Valiants! We are looking forward to welcoming you back to Vale Park tomorrow evening for the second home league game in four days – this one against Carlisle United.
We are very grateful for all of the feedback after our first home league fixture – both positive and negative.
Comments regarding the new Staffordshire University FanZone were extremely positive and we will look to evolve and improve on this experience, game by game.
Tomorrow night, along with music and Foundation activities, the Fanzone’s refreshments offer will include American Dogs and the Staffordshire University Great Minds double decker bus will be on site offering interactive games.
The Club is also pleased that our half time entertainment – sponsored by Autonet Insurance – proved so popular and we look forward to seeing tomorrow night’s challengers take to the field.
We are also aware of a number of issues raised by supporters during Saturday’s home game against Tranmere Rovers – specifically delays in some fans gaining access to the stadium.
The Club apologises for the queues experienced by some supporters and, following a full inter-departmental de-brief this morning, steps have been taken to help address the problems.
On Saturday there was a specific issue with a scanners not working properly on some turnstiles which resulted in slow admission to the stadium. To resolve this, engineers will be on site tomorrow evening to monitor digital performance.
Additional turnstiles will also be open in the Railway Stand, Railway Paddock, Lorne Street and Bycars End.
Port Vale co-owner and Chair Carol Shanahan OBE said: “It was wonderful to see so many supporters back inside Vale Park on Saturday and it was great that our new initiatives such as the Fanzone and half time entertainment were hugely popular.
“Unfortunately, there were technical issues which slowed down admission for some supporters and we are working hard to overcome them.
“We very much appreciate the feedback from fans and are listening to suggestions and concerns as everyone at the club works to improve the match day experience.
“We’ve invested heavily in new technology in terms of the club shop, ticket office, kiosks, bars and turnstiles and when this beds in it will certainly speed up transactions.
“Unfortunately, without significant numbers of supporters we haven’t been able to ‘stress test’ these systems until now.
“We would ask supporters for their patience with new systems and procedures and would stress that abuse of our staff will not be tolerated.
“I would like to thank staff at the club – across all departments – for their sterling efforts in recent weeks and during our first two homes games.
“Things will continue to improve. I know Vale fans will be appreciative of the efforts we are making to enhance their match experiences and we are grateful for their patience and understanding.”
The Club is advising supporters to again come as early as possible for tomorrow night’s game against Carlisle United – with our new FanZone being open from 5.30pm.