He who pays the piper calls the tune!

Hey guys.

This is partly the reason why i've lost interest in the game at present. The best game, run by idiots who don't know what to do with it. We had a good World Cup, but its back to 'as you were'.

It brings back memories of the Cup game when we played Saints at Lawkholme sometime in the 90's on a Saturday afternoon when the match was televised on Grandstand.

The crowd was just over 4300 I think but the major share of the 'television rights' (according to the BBC) allegedly went to St Helens, which I could not understand, both at the time or since, as the 'gate' (which should surely have included 'television rights') should have been a 50/50 split after we had taken our costs out of then calculation.

I apologise in advance if I have misunderstood this particular situation.

Whilst I don't know what the current 'match fee' is for Sky broadcasts, I certainly hope that we will be adequately compensated by having to play on a Thursday evening as well as our part-time players also being adequately-compensated for having to miss a days' work.

I can only assume that the RFL, who supported Featherstone in heir appeal against having to play their last round game against Leigh on a Friday evening, will ensure that the Cougars will not suffer financially by virtue of their involvement in the arrangement of Challenge a Cup fixtures.

I wonder if we could have some special deals for this game, and possibly talk to the schools about a late start on a friday? Cheaper coach deal and Thursday night traffic is not as bad as Friday night. Hopefully we can get a few ideas between both clubs to maximise the attendance?

2nd May 2014
WIDNES Vikings are offering the next generation of supporters the chance to taste a big game atmosphere as the Select Security Stadium as the Club hosts Keighley Cougars in the Quarter-Final of the Tetley’s Challenge Cup.
The Vikings have today announced the ticket pricing structure for the tie and all juniors will be admitted absolutely free of charge as Widnes Vikings looks for a bumper community crowd.
To accompany this offer local students will also be entitled to entry into the fixture for just £5 and adults will be admitted for a reduced £10 rate.
Gold/Silver seating will be available for this fixture as a special carvery package – this will be priced at Adults - £20; Concessions - £15 and Juniors £10 and will include a free traditional carvery dinner. This package will be hosted in the Bridge Suite of the Select Security Stadium. Again, tickets will be sold on a first come – first served basis and supporters are asked to book their place quickly as this offer will go on general sale on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 and is expected to be in high demand.
There will be no regular season Stronghold seating reservation for this fixture. The Vikings Stronghold Priority Purchase Period will be available from 14:00 today (Friday, May 2, 2014) with tickets being sold exclusively to members up to 7pm on Tuesday, May 6, 2014. Seats will be sold on a first come – first served basis.
As an added bonus, spectators purchasing tickets for this Tetley’s Challenge Cup Quarter-Final fixture will be eligible for Semi-Final Priority Purchase Tickets from their respective club. Spectators are asked to retain their ticket stub to ensure eligibility for this offer.
The Quarter-Final action kicks off on Thursday June 5 at the Select Security Stadium where spectators can witness a repeat of the 1937 Challenge Cup final, Widnes Vikings v KeighleyCougars.

Thursday June 5 2014
Tetley’s Challege Cup Quarter-Final
Widnes Vikings v Keighley Cougars
Select Security Stadium (KO. 8pm).

Ticket information
Tickets are available online by clicking here.
Alternatively tickets can be purchased by calling the Ticket Hotline on 0151 495 2250 (Option 2) or in person from the Vikings Superstore located within Tesco Extra, Widnes.

Please note that throughout the 2014 season spot checks will be carried out on all junior, student and adult concession category tickets upon entrance to the Select Security Stadium.

Please ensure to bring appropriate ID with you on the day of the game to qualify your ticket category.

Ticket Prices
General Seating
ADULT £10
CONCESSION £5
JUNIOR – FREE

Carvery Package (Gold/Silver)
ADULT £20
CONCESSION £15
JUNIOR – £10



Vikings Superstore Opening Hours
Friday (Today) 11:00 19:00
Saturday 09:00 - 17:00
Sunday 11:00 - 17:00
Bank Holiday Monday – CLOSED
Tuesday – Friday 11:00 – 19:00

Juniors
To qualify for a free Junior ticket for this fixture you must be aged 16 years (attending Year 11) or under.
*A FREE TICKET MUST BE OBTAINED IN ADVANCE TO GAIN ENTRY TO THIS FIXTURE*

Concessions
To qualify for the Concession rate, you must be aged 65 years and over or a full-time student. Proof of ID will be required.

Disabled / Carer Policy
Please note; Disabled supporters must pay for their ticket at the applicable category price, i.e. Adult / Concession.
Carers do not have to pay an admission fee, although they must accompany the Disabled Supporter to the Ticket Office window on the day of the game in question, with the necessary I.D.
(See carer policy for more details)