Fans to FAS: Improve your ticketing system!

Fans of the Crocs are urging the Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) to improve their ticketing system as the Crocs look to move into the Malaysia Super League next season. While many note that Stadium Negeri has only a maximum capacity of 26,000, many feel that FAS should work harder to improve conditions during the sell of ticket matches.

One of the most well suggested ideas from the fans is ‘online ticketing’ with many believing it is the best way to avoid chaotic incidents which have plague FAS in the last two matches. Unfortunately however, with the national body of football in Malaysia (FAM) yet to even adopt such system, such suggestion seems highly unlikely for now.

Other fans have also complained about the lack of security at the ticketing outlet today, with security presence almost non-existant despite the fact that policemen were standing around. Many wonder why the security forces were mere observers during such events, with irresponsible fans allowed to jump queue at will, and the security forces just watching as it happens. Many believe that if jumping queue was not allowed, chaotic scenarios such as today would be avoided.

Some fans have also questioned why the tickets are sold during office hours. They claim that such timing gives those working an added disadvantage, with many choosing to escape work for the sake of getting match tickets. They have therefore suggested a more flexible time be set, with ticket selling time adjusted to a Saturday.

The frequent fans are also disappointed, as many are left empty handed due to the poor handling of ticketing. This has prompted many to suggest season passes for loyal fans as they feel that they should be given priority when the Crocs play, due to their loyalty to the team. Such idea is indeed not bad although FAS needs to streamline how such passes can be introduced to also include major matches such as those played in the Malaysia Cup.

It is the ultimate heartbreak for any loyal supporter whom has supported a team from the start, only to be denied entry to the stadium when an important game is played.

Last but not least, fans are hoping that FAS would open up more ticketing counters for purchase of tickets as they feel that opening two ticketing counters (such as today), for much sought after tickets only serves to make the situation very chaotic as temper flare due to impatience.

That said, it is hugely hoped that FAS ‘bucks up’ its ticketing strategy to avoid any untoward incidents in the near future because if it is left like today, it’s only a matter of time before the ‘time bomb’ explodes.

Ngap Sayot!

The writer who watches almost every match of Sarawak FA since 2006 in Stadium Negeri/Stadium Sarawak, was very disappointed with what happened at Stadium Negeri today. After 4 hours standing in line, he was left without a single ticket, and was even shoved and accidentally punched by rowdy crowds eager to buy tickets to the Sarawak vs Pahang match.