New season kicks off!

[Gilesy14]

Just read on Twitter that the national League will start on The Sat 3rd Oct.

Step 2 will begin that day with the FA Cup.

Final games will be on Sat 29th May with playoffs in June.

The League says it’s likely that crowd numbers will be significant reduced due to the social distanced capacity of grounds.

That’s come from Ollie Bayliss on Twitter!

[Kebabus]

I have a question:
How will non league operate with no/reduced crowds?

[Gilesy14]

I have a question:
How will non league operate with no/reduced crowds?

The dates being given allows for reduced numbers at the games, part of the government’s return to sporting events!

[Lennylenny]

How will clubs govern who gets in? Will it be season tickets first? Will it be done pro rata on average attendances last year?

[Llamaman]

With reduced crowds it may be season tickets only. If so hopefully they can be transferable whilst the situation lasts, it would be a shame to have another empty space if a regular could not attend for any reason. If a ticket could not be used at all maybe notifying the club of non-attendance would allow the club to re sell for that particular match. Doubtless the board have many ideas & all will be revealed once we know what division we are in for 20/21.

[PeteSamson]

One of the major factors must be based on the capacity of the ground and with PP able to accommodate 4000, there is plenty of room to house 25% of capacity if that was the level set.
As regards season tickets, it would be a good opportunity for fans to get behind the club and purchase season tickets. Over these past few seasons for Tranmere, their season ticket sales increased year on year when they were demoted to the Conference with sales of over 4000 last season. Although I pay upfront, they also have a payment scheme to spread the payments over 10 months. I will also be renewing my DFC season ticket, as that is my contribution to the club, despite me only seeing 2 to 3 matches per season. I am more than happy to inform the club if I am not seeing a match. That is quite likely in the foreseeable future as I will still be isolating for quite a while as I won't be travelling long distance by train for a while yet.
I am keeping my fingers crossed though that I might get to see a few northern away games if we manage promotion.

COYD

[Ozymandias]

In my working years, and because of where I lived, I never purchased a season ticket. But I have to ask, why will season ticket holders have any priority to watch games?
Since the season came to an end I have put money into A Shares, I presume, I may be wrong, that this money has helped a little in the coffers. I also over the years with a friend have put money into the club by full kit sponsorship and fully intend to do so again this season regardless of whether we get to see a game or not. I have joined the supporters club association the first time for a few years.
So my question is, do I now have to buy a season ticket to possibly see a game? Surely, not everyone can afford a season ticket, not everyone who has DFC running through their veins can.
If it comes to it, everyone should somehow be given the chance to watch the lads at some point, including Up The Darts. Sorry, now I'm losing it.

[Llamaman]

I have no wish for it to be season tickets only, but with crowd restrictions looking certain from the start of the season until who knows when I can see an increase of their sales to those who want to ensure seeing the games. There are all sorts of complications, should there be a restriction on the number of concession tickets available to maximise income, or just first come first served? Saturday's result will help clarify the situation, doubtless there will be more demand if we are promoted. Perhaps payment by stages can be introduced? On the flip side perhaps sales will be hit by people losing their jobs or having their income cut? Tricky times for the board making these decisions I suppose the actual numbers being allowed in will determine the route taken. Hopefully all the regular Darts fans can see all the games they want next season. I have no idea how many season ticket holders there are at present, 300 maybe, so if a crowd of a thousand is allowed that would be quite a jump. An extra problem for the club's (and all other clubs) officials to sort out, good luck to them and many thanks to them for keeping things going.

[Lincoln exile]

I completely understand your point Ozimandias. On the other hand season tickets have in the past been sold on the basis that they provide admission to all League matches. This would have to be changed if season ticket holders did not get priority, which would in turn make them a less attractive purchase.

[Gary C]

I have no knowledge of how things will pan out as I would guess it will depend on many factors (including which league we are in) but one of the benefits of joining the Supporters Association is priority for all-ticket matches. I don't know if matches will be classified as all ticket in the future with a potential reduced attendance, but for £10 a year, I would recommend joining the Association in case this happens.

https://www.dartfordfc.com/dfcsa-membership/