Club taking control of 1877 Supporters Bar 25/26

[GeordieBuddie]

Just wondered on peoples thoughts on the club taking control of the supporters bar.

We know it needs a much needed make over/refit.

The price differences look to quite alot for folk to pay out on top tof their current season tickets.

Currently I am £17 a month for myself and the not so wee man who at 16 is 6ft 1 and towers above me and that works out as £204 per year.

Adult price will be £190 plus VAT and kids are £100 plus VAT taking it to £360 if my maths is correct.

Thats quite a leap IMO, call me synical here but is this the clubs way off restarting the membership from scrath and the demand not being there and they then go due to lack of interest we are making it corperate only.

Following ongoing meetings between club representatives and the 1877 Supporters Club committee, it has now been confirmed that St Mirren FC will take the supporters bar under control from season 2025/26. The decision has been reached after the club conducted a review of its commercial operations. 

The area is to be fully refurbished in the summer, and a new seasonal membership model put in place. The refurbishment will take by considering all aspects of the fan journey and will modernise the space by creating a new premium sports bar setting.  

The club’s key aim is to enhance the matchday experience and make the area more attractive for external room hire on non-matchdays to help generate more commercial revenue for the football club.

Current members of the 1877 Supporters Club will be offered first opportunity to purchase new seasonal memberships with more details to follow in due course.

[Smithers Jones]

I am not a member of the 1877 group but I am a SMiSA member and they sent this out today.

We wanted to update you regarding the ongoing discussions around the revamp of the 1877 Club.

Over the past few days, we have received a number of emails from SMiSA members expressing concerns and seeking further clarity about the proposed changes. We want to thank everyone who took the time to share their views – your feedback is incredibly important to us.

In response to this, the SMiSA Board has formally requested a meeting with the club board to discuss the business plan in more detail and to seek further information. We believe it’s vital that we fully understand the implications of the revamp and ensure your voices are represented in that conversation.

We will share more information with you as soon as we are in a position to do so.

[stlucifer]

I have never been a member of the supporters club but, at worst, the current club members should be able to purchase their seasonal tickets at the same price with no more than an inflationary rise.

[HSS]

The Court Bar is a 10 min walk along the road and you don’t need a membership 🍻

[portmahomack saint]

Mamie's lounge is a 2 minute walk away 

 

[elvis]

2 hours ago, GeordieBuddie said:

Just wondered on peoples thoughts on the club taking control of the supporters bar.

We know it needs a much needed make over/refit.

The price differences look to quite alot for folk to pay out on top tof their current season tickets.

Currently I am £17 a month for myself and the not so wee man who at 16 is 6ft 1 and towers above me and that works out as £204 per year.

Adult price will be £190 plus VAT and kids are £100 plus VAT taking it to £360 if my maths is correct.

Thats quite a leap IMO, call me synical here but is this the clubs way off restarting the membership from scrath and the demand not being there and they then go due to lack of interest we are making it corperate only.

Following ongoing meetings between club representatives and the 1877 Supporters Club committee, it has now been confirmed that St Mirren FC will take the supporters bar under control from season 2025/26. The decision has been reached after the club conducted a review of its commercial operations. 

The area is to be fully refurbished in the summer, and a new seasonal membership model put in place. The refurbishment will take by considering all aspects of the fan journey and will modernise the space by creating a new premium sports bar setting.  

The club’s key aim is to enhance the matchday experience and make the area more attractive for external room hire on non-matchdays to help generate more commercial revenue for the football club.

Current members of the 1877 Supporters Club will be offered first opportunity to purchase new seasonal memberships with more details to follow in due course.

My understanding is the refurbishment is a lick of paint on the roof.a few more chairs and panels put round the front of the bar not exactly extensive. I am a founder member and pay £12 a month and I am hardly ever in it they put the prices up from £10 to £12 and £3 to £5 for guests without putting it to members despite telling me they would so will do what they want anyway. 

[Wilbur]

Och, maybe it's just me, but I really resent receiving emails signed off by an "entity" (eg "The SMISA Board") rather than being signed off by a human being who is an officer acting on behalf of that "entity" (eg Dave Smith, SMISA Communications Officer (or whatever)). It just feels to me as if Big Brother is talking down to the insignificant Common People.

