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Football fans must pay a record admission fee for a local women’s match to be part of history on 2 December 2014 when the Trinidad and Tobago senior national women’s football team faces Ecuador in the second and final leg of a Canada 2015 Women’s World Cup Play Off from 6 pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
(Copyright AFP 2014/Rodrigo Buendia)
Trinidad and Tobago held Ecuador to a goalless draw at 2,700 metres above sea level in Quito for the first leg on 8 November 2014 and now needs a win at home on December 2.
Trinidad and Tobago has never qualified for a FIFA women’s tournament before although the two island republic participated in the 2010 Women’s Under-17 World Cup as the host nation.
And the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), based on advice from its Local Organising Committee (LOC), has set the ticket prices at $200 (covered stands) and $100 (uncovered stands) for the return leg with children under-12 free in the uncovered section. The tickets are due to go on sale from November 17 at still undisclosed outlets.
The admission fee of $200 and $100 mirrors the price for Trinidad and Tobago’s vital 2006 World Cup qualifier against Mexico on 12 October 2005 when Stern John’s double got the “Soca Warriors” into a FIFA Play Off against Bahrain. Tickets for that historic match, which also featured icons Dwight Yorke and Russell Latapy, were sold out.
The price for Trinidad and Tobago’s first leg clash with Bahrain in 2005 rose to $300 (covered) and $150 (uncovered) and there were over 5,000 fewer spectators for the contest in Port of Spain.
The women’s game has never previously commanded a fee near to either sum.
(Copyright AFP 2014/Patrik Stollarz)
Four years ago, local fans paid $40 (covered) and $20 (uncovered) to watch Trinidad and Tobago’s three group matches at the Women’s Under-17 World Cup.
And tickets were priced at $20 when the Women Warriors began their World Cup campaign on Wednesday 20 August 2014 with a 10-0 rout of St Kitts and Nevis at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. Roughly 1,000 fans came out, then, to cheer on their women’s team.
There were just under 4,000 supporters for the women’s last Port of Spain outing in the Caribbean Cup final on Tuesday 26 August 2014, which was priced at $50.
But Phillips, who is a LOC member, believes that the heightened interest around the team and the importance of the fixture justifies the price spike.
“(The price) wasn’t arbitrarily made,” Phillips told Wired868. “It was talked about at length at a LOC meeting and everyone collectively felt that it was a good price point… The Caribbean Cup was three months ago and a lot has changed since then in terms of the knowledge of the women’s programme.
“It was also one of the first tournaments we had hosted… So you cannot compare the CFU tournament to a World Cup qualifier.”
Responses to the prices on the social media thus far have been muted but, generally, positive.
(Courtesy SPORTT)
Phillips claimed that the revenue gained from the upcoming fixture would help further develop the women’s game.
“You cannot speak about raising the level of women’s football in one breath and then say it cannot demand a higher fee because that is the way it is always done,” said Phillips. “You have to look at it as a case by case situation. And this is a women’s team at the cusp of the World Cup and a very good team.”
But does the inflated women’s ticket prices, whether reasonable or not, run the risk of diminishing the volume of supporters for the crucial World Cup Play fixture?
Since most of Ecuador’s women players come from its coastal regions, Trinidad and Tobago’s temperature and humidity are not expected to create difficulties for “La Tricolor.” Apart from the ability, desire and preparation of the two teams, fan support represents the best chance of an advantage for the host nation.
In Quito, the Ecuador Football Federation (FEF) charged US$2 (TT$13) and US$5 (TT$32) for uncovered and covered stand tickets and US$10 for private boxes and was thrilled for a turnout of 17,500 patrons. Outside the Atahualapa Stadium, by means of context, it costs between US$5 and $10 for a meal at the mall.
(Copyright AFP 2014/Rodrigo Buendia)
However, Phillips dismissed any notion that the TTFA should mirror Ecuador’s approach in the first leg.
“That is Ecuador; Ecuador is not Trinidad and Tobago,” said the TTFA General Secretary. “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.”
Phillips said the TTFA will pay match fees to the women’s team for the first time on December 2 while there is a bonus arrangement in place with the players should they qualify. He said the gate receipts will help to cover those costs.
“This is the first time the team has found itself in this position where they captured the hearts and minds of the nation,” said Phillips, when asked why there was a different pay scale for the upcoming game, “and it is the first time they are in the position where they are one win away from the World Cup. This is a big deal.”
