SUPPORTER
Supporter
5th Supporters Meeting
June 5, 2010 (Saturday) 5th Supporters Meeting
The 5th GAMBA OSAKA Supporters Meeting was held on Saturday, June 5th from 1pm at the Hotel Hankyu Expo Park, with approximately 250 supporters in attendance.
Kanamori will report to everyone based on the materials regarding the project.
This website will contain a Q&A format along with any questions that were received in advance, and at the end will also include opinions from the discussion that took place among our supporters.
Greetings from Kanamori
Thank you for attending our supporters' meeting today.
Going back to the basics, what is the soccer business selling to you? As I mentioned before, when Professor Logan Taylor of the University of Liverpool spoke at the executive committee meeting, he said that "soccer clubs sell pain to their supporters." This supporters meeting is indeed a valuable opportunity to exchange opinions with supporters who are suffering such pain, and Gamba wants to make this meeting a meaningful one.
Once again, we would like to thank you for your continued enthusiastic support, including cheering during games and standing ovations.
the report
Number of attendees...Thank you all so much for your enthusiastic support!!
In fiscal 2009, a total of 349,757 people attended the Expo Stadium for the games we hosted. This was 109.8% compared to the previous year, and we were ranked number one in the league in terms of capacity. Also, these days, when we go to away games, every club expresses their gratitude to us, saying, "Thank you for bringing so many supporters to our games."
The second half of the league will start with the match against Kyoto on July 14th. Although it is a Wednesday, we hope that the stadium will be filled with a full house of fans.
Oi G Yokocho...will continue to expand! Please make use of it!
"Oi G Yokocho," which was started as a measure to help everyone enjoy the Expo, continues to be well-received. We have invited clean, delicious restaurants with stores in Osaka to open stores in Oi G Yokocho, and each store that opens has been very satisfied with it. The newly opened "Bistro GamBar" will also be held to ease congestion immediately after the game, so please feel free to use it.
Business situation: Overview of business situation up to 2009
The figures change depending on the results, prize money, player transfer fees, fan club membership fees, academy school entrance fees, etc. Income and expenditures also vary depending on the number of matches played, depending on the results of the qualifying rounds, etc.
Current standings: 11th in the J-League, eliminated in the round of 16 of the ACL
Although it is an unsatisfactory result, the team is second in the league in points scored, the lowest in points conceded, and 11th in the league, but their goal difference is +3. This is very distinctive, but on the other hand, their weaknesses are clear and easy to deal with, so I have high expectations for the second half of the game.
New stadium…Construction company to be selected this summer
Aiming to build a "customer-first" stadium, rather than relying solely on the power of the local government, we launched a fundraising organization on March 11, 2010, in order to ask the local government to provide the land and build it with private donations, and we are currently in the process of preparing. We are also currently in the process of selecting a designer and builder, with the aim of "clarifying the construction costs" and "making effective use of the time until we decide on a candidate site." We plan to select one company by the end of July from the three companies that have expressed their intention to participate. We will continue to provide updates on matters that need to be reported on our website, etc.
Development department: Overseas tour also aims to reform coaching staff
The development department is also one of GAMBA OSAKA's major features. We give our youth and junior youth players overseas experience, such as through trips to Spain, to strengthen their ball-fighting and mentality. In fact, reforming the coaches is a major goal, as well as the players. We believe it is also important for the coaches to experience overseas coaching methods and change their perceptions.
Support Group...A new type of support group has been launched! We need your support!
Until now, the supporters' associations have been active in each area, Suita, Ibaraki, Takatsuki, and Toyonaka, but now they have been united as one "GAMBA OSAKA Supporters' Association" and have been launched in a new form to carry out various activities under a horizontally connected cooperative system. Governor Hashimoto Toru of Osaka has been appointed as honorary chairman. Until now, hometown activities have included contact activities and G-Scambio Academia, but from now on these activities will also be shifted to be centered on the supporters' association. We ask all supporters to become members of the supporters' association in their area and support the supporters' association activities.
Q&A session at the venue
Merchandise and fan club related
- Q
Could we collaborate with a clothing brand to create stylish apparel that can be worn on a daily basis?
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A
We are also considering making shirts that can be worn on a daily basis as a future issue. In addition, although there is a limit to the number of items that can be commercialized with our supplier (Descente), we will consider them while listening to the needs of our customers.
We are planning a collaboration with a fashion company this summer, and will let you know as soon as it is decided.
