News GMHBA Stadium Stage 5 Redevelopment

[Jumping Jack]

Totally.

If you want to sneak in booze, it's pretty easy. Probably other things too. Bag checks? Please. Perfunctory nonsense.

It's a waste of money, and a waste of our time.

I think get some walk through scanners instead, and have fewer useless security.

Did you mean to say sneak in booze "allegedly"

When I went through the gates on Sunday they didn't even bother to look in the bag. The bloke asked me if I just had food and I said yes. The lady behind me laughed and said "what about the bomb" ......even the security guard laughed.

The biggest frustration is that if you don't have a bag you still line up and it's not until you get to the front of the line that they tell you to peel off and go through the express lane. Can't be too difficult to clean that up.

 

[cats_09]

Did you mean to say sneak in booze "allegedly"

When I went through the gates on Sunday they didn't even bother to look in the bag. The bloke asked me if I just had food and I said yes. The lady behind me laughed and said "what about the bomb" ......even the security guard laughed.

The biggest frustration is that if you don't have a bag you still line up and it's not until you get to the front of the line that they tell you to peel off and go through the express lane. Can't be too difficult to clean that up.

It was at one of the Melbourne games I attended earlier this year that I sat beside someone who had decanted a bottle of vodka/white rum (or some other clear spirit) into a branded water bottle - security take a look at the bottle which is labelled as "Blah Blah Water" & contains a clear liquid so they were all good

They were then mixing their own drinks in the stand

 

[Jumping Jack]

While we're on the subject of ground entry, it's worth noting that the process once inside the ground is not much better.

Most games this season I've got to my seats and had other people (general admission I'm guessing) just try their luck and grab an empty seat. The people standing at the top of the entrance to each bay are doing nothing. Not checking seat numbers and not even offering to direct people to seats. If you think about the number of those on the payroll it seems like a significant cost and not much return that improves match day experience.

I had two blokes actually argue with me at the GWS game and try to convince me it was their seat. When I asked them to show me their tickets and seat number they just walked off.

 

[Jumping Jack]

It was at one of the Melbourne games I attended earlier this year that I sat beside someone who had decanted a bottle of vodka/white rum (or some other clear spirit) into a branded water bottle - security take a look at the bottle which is labelled as "Blah Blah Water" & contains a clear liquid so they were all good

They were then mixing their own drinks in the stand

Yep it's not hard - allegedly

Maybe we should run a competition and see what people can get into the ground in the last few games. I reckon I could get my dog into the ground in a backpack. Top points go to anyone who can smuggle in a boat load of illegal immigrants.

Joking of course - we must all pay strict attention to the entry requirements which form part of our membership

 

[Art Vandelay_]

While we're on the subject of ground entry, it's worth noting that the process once inside the ground is not much better.

Most games this season I've got to my seats and had other people (general admission I'm guessing) just try their luck and grab an empty seat. The people standing at the top of the entrance to each bay are doing nothing. Not checking seat numbers and not even offering to direct people to seats. If you think about the number of those on the payroll it seems like a significant cost and not much return that improves match day experience.

I had two blokes actually argue with me at the GWS game and try to convince me it was their seat. When I asked them to show me their tickets and seat number they just walked off.

So inconsistent too.
Earlier in the year I entered via the St.Mary's side entrance with friends.

The guy on Sunday near De Grandi's I thought he might put on a rubber glove and start giving cavity searches he was that vigorous and thorough with the wand.

 

[cats_09]

Yep it's not hard - allegedly

Maybe we should run a competition and see what people can get into the ground in the last few games. I reckon I could get my dog into the ground in a backpack. Top points go to anyone who can smuggle in a boat load of illegal immigrants.

Joking of course - we must all pay strict attention to the entry requirements which form part of our membership

My seat neighbour used to do metal fabrication work - not sure if it was his job or just for fun, but a few years/decade ago, he built a folding shelf out of like 5mm solid metal that he'd hook over the hoarding in front of us so that he had somewhere to put drinks, food etc rather than on the ground

This thing had some weight behind it, and while I haven't seen it for a few years, our little group in the area were all pretty sure it should never have been permitted in

 

[CatAttack84]

The majority of posts the past 3-4 pages have zilch to do with "GMHBA Stadium Stage 5 Redevelopment".

To be clear, valid topics to discuss (although it does feel like some is going in circles) but season game-day experience, and stadium operations in general, are off-topic. Might make sense it gets a thread of its own, as the reality is there's a ways to go by those who operate the stadium, and yes it's got little to do with the club, even more so in recent times in how it's all legally structured and the third-party contracts that have been awarded over the years.

