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StevePark

Newcastle Diamonds 2021

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3 minutes ago, TotallyHonestJohn said:

Good Lad Biffa; Pay the 17 quid to watch the second match if that's all you want to see its the usual entrance cost for a meeting but the 3 pound donation would be very grateful I 'm guessing if you did want to pay the 20 as you can pay on the gate on the day...

Regards
THJ

Honestly

I despair at times but never mind; can I ask why should you assume anything; it wasn't just the quayside market where the tickets were handed out and the free tickets were targeted and why you haven’t seen or heard anything around this is probably that you do not move in the same circles as Rob Grant... if you want free tickets go and ask him for some or PM me on here and I will get you some.... The driver behind giving out free tickets was not  simply to get new fans into the stadium it was more to get old lapsed fans back into the stadium as many of the people who got/took the tickets knew about the Speedway and had been before in former times. Where you state You wouldn’t look to give out free tickets to a nightclub at a local bingo I can assure you that I have had more free tickets offered; free membership offers; trial membership offers and one off passes for Nightclubs; Sports Clubs; Bingos; Casinos and even the David Lloyd Centre in Gosforth so there is nothing new in this marketing method of giving out free tickets that's for sure...

Also what better way to increase the attendances in the short and medium term is there than handing out some free tickets; if 10% of those tickets had been used and those 50 people all bought a programme; a sandwich and a drink and spent a tenner that's 500 quid back into the coffers that the club would have never had and they may have returned the following week and paid the entrance fee to get in. We all know of a club who spent nearly quarter of a million quid on advertising and done some fantastic work marketing the club and it brought an extra 88 people on usual attendances to the first meeting and by the end of the season the average crowd levels had increased by 8 so all that graft; all that effort and all that expenditure to bring in 8 new fans... its not as easy as it seems believe me. 

Furthermore  the timing of the tickets being given out only has relevance in your situation and the tickets being given out were over a period of a week and not just given on the morning of a match, and the Promotion are not only adopting a broad marketing strategy they are also using a targeted strategy as well; however if you are in marketing as when you state with the right marketing strategy then I really do feel there is a demand for speedway in Newcastle. I am sure the club would like to hear from you and take some of your points or tips on board as you do make a salient point with regard to the potential of local link ups with other sporting clubs but lets not forget that this approach has been tried in the past as Daryl Illingworth was also a promoter of Ice Hockey and Basketball while still a promoter with the Diamonds and he put some fantastic offers on which did not work... Finally you need the contacts and leads to get you into these local clubs and with the best will in the world these relationships can not be built up in a few weeks or months; it needs years to build the long term trust and stable relationships with other sporting franchises and even then they sometimes fall flat as any Workington fan will be able to tell you as the relationship between the Speedway and the Rugby at their shared venue was often very strained...

Regards
THJ

Hello John,

I have assumed given the fact that through Social Media, TV, Newspapers or websites ect that I have not myself seen any offer of free tickets and also through the wording of your original post, it suggested to me that this approach was used. May just be the way I read it.

At no point have I criticised Rob or the promotion for doing so only that I believe if we are giving out free tickets then would be better aiming at customer groups where the success rate is potentially higher.

I take your point about my circumstances but how many people are in the same boat as me, having to consider commitments before making a decision to attend something new that day?. I would hazard a guess that it is a fair few.

I agree the sports link up may take time but I have personally opened the door with the Whitley Warriors who were very keen to build links with the club. Again not knocking Rob as he has so much in his plate that this probably wasn’t his focus but he has the clubs info and I have personally passed this onto Rob.

As part of the staff at Newcastle Speedway and links to the Newcastle Vipers during Darryls era in control of both teams, I have seen some of the attempts to build those links but the advancements of social media and digital presence then marketing between clubs has a far wider reach and the additional element of discounted or free entry is something that was not directly tried during that era.

In terms of reaching out to the promotion. I have made it known that I will help out in any way I can and that offer remains on the table for Rob moving forward.

As a forum for opinions, then hopefully I’m allowed mine:)

oh and good luck to Rob and Rachel with everything. They have been dealt an awful hand this last 18 months but have done great to get us to this point.

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11 minutes ago, Viper said:

I have assumed given the fact that through Social Media, TV, Newspapers or websites etc that I have not myself seen any offer of free tickets and also through the wording of your original post, it suggested to me that this approach was used. May just be the way I read it.