In fact, the Women Warriors were one match away from the World Cup twice already when they played Costa Rica and then Mexico in last month’s 2014 CONCACAF Championship semi-finals and third place play off.
(Courtesy CONCACAF)
The FIFA Play Off is the last chance for the team, which overcome chaotic preparation with the dramatic technical staff alterations, visa issues that affected its pre-Caribbean Cup camp and, most famously, when the Warriors left for the pre-CONCACAF camp with just US$500 and no accompanying match officials.
Today, Phillips thinks the women’s squad, which is captained by Maylee Attin-Johnson and led by coach Randy Waldrum, can become the country’s second flagship team along with the senior men.
“This could be the launch pad game for the women’s team to be another flagship team for the national program,” he said.
Between 1,200 and 4,000 supporters turned out to watch the national men’s team play in the Caribbean Cup qualifying phase in Couva last month with prices set at $100 (covered) and $60 (uncovered).
The TTFA will soon know whether the women’s team, which is contesting a World Cup place rather than a Caribbean Cup crown, can surpass that level of interest. And whether the football body’s pricing of the upcoming contest is fair.
“We believe a crowd of 12,000 to 15,000 people will be a success, based upon past audiences,” said Phillips. “We would be happy with that amount going into the match. But we do believe this game has real potential to be a sell-out.”
The Hasely Crawford holds roughly 6,000 patrons in the covered stands and 16,000 in uncovered. If 4,000 covered tickets are sold and 8,000 uncovered, the TTFA will raise $1.6 million from the decisive December 2 affair.
At right is defender Rhea Belgrave.
(Courtesy CONCACAF)
Theoretically, if tickets were sold a $100 and $50 and 20,000 patrons (6,000 covered and 14,000 uncovered) turned up; the TTFA could raise $1.3 million, which would represent a $300,000 loss but with a near full stadium.
Of course, there is no proof that the ticket price would be the decisive factor in whether fans come out to the Tuesday evening contest.
The TTFA and the national women’s team are counting on supporters to turn up in their numbers on December 2 to roar them into the history books as the first Caribbean team to qualify for a FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Editor’s Note: Tickets for the T&T/Ecuador W/Cup Play Off are on sale 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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She and Ahkeela they are angry.
Corrections. She don’t agree she id mad about the hiked up prices.
Does or does not agree Ricarda Nelson? She told me she doesn’t.
Kester it looking like DM have a party in the race fir Elections. Humm expert Also this is about making the tickets affordable for those who can’t afford. These gurls struggled through their football life. Lasana don’t knock Jack because the women never under his reign ever went through this type of treatment or embarrassment Allow real football followers to come and make noise. All the affording $200 persons coming to be their to say they were there. They say anything in that section. Im not guessing I sit there no matter the cost. I had the opportunity to spend time with the captain this morning after interview on CCN. She does agree with the prices. She cares about the support.
I know Kester…. Lasana juss doh like de man because he went Fatima…. so is tempo down de line…. 🙂
Debbie and Claudette, I expected that response but I’m willing to bet that there are few people out there who don’t blow a blue note on cigarettes, drinks, fast food or some other entertainment every so often. It’s simply a matter of priorities as far as I am concerned. We are always quick to criticise corporate T&T, government, etc. but unwilling to donate a Harold Melvin to support our Warriors? Steups, oui!
Ian & Lasana, I totally agree that DM is his own man and doesn’t need my help. I’m not making excuses for anyone. I was referring to the questions raised about the man’s qualifications and training because as far as I’m aware he’s he graduated out of HU in M’kting and has significant work experience in that field. I wasn’t justifing the ticket prices, I think it’s ludicrous really as prior games would cost me $250 in the covered stands with my 9yr old and her 2 BFFs and 2 adults would now cost $1,000.00 so I’m not sure that I wanna put up.
Well said Debbie,Gerry is saying” money talks” how FORTUNATE he is.
Kester Lendor Darren will have to stand he own bounce on this one… he grown… the pricing model used to determine an optimal price for the game given what is at stake and the current support for the football in trinidad was (probably non existent) but at best derived via non scientific methods…. in other words we have a “guess” price….. and THAT sounds more like TTFA
I disagree Kestor. Not because of flag. Training meant you turned in your coursework. Or someone did for you. Or whatever else.
You can only be an expert based on what you accomplished.
He has been around long enough. So can you give me one example?
Kester Lendor, he could claim it, no problem..but is behaving like one is a different thing eh
Lasana, those are totally separate issues u’ve raised there. The fact that he was b4 a PC about the flag @ the HCS warrants him taking some stick (plenty even). I do believe though that his qualifications or training gives him or anyone for that matter some latitude to claim professional status.