 

[Zuta]

cats_09 How do you register for the facial recognition, I've never seen it advertised anywhere. Always assumed the Didi line was just people who had got a Didi to the game. I'll sign up to facial recognition if I can figure out how!

 

[cats_09]

cats_09 How do you register for the facial recognition, I've never seen it advertised anywhere. Always assumed the Didi line was just people who had got a Didi to the game. I'll sign up to facial recognition if I can figure out how!

This is from the members section of the website

Didi Member Express Lane FAQs

For more information on the Wicket technology and data security processes click here.

membership.geelongcats.com.au

And this is hopefully the link for registration - at least it was the link in the email I got earlier in the year to register

Wicket

enroll.wicketsoft.com

 

[Zuta]

This is from the members section of the website

Didi Member Express Lane FAQs

For more information on the Wicket technology and data security processes click here.

membership.geelongcats.com.au

And this is hopefully the link for registration - at least it was the link in the email I got earlier in the year to register

Wicket

enroll.wicketsoft.com

Thanks for that the link worked and I've seemingly been registered. The link did say 'select' members so interesting that only some people got it, I wonder what the criteria is, I'd say it's not many as I see hardly anyone using it.

 

[foxdog50]

Hoz the phone coverage the last few games?

 

[OzeSparky]

Hoz the phone coverage the last few games?

Coverage was great, could text/ call mates and it was perfect. Only glitch was when the missus rang/ text there seemed to be no coverage.

 

[Jumping Jack]

Coverage was great, could text/ call mates and it was perfect. Only glitch was when the missus rang/ text there seemed to be no coverage.

I'm assuming you're not with Telstra?

No change to reception for Telstra users as far as I can see or hear. If anyone has any tips it would be appreciated. Phone is trying to pull a 5G signal to no avail. Can't load player stats or anything between quarters.

 

[Tony Barber]

It was at one of the Melbourne games I attended earlier this year that I sat beside someone who had decanted a bottle of vodka/white rum (or some other clear spirit) into a branded water bottle - security take a look at the bottle which is labelled as "Blah Blah Water" & contains a clear liquid so they were all good

They were then mixing their own drinks in the stand

When ever we go to a test match we grab a couple of 600ml Lemonade bottles. Empty them. Put in riesling.
Freeze it over night.

Grab some rolls or whatever on the way to the ground.
By around 1 the bottles have thawed. Sit back, eat, grab out the plastic 'glasses' and have a nice quiet drink.
It works great on Boxing Day with left overs and cheeses etc.

I did the Sydney test once. We did it for 5 days

 

[Kangayroo]

I'm assuming you're not with Telstra?

No change to reception for Telstra users as far as I can see or hear. If anyone has any tips it would be appreciated. Phone is trying to pull a 5G signal to no avail. Can't load player stats or anything between quarters.

I come in peace

Geelong supporting partner and I drove over for Danger’s 350th and by half time I needed to transfer some extra dollarydoos for the bar to cope with how the game was travelling. The phone reception was so poor that I ended up having to temporarily leave the ground and walk to the Shell on Moorabool before the 5G kicked in.

And, yes, thanks to North’s current level of magnificence, I’m now a registered alcoholic. Looks like I chose the wrong year to quit sniffing glue.

 

[Jumping Jack]

Only 2 home games left and I don't expect that the problem with Telstra coverage will be fixed this season, but I'll be writing to the club with a please explain post season and asking why a multi million dollar state of the art stadium, is not able to provide access to mobile coverage from Australia's largest telco (who is also an AFL partner).

There's bigger problems in the world, but seriously, it's a second rate member experience, and we do fork out reasonable coin for membership and seats.

Cats do some great things on and off field - but this is poor by anyone's language.

 

[dazbroncos]

Again - its not the club. I get the Club is the face of the venue but its the KP Stadium Trust that needs to liase with the TECLOS to fix this and fix it they need to.

GO Catters

 

[cats_09]

Bumping a post from last month - Optus reported to be actively looking to invest in technology at the ground

Telstra said to be looking to help if your outside the ground; unknown of improvements within the stadium

Design work for a multimillion dollar upgrade of GMHBA Stadium’s connectivity due by year’s end​

As part of multimillion dollar upgrades at Kardinia Park, the Cats’ home ground is set to have technology similar to some of the world’s best stadiums. Here’s the timeline of the works.
-----
This masthead revealed in December of Optus’ plans to install advanced 5G technology on a stadium rooftop to enhance mobile network capacity and performance, particularly during peak traffic periods like Cats games.

Work is also being done on upgrading four towers outside the ground...