No as stated they were specifically targeted by Rob to see how effective they were and primarily at people who had been before and knew what it was about; and the bottom line is they weren't successful at all unfortunately... so its back to the drawing board I'm afraid however help is always appreciated and to give the promotion their due they are looking at anything and everything that will encourage fans both new and lapsed to come and watch a meeting but its a thankless task... hopefully we "do a Birmingham" and get 800+ through the doors and give the promotion the lift they need to take this forward...

Regards
THJ

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8 minutes ago, TotallyHonestJohn said:

No as stated they were specifically targeted by Rob to see how effective they were and primarily at people who had been before and knew what it was about; and the bottom line is they weren't successful at all unfortunately... so its back to the drawing board I'm afraid however help is always appreciated and to give the promotion their due they are looking at anything and everything that will encourage fans both new and lapsed to come and watch a meeting but its a thankless task... hopefully we "do a Birmingham" and get 800+ through the doors and give the promotion the lift they need to take this forward...

Regards
THJ

I have been following Newcastle speedway for a lot of years now, both home and away, and have seen a lot of people walk away over the years, even those who were once very involved in the club both as supporters and behind the scenes. Unfortunately in most cases there were reasons why they walked away, some I understand and some I don’t but they all had there own reasons.

It’s always going to be difficult enticing people back once the have broken ties but hopefully for the clubs sake this can be achieved at some level.

I really hope Rob gets the boost he needs to continue on his journey with the club. He has some great ideas and hopefully we can get to a point where we can see these in action next season. 

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18 minutes ago, Viper said:

I have been following Newcastle speedway for a lot of years now, both home and away, and have seen a lot of people walk away over the years, even those who were once very involved in the club both as supporters and behind the scenes. Unfortunately in most cases there were reasons why they walked away, some I understand and some I don’t but they all had there own reasons.

It’s always going to be difficult enticing people back once the have broken ties but hopefully for the clubs sake this can be achieved at some level.

I really hope Rob gets the boost he needs to continue on his journey with the club. He has some great ideas and hopefully we can get to a point where we can see these in action next season. 

Ya not wrong and fingers crossed...

Regards
THJ

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Just read this weeks Speedway Star.. Can anyone tell me what page the Newcastle release is on about their much needed win over Berwick, the sad news that they need a massive crowd this Sunday or speedway might not survive or the preview of Bjarne Pedersen ,Jason Crump, Danny King, Rory Schlein and fans favourite Stevie Worrall all being on track this weekend ( weather permitting) as with it been Britain’s leading Speedway magazine the publicity would be fantastic 

Edited by KEITH M
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3 minutes ago, JCookie said:

What's the weather like atm? Is tomorrow looking good?

Taken off Newcastle Speedway page:

We have had a few comments about the weather situation for tomorrow's double header.... We would just like to say that at moment in time we are very positive that the weather isn't going to cause us too much of a problem and the meeting WILL GO AHEAD!

The on-off rain that we have had over the past 24-48 hrs at Newcastle has actually helped the track out and its looking in good condition for tomorrow!

We all just have to remain POSITIVE and keep praying to those weather gods that they are on our side.... We all know how important this meeting is to the survival of the Diamonds, so for it not to run is unthinkable at this point... THE SHOW MUST GO ON!

Finally, don't forget if you fancy a bit of added luxury to your speedway experience tomorrow, don't forget about our VIP DIAMOND EXPERIENCE. It is proving very popular this weekend, so much so, that bookings VIP will close TONIGHT to give us time to organise everything!

BOOK YOUR HOSPITALITY TICKETS NOW @ Www.trybooking.co.uk/BEPW

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5 hours ago, StevePark said:

Taken off Newcastle Speedway page:

We have had a few comments about the weather situation for tomorrow's double header.... We would just like to say that at moment in time we are very positive that the weather isn't going to cause us too much of a problem and the meeting WILL GO AHEAD!

The on-off rain that we have had over the past 24-48 hrs at Newcastle has actually helped the track out and its looking in good condition for tomorrow!

We all just have to remain POSITIVE and keep praying to those weather gods that they are on our side.... We all know how important this meeting is to the survival of the Diamonds, so for it not to run is unthinkable at this point... THE SHOW MUST GO ON!

Finally, don't forget if you fancy a bit of added luxury to your speedway experience tomorrow, don't forget about our VIP DIAMOND EXPERIENCE. It is proving very popular this weekend, so much so, that bookings VIP will close TONIGHT to give us time to organise everything!

