Newly introduced Fanzones at this year’s TT races seem to have been a hit with visitors with seats largely sold out before the start of practices.

Ticket sales figures were unavailable at the time of going to press but the areas at both the Creg-ny-Baa and Crosby were sold out for Senior race day by the start of the festival.

The areas which featured parking, improved sound systems for commentry, and refreshments were positioned at some of the prime viewing spots around the TT course to show some of the more spectacular action.

Traditional viewing spots such as the Creg-ny-Baa pub were catered for with a Fanzone next to the pub car park giving a view up the hill towards Kate’s Cottage.

Other zones were positioned at the jumps at Ballacrye and at the Waggon and Horses just above Crosby village as well as by the Ginger Hall pub giving spectators a view of the bikes approaching from Sulby Bridge and rounding the left hand bend outside the pub.

Perhaps one of the most popular sites would have been the one at Rhencullen on the exit to Kirk Michael village – an area which has gained viewing restrictions in recent years, to the disappointment of many fans.

The areas each had grandstand seating for between 200 and 300 spectators as well as Wi-Fi access and toilets. The government’s political member for tourism Geoff Corkish said: ‘Demand for tickets for the Glencrutchery Road grandstand increases every year so we were keen to offer fans an alternative ... and I am delighted we are able to bring them on line in time for TT 2012.’

A short film of TT star Conor Cummins giving viewers a guide to the locations and what they could expect to see from them is still available on Youtube and now includes some actual footage of the races as seen from each point. It can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-lezUsCRAo

Unfortunately the cancellation of the Senior TT race because of bad weather meant many fans did not get to take full advantage of the facility and promoters Duke Marketing have offered refunds to disappointed ticket holders for that race. The cost of tickets was £20 for mid week race, £25 for Senior race day and £5 for final practice.

A web poll on iomtoday found six per cent of people supported the Fanzone idea, 43 per cent said they were too expensive and 51 per cent said they were unaware of them.


PHOTO: Mike Wade

.