Easy for you to say Gerry. You are one of the fortunate ones who can afford to put up and shut up but again you seem to be missing the point which is to pack the stadium with supporters. These are hard times for many. Some are awaiting back pay, bonuses etc as you of all people should know. I just might be in the bracket of those who have to shut up as you seem unaware of the reality out there.
The Skipper gave her opinion on it this morning
For maybe the first time ever I’m agreeing with the TTFA. I see no problem in the ticket prices. Reasons?
1) History could be made on the day and once the game is marketed properly 22,000 Trinis would want to be there.
2) The game is at a time when working individuals have money. Right after month end so many won’t mind parting with $200/$100
3) The cost to attend the Soca Warriors’ game vs Bahrain was $300/$150 and this was 9 YEARS AGO!!!
This is just a few reasons which I would say justify this price. If I had the ear of the TTFA however I would make a certain number of tickets available for girls attending secondary schools for a discounted price.
Great points, particularly the playoff vs. Bahrain 9 years ago. This indicates that the game is being priced competitively against a similarly important men’s game. I also agree with the idea of discounting prices for school-aged girls, but it would have to be for all school-aged students, irrespective of gender. Imagine the outcry if only boys got a discount to the men’s game. Plus, we don’t want to send the message that the women’s game is only for women supporters.
I only hope it goes towards the players development and not in these officials pockets!
Put up or shut up! We spend more than $100 or even $200 on all kinds of nonsense. Let’s support our Warriors!
Lasana i totally agree with you. In these hard times making the prices affordable will encourage the crowds/ support for all sports especially football now that we’re seeing both the Men’s and Women’s teams showing so much progress But while they progress the TTFA regress or remain stagnant. Eat little and live long is certainly not their motto. And now one can understand why corporate TnT don’t want to get involved with these greedy vultures.
That is the elephant in the room Fulton Wilson. Most people are not confided in the TTFA’s ability to handle our money much less run a development program.
And they know they don’t have our confidence. But they try to carry on regardless.
a word of advice to all football supporters and especially to our female footballers remember 1989, lets not be cocky or take things for granted, after the final whistle then we rejoice not before
are these people mad or just driven by greed, comeon these girls need a full stadium, 200.00 for what, its not like the ttfa was always there for womens football, as i said how many times have you see any member of the ttfa at a wolf game, sometimes ifeel jack warner still running football we, why it cant be 100.00 for covered and 50 for uncovered,
They too bright…
the administrator states that if we want the standard to raise, then we should expect the price of supporting to raise also…In the esteemed words of Minister two pull…whaaaaaaaaaaaatttt !…Home advantage is the most important thing right now…charge $40…full the stadium…steups…
GREED is the only word to describe that price. I can’t see Trini paying that price in December or taking an entire family to that game.These ladies need all the support they can get.Someone not thinking right.I”ll await the final outcome with that price.
If the money is going to be put to good use and not in someone’s pocket then I would not have a problem (unfortunately there is no guarantee of this). Uncovered for me. People spend loads f money on a Carnival costume. Whether the ladies get through or not I want to be there supporting them
Wouldn’t we all have loved to be flies on the wall, or to see the minutes, of the LOC meeting where pricing was discussed?? I’m sure it was an intense debate about how to attract the most fans to cheer our ladies on, and not about how to try to make the most money. I’m sure merchandising (sales off team uniform shirts, tshirts, autographed team photos, etc) was discussed and recommended as another revenue stream beside the normal bar and vendor rents. Hopefully, the ladies will all be given some complimentary tickets for their families and friends to attend the game and not be docked any compensation….sigh
Oh he was the $2M flag man? Well, he’s not even an expert at BS
Kester Lendor, I’m humbly submit that I’m not impressed by his degree or the fact that he worked with the wicb. Or that he was the man justifying the $2 million flag before a parliamentary committee.
Most of all, I’m not impressed with the lack of headway by the TTFA in corporate T&T.
So let’s not misuse the term “expert”. 😉
Debbie Espinal, I think the TTFA should be using this opportunity to build a bridge to its football fans and create a great atmosphere that can entice supporters.
Rather than a one off score.
Children under-12 are only free in uncovered stands btw.
Kendall Tull, I use loads of Google services without paying.
Many companies use a sort of freemium deal where some services are free and others have a price attached.
Like free entry but TTFA controls bar and tries to make money from that instead.