BOOK YOUR HOSPITALITY TICKETS NOW @ Www.trybooking.co.uk/BEPW

Yes, I note the rain is forecast to stop about 4.00pm which could be earlier. Water will already be in the base of the track, so if we can cope with the 'new' rain the track will only need preparing and grading, but not need watering apart from the extra that goes into the starting area. With the new time of 4.00 pm start, it is feasible that if the rain goes on till 4.00pm, the start could be easily delayed, which means we have a better chance of the meeting going ahead, especially with the importance of this meeting and the appeal of our opponents. it is always a possibility, so don't give up if it's still raining in the afternoon. Here's hoping.

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6 minutes ago, geoff100 said:

Hows weather ???

Cloudy but dry 

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Hope the weather is kind to you guys,and you get a good crowd, know all Diamond fans on forum will go, just try and get a couple of mates to take , good luck.

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On 8/5/2021 at 3:00 PM, TotallyHonestJohn said:

it needs years to build the long term trust and stable relationships with other sporting franchises and even then they sometimes fall flat as any Workington fan will be able to tell you as the relationship between the Speedway and the Rugby at their shared venue was often very strained...

 

Good luck today for the Diamonds, I've enjoyed some great visits to Brough with  the Comets over many years. Good racing and friendly home fans always helped. I hope the grim reaper can be kept at bay long term.

I enjoy reading these posts as my sole speedway fix. And THJ is pure gold ( in many eyes ha ha) and full of facts/figures.  I've picked up on another of his mentions of the 'Comets'. And sadly he is right regarding the strained relationship at Derwent Park between Rugby League officials and Speedway management. I have felt the bitter wind of non-compliance so often. I worked for the Rugby club (voluntary) in two quite important roles. This brought me close to the Rugby directors who in the main saw speedway as an irritant, and not worth bothering with. I also stood (still do) with worky Town RL fans, mainly Maryport lads, THJ may know some lol? And these guys literally hated the Comets. Making claims that they (the speeding bikes) made DP look a right mess, shale everywhere including pitch. Those with longest memories still recalled how Messrs Thomas and Brownhutt covered many rows of terracing utilising the first and second bends, not popular with RL folk. Some steps are now uncovered.

I would invariably defend speedway functioning by reminding the Town directors/fans that speedway crowds brought the RL club funds via rent and bar profits, but still found it hard work to convince them of that fact. Another dig at speedway would be the 'guest system'........I couldn't properly defend that....always a bugbear of mine too.

I love both sports and wish both were available on my doorstep........you lucky Diamonds fans also have an RL team nearby too, support the Thunder. 

Who sang Big Yellow Taxi ? can't be a*sed to look.. but the chorus says - 'you don't know what you've got, 'til it's gone'................hear, hear!!!!!! (not here, here)

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6 minutes ago, singy13 said:

Good luck today for the Diamonds, I've enjoyed some great visits to Brough with  the Comets over many years. Good racing and friendly home fans always helped. I hope the grim reaper can be kept at bay long term.

I enjoy reading these posts as my sole speedway fix. And THJ is pure gold ( in many eyes ha ha) and full of facts/figures.  I've picked up on another of his mentions of the 'Comets'. And sadly he is right regarding the strained relationship at Derwent Park between Rugby League officials and Speedway management. I have felt the bitter wind of non-compliance so often. I worked for the Rugby club (voluntary) in two quite important roles. This brought me close to the Rugby directors who in the main saw speedway as an irritant, and not worth bothering with. I also stood (still do) with worky Town RL fans, mainly Maryport lads, THJ may know some lol? And these guys literally hated the Comets. Making claims that they (the speeding bikes) made DP look a right mess, shale everywhere including pitch. Those with longest memories still recalled how Messrs Thomas and Brownhutt covered many rows of terracing utilising the first and second bends, not popular with RL folk. Some steps are now uncovered.

I would invariably defend speedway functioning by reminding the Town directors/fans that speedway crowds brought the RL club funds via rent and bar profits, but still found it hard work to convince them of that fact. Another dig at speedway would be the 'guest system'........I couldn't properly defend that....always a bugbear of mine too.

I love both sports and wish both were available on my doorstep........you lucky Diamonds fans also have an RL team nearby too, support the Thunder. 

Who sang Big Yellow Taxi ? can't be a*sed to look.. but the chorus says - 'you don't know what you've got, 'til it's gone'................hear, hear!!!!!! (not here, here)

Talking to someone on the big red bus this week on hols who is a big "town"  fan you would be surprised whos money keeps them going, have said before i wont go watch them again after they lifted the track without comets money they would have been in trouble  years ago.

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