We will hold regular review meetings regarding the merchandise as a whole. We believe that merchandise is an area that we must continue to strengthen in the future.
- Q
If you live in Tokyo, the only way to purchase goods is through the online shop. However, many items are out of stock, so I hope they will improve their lineup.
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A
We are considering ways to increase the number of products available for sale in the online shop as much as possible. We are also reviewing the management system for the number of products produced, the number of products in stock, etc., but depending on the inventory management situation, it may be difficult to respond to your requests in a way that is in line with your voice. Also, please note that some products may be sold only at the stadium. For customers who cannot come to Kansai, we will send a large number of products to away game venues in the Kanto region as consignment sales. In particular, they are often sold at the concession stands near the Gamba supporters' seats, so please take a look there as well.
- Q
The online shop's shipping fee of 500 yen is expensive.
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A
Shipping costs are set at a flat rate of 500 yen from Hokkaido to Okinawa, but customers' opinions may vary depending on the region. In the future, we will consider planning various campaigns and online shop purchase benefits to offer shipping discount services.
- Q
Are there no benefits for long-term fan club members like in Nagoya?
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A
The benefits offered to long-term members vary depending on the club, but GAMBA OSAKA is also actively considering introducing new benefits for continuing members.
Hometown Related
- Q
I hear that you've been visiting your friends in your hometown of Toyonaka less frequently.
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A
We will improve our support for supporting shops in the four priority cities (Suita, Ibaraki, Takatsuki, and Toyonaka). We will also increase the number of club-initiated activities, such as new projects such as preventive exercises for the elderly and nursery school dance caravans, and link with the activities of our supporters' association to carry out new developments in our hometown.
- Q
Have they stopped distributing flyers at stations?
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A
Due to the limited number of staff available, we will not be distributing flyers at all games this season, but will be narrowing down the games we distribute flyers to. We will notify you of the activity days in advance on our website and in Gmail, so we ask for your cooperation.
Match management and production related
- Q
Can we fix the opening time of the stadium, which can be as much as three hours before kickoff depending on the game? Also, we need tents to provide shelter for rainy days.
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A
For matches at the Expo Stadium, the general gates will open two hours before kickoff, and fan club members will enter early 30 minutes before that. However, if a large number of visitors are expected to create long waiting lines and congestion at the entrance is expected, the gates may open earlier. This is a measure to allow for some leeway in order to avoid any confusion.
Also, starting this year, we have started setting up rain shelter tents to protect you from the rain when the event is held in the rain. They are set up near Oi G Yokocho, but as space is limited, we ask that you please share these tents with others. Please also use covered spaces, such as the concourses of the main and back stands, to protect yourself from the rain.
- Q
The queue at Gate E is filled with both A Platform supporters and SB supporters. Can we separate the entrances for A Platform and SB?
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A
Due to the structure of the Expo'70 Memorial Stadium, there is no entrance on the back stand side. Therefore, all customers in the A goal seats, SB seats, and SS seats will have to enter through entrances E and F. Each entrance is narrow, and since there is a temporary exit and re-entry gate, there is not enough space to separate entrances for each type of seat. As a countermeasure, fan club members are given a staggered entrance 30 minutes before the general gates open. Some people line up early to secure seats, but we ask for your cooperation in reducing congestion by enjoying Oi G Yokocho and Enjoy Park outside the stadium before entering at your own pace.
- Q
I would like to see more projects like the Lamdash that were around before.
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A
We will consider plans to please the supporters who come to the Expo Stadium, and to generate interest among more customers so that they will visit the stadium. We are considering many visitor participation and experience-based events, which are particularly popular, and at the next match against Urawa Reds, we will hold a Panasonic Day, where we plan to set up a booth where you can experience sports and try out 3D TVs, so please come along.
- Q
Why not hire staff from the senior generation instead of just young people?
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A
Currently, staff on match days at Expo Stadium have a wide range of roles, including setup, guidance, operation, sales, and security, and come in a variety of forms, including part-timers, people from related industries, and volunteers. We are considering using local seniors, and the volunteer group "Gamba Grassa" is looking for people of all ages and genders, including the senior generation, to help run GAMBA OSAKA matches. For more information, please contact GAMBA OSAKA. (06-6875-8111, Person in Charge: Yamamoto)
- Q
Bring back kick targets on the pitch.
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A
In the past, events such as kick target were held on the pitch before matches, but since 1997 it has been used as a stage for warm-up matches for local children.
