Twickenham is "under fire on two fronts from disgruntled debenture holders who helped bankroll the rugby stadium," according to Charles Sale of the London DAILY MAIL.
Season-ticket holders in the East Stand "are upset" that they are being asked to pay another £4,500 ($5,600) "to stay in their paid-for seats halfway through a 10-year contract."
The "commercially rampant" Rugby Football Union wants the money to help fund its £66M ($82.5M) refurbishment, "installing top-quality hospitality facilities for the prawn sandwich brigade." If the debenture holders do not "pay the extra levy, they will be moved to the other side of the ground." The "second grouse is over the RFU’s failure to act despite widespread complaints from fans at continually having to stand up during play so less engaged spectators can visit the bars."
Former advertising exec Roger Hoodless "is planning a petition in a bid to stop the interruptions."
He said, "It’s ridiculous how often you’re disturbed from watching the rugby -- for which you’ve paid a considerable price -- by the flow of traffic going for drink or returning with it. The RFU could easily stop this by closing the bars during play but they don’t want to lose money." But the "money-obsessed" RFU "will be loath to tamper with the rugby tradition of enjoying a pint during matches, however much it inconveniences others" (DAILY MAIL, 2/6).
