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Two hundred Trinidad and Tobago “football legends” are set to finally receive free access to Soca Warriors international matches, as the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) announced a TT$250,000 partnership with the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) yesterday, which will see the implementation of a Season Ticket Program from now until November 2017.
The move follows a similar initiative by the former Raymond Tim Kee-led administration, which allotted passes for members of the Veterans Football Association (VFA) for all national team games—men, women and youth matches—during 2013-2015.
However, in this case, the season tickets will go straight into the hands of our former football players and administrators.
The 10 legends presented with tickets by current TTFA president David John-Williams, in today’s launch at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel in Port of Spain, are: Alvin Corneal (former National Player and Coach), Everald “Gally” Cummings (former National Player and Coach), Leroy De Leon (former National Player), Osmond Downer (former FIFA Referee), Sedley Joseph (former National Player and Coach), Jean Mouttet (former National Keeper), Lennox “Bullet” Pilgrim (Administrator), Bobby Sookram (former National Player), Rudolph Thomas (former Administrator) and Edgar Vidale (former National Coach).
Two-time Olympic medalist, Keshorn Walcott, and Rio Paralympic medalists Akeem Stewart and Nyosha Cain will also be given season tickets. Further presentations will be made in the coming weeks.
In 2013, Wired868 submitted a two-tier proposal to then TTFA president, Tim Kee, which suggested season tickets for members of special national teams—the 1966, 1974, 1990 and 2006 World Cup qualifying teams—as well as players who amassed 50 or more full international caps.
John-Williams’ implementation was closer to the gesture envisaged by the website than Tim Kee’s move.
Soca Warriors fans stand to benefit too, as a total of 6,400 season tickets will be made available to the public—with 5,000 for the uncovered section and 1,400 for the covered section. The covered stands tickets will be priced at TT$2,000 while the uncovered tickets will be priced at TT$1,000.
There are added incentives for the season ticket holders, as they will receive a 20% discount on any official TTFA merchandise they purchase. Furthermore, a few lucky fans will get the chance to see the prestigious World Cup Final in Russia.
“As part of the Season Ticket Program as well, the TTFA, in discussion with FIFA, will obtain six tickets for the final game of the World Cup in Russia 2018,” said John-Williams. “And those people who participate and purchase a season ticket will go into a lottery that will give them to opportunity to win a ticket for the finals of World Cup Russia 2018.”
Apart from gaining entry to friendlies, Caribbean Cup games and Trinidad and Tobago’s five “Hex” matches on home soil, season ticket holders will be allowed access to select National Team training sessions, reserved stadium entry access on match days and meet-and-greet sessions with the players.
First Citizens Bank will be the official retail outlet for the TTFA’s season tickets, which go on sale next Monday.
Both teams played to a 2-2 draw.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868
Early bird buyers will get the chance to use their tickets next Wednesday when the Warriors tackle Dominican Republic in a Caribbean Cup fixture at the Hasely Crawford Stadium from 7pm on October 5.
Tickets for the match are priced at TT$200 (covered) and TT$100 (uncovered) respectively, and go on sale tomorrow at Ramsingh’s Sportworld in Couva and all Sports and Games and Kenny’s Sports Shop outlets nationwide.
National Senior Team coach Stephen Hart was in attendance and, although he promised to name his Caribbean Cup squad by Friday, there was some bad news.
France-based midfielder John Bostock looks set to miss out again, as the England FA have stalled the player’s switch to Trinidad and Tobago, after allegedly alluding to possible discrepancies in his application.
Bostock represented England at youth level and featured in the 2010 Euro Under-19 tournament where he rubbed shoulders with the likes of Austrian international David Alaba and French hitman Antoine Griezmann.
John-Williams was in a buoyant mood yesterday though, as he indicated his desire to start a football Hall of Fame within the next year. And he warned football fans to be on the lookout for another major announcement.
“I dare say, this is the first of good news that will be happening in the next two weeks,” said John-Williams. “If you think this one is big, stand by for 14 days later. I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag.”
