BFA Apologise For Gate Delays At Football Game
The Bermuda Football Association [BFA] said it “extends its sincere apologies for the delay that a number of fans endured while trying to enter the National Sports Centre, prior to kick-off of Monday’s match versus Guatemala.
A spokesperson said, “The delays were unacceptable and should not have happened.
“In conjunction with our security, ticketing, and venue partners, we will be conducting an operational review to ensure these matters are addressed and rectified for all future events.
Spectators cheer on the team during Monday’s game
“We remain committed to providing a top-class fan experience, inclusive of attendees being able to enter the match as quickly and as efficiently as possible. Again, we apologize for the inconvenience caused.
“The BFA wishes to thank the Bermuda public for the tremendous support shown throughout the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia qualifying campaign.
“The passion and dedication shown by our players was matched by the public’s unwavering optimism and pride in our team. We look forward to future matches, and the public’s continued support.”
This was BEYOND UNACCEPTABLE! I waited for an hour to get in the gate and by that time the game had started! YOU ONLY HAD ONE GATE OPEN for d bleachers! WTF!! Give us something for my wasted time lol and charging $30 for d bleachers when Grandstand is same price lmfao!
They got so caught up in the amount of money that they were making that they overlooked the important side, getting your people in.
There are stadiums around the world were ten’s of thousands of spectators attend and they do it efficiently, but we cant get a couple of thousand (if that) to see the kick off.
I try to be supportive and this is the treatment I get, well next time …………………………………
PATHETIC !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
a day late and a dollar short……….
it was very dissappointed to say the least to miss 20 minutes of a 90 game after arriving at the field 30 minutes before the game. BFA has a few opportunities to impress the island and they always dissappoint. Along with the Worlds FIFA leaders…..the BFA needs a clean sweep as well.
I agree this organization has been a joke for years.. a real joke.. I wouldn’t blame than for the actual loss as Guatemala where a very good organized and professional team, but from an administrative point, they are a joke..
1, I am not privy to the books and the financial records of this joke of an organization, but here is an organization that appeals for funds, but they went and changed the format of their most lucrative tournament. Yes B.FA. I am talking about the old Christmas format of the Dudley Eve Tournament that used to draw thousands of people over the Christmas holidays. Anyway, why do I bother.
2. Then they got this bright idea to change the name of the top league from the First Division to the Premier League, I think that was a case of watching way to much television and trying to make it look like they where brainstorming ideas,, lol.
3. Then also in their attempts to draw more funds they decrease the amount of teams in the “Premier League” from 10 – 8 teams,, Somebody should explain to them that less top teams means less top games, hence less money.. cheesh.
I personally think that their anti profitable decisions should bar them from getting public funds, because they clearly keep shooting themselves in the foot.
They lack communication, actually I am surprised they addressed the gate issue and actually apologized, thats not their style..
Anyway, Im going sleep.. lol
This statement is full of CRAP!!!! U r going to tell me tht the BFA had no idea of the amount of ppl tht were going to be in attendance even through tickets were sold out online and not to mention, the concession stand on the northeastern side (the one tht is NEVER OPEN) was open during the game.
This makes me believe that they knew how many ppl were going to be there BUT neglected to open more gates; probably because thy didn’t hve the money to pay for more ppl to man the gates. Just say tht and stop giving us BS.
Rectify the situation, OPEN THE GATES!!!!
You took away some of our home field advantage by not being prepared! Missed most of the first half!
That’s very true. People were angry when they finally got in, not supportive. Also, the NE concessions stand was open for the last game too. The staff were friendly but sooooooo slow. I’d love to get involved and put forward ideas I’ve seen at hundreds of games worldwide
I arrived before the game and did not get in until ten minutes before the half. There were still tons of people behind me, too. A significant blow to the atmosphere of the stadium for the first half – which certainly didn’t do our team any favours. There were so few people seated at kickoff, the place was almost silent!
The BFA should be offering to refund at least 50% of the ticket costs.
I totally agree with the comments from ‘What Grinds my Gears’. The gate for the grandstand side had only one gate open as well. The BFA knew what to expect but didn’t have the manpower/money to pay anyone to open the gates. Now they want to apologise. UNACCEPTABLE!!! Why do organisations continue to think Bermudians will fall for anything. There is a different generation now and nonsense will no longer be accepted. Your apology is not accepted. Just do what’s right next time. Yes stop the BS and just tell us the truth.
I blame the political parties, call it….gate-gate
Ahh, there’s only ONE party that can take the blame, the party that’s in power and they already have the GATE pattern.
While you , the BFA are making improvements to reduce wait time at the gate, perhaps you can work on getting a better PA system where the sound is crisp and clear AND voices are audible when presentations are being made…….
For those of us seated on the Eastern side of stadium, the presentation of the 1967 team was a non starter. …very poor sound quality …..This should not take years to improve. Unimpressed!
Ditto to all the remarks left
VERY SAD :0(
There were massive lines of supporters that would have loved to see the kick off but were forced to stay on the outside of the gates going all the way down to the northern end of the other field.
Disgusted and unacceptable that the BFA did not know this. The fact that they knew by the online sales that it would be a good turn out of
excited Bermudians – NO APOLOGY at this time would ever change how we felt. Anger and disappointed fans rolled in at half time with their dropped on the outside at the cost of $30…. What a Waste
Such a disappointing start to what was supposed to be a great evening out with the kids. I want the BFA to explain to my 4 year old why they couldn’t get us in to see the beginning of the game – complete logistical disaster! Missed the teams run out, missed the gombeys, missed the National Anthems and got in 5 minutes before the end of the first half.
With only one turnstile open, there was no way 500 + people were ever getting inside on time. Disgraceful and unacceptable on so many levels.
All the gates were padlocked shut – god forbid there was a crush of people pushing on the inside or outside, or some sort of emergency inside the bleacher area – how would people get out to safety?? Who had the keys? It was like a cattle pen inside with only one way in and one way out. Even after the game ended, they didn’t open the gates! Ridiculous…Hope the BFA, National Sports Center and Premier Tickets each have enough liability insurance to cover that one!
And when we finally did get in, the guy didn’t even scan our tickets (he checked them and just waved us through) and the other guy checking bags was too overwhelmed to stop people….major breach of security there. Anyone could have walked in with a weapon if they felt like it!
The PA system was the pits – couldn’t hear anything and there was no score board and no time clock on display. Pathetic for our national stadium.
And finally, let’s talk about the BFA staff member in a pink shirt escorting his own friends from the back of the line on Frog Lane up to the front while we all stood waiting for 1 hour!!! I am surprised that didn’t start a riot!
Won’t hold my breath on getting a refund.