by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago
While the AFL, through CEO Andrew Demetriou, has apologized to angry Geelong fans who waited for more than hour in long lines last weekend, there will be no refunds to those who paid for tickets before the gates were thrown open for free admission.
Demetriou received a report from Operations Manager Adrian Anderson detailing the events of the day. While initial estimates were that there were 7000 "walk-up" fans, the report claimed there were more than 10,000 who arrived and waited in long lines for more than an hour. While most of the ticketing windows were open, there were not enough entry gates and turnstiles open to accommodate the latecomers who had yet to purchase tickets. As the game got underway, there were still long lines outside and it was then decided to open the gates and let everyone in for free so they could see the game. Although this appeased many, it also angered others, who had paid for admission.
Several patrons inquired about refunds and claimed they were treated rudely. One contacted Geelong's membership customer service and was told to contact the AFL. When she did so, she was sarcastically told "...our (the AFL) good luck and your bad luck". Another claimed the AFL representative taking his call hung up on him.
Source: Geelong Advertiser, afl.com
While the AFL, through CEO Andrew Demetriou, has apologized to angry Geelong fans who waited for more than hour in long lines last weekend, there will be no refunds to those who paid for tickets before the gates were thrown open for free admission.
Demetriou received a report from Operations Manager Adrian Anderson detailing the events of the day. While initial estimates were that there were 7000 "walk-up" fans, the report claimed there were more than 10,000 who arrived and waited in long lines for more than an hour. While most of the ticketing windows were open, there were not enough entry gates and turnstiles open to accommodate the latecomers who had yet to purchase tickets. As the game got underway, there were still long lines outside and it was then decided to open the gates and let everyone in for free so they could see the game. Although this appeased many, it also angered others, who had paid for admission.
Several patrons inquired about refunds and claimed they were treated rudely. One contacted Geelong's membership customer service and was told to contact the AFL. When she did so, she was sarcastically told "...our (the AFL) good luck and your bad luck". Another claimed the AFL representative taking his call hung up on him.
Source: Geelong Advertiser, afl.com
Article last changed on Saturday, March 03, 2007 - 9:46 AM EST