...Telstra is also upgrading surrounding neighbourhood infrastructure to benefit patrons in the precinct and surrounding suburbs while Optus is working on new antennas. Telstra regional general manager Steve Tinker said it was having ongoing discussions with the Cats and ground managers, the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust to improve coverage inside the stadium.

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www.geelongadvertiser.com.au

 

[kickazz]

Again - its not the club. I get the Club is the face of the venue but its the KP Stadium Trust that needs to liase with the TECLOS to fix this and fix it they need to.

GO Catters

But the club certainly has some leverage with the trust, and as paying patrons our main leverage lies with the club.

 

[Jumping Jack]

Again - its not the club. I get the Club is the face of the venue but its the KP Stadium Trust that needs to liase with the TECLOS to fix this and fix it they need to.

GO Catters

Yeah I get it. But it's splitting hairs. The club - The trust. It's a moot point given the club are the anchor tenant who generate the majority of the revenue and overall attendance for the trust. If Steve Hocking walks into the trust office and demands a fix my guess is that they'll take it seriously.

Bottom line is that if the club want to host games at GMHBA then it's on them to engage with the ground owner to improve the member experience.

 

[dazbroncos]

Yeah I get it. But it's splitting hairs. The club - The trust. It's a moot point given the club are the anchor tenant who generate the majority of the revenue and overall attendance for the trust. If Steve Hocking walks into the trust office and demands a fix my guess is that they'll take it seriously.

Bottom line is that if the club want to host games at GMHBA then it's on them to engage with the ground owner to improve the member experience.

Im pretty sure Hock's phone works (or doesnt in this case) on the same mobile networks.

But yes, the club is the majority tenant - but you really think that the TELCO's give a shit about 25k people 10 times a year?

Thy dont - so it doesnt get fixed quickly.

I remember at Boris' 300th I had shit reception and complained about it.

It needs to be corrected but the club can only do so much - as really can the KP trust - but the Trust has to be the ones blowing up the customer support lines wit the WTF's IMO.

GO Catters

 

[dazbroncos]

Yeah I get it. But it's splitting hairs. The club - The trust. It's a moot point given the club are the anchor tenant who generate the majority of the revenue and overall attendance for the trust. If Steve Hocking walks into the trust office and demands a fix my guess is that they'll take it seriously.

Bottom line is that if the club want to host games at GMHBA then it's on them to engage with the ground owner to improve the member experience.

ive heard the head of KP trust on KROCK a bunch this year and last actually addressing this exact point bc the CLub has approached them about it.

I guess the club can start boycotting games and play at St Mary's next. It 10000% needs to be fixed for all these reasons and more but when big business doesnt give a **** - what chance do you have?

GO Catters

 

[kickazz]

The AFL should make it a condition of the sponsorship deal with Telstra.

 

[Jumping Jack]

ive heard the head of KP trust on KROCK a bunch this year and last actually addressing this exact point bc the CLub has approached them about it.

I guess the club can start boycotting games and play at St Mary's next. It 10000% needs to be fixed for all these reasons and more but when big business doesnt give a **** - what chance do you have?

GO Catters

Yes agree. Not sure how it gets fixed but it shouldn't be that hard. It's 2025 and the technology is staring everyone in the face. I'm no expert but isn't it as simple as getting a 5G tower on the roof - or adjacent to the ground perimeter to service the seated masses?

Jack Ginnivan got a free iphone for doing that stupid mock walk from the telstra ads. Hocking just needs to cut a deal with Telstra to get Bailey Smith to do the same at the next 2 home games and mention Telstra in a few online posts and they could surely whack a tower somewhere nearby.

 

[cats_09]

Yeah I get it. But it's splitting hairs. The club - The trust. It's a moot point given the club are the anchor tenant who generate the majority of the revenue and overall attendance for the trust. If Steve Hocking walks into the trust office and demands a fix my guess is that they'll take it seriously.

Bottom line is that if the club want to host games at GMHBA then it's on them to engage with the ground owner to improve the member experience.

By this statement you're assuming it's an issue that Hocking hasn't addressed with the Trust

Hocking has spoken out about the issue, including how it impacts himself & club staff members during matches and that they've been in talks for solutions - so clearly is an ongoing issue that has been getting raised


Last year the club organised the "cow in the paddock" which sat outside St Mary's Oval for the second half of the season to help provide some coverage assistance but that wasn't a long term solution

As per info from the start of last month, Optus is currently the only network actively working to improve the network capacity & coverage within the stadium with work to be completed by years end - depending on the scope of the works they have to do on the roof, it may be be able to be completed until after the season when the stadium isn't in regular use

At this stage Telstra hasn't committed to improving network capacity or coverage within the stadium, only for the surrounding neighbourhoods