Working on family stands concerns

I FEEL it only fair to forward this correspondence to you for publication.

Gordon Upton

Dear Mr Upton,

Access Management, operator of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, hereby wishes to acknowledge your letter, "Poor marketing of Currie Cup by rugby authorities" published in The Herald dated August 5, further to correspondence we have already had with you on the matter. Your opinion is important to us and you are a valued shareholder in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

I am writing to you personally to respond to matters you have outlined in a letter to the press.

With regard to your concerns about the family stands, I am very supportive of and acknowledge your concerns, and the importance of these designated areas. We are in an ongoing discussion with the Eastern Province Rugby Union on this matter.

Moreover, as the venue, we have supported the Eastern Province Rugby Union in marketing the event, and it is leading a significant push to promote the Currie Cup Premier Division matches and inform fans. There are daily adverts in various print media, live radio broadcasts and social media.

Eastern Province Rugby specific merchandise can be purchased directly from the EP Rugby offices situated at Imatu House, Prince Alfred Road, North End.

I thank you for your continued interest in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, and your input will assist us to continue in delivering a world-class and multi-purpose venue for sporting and other events which in turn will provide greater economic value for Nelson Mandela Bay and its residents.

Chantal du Pisani, chief executive, Access Facilities and Leisure Management Company