Editor’s Note: The TTFA’s Season Passes are available at First Citizens Bank branches on Independence Square, One Woodbrook Place, Arima, Tunapuna, Chaguanas, Point Fortin, San Fernando, Gulf View and Scarborough.
There are 1,400 Covered Stands and 5,000 Uncovered Stands passes available. Fans can book by calling the TTFA Hotline: 270-6868.
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Roneil Walcott is an avid sports fan and freelance reporter with a BA in Mass Communication from COSTAATT. Roneil is a former Harvard and St Mary’s College cricketer who once had lofty aspirations of bringing joy to sport fans with the West Indies team. Now, his mission is to keep them on the edge of their seats with sharp commentary from off the playing field.
“I dare say, this is the first of good news that will be happening in the next two weeks,” said John-Williams. “If you think this one is big, stand by for 14 days later. I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag.”
Well it’s 14 days later. De cyat come out de bag yet? What’s the major announcement?
Cyat still in bag. Lol.
Bag loss..
Molinoooo
What I’m struggling to understand with the season tickets is the radio ad says that my seat is guaranteed but I’m sure I’m not the only one to notice that persons are left standing when all the seats are occupied (especially in the uncovered stands)!
So how is my seat guaranteed if you are clearly selling more tickets than the stadium can seat?
Also how is my seat guaranteed if the game switches to one of the stadia which has a smaller capacity?
There are many unanswered questions with regards to that season ticket program. It is a good idea. But I don’t think it was thought through properly and I think it is too expensive.
I want to believe that I will find a fan who is willing to write on it sooner or later.
I’m sure Chabeth will be willing
Chabeth, are you willing to look at the maths involved and do a piece from a fan’s point of view? Bearing in mind things like our lack of home friendly games, the fact that few fans even wear merchandise and whether a meet and greet system can work with over 6,000 season ticket holders.
Brian Jordan can consider that one too…
Or you too of course Sherron!
Uh… uh… uh…idk where Roneil gets his info. ?????
I actually don’t have a problem with the price.
I got a covered season pass today (first person at the branch ?)
But when I consider 5×300 plus 200 for tomorrow’s match that’s already 1700.
Two home friendlies @150/each and that’s my 2k. I feel like we should be able to get two friendlies over the course of a year.
Then there are the other benefits.
Meet and greet doesn’t have to be a logistical nightmare if they manage it properly. Hopefully they’ve found somebody to help with that.
Did they even say where the meet and greet events will be? Maybe they won’t be after matches. Maybe it will be at training sessions which will be easier to control.
I’ll reserve judgement until we’re well into the experience.
Difficult to know if a product is worth the money before you’ve tried it.
I too would be interested in a detailed look at the pricing structure. Prior to the info coming out I had discussed it with my team and remember saying 500 and 1200. However with the details out I would consider an increase to 800 and 1500 with an option to pay in 2 parcels
Does the season pass come with reserved seating? If not, it should. In whatever are considered the best sections in each stand.
That way season pass holders don’t have to come to the stadium by five to get a good seat.
Well Chabeth, fair is fair. You can write and speak about the good and bad of the proposal.
When I return to the country, if still not done.. sure
Chabeth Haynes girl i love u put ur money where ur mouth is!!
Lasana Liburd I wrote something last night. Message me if you would like to take a look at it
Sherron Charles, you can comment on those tickets here. 😉
Roneil K Walcott, it’s not all first citizen bank branches from today?
These ppl tell me come back tmw. ?
They’re on sale from Tuesday, October 4th at Independence Square, One Woodbrook Place, San Fernando, Gulf View,Tunapuna, Arima, Chaguanas and Scarborough.
I take it cash only?
http://ttfootball.org/2016/10/02/season-passes-on-sale-from-tuesday-dominican-republic-arrives-for-ccup-qualifier/
They should confirm the venue for these matches as well as the opponents for and dates of these friendlies.
At least one fan has raised the possibility that the season tickets might well cost more than simply buying your tickets game by game… Especially since the only national team that even gets friendly games is the senior men and most of their games are away.