Point is there are many ways to raise money without high ticket price as that runs the risk of alienating your core customers.
Debbie Espinal, common sense was made before book sense. How businessmen/traders used to function before the days of MBA etc?
No man Kirwin, dey say no food and drinks
I know plenty ” Marketing Experts” who don’t know their ass from their elbow. Plenty of them bought their so called MBA’s. No offence to those who genuinely worked hard and got the desired results. Sometimes all it takes is some common sense that’s all.
Savitri Maharaj I hope you have a cooler with roti eh… 🙂
I think Kenneth Ransome called it right. Regardless of the price the stadium, I don’t think the stadium will be filled. Central FC had a game for free at Gilbert Park on Sunday…a season pass for ProLeague is $300 (if you don’t have a friend), what are the crowds like ? Who wants to be there on Dec. 2nd will be there. Advertising should help stimulate a few “ded souls” to come out, but those who are there will have to give their all.
I was there Debbie, arrived home the day before and was off to the game early
Find he brave!
I would have hoped the price is low to get the masses behind the team and allow young women to discover some heroes and good role models. I forgot- social development is not something our administrators think about. According to Black Stalin, “dey wish money was the culture of Trinidad”
Kester Lendor, you mention WICB and TTFA in the same sentence with expert eh
Lasana, I think his education and training is in M’tking so he’s considered an expert. Additionally he was the CMO at the WICB. I really can’t say or see what they’ve done at the TTFA so like u I’m in the dark.
I beg to defer Kenneth. It was packed to capacity when we played England a few years ago also in our run up to 2006 the final match in Trinidad was a sell out. My Husband and i were literally carried along by the crowd to get into that match which we drew with Bahrain. The rest was history.
There should be some recourse/incentive for the fans who supported during the early stages of tournaments..example show your ticket stubs from previous games and get a much lower price when coming down to the end. I agree with raised prices though to take advantage of the waggonists and limers.
I dare your’ll to take a Poll and see how many people are following the Soca Princesses/ Warriors thus far. Sure the numbers will surprise some of you.
That stadium has not been filled for years regardless of the sporting event and/or the price. It could be for free, the stadium will still not be filled. It amounts to unselfish, diehard, patriotic support and skilled professional marketing.
They couldn’t care less Savitri their money done fix when we qualify that ‘s why i’m so upset. Those SOB’s should be thinking of packing the Stadium with supporters for the Ladies instead they’re doing exactly what Warner did when He got greedy and we played to half empty stadiums. It’s a Tuesday evening, Dec 2nd, a Tuesday. Christmas shopping, Christmas parties which Trinis put above all else you seriously think we’re going to fill the stadium at those prices? Gimme a break! Hopefully i’m wrong but i doubt it. Lasana i await your take on my comments. But then again why should i expect anything else from Tim Kee. He probably consulted Jack. After all he was his understudy. SMDH!!
Debbie, if your predictions are true then the TTFA will be screwing themselves over. The ladies still have to be paid before the admin staff (I hope) and the TTFA will HAVE to find the money from somewhere to pay their bills, more so the telephone bill. But I’m hoping you are wrong on this count and wish the ladies all the best. If Kirwin Weston doh set me up I will be there too
And the TTFA continue to screw the Women’s Soca Warriors. I beg to disagree with Savitri. That stadium will not be filled at that price. Those of us on this thread who follow football will probably pay it but the average Joe in the street will not. It’s Christmas time and the people studying to buy gifts and fix up their homes. Unfortunately not that many of us will make the sacrifice. But i expected them to come with something like this. Blasted, greedy SOB”s. But that will be their downfall. Sorry for the Ladies because if we get 8,000 at those prices we lucky. Put the price at $50.00 and $100. and you would probably fill half the stadium. Been following football a long,long time and there aren’t as many passionate supporters out there as you may think. My heart continues to bleed for these Women.
I wonder what provision they have made for the kids under 12 Free. If 15,000 but tickets and each bring one child, they will not be able to accommodate.
Shortsightedness is a chronic problem
“Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre believes the greatest challenge facing the women’s game in this country is to increase attendances.
Last season saw a 30 per cent growth in crowds watching top-flight women’s football but the average gate for FA Women’s Super League 1 matches remains less than 1000 supporters.”
A quote from Sky Sports illustrating the scope of the problem.
As long as we support these idiots the foolishness will continue. These same idiots sent the team to the US with US$500 and nothing more and now want to dig out your eye. Best of luck hoping anything will change with these clowns in charge.