Jason Reynolds, Amber 500 Organiser, provides the following update.
The doors on my Advent Calendar are opening rather rapidly now as we hurtle towards the Festive season! The time is simply flying by. So; how are things progressing with the really important club fund-raising initiative, Amber500, I hear you ask?
How many tickets have we sold to date? – The current sales figure is 185.25 out of the 500 available to buy. Still a long way to go.
I was thinking of buying a ticket soon. How long have I got? When is the draw for the “Money can't buy” non-cash prizes? This draw will take place in front of the main stand at half-time during our game v Wrexham on Sat 21st Dec – in two weeks' time!
Remind me what these “Money can't buy” non-cash prizes are? – There are three. 1) Two people to travel with the team to Halifax on 15th Feb, enjoy all pre match hospitality as afforded to SUFC officials and watch the match from the centre section of the grandstand. 2) Two people will win a unique “behind the scenes” insight to Matchday preparation prior to our televised match v Yeovil on 28th December ( or an alternative match if the winners can't make that game). Join Matt Gray and the players in the changing room 90 minutes before kick-off and be a part of the pre match talks, preparation and build up to this important game which has the added attraction of being televised live on BT Sport. With Board Room hospitality also offered as part of this prize, watch the match from the centre section of the grandstand and then help conduct the “Strikers are Key” draw after the match and don the gold jacket. 3) Two people can choose a match in 2020 to join the SUFCTV team on the gantry and maybe help out with the live commentary and get a unique “bird's eye view” of the game. These prizewinners also get to see the band “Ash” at the Roundhouse in London on 27th March 2020 on their “Teenage Wildlife 25 Years of Ash” tour, including exclusive access to the Soundcheck before the gig as well as signed merchandise.
Great! And then of course there is a big cash draw, isn't there? When is that? – yep. The big cash draw takes place in front of the main stand at half-time during our game v Woking on New Year's Day.
And how much money will the lucky ticket holders win in this draw if their number is pulled out? – The prize money equates to 20% of the total funds raised; so if all 500 tickets are sold the prize fund will be £10,000 broken down into three prizes - £7,000 for first, £2,000 for second and £1,000 for third. Currently the total prize fund stands at nearly £4,000 but the more tickets we sell, the bigger the prize fund will become. So, don't delay, buy today. Buy for yourself, buy for someone else (a great Christmas present), buy a share in a ticket, buy as part of a syndicate; be involved!
If my ticket number is pulled out in the “Money can't buy” non-cash prize draw, can I also potentially win in the cash draw? – Yes. All three winning ticket holders in the first draw will be re-entered into the second. So; you could win twice!
How much are the tickets? – Each ticket costs £100 but you can buy in quarter, half and three-quarter shares too if you wish at £25, £50 and £75 respectively.
This is an important club fund-raising initiative, right? Remind me what the funds are going to be spent on? – You're right; it is a very important “fans scheme” to support the club as we look to continue to compete in the National League. The money raised will go towards funding away first team travel
Did I hear correctly that anyone with a share in an Amber500 ticket will have their season ticket price frozen for next season at this season's price. Can you confirm this is right?? – YES; YES and YES again…
I'M IN!!! How do I buy a ticket? – Great! It's easy. On line https://www.suttonunited.net/product/amber-500-ticket/. On the phone or in person at the club office every Mon-Thursday 10-12.30 (020 8644 4440) or see one of the Amber500 sales ambassadors in the office or in the bar at a home match (next up Dagenham and Redbridge in the FA Trophy on Sat 14th Dec)
Anything else to report? – I would ask you to spread the word and really get behind this initiative. We enjoy super low season ticket prices at Sutton United. Let's all now show how much we really are all “in it together” and be a part of this important, fun..and potentially very lucrative scheme.
Up the U's
Jason