Whilst we remain hopeful of being allowed to give members access to watch some games at Emirates Riverside this season, and continuing to do everything in our power to facilitate this in a safe manner, following the governments most recent announcements we feel it is the right time to provide some options to our members.
Firstly, I would like to thank all of our members for their unwavering support of the club through what is proving to be an extremely difficult time for everyone across the country. Covid-19 has had a huge impact on everyone’s lives and the club has not been immune to its ongoing effect.
Once again, our members have proven to be loyal and understanding as we do our best to ensure the long-term security of the club and to put us in a strong position to move forward both on and off the field. Thankfully, we have spent the past few years stabilising the club’s finances, however we do not want the current circumstances to set the club back and jeopardise our future.
The club has been hit hard with a drastic drop in revenue due to a lack of gate receipts, reduced sponsorship, and cancellation of concerts, international cricket and all private meetings and event bookings at the venue. The impact on the ECB will also see a reduction in club revenue from the governing body over the next 4 years.
We are therefore asking members to become a ‘Durham Defender’ and donate this year’s membership fees to support the club through the 2020 season. We realise this is a big ask of our members in what is undoubtedly a difficult time for everyone and we therefore want to reward anyone who can donate with an enhanced package at a reduced price for their 2021 membership.
Durham Defender
· Donate 2020 membership fee
· 2021 membership package:
· No increase in 2021 membership price
· 20% discount on 2021 membership
· 2 free passes to all Durham Cricket County Championship and 50 over games in the 2021 season (bring your friends and family with you for the whole season) – please note guests cannot be current 2020 or previous 2019 members. This will be strictly checked
· An evening with Sir Ian Botham and guests (invitation to a free pie and peas supper with our Chairman and some special guests)
· Entry to any games that we are able to allow members access to in 2020
· Name on a specially commissioned Durham Defender mural to be installed at Emirates Riverside
· Plus – all of the usual membership benefits including: access to over 40 days of cricket, the members lounge, reciprocal deals at other North East venues, meet the players evenings, 2021 yearbook, early purchase for our 2021 international fixture and, where possible, concerts. And, new for 2021 – exclusive member only online content.
We do hope as many members as possible are able to become a Durham Defender, further supporting the club and benefiting from an enhanced membership package in 2021. We appreciate at this difficult time some members may be unable to participate and full refunds will be available should you prefer that option.
All members will receive written confirmation of the options available in the post in the next two weeks. There will also be information on how to select your chosen option and the timeline for administration of the selected option.
Once again everyone at the club would like to sincerely thank you for your ongoing support and patience this summer. We hope to see you all at Emirates Riverside as soon as possible.
Your Sincerely
Tim Bostock
Chief Executive, Durham Cricket
· There will be individual communication highlighting options for Graveney club members, Gold club members and T20 Blast Season ticket holders via email and letter.
· All individual match ticket purchasers will be offered a full refund or option to donate. We will be in touch with purchasers directly to make arrangements for this.