AO Farington: Members and supporters give feedback on opening games
Lancashire Cricket has today published the results of a survey carried out following the Club’s first fixtures at AO Farington Cricket Ground last month, with the overwhelming majority of respondents saying they had a positive experience.
The two Metro Bank One Day Cup matches were the professional fixtures to be played at the new venue, with ticket sales capped at 2,000 as the Club tested the facilities for the first time. Members and supporters were asked for their feedback after the games, with the Club committed to using their views to help improve the experience for future fixtures.
More than 1,100 people responded to the survey, with 1,052 (93%) saying they were either Satisfied or Very Satisfied with their visit. The average overall experience score was 8.1 out of 10.
Venue location and cleanliness were among the highest-rated areas, with 1,002 and 1,024 positive responses respectively.
The feedback also highlighted a number of areas where fans believe the Club can make improvements ahead of future fixtures. Food and drink was the lowest-rated area of the survey, with 269 respondents rating it Unsatisfied or Very Unsatisfied, compared with 384 positive ratings. The most common feedback was around having more choice, additional outlets, better quality and value, improved availability, and more local or premium options.
Scoreboards and screens were also raised with Members calling for larger scoreboards, improved visibility and more screens around the ground. Toilet provision was another common theme, with respondents asking for more permanent facilities, additional units and shorter walking distances, particularly during busier fixtures.
Feedback on parking and traffic management was generally positive, but there were some clear areas for improvement, particularly around the car park exit, traffic management after play, signage and steward support.
Stewarding itself was praised, although some Members felt there were inconsistencies in how movement restrictions were applied. There were also requests for clearer information around spectator routes, sight screens and access to the pavilion.
Gaz Morris, Head of Guest Experience and Membership Secretary, said: “It’s really encouraging to see this kind of response from the first games at AO Farington.
“We always knew these fixtures would be a learning experience, so it was important that we asked Members and supporters what they thought and listened to what they had to say.
“The location, atmosphere, views of the cricket and the more intimate feel of the ground were all picked out positively, along with the ease of getting to the venue, transport links and the experience of watching first-class cricket in a more local setting.
“There’s a lot in the feedback that we can take away and work on. Food and drink, scoreboards, toilets and the car park were the main areas people highlighted.
“That’s exactly why we wanted to run these games as test events and ask fans for their views straight afterwards. AO Farington is a new venue, and we know there will be things we can improve as we use it more, so the feedback from Members and supporters is really valuable.”
The Club's programme of test events continues this week at Farington Cricket Ground, as Lancashire Women host Surrey on Thursday (3 September) and Durham on Sunday (6 September).