I don’t think so Lasana. That person should redo their math. And consider convenience off a season pass
What was price for covered stands Kirwin? We have five home games. I’m guessing at 300 each for covered. That’s 1,500 value. You’re paying 2,000. You would need about three home friendlies to break even. And that would be unprecedented in recent times to have that many in that space of time.
I know it makes it easier for you to get your match day ticket. But a season’s ticket usually equates to a couple free games I think. Or it should in my opinion.
How did you work it out Kirwin?
Lasana Liburd all national games included youth women and friendly
Yeah. But 500 extra for any other national game at any level is worth taking the gamble even though we struggle to secure friendlies. Technically TTFA risking stuff if they get more friendlies than anticipated at home. So 1000 or 2000 isn’t bad at all imo
Yes Gordon. When last has the women team or youth team played a friendly at home? Neither has played a single one.
The last time a national youth team even played a friendly at home that anybody cared about watching might be when they played Brazil in 1991! Lol.
I get that it is good to not have to be hunting tickets. Otherwise it may not get you that much value. Unless of course the senior Warriors line up at least three of four decent friendlies before the end of 2017.
Lasana do we have confirmation that the ticket prices for the Hex will stay at $300 for covered and $150 for uncovered?
Cy, we don’t. I don’t think prices go much higher than that.
Now generally the TTFA loves a bit of price gouging where they jack up the price if the team is doing well. Something that is illegal for clubs in England to do, for instance.
But calculate three games at 300 and two at 500. That’s still under 2,000.
And I’m factoring in predatory pricing.
I guess a simpler way to know if this makes financial sense is finding out the fixture list for the next 12 months. I don’t knwo if there was a Q+A session after the launch but it would have been a question that I would have liked an answer to. Either way, I’m glad an option has been put out there at least.
Right. But there are other benefits such as the preferential entrance, meet and greet, and access to training sessions. So if those things appeal to someone then…
I’d just like venue confirmation to know if to buy an uncovered or covered pass.
All the hex games have to be played at HCS or they can move them to ABS?
Makes more sense to get covered, because uncovered for any other team than national men’s…you’ll be sitting virtually by yourself
Chabeth, there are printing something like 6,000 season tickets. Meet and greet?! I laughed when I saw that. Sounds like the genius planning that almost got people crushed in lines before the last game! ???
Hasely Crawford is venue. They would lose a lot of revenue in Couva because of size. They might even have to consider Oval as back up.
Seems like Hasely Crawford venue just isn’t dependable any more for obvious reasons.
Lol. Yeah after I typed, I went back and read and was like 6400 at a TTFA managed meet and greet is bacchanal.
That’s why there are usually levels of season tickets like in the NBA for example so that every season ticket holder doesn’t enjoy all the benefits.
But those season tickets are predicated on there only being one venue so you can have designated seats and entrances.
But there’s still the other stuff though…
Discounted merchandise
Training sessions
Preferred entrance
I think it’s a good idea. Hopefully it improves with time.
I go to practice sessions all the time without need for a ticket. Will that now be changed?
http://ttfootball.org/2016/10/02/season-passes-on-sale-from-tuesday-dominican-republic-arrives-for-ccup-qualifier/
20% on TTFA Merchandise
Lasana Liburd that was a good game. ??
Chabeth, the tickets supposed to go on sale from next week.
Oh hey. Sorry. Didn’t see this.
In any case… this doesn’t say they’ll be using lotto booths for ticket sales, does it? I was wondering why they reverted from that system. It was more convenient that having to go to a sports and games or kenny’s.
But I guess with this season pass thing you have to go same section at every stadium. Can’t go covered at AB and uncovered at HCS.
And…let’s give everybody their full due nah…
Sedley Joseph wasn’t just a national player, he was captain. ???
i thought it curious that they added administrators and stuff. I think it is a good idea. But I’d definitely like to see the whole list.
Maybe the lotto booths would be for “big” games. Unless there was an issue they aren’t telling us about.
Notice how the TTFA stopped giving match day figures once DJW came in. Even Jack Warner used to give those. Not accurate ones I’m sure. But something all the same. Lol
Oh i thought they withheld the full list cause they didn’t want us to know you on it.
