First Team
EVERY WORD | JACK WALTON LOOKS AHEAD TO IBROX TEST
21st November 2024
Dundee United and Curtis Sport will continue our long-standing partnership as the club’s drive to sustainability sees positive change around our matchday programme for season 2023/24.
The programme offering will now be free to view for all supporters online, with Season Ticket holders getting exclusive access ahead of each fixture.
For the collectors out there, Curtis Sport will again offer the opportunity to purchase a physical copy for every fixture.
The move is part of a wider Scottish football initiative towards environmental sustainability and comes as the club looks to play its part amid the growing climate crisis and the need to implement measures to reduce the impact on our environment.
Over the coming weeks, more announcements will be made around other activities as the club look to implement sustainability change across the stadium and the matchday experience.
WHY HAS THIS DECISION BEEN TAKEN?
As well as the above target of national environmental sustainability, there has been a rapid decline in matchday programme sales at Tannadice Park. An average of less than 2% of supporters who attend fixtures purchased a matchday programme across the 2022/23 season, resulting in a substantial five-figure loss for the club. This decline is representative over several seasons as supporters embrace digital technology, with the programme copy often seen as outdated by many attending matches.
The transition will allow for greater flexibility in our content offering and distribution, enabling fans to engage with the club in more ways. Embracing digital programmes not only demonstrates the club's commitment to innovation but also ensures that fans can enjoy a more immersive and interactive experience whilst helping us achieve sustainability targets.
HOW TO VIEW OUR PROGRAMME
Season Ticket holders will receive their digital programme the day before each home league match directly via email. Season ticket holders should ensure their details are current to ensure e-delivery.
On the day of a match, the programme will be made available free to view for all supporters via our club website and social channels.
Programmes for our two Viaplay Cup Group Stage matches will be smaller in size - with the Partick Thistle programme available from Tuesday afternoon.
PRINTED COPIES
We are pleased to confirm that our programme partner Curtis Sport will still produce printed programmes on a made-to-order basis.
Programmes will be available for just £3 per issue alongside a subscription package that will offer fans the opportunity to receive all our programmes in the 2023/24 season, with delivery direct to your door.
Owner of Curtis Sport, Stuart Curtis said, ‘We’re delighted to continue working with Dundee United for the upcoming season. Discussions have been ongoing over the summer regarding the programme completists and collectors out there and how to best facilitate printed copies for those that need them. We’re pleased to be involved in the club’s hybrid model and are excited to continue our relationship of many years”.
Chief Operating Officer Joe Rice said, “Programme sales have fallen dramatically over recent seasons, and the demand on a matchday is sadly no longer there. However, as a club, we know how important the programme remains for collectors, some of whom have collected for over 40 years.
“The model we are going with this season should ensure we reach our sustainability targets, avoid continued financial loss, and produce a greater interactive product yet still allow our supporters who collect the programme to continue to do so.
“The relationship we as a club have with Curtis Sport is a great example of a collaborative partnership, and we remain very grateful for their continued support.”
Anyone wishing to purchase a programme, either by the fixture or as an annual subscription, can do so by visiting www.curtis-sport.com.
