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Al Jazira set on mission to strengthen fan base

Al Jazira FC are on a mission. In an effort to strengthen their fan base, the club have come up with a number of initiatives this season. And this coming Thursday, they plan to take it up a notch.

Four lucky fans will get to watch the UAE Pro-League Capital Derby between Al Jazira and defending champions Al Wahda on Thursday night, on an elevated platform in the North Stand, complete with VIP treatment. Fans will be picked at random to enjoy the game in the open air from the comfort of leather armchairs, with waitress service and a special elevated view.

The ‘Best seat in the house’ was created by ripping out seats in the North Stand and building a raised platform.

“We have had a great start to the season, both on and off the pitch, Steve Hall, commercial director of Al Jazira said during the unveiling on Monday evening. Al Jazira’s new signing Mohammed Marzouk and goalkeeper Khaled Issa were part of the unveiling.

“Four lucky supporters will be selected randomly on the night and will get VIP treatment where waitress will serve them on the special stage set up in the North Stand,” Hall said.

“This idea is a first in the UAE. It happens worldwide but it is definitely a first here. We have the best facilities and the best support. Hopefully, we will prove that on Thursday,” Hall added.

Jazira’s first game of the season against Al Nasr drew a crowd of 7,000 and Hall is anticipating a crowd of 10,000 or more for the Derby against Al Wahda.

“For the first home game against Al Nasr, we had a crowd of 7,000 and we are anticipating a crowd of 10,000 for the game against Al Wahda this Thursday. Like the players, we intend to build on the promising start and continue the good work.

“We want to make sure everyone goes home having thoroughly enjoyed themselves,” said Hall.

Apart from the half-season passes and full season passes, which the club is handing out, and ‘Best seat in the house,’ Al Jazira also have a competition for fans at half-time. “There are other prizes too like a competition at half-time. We have the ‘Beat the goalkeeper’ competition where the winner gets Dh 25,000, said Hall and added: “The idea is that when people are deciding what to do with their leisure time they will think about when the next Al Jazira game is first, before considering the mall or the cinema. What we have in store for future games will definitely stir up a lot of curiosity among the local community. Our aim is to make watching football at Al Jazira Club the most entertaining and fun night out in the city, so come and experience it for yourself.”

Hall said there will be a number of initiatives for Al Jazira’s away games as well. “We have some initiatives for travelling supporters as well like transportation and other things. So, it won’t be restricted to only home games,” he said.

Mohammed Marzouk, who moved from Al Shabab to Jazira, said that such initiatives will encourage them to do well. “There will be a lot of new developments in the club. We have started the season well. Such initiatives will give us encouragement not just in the UAE Pro-League but also in the other competitions as well,” said Marzouk, who was part of the UAE Under-23 team which won the Gulf Cup.

Marzouk said that Jazira could win trophies this season.

“I think we can achieve one or two pieces of silverware this season.”

james@khaleejtimes.com