Maybe I'm too sensitive or maybe The SMISA Board lack the personal touch.

[faraway saint]

A petition, started by Alan Wardrop, is on the go on Facebook. 

Strongly worded. 

https://www.change.org/p/stop-st-mirren-from-destroying-the-1877-supporters-club-with-higher-fees?recruited_by_id=f87a1160-22c0-11f0-afdf-23071d983946&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial&utm_medium=native&fbclid=IwY2xjawJ6F9FleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHiVIkseROYIcBu_iPYmL7ww2kzjfZb4eKAQs9bTNIXpeI1faysHfNh3Pn98B_aem_ZUA9iLiM96omNei23w9f9w

Edited April 26 by faraway saint

[portmahomack saint]

On 4/26/2025 at 8:50 PM, faraway saint said:

A petition, started by Alan Wardrop, is on the go on Facebook. 

Strongly worded. 

https://www.change.org/p/stop-st-mirren-from-destroying-the-1877-supporters-club-with-higher-fees?recruited_by_id=f87a1160-22c0-11f0-afdf-23071d983946&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial&utm_medium=native&fbclid=IwY2xjawJ6F9FleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHiVIkseROYIcBu_iPYmL7ww2kzjfZb4eKAQs9bTNIXpeI1faysHfNh3Pn98B_aem_ZUA9iLiM96omNei23w9f9w

I didn't agree with the original format of the 1877 membership which was his format so won't be backing the petition, even though i don't agree the new format is the right one

[beyond our ken]

As a serious question, aside from a desire to make more money from the lounge and it's facilities, what else is on the table in terms of generating revenue from non-football activities?  Kibble came in with a plan to use their business and charitable expertise, alongside their access to young people needing to develop skills and experience, that would drive up revenue from the club's facilities.  I'd appreciate it if anyone had the time to share details on what has been done and how much it has raised for the club.

The dome was an asset to the playing & coaching staff and since it was destroyed the small amount of revenue it raised from rentals has been lost.  In addition, the plot it sat on is now an eyesore.  Is there any plan that anyone knows about to redevelop that area?  I know club turnover is up, is that all due to prize money & ticket sales or are we generating additional cash in other areas?  People keep saying that on budget size we are 10th but manage to be around 6th place most years, can that continue when clubs like Hearts get sorted out (as they most likely will) without a major increase in revenues at Greenhill Road?

 

Edited April 27 by beyond our ken

[beyond our ken]

28 minutes ago, portmahomack saint said:

I didn't agree with the original format of the 1877 membership which was his format so won't be backing the petition, even though i don't agree the new format is the right one

I saw Wardrop's name on this and felt that, even if it is a good thing, the petition is tainted by association.  I'm not ready to sign it as I am not a member of that club but if i were i would put any personality issues to one side and sign.  Is there a possibility that better counter proposals can be brought forward?  The space is limited and, to me, the opportunities to generate cash are equally limited so the only good reason for changing things is to look at the experience and to to also consider the cost v benefits of membership to make it more attractive.

[faraway saint]

As far as I'm aware there has BEEN NO INCREASE in membership fees since this "clubs" inception. 

I would suggest using the price increase to shriek in anger is ill informed and a smokescreen. 

The price increase apart, what is there to get upset about? 

Certainly the inflammatory terms used in the "petition" are uncalled for but not surprising considering the source. 

[elvis]

There has been an increase from 10 to 12 pounds for members and from 3 to 5 for visitors they did this without putting it to members after saying they would.Now with the Club taking it over they are increasing it from £144 to 240 includes VAT .

[faraway saint]

14 minutes ago, elvis said:

There has been an increase from 10 to 12 pounds for members and from 3 to 5 for visitors they did this without putting it to members after saying they would.Now with the Club taking it over they are increasing it from £144 to 240 includes VAT .

So in 9 years there's been a £2 increase? 

When did this £2 increase happen? 

I would suggest that has been some deal. 

PS Rising to £20 a month, under a £5 a week, is hardly frightening. 

