That's exactly how I see it too. This topic rolls around every 200 pages or so but it seems people forget it.
We currently have around 30/32k season tickets. Once you factor in away fans that's a ridiculously high proportion of our match going fans. I am not convinced they will allow many more 'basic' ST holders even with the increased capacity.
When we move it won't be possible to move current ST holders to a corresponding area as the configuration is very different. EG, the West Stand (behind the dugout) could swallow up the family enclosure, the existing corporate boxes, the directors' box, the main stand, the media and the top balcony. That's fine as far as capacity goes, but the plans for the West Stand show roughly 50% of that stand is allocated to varying levels of corporate seating.
The club has been quite clear since they started consultation they will be offering more premium options for match going fans and they'll be hoping a proportion of existing ST holders Upgrade, even if it's just to the most basic level of hospitality. Those that chose not to will have to sit in the West stand, but at either the North or South ends. If they want to sit more centrally they'll have to move over to the East, but of course the paddock, lower and upper bullens all have their eyes on that.
I'd imagine the move process starts over a year ahead of moving in. The corporate/premium sales team even further out from the opening day. (they've already been recruited) They may even incentivise first year lounge memberships with a discount to lock people in early.
Once they have a good idea of how many ST holders are staying as a 'basic' ST holder they can start the moves. The block moves won't work, the only way to do it is some sort of priority system.
Selfishly, I'd go:
Shareholders
Season ticket holders (sorted by years held)
New season ticket holders
Can't please everyone and there will be absolutely loads of moaning and mud slinging towards the club. The saving grace is the 'worst' view in the new ground will match good view at Goodison.
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