I heard that next year the A paddock is to be restricted to people with special passes ?? 



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Where did you hear that Steadward?

Twitter
that's why I ask is it true

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Not heard anything myself, but interesting all the same.

(25-06-2015, 10:49 PM)Steady the Edward Wrote: I heard that next year the A paddock is to be restricted to people with special passes ?? 

That's interesting because what was mentioned to me when I had a chat with Milky and I was talking about all of the corporate area having grown over the years was that whilst us fans questioned whether its a necessary he said it was to assist the TT surviving with the money that it brings in.

I then added that it would be a shame if it got to the stage when us fans could not walk around the paddock freely. At which point he mentioned that they charge £10 At the NW200 for the privilege of walking around the paddock.

Thankfully and remember this was just his opinion that he could not see that happening at the TT as its for many a big part of the whole TT experience.

I would just like to add that given I was on the Island from 27th May to 16th June so I had plenty of time to visit the paddock and did many times and every time I did I saw Milky wheeling a loaded trolley to deliver parts to those in the display tents or offering advice to those that needed it etc etc etc. I would question whether there is anyone who works harder than Milky at the TT. Yes a great fella indeed.

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I agree tigerted. The day Milky ever decides to 'retire' (if he ever does) he will be a dead cert for the Spirit of the TT award the next year.

2014 was my first TT and after the first Saturday practice was cancelled we decided to wander around the paddock. It was dead, almost all awnings were closed up and no-one was about (it was raining). In fact my son even asked if we were allowed to be there it was so deserted....except for Milky in a tractor/digger laying down wooden boards on some of the wetter patches of ground. I did a double take as we went past the digger and I realised who was driving it.

Anyway, back on topic, walking around the paddock was a major part of our TT experience - we did it many times. Whilst I would prefer it to remain accessible to all I don't think a tenner would be bad value if it entitled you to return visits throughout the TT (via a paddock pass or something). £10 a visit would be a bit over the top and whilst it would bring in a bit more money it would kill off more of the spirit of the event.

It was not that long ago that the paddock was restricted to pass holders only for most of the time.

That's right ciomtt, I remember it. The bad thing about paddocks being open is theft, I've walked past even top teams awnings where valuables could have been pinched, don't know what the score is now but things have been pinched in recent times, even at the MGP. It would be nice if it stays open, it is an attraction to see the teams.

It'll stay open as you say, it's an attraction- and also good publicity for the teams and sponsors and doesn't cost anything.
They might however try and charge for this, pretty much like they try to do for everything else!

(26-06-2015, 12:24 PM)c iom tt Wrote: It was not that long ago that the paddock was restricted to pass holders only for most of the time.

That's another interesting comment as my first TT was 1987 ( poured with rain all week ) and although not yearly I have been returning every third - forth year but I have never had to pay to go into the paddock.
Just for my curiosity could you give me an indication of when you are talking about.

I seem to recall it was in the 90s....can't remember what year, might have been 94, if not  96 or 97.

I would have thought it would be difficult to charge people to get into a park that was left to the people of Douglas and the IOM. I think it was Henry Noble who left it to the people, that's probably why you are just allowed to go in and out at the moment but who knows what may happen in the future.

I dont think that would come in to it Cregnybaa , they often have events in there that you have to pay to get in to like the music ones that have been held there over the years , as even when there is an event on you can still access the rest of Nobles Park ,


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I suppose it would be another revenue stream for the powers that be, it be sad if they do there's a lot of the prawn sandwich brigade following all kinds of sport today that have the privilege of feeling part of an event due to the wedge in there pockets.

I am sure last year i had to pay £25 at Ulster GP for program and paddock pass... 1st time i have been, so will be prepared next time and wont bother.

The paddock is the heart of any race meeting and to that effect the public should be allowed access . For something like the TT or the Manx I think a one of charge of around £10.00 for this access for the whole time is fair to say the least . The private rider has paid a lot lot more to supply the entertainment they enjoy for free out around the track .

As for the security issue there has always been the chancer who will steal things if left about, you just have to be careful and most of the time things are fine.
When I am not head down busy its great to chat with spectators and other riders its all part of the experience for everybody.

(27-06-2015, 03:37 PM)imort Wrote: I am sure last year i had to pay £25 at Ulster GP for program and paddock pass... 1st time i have been, so will be prepared next time and wont bother.

That's a standard charge to attend the UGP. Everyone has to pay.....

(27-06-2015, 03:37 PM)imort Wrote: I am sure last year i had to pay £25 at Ulster GP for program and paddock pass... 1st time i have been, so will be prepared next time and wont bother.

They rely on that £25 to fund the event. ....we all pay it if we want to secure its future

(27-06-2015, 11:20 PM)wsn03 Wrote: They rely on that £25 to fund the event. ....we all pay it if we want to secure its future

If that is the case, then £20 for the TT paddock sounds a bargain.

The Irish races aren't well financed, some have suffered cacnellations because of money. The UGP I heard was rescued by sponorship from Lidls in recent times.
I know the band is effectively a voluntary subscription, one they heavily rely on.