Post by Macmoish on Feb 13, 2011 8:02:31 GMT
PEOPLE
Exclusive: FA Cup Final switches to 5.30pm start in 2013
Feb 13 2011 by Steve Bates, The People
THE 2013 FA Cup Final will kick off at 5.30pm as part of the biggest overhaul in the competition’s 140-year history.
The FA’s top brass are set to bow to pressure from television chiefs and beam the Wembley showpiece to a global audience at teatime.
The FA will finally cave in to rights-holding broadcasters who have long advocated a 5.30pm kick-off as the prime-time for a maximum audience.
Until now, bosses have resisted attempts to move the competition in line with Premier League teatime kick-offs on the basis of tradition.
But senior officials recognise the need for change to achieve maximum exposure and keep broadcasters and sponsors happy.
The move will be a major blow to traditionalists who view the famous competition as the last bastion of the game’s heritage in England.
But FA chiefs believe that they must implement a radical revamp, with the competition’s future threatened by falling TV audiences and dwindling interest from fans and sponsors.
Switching the kick-off from 3pm is the main plank of a series of changes the FA hope will improve the Cup’s profile and secure its future.
A think-tank has said a fresh look is needed to boost attendances, attract a younger audience and raise the tournament’s profile.
Plans include seeding big clubs so they are not drawn against each other early on.
The review comes against the backdrop of a desperate search for a new sponsor.
E.ON agreed an £8million extension for this season, having earlier called time on their four-year deal, but are not expected to renew again,
An FA source said last night: “We’ve been concerned for some time at falling attendances and waning interest in the FA Cup, and the need to make the changes necessary to ensure the competition retains its unique position.
“Hopefully, the ideas we have will ensure the FA Cup has a strong profile and appeals to a wide fan base.”
www.people.co.uk/sport/football/news/2011/02/13/exclusive-fa-cup-final-switches-to-5-30pm-start-in-2013-102039-22919261/
Exclusive: FA Cup Final switches to 5.30pm start in 2013
Feb 13 2011 by Steve Bates, The People
THE 2013 FA Cup Final will kick off at 5.30pm as part of the biggest overhaul in the competition’s 140-year history.
The FA’s top brass are set to bow to pressure from television chiefs and beam the Wembley showpiece to a global audience at teatime.
The FA will finally cave in to rights-holding broadcasters who have long advocated a 5.30pm kick-off as the prime-time for a maximum audience.
Until now, bosses have resisted attempts to move the competition in line with Premier League teatime kick-offs on the basis of tradition.
But senior officials recognise the need for change to achieve maximum exposure and keep broadcasters and sponsors happy.
The move will be a major blow to traditionalists who view the famous competition as the last bastion of the game’s heritage in England.
But FA chiefs believe that they must implement a radical revamp, with the competition’s future threatened by falling TV audiences and dwindling interest from fans and sponsors.
Switching the kick-off from 3pm is the main plank of a series of changes the FA hope will improve the Cup’s profile and secure its future.
A think-tank has said a fresh look is needed to boost attendances, attract a younger audience and raise the tournament’s profile.
Plans include seeding big clubs so they are not drawn against each other early on.
The review comes against the backdrop of a desperate search for a new sponsor.
E.ON agreed an £8million extension for this season, having earlier called time on their four-year deal, but are not expected to renew again,
An FA source said last night: “We’ve been concerned for some time at falling attendances and waning interest in the FA Cup, and the need to make the changes necessary to ensure the competition retains its unique position.
“Hopefully, the ideas we have will ensure the FA Cup has a strong profile and appeals to a wide fan base.”
www.people.co.uk/sport/football/news/2011/02/13/exclusive-fa-cup-final-switches-to-5-30pm-start-in-2013-102039-22919261/