The children are very happy to be able to play on the same grass as the professionals, so we plan to have the "future J-Leaguers" chase the ball in the future. Although it is not possible to do this on the pitch, there are attractions such as kick targets and pass targets in the Enjoy Park outside the stadium, so please drop by.
- Q
Please tell the elementary school students at the opening ceremony of the four types of events not to leave any trash behind.
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A
Approximately 6,000 elementary school students and related parties from about 300 teams in Osaka Prefecture attend the opening ceremony of the National Youth Soccer Tournament held once a year. After the opening ceremony, they watch a GAMBA OSAKA match, which is an opportunity to see real professionals up close, and since some current Gamba players also participated in the opening ceremony, it is also a place where they can aspire to become professionals. We will continue to consult with related parties and team coaches from next season onwards, so that other supporters who visit the Expo will warmly watch over the "future J-Leaguers," and above all, it will be a fruitful event for the children themselves. In future events, we will ask the participating elementary school teams to "throw their trash in the trash can" thoroughly in order to avoid increasing trash and create a clean and comfortable stadium.
Team strengthening/player related
- Q
Will they have a GM or an overseas scout to strengthen the team?
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A
At GAMBA OSAKA, the Director of the Reinforcement Division plays the role of General Manager. Although GAMBA OSAKA does not have overseas scouts, they are in close contact with local agents and collect a lot of information. Based on that data, they confirm the information directly on site and then acquire and strengthen the team.
- Q
Regarding PEDRO Henrique Campos da Costa Junior's actions.
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A
The incident with PEDRO Henrique Campos da Costa shows that throwing uniforms is not tolerated. The uniform is the history of all the people involved with the club, including players and supporters, and is the crystallization of their blood and sweat. PEDRO Henrique Campos da Costa felt that Gamba's feelings about it were different from those of Gamba.
- Q
Don't they have a women's soccer team?
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A
The women's team considered joining Speranza Takatsuki, but in the end, it was decided that it would be better not to join Gamba at this time. There are also issues with member composition and training facilities, so we will reconsider the move once new facilities such as the new stadium are completed.
- Q
Are the directions being taken by Head Coach Nishino and the training department aligned?
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A
Every year around October, the training headquarters starts considering the team composition for the following year. They work together with the field to align their vectors and narrow down specific reinforcement measures, such as which positions need to be strengthened and what kind of forces are needed. They negotiate with the players based on that, and of course they consult with Head Coach Nishino many times, so there is no difference in the direction of each team. Also, looking at various teams, I feel that the fact that the training manager has not been changed in a short period of time is what leads to their strength.
Questions and answers received in advance by email or fax
*Copies were distributed at the venue to those who attended the meeting.
- Q
Regarding the congestion at the East Parking Lot of the Expo Stadium on match days. Are there any measures to ease the congestion? Also, regarding the guidance of visitors after the match. A large number of spectators will be leaving at the same time, so please manage the situation in a way that does not cause any danger in the crowded area.
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A
Many spectators attend every match, and the East Parking Lot is currently very congested after the match. As with the congestion at the East Parking Lot, the stadium is also very congested with people returning from many different directions, including those using buses and monorails, those using the South Parking Lot, and those using bicycles. At the East Parking Lot, we have asked the Expo Commemoration Organization, which handles the parking lot, and security companies to work together to ease congestion and prevent accidents and other problems, such as by directing the many cars heading toward one exit in an orderly manner, but we have not yet been able to achieve a smooth exit. We will continue to request the Expo Commemoration Organization to take action.
Furthermore, since night games will involve people returning home in the dark, we will be working with bus companies, security companies, the police, and the Expo Commemoration Organization to ensure safety and improve convenience by, for example, directing and lining up people waiting for the bus, clearly displaying destinations, and providing accurate guidance.
Starting this season, GAMBA OSAKA will also be offering food and drinks after the match to help ease congestion. We hope you will enjoy a relaxing time at the "GamBar" with your family and friends before heading home.
- Q
Regarding the etiquette of spectators. How do you deal with people who are behaving in a way that could cause injury or accidents, or who are behaving in a manner that violates etiquette?
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A
It is unacceptable that injuries or accidents occur to supporters who come to enjoy a soccer match at the stadium. The stadium is also a place for supporters to enjoy themselves. Of course, it is not just for one person. Please cooperate by being considerate of each other so that it can be a place where not only you but also those around you can enjoy and spend time comfortably.
