The Leicester Tigers Supporters Forum met this week to hear an update from the club on European travel options and catering plans for the new season, including a new way of ordering drinks in advance and minimising queue times at Welford Road.
As Tigers’ travel partners, Thomas Cook Sport are looking at proposals for Champions Cup travel, though further details will only be available when fixture dates and times are released by tournament organisers EPCR as costs and timings are affected by match schedules. Thomas Cook representatives also answered a number of questions on travel to European fixtures and commented on the club’s online survey which received nearly 1,000 responses.
Centerplate operations director Simon McMain and retail director Stephen Beattie provided an update on matchday catering services at Welford Road, including the introduction of Swipe Station units in Final Whistle to provide faster drinks service, and enhanced food options at the stadium kiosks.
Adam King, from Swipe Station, introduced the system which operates via a phone App but does not require any internet connection. Supporters will be able to download the App, order their drinks in advance and then scan a code on their phone to confirm their order and go to a fast-track section of the bar to collect their purchase, reducing queuing times and removing the cash operation.
The units will be installed in Final Whistle and in the concourse of the Holland & Barrett Stand as a pilot scheme for the start of the season.
The new App will be promoted on the club website and details will be added to the Food and Drink section of the official Tigers App.
Centerplate are introducing extra points of sale in the stadium, with more tills, mobile drinks units in the South Stand and mobile beer buggies in the Holland & Barrett Stand, combined with enhanced staff training in readiness for the new season.
After feedback from supporters on a limited supply of Everards cask ale on matchdays, Tigers’ catering partners committed to increasing the order and monitoring demand during the opening weeks of the season.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, Tigers safety officer Steve Haylett provided an update on stadium security under the Crowded Places Initiative, which will include bag searches at the turnstiles in the new season.
