WOODLANDS STADIUM!! A disaster waiting to happen.
By Ziwa Charles
After last year’s Barclays Cup debacle, it appears that matchday organizers have not learned from past mistakes nor implemented solutions to address entry and exit issues. Ahead of a highly anticipated match involving Nkana and Stars, the entry experience was chaotic and far from family-friendly. I wouldn’t recommend bringing a child to the venue.
Entering the stadium often involves physical strain, with attendees being squeezed and pushed, even if they’ve purchased a ticket. Some fans took matters into their own hands in the heat of the moment..
Here are some suggestions for improvement:
1. Increased staffing at entry points for better management.
2.Avoid placing ticket offices at entry points to prevent congestion.
3.Ensure all entry points are open to ease the flow of attendees.
4. Enhance security measures by hiring additional personnel.
5.Consider engaging experienced event managers, like RnG, renowned for crowd management expertise (although this may involve additional costs).
5. Invest in technology for long-term solutions, such as online ticketing systems to eliminate the need for physical tickets. This could streamline the entry process, similar to my experience at Old Trafford, where smartphone-based ticketing ensured a smooth and efficient entry.
While implementing these changes may require investment and education, similar to the adoption of other tech-based solutions like Yango and Ulendo, they are feasible and necessary for enhancing the matchday experience at Woodlands Stadium.