In addition, there are about 400 staff members involved in the operation of the match. We will be conducting a survey of all of them at the first half of the match this season to see if there are any areas of concern or need for improvement, and we will be working to make improvements where possible in the second half of the match. We will also ensure that the staff and security personnel at the venue are more attentive, such as by making timely comments to support the stadium and create a comfortable atmosphere.
- Q
Regarding information tools, I would like to see the content of the website, Gamba TV, etc. improved.
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A
Regarding our website, we will continue to strive to provide prompt and accurate information so that we can deliver even more comprehensive content.
Also, starting this season, the official mobile site has been enhanced with more content. We are now offering wallpapers of players, wallpapers of their autographs, voice messages, video streaming, and more. We will also be introducing a customization tool in the future, so please look forward to it.
Gamba TV has been well received by many people, and as we move into the second half of the season, we will continue to include information that Gamba supporters want to know and information that only Gamba TV can provide. We hope you will continue to support us.
- Q
Regarding media exposure of GAMBA OSAKA players, they have been featured on various programs, but please let us know in advance which media outlets they will appear in.
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A
We will notify you as soon as possible via our website and Gmail, but that may not be the day of the event. We apologize, but there may be cases where the event will not be broadcast on the day of the event due to sudden changes in the news program appearance. Please understand that the schedule may change on the day of the event.
We will strive to provide information as quickly as possible.
- Q
Regarding the timing of the supporter meeting: When is the supporter meeting held?
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A
This supporters meeting was first held in 2008, and this will be the fifth time. We hope to hold it at a time that will be fun for supporters, such as on the day when we announce new players.
- Q
Why do Panasonic's sports teams wear uniforms with the same design as Gamba?
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A
In order to unify and improve the brand image of Panasonic Corporate Sports, the volleyball and baseball teams have adopted the design of GAMBA OSAKA, which is well known both in Japan and overseas, and have been wearing unified uniforms since the year before last. The basketball team is not allowed to wear uniforms because they do not comply with the regulations of the Japan Football Association. Panasonic Corporate Sports and GAMBA OSAKA jointly hold events where people can enjoy various sports at the annual "Panasonic Day." In addition, we also work with the volleyball team to hold Panasonic Kids School (soccer classes, battery classes) and support activities for people with intellectual disabilities. We will continue to work together with everyone to share the "fun of sports" and "dreams."
In addition, the women's soccer team Speranza Takatsuki FC has a contract with Descente Co., Ltd., which is the uniform supplier for GAMBA OSAKA, and because they are both based in the Hokusetsu region, they wear uniforms and jerseys with the same design. The members of Speranza have been helping out at the Expo venue, Enjoy Park, and other locations. We plan to continue working together to liven up the Hokusetsu region through sports.
- Q
Information about the dates and application procedures for the Fan Appreciation Day event, Freaks Meeting.
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A
The Freaks Meeting is held at different times depending on the season. To ensure that everyone who participates can enjoy it, we change the content to include various ideas such as summer festivals and sports days, and the timing of the event also changes accordingly. Also, depending on the team's schedule, it may be held before the opening or after the end of the season, or during a long break like this year (this year it was held on Sunday, July 4th at the east square of Expo Park).
Applications to participate are only available to fan club members, and only the fan club members themselves can apply. Even if all members of the same family are members, we ask that each person apply individually.
In the unlikely event that the number of applications far exceeds the capacity of the program, we will hold a lottery to select candidates, but to date there have been no cases where applicants have been unsuccessful.
The Freaks Meeting venue has enough space to accommodate many people, so please rest assured that there will be no chance that someone in your family will not be able to attend due to not winning the lottery.
- Q
What kind of people get autographs on autographed cards at handshake events for fan club members?
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A
In recent years, many people have participated in the events held at the fan club booth on the day of the match, resulting in long lines. Until now, only a limited number of people (100 people) were able to enjoy the event, but starting this year, we have changed the "handshake" to a "high-five" to allow as many people as possible to participate. In addition, a lottery will be held among members who participate, and the winners will receive a signed autograph from a player.
It would be ideal if we could provide autographs and take photos with all participants, but as this is an event at the game venue, we want as many people as possible to enjoy it within the limited time available, so we ask for your understanding and cooperation with the rules.
- Q
If you miss the early entry time for season passes, you will be able to enter through a separate gate.
