I haven't watched but get the gist - we know if we extend the ground the driving factor will be corporate revenue rather than GA but the North East isn't as affluent as other regions. Therefore we need to attract customers (I say that through gritted teeth) from outside the region and beyond.
Think there's potentially a gap in the market - particularly if we extend the ground - to tap into the foreign tourist market more. The black market is massive, with general tourist fans looking to see a Premier League match whilst in the UK in the same way we might see a Broadway show in New York. Most other clubs are sold out and all remaining GA tickets go to the members ballot, we're in a unique position that we aren't there yet. So they spend hundreds on dodgy reseller sites for tickets that often don't exist - hence the reason for ID checks etc from the Prem, it's a terrible look for them to market itself as the global league but have tourists get scammed and turned away at the gate.
Not suggesting tourists skip the queue over locals but there's an opportunity to offer some kind of package - train ticket from London + entry level hospitality (Founders?). Very few tourists are going to choose Sunderland over the London, Manchester or Liverpool club's but we can offer something they can't - actual genuine tickets. So if we market ourselves properly and seek these people out rather than wait for them to find us there's an opportunity?
