Promotion Update
(Posted 02/02/08)

With Stewart on the panel, Alan Dick gave an update from the promotion point of view at the start of the STARs night at Firhill.

The following areas were covered:-

• Planning Refusal at Ashfield

Mention was made of the planning application for offices at flats at Ashfield which was thrown out by the planning committee at the beginning of the month. The promotion felt this decision was greatly influenced by the volume of succinct objections sent in and wanted to express their thanks to all who had taken the time to write.

Had the planning application gone ahead, apart from loosing valuable car parking space and two of the turnstyles, it would probably have had an effect on future applications to run speedway at Ashfield. the feeling is that this decision has secured the Tigers short term future.

• Season Tickets

Currently 120 season tickets have been sold, usually this ends up around the 150 mark for the start of the season. Crowds dropped towards the end of last season meaning that the average crowd figure for home meetings was only 705.

• Ambulance Cover

One major increase in costs for 2008 will be in the provision of medical cover. the ambulance and driver that Glasgow have been fortunate enough to have in the past are now no longer available. As a result they have had to source these from elsewhere and the cost has gone up by a massive 300%. The promotion are keen to seek sponsors to help them with this additional cost.

• Press and Practice

As already confirmed, Press and Practice will take place on Wednesday 5th March in the afternoon with the customary Meet the Riders night in the bar at Ashfield that evening. They are hoping to do something similar to last year in George Square again this year but that is still to be confirmed.

• Working Parties

The Sunday Working Parties have started and the promotion expressed their gratitude to those who came along and helped at these. Special thanks were also given to Eddie McKenna who had repaired the leaks that had appeared in the Bar roof over the winter

• Fixtures

They are in receipt of a draft fixture list but these are still to be finalised. It is hoped that the fixtures list will be published next Monday. One point though is that the opening three home fixtures will have a 3pm tapes up (as per here)

• Work Permits

Although the Work Permits for Josh and Mitchell are not yet through (see separate story) the promotion feel there is no need for concern on this.