KAA Gent will implement a change from mid-January that will have a direct impact on the stadium experience. The club is starting a pilot project that will have both logistical and financial consequences. Supporters are actively involved in this adjustment.
Abolition of the cup deposit
From the home match against Anderlecht, the guarantee on drinks cups will be temporarily stopped. “From January 18, we will start a trial period in which the guarantee on drinking cups will be abolished,” said a message to our editors.
The previous contribution of half a euro per cup will therefore disappear completely. The decision came at the request of supporters and the Supporters Council. The club emphasizes that cooperation remains essential. “Even without a cup guarantee, we count on the continued respect and cooperation of our fans.”
Rules of conduct during the test phase
Supporters are asked to spontaneously return their empty cup and deposit it in the designated places. Cups do not belong in the PMD waste bins. The trial period runs until the end of the regular competition.
During that period, it is checked whether cups are returned sufficiently and whether additional litter is created. The results determine whether the system is retained or modified.
Parallel to the abolition of the deposit, drink prices on the promenade will be adjusted. The club gives three reasons for this step. “To this day, KAA Gent remains one of the cheapest clubs for drinks.” In addition, prices were not revised for almost ten years. Finally, the loss of the guarantee entails additional costs.
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The combination of higher operating costs and the loss of the guarantee makes a price adjustment necessary. The club wants to maintain the level of services and waste processing. The trial period must make it clear whether the new system is workable without additional measures.
