEEEEEEEEE
you preaching to the choir, sir. don’t tag me in that remark, tag phillips.
We just got rid of the corneals, now there’s another clan we have to get of rid.
Smh. So Nwadike Holder our replica prices as high as an Argentina or Manchester United shirt?
This isn’t about respecting our own as much as foreign players eh. It is about understanding how to grow a market.
In my opinion, we should be trying to build a supporter base not just cash in on a one-off experience.
When you alienate the hard core fans to cash in on wagonists, what happens after this game?
Lasana Liburd ,Considering the length of this campaign, shouldn’t the TTFA already be raking in a considerable windfall from “commercial revenues”. After all they were able to settle with the soca warriors based on “unclaimed commercial revenues” from a campaign that only reached the group stage of CFU.
Still shaking my head. Wonder who Mr Phillips spoke with when he said people were comfortable with the prices? I agree with Lasana as i expressed similar sentiments last night and i also agree with Roger and Ian. Maybe Mr Pinard would consider sponsoring some tickets now that he sees even the Captain and Players are upset at the price. Come on Gerry some of these Ladies have Families who would love to go and support their Sister, Daughter, Mom etc. Don’t you think they ketch dey arse enough and deserve a break? If i could have i would have but have to find the $200. to attend myself.
I totally agree with her like there is a concerted effort to downplay their efforts
Kester you know I love you.
The limers could hit D Ave
I support Ian on his suggestion. Let’s bring out the girls school and full up the stadiums. Let’s give these same little girls something to dream about. And inspire them.
Ian I have a job for you. Brilliant.
I don’t think so. It will be too obvious. She is smart enough to do it publicly. If she did it behind closed does then she would find herself out int he cold. It will be too obvious if that happens now.
If history is anything to go by, I fully expect she will find herself out in the cold from the National team for having the temerity to speak out against the TTFA.
well, well well Cy
Ricarda is a lime what scream u talking bout.
that fella went saints!
The majority of the fan base is school girls, the women’s league is itself over 65% school girls, where are they supposed to get $100, its already a school night and parents will be brakesin’
That plan was all sana… if was me…. I pack up the stadium with a bunch of little girls from primary school with bus shuttle too and from school from all over the country…. only charge for covered ($100) and have the section right where the covered meet uncovered (stadium clock side) reserved for rhythm section with supporters….. let the girls feel the love….. they have proven that they have enough fight that they will respond…..
I admire how Maylee Attin-Johnson expressed herself, she did not mix her words with regards to the ticket cost issue. She’s strong and outspoken. I looked at the tv6 interview with her and was impressed, she’s a leader.
Lasana that’s it, will the afforders scream when the girls need to hear them in a desperate moment
Ian where you get that degree boy??? And they making more than the $200 with this call. This will create the madness you want. People going crazy to get a shirt and come to support. You need to be hired Ian. Lol
The replica is actually $300-$350 Lasana Liburd, which is why I don’t have one.
Relying on bandwaggonists is easily the worst business tactic ever. In the month with christmas when people spending on fixing up house, ham , grog etc. very few people are going to find that type of money for an event they have no interest in.
The CFU final (which was a double header) didn’t even fill the covered stands. You quadruple the price for one game and expect to fill the entire stadium. I’m glad Maylee spoke out.
Suppose they can raise the price to $800 and full the stadium. Only now we have people can afford to pay $2,400 and $3,200 to take their families to the game.
Will it be a different atmosphere as a result? Will that affect the vibe at the ground?
In other words, should an effort be made to ensure the working man (not to mention the friends and families of the players) can go to the game and not just the highest bidders?
Way to go Maylee….thanks for thinking of the small man! I hope those who can afford will fill up the stadium for the Women Soca Warriors…I’m tempted to go to support the women, but TTFF holding me back with their stubbornness and greed…maybe I will show up with a placard to express my disgust at their ticket prices 🙂
D waggonist will full out so they goin 4 d waggonist money. What I waitin to hear is despite d sell out they eh make no money.
I agree Joann. Maybe the TTFA will have the last laugh and get 15,000 supporters or more at those prices. Then the market would have spoken.
I would have preferred to lower prices and then use the buzz to entice corporate Trinidad. Not to mention help the women get to the World Cup which also will generate more opportunities to raise money.
There’s been to much stealing from Jack to Lifesport. As far as I’m concerned it should be free.
Ian R Briggs and Kester Lendor, how about this… Turn up on match day with a Joma replica jersey and get in for $20.
Now a replica is $200 or so right? So you making money in a different way but offering fans something extra for their money.
I sound like a marketing expert Savitri Maharaj? Lol.
I hold no brief 4 d TTFF but a 100.00 TT eh no money.
Agree
Kill two birds with one stone. Storm!
I wonder if the market has spoken yet..
replica is $396 I have plans of buying one I usually buy T&T football tshirts as for the price it would be great to have a full stadium but the truth is we see the same faces when we attend football games and when it comes to the last game the “limers” appears along with their cellphone I wish the price was cheaper but people spend hundreds and even thousands to attend concerts I feel for true supporters who can’t afford it…….the world is unfair..the government..the ministry of sport should help the situation to make up for their handling of the money situation when the girls were in the usa……..you want your team comfortable in their own back yard…………….
I don’t find $100 that bad. I plan to go with my wife and children (children under 12). However a lower price could guarantee more attendance. I ain’t going covered stands sorry.