Edited April 28 by faraway saint

[elvis]

Off the top of my head I would say about a year ago maybe a bit longer .I would suggest to you that if anyone of your monthly bills were to go up by 60% you would not be happy there is absolutely no justification for it as the so called refurb is a coat of paint on the ceiling some new chairs and paneling round front of the bar.Thats not going to cost a lot.

Edited April 28 by elvis

[faraway saint]

10 minutes ago, elvis said:

Off the top of my head I would say about a year ago maybe a bit longer .I would suggest to you that if anyone of your monthly bills were to go up by 60% you would not be happy there is absolutely no justification for it as the so called refurb is a coat of paint on the ceiling some new chairs and paneling round front of the bar.Thats not going to cost a lot.

I would suggest a club that had, off the top of your head, NO increase in 8 years is entitled to raise fees as the cost of utilities has rocketed in that time. 

No justification. Is laughable. You have no clue to the cost of the refurb never mind the annual running costs. 

[HSS]

12 hours ago, beyond our ken said:

 

The dome was an asset to the playing & coaching staff and since it was destroyed the small amount of revenue it raised from rentals has been lost.  In addition, the plot it sat on is now an eyesore.  Is there any plan that anyone knows about to redevelop that area? 

 

The plot where the dome was now has an astro pitch for small sided games,it has been there for a good few months now

[faraway saint]

9 minutes ago, HSS said:

The plot where the dome was now has an astro pitch for small sided games,it has been there for a good few months now

Brilliant. 👏👏👏

[portmahomack saint]

My understanding as i remember when the club first opened was it was an initial £50 joining fee and £10 a month there after total £170 

A non member could be signed in for a £3. fee so with around 18 games a season being a non member and using the club all season cost = £54 

I couldn't quite get my head around that   I also felt the club pre game was never being used to it's full capacity as many members hardly used it some even turning up 30 minutes before kick off for a cup of tea. 

Even with the increase for members £144 + the £50 joining for new members £199 

Non members are paying £90 for the same use.  

I'm i right elvis ? ? 

 

 

[James Daddy Dunlop]

Been a member since the start of the 1877 Club and have enjoyed meeting mates for a pint and seeing former players, current players and managers visit for Q and A's before the game and after. I pay Smisa membership £144 p.a, Season Ticket £374 and 1877 Club £144. total £662. The £240 new membership fee prices me out at £758 for all things St.Mirren and I don't see the value for money.The club have got this wrong and will end up losing membership and bar revenue as none of my pals are going to renew either.

[elvis]

4 hours ago, portmahomack saint said:

My understanding as i remember when the club first opened was it was an initial £50 joining fee and £10 a month there after total £170 

A non member could be signed in for a £3. fee so with around 18 games a season being a non member and using the club all season cost = £54 

I couldn't quite get my head around that   I also felt the club pre game was never being used to it's full capacity as many members hardly used it some even turning up 30 minutes before kick off for a cup of tea. 

Even with the increase for members £144 + the £50 joining for new members £199 

Non members are paying £90 for the same use.  

I'm i right elvis ? ? 

 

 

It was £60 to be a founder member then £ 10 a month which was increased to £ 12 about a year ago and guest sign in from £3 to £5 .I could be wrong here but I think members need to.re apply so I don't know if on top of the £240 per year if there is going to be a joining fee what I do know is the so called refurb is laughable unless they change there minds and do a more extensive one.I was also told there was  a show of hands at the recent SMISA meeting asking how many were members of the 1877 club and there were lots and asked how many would be renewing it was an enfatic no.

Edited April 29 by elvis

[faraway saint]

People might want to have a read through this thread.

It paints a realistic picture of the pro's and cons of this "club". 

 

[elvis]

No one is saying  there is anything wrong with the club it looks great inside .

[HSS]

On 4/28/2025 at 11:28 AM, HSS said:

The plot where the dome was now has an astro pitch for small sided games,it has been there for a good few months now

 

[faraway saint]

1 hour ago, HSS said:

 

Could you pop on and show us some skills? 😉

Or maybe dive/cheat? 

Edited April 30 by faraway saint