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A
Platinum seat holders are requested to use the gates reserved for platinum seats. There are no other gates reserved for early entry. As a season pass privilege for non-platinum holders, we have set aside 30 minutes for early entry before general admission. Outside of that time, we ask that you enter in the same way as general admission holders. Due to the current facilities at the Expo Stadium, it is physically difficult to set up gates reserved for season pass holders, as there are many general admissions and not many gates. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
- Q
Why do supporters behind the goal enter the stadium early to reserve their spots?
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A
The supporters in the central area behind the goal of Gamba are the "supporters' association," and they play a leading role in livening up not only the area behind the goal but the entire stadium. To that end, we allow the supporters' association to enter before the fan club early entry, set up banners, and gather in the center to secure a place to cheer, but we have set up rules to deal with this.
Please follow the rules, be considerate to others, and cooperate with each other while watching the game so that not only members of the Supporters' Association but everyone in the seats behind the goal can cheer comfortably.
- Q
Regarding smoking areas at the Expo Stadium. Please improve the separation of smoking areas in the stadium as it is insufficient.
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A
We have set up several new smoking areas to promote the separation of smoking and non-smoking areas. However, the current Expo Stadium is not sufficient for this purpose, and there are some parts of the facility that are difficult to separate due to its structure.
As for what we can do now, we are currently reconsidering the location and tent installation methods, as well as providing further notice and information to ask for the cooperation of our customers.
We also ask that smokers please observe smoking etiquette, such as refraining from smoking in waiting lines.
- Q
Regarding the annual pass benefits, will there be any increase in benefits or price?
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A
The annual pass comes with various benefits and is used as a great value ticket by supporters. We will continue to review and improve the pass from time to time, including changing the price and content if necessary.
discussion
Following on from the previous event, the supporters met face to face to exchange opinions. Each and every one of them shared their thoughts on cheering methods and manners.
- I think it's better not to boo after all.
-> I think when it comes to booing or heckling, each person has their own personal judgment as to what line they should take, but what are your thoughts on this? - Banners need to take into consideration the impact they will have on sponsors, etc.
⇒We received a letter of thanks for the banner for Tsukamoto during the match against Omiya. We are very grateful. - Maybe it would be a good idea to hold a fundraising campaign to help Tsukamoto make a comeback.
- I feel like there are a lot of problems with supporters of other clubs. I would like security to be strengthened.
- It should be recognized that depending on the content of the banner, it may tarnish the sponsor's image.
- Children are yelling abuse at players. The adults around them need to tell them off.
- The atmosphere of cheering is improving. Supporters are a special group that gathers at the stadium for the same purpose. Can we make it even better by being considerate of each other as fellow supporters?
- We want to liven up the Osaka Derby. We want to create an Osaka Derby-like atmosphere with things like confetti.
⇒As was on the agenda last time, confetti is not allowed as it will be a nuisance to the neighbors. Do you have any good ideas? - The lateral movement behind the goal when a goal is scored is interesting. However, I would like to be notified when starting something new.
- Why not have supporters from both teams behind the goal exchange cheers and have a cheering contest?
- When we win, I can't hear the players very well as they talk on the megaphone in front of the seats behind the goal.
- During pre-game cheering chants, it overlaps with the stadium music.
- I wish they would turn up the volume of the microphones behind the goal.
⇒We would like to carefully coordinate the timing between the cheering leads and the stadium production. - Instead of the slanderous songs, they will create a new song specifically for the Derby to liven things up.
- Can't the big flags that hang over the edge of the goal be unfurled in the right-back seats?
⇒We are talking with the supporters' association to have Giant jerseys worn more frequently in the second half of the season. - I think cheering means encouraging your own player with a loud voice, rather than criticizing the opposing player with insults and slander.
⇒ I think it's the same in society as it is in stadiums, where adults should warn children not to use foul language. We would like to continue to ask for your help in making the stadium a better place, so we appreciate your cooperation.
Towards holding future supporter meetings
We would like to make improvements to future supporters' meetings, such as how we use the time for questions to the club, and use the limited time more meaningfully to have conversations with everyone.
We also received many opinions and requests from everyone during the discussion. However, with so many people speaking within the limited time, the topic became too broad and we were unable to reach a conclusion. We believe that this was a place to define the problem, and we plan to set aside this time from next time onwards, but we hope to be able to narrow down the key points a bit more and deepen the discussion on a certain theme.
We would like to continue to hold fruitful supporter meetings with the participation of everyone, including the supporters' association, as well as those spectating behind the goal, in the main stand, and the back stand, in order to deliver even greater support to Gamba players.We appreciate your continued understanding and cooperation.
that's all