Collingwood calls on Ticketek to improve service for AFL Grand Final tickets

Collingwood chief executive Craig Kelly has taken a swipe at both Ticketek and the AFL as the club moves to ensure its Priority One members receive seated Grand Final tickets.

Collingwood says all Priority One members will get a Grand Final ticket. Picture: Getty Images

Collingwood chief executive Craig Kelly has called on Ticketek to lift its game and issued a guarantee that Priority One members will receive an AFL Grand Final ticket.

Mr Kelly has also called on the AFL to increase the number of allocated seats reserved for fans, as thousands of Pies supporters vented their frustration after missing out on tickets.

“I wanted to address the ticketing situation regarding the Grand Final ballot, which took place yesterday,” Mr Kelly said in a statement issued on Monday.

“As a competing club, we receive 17,000 tickets which is far from enough for our most loyal members.

“We believe members who contribute their hard earned should be rewarded with a fair opportunity to witness our team on the biggest stage.”

Thousands of Collingwood fans have missed out on Grand Final tickets. Picture: Getty Images

Mr Kelly said every Priority One member — Collingwood’s top membership tier which can set fans back $1000 a year but guarantees a Grand Final ticket — would receive a seat at Saturday’s game.

The announcement from Mr Kelly follows 37 Priority One members missing out on tickets.

“There were 37 P1 members who did not select the standing room option and, as such, missed out on tickets through the automated ballot,” he said.

“We will sort each of those 37 members directly to ensure they have a seat.

“Anyone who is a P1 member and were given a standing room ticket – that will be changed from standing room to an allocated seat.”

Thousands of Collingwood members have called on Ticketek, the Collingwood Football Club and the AFL to overhaul the Grand Final ticket process.

Mr Kelly called on Ticketek to improve their online service as diehard supporters were left in tears after the website failed to deliver.

Collingwood boss Craig Kelly has called on Ticketek to lift its game. Picture: Getty Images

“We call on Ticketek to improve their system so that the moment funds are taken out of bank accounts, tickets are released to members immediately,” Mr Kelly said.

“We have been informed that 700 Members whose credit cards either failed or had insufficient funds are not at risk of losing their allocation. They will be contacted by Ticketek and the club this morning.”

However, Ticketek said they operated the ballot in accordance with the league’s request but were open to discussing potential improvements and changes to the system.

“Ticketek confirms the 2023 AFL Grand Final ballot process ran as planned, and per instruction from the AFL,” a spokesman said.

“Ticketek welcomes the opportunity to engage with the AFL and clubs to review the Grand Final ballot process and to ensure the best possible experience for members and fans.”

Mr Kelly also called on the AFL it increase competing club’s ticket allocations from 17,000 to at least 20,000 tickets, noting Collingwood had more than 100,000 members.

“We want to assure all members that we are actively engaging with the AFL, MCC, Ticketek, and other stakeholders to push for changes and improve this system and access for our most dedicated members.”