Match day figures meaning the number of ppl in attendance?
The guy on the PA system calls out something. Wrong as hell though.
His erroneous info made me have to buy a drink for somebody inside of here.
Tickets sold, match day expenses, complementaries… We got that info even under Tim Kee. But our president boasts publicly about preferring to operate in silence as though it were a good thing.
Ahhh… ok. Well wait for audited accounts I guess. Should be able to access those under FOIA hopefully.
Do you all think that this cudb the English FA making a statement with regards to JW?
is the John Bostock switch a ” World Record ‘ for how long its taking ??..must be..
Well Lasana Liburd, at least there is some good ideas coming out from DJW, but i wish he could really focus on actually developing a local real professional league with the clubs we have here where this season ticket initiative could really take off more with local clubs so every weekend we have a Professional League football match to go watch that would stimulate the economy and development of the youths, the grassroots in general. I am waiting for his plans on this front. The reason i say this, because some reason i feel the Caribbean Premier Football League would not happen.
This idea is not a new one. But credit him for implementing it.
http://wired868.com/2013/06/30/our-heroes-wired868-asks-ttfa-to-recognise-its-shortlist-of-tt-stars/
Yes, i remember that article
Where is Gordon when you need him? LOL…. I hope he hasn’t been banned
Lol. Gordon missing a chance to play cheerleader boi?!
Hah
Hahaha. Lasana Liburd Nicholas Lochan i like how u all missing me is initiative after initiative!! We working while people playing is not cheerleading is staying focus on d mission!!
???
Keep working there and leave the coaches alone to do their jobs. Just get them the resources they need. 😉
Hahaha i agree how it all works out
Well Lasana Liburd, at least there is some good ideas coming out from DJW, but i wish he could really focus on actually developing a local real professional league with the clubs we have here where this season ticket initiative could really take off more with local clubs so every weekend we have a Professional League football match to go watch that would stimulate the economy and development of the youths, the grassroots in general. I am waiting for his plans on this front. The reason i say this, because some reason i feel the Caribbean Premier Football League would not happen.
Kenrick Burke Ansarii Moses Mark Saunders James Braxton James Saunders Jeruel Placide Orneilo Greaves Ato Julien
Nice
Vachel ‘tallo’ Thompson, you will have to add your other friends in the top right hand panel under “Members” so they can see your tag. 😉
Or…ok kool
what happen to hasely crawford ?
And the other Hall of Fame athletes at the Hasely Crawford Stadium who have paid their dues to T & T.
Sean De Silva should get selected. He has shown his ability and discipline on many occasions
This is a very commendable step; both the season ticket and the acknowledgement of legends!
This Bostock issue is really frustrating…… jeez
He can be such a big asset and he wants to play. So many bigger nations have multiple players who switched citizens. Like Portugal. And Jamaica. We just want ONE player! Steups.
Based on our last two games I think we need him now more than we know 🙁
Just one… lol
Well i guess in some minimal bright side look – Bostock isn’t needed for CFU – but the hex so hopefully whatever the FA want can be sorted by november Kirwin Weston Roneil K Walcott Amiel FullyFocus Mutilal Stephon Nicholas
eat ah food
Why wasn’t pro league games included to boost attendance? Roneil K Walcott Lasana Liburd
Good question. Although I think the Pro League has its own season pass initiative in place.
Correct me if I’m wrong we playing Dominican Republic on August fifth but central playing w connection d day before in d ato boldon
October fifth, Correct.
Very interesting
Jomo, the Pro League stops for nothing but home World Cup qualifiers this season. The clubs have committed to play without their international players if they have to.
Vachel ‘tallo’ Thompson it should have included pro league games but I taking progress
What a pity for Bostock! He has become one of the favorites at Lens’ Bollaert stadium with a double recently and many assists already…
Very nice. We’re so disappointed here. Something is missing from this story I think.
I gonna try n get one bai…dats gud stuff
Best thing TTFA ever do in recent times oui
I’m sure you are going to be one of the first in line lol
U know me so well