Tennis fans who waited more than a year to see Andy Murray at Battle of the Brits ended up watching the match at home on TV because they could not see the court.
Murray beat England’s Jack Draper in a thrilling tie break to end the first day’s play at the P&J Live arena.
But a section of supporters who purchased higher value courtside tickets were left frustrated and disappointed yesterday because of restricted views.
The seats in this section were not banked, leaving fans with little more than a view of the back of a person’s head.
‘At £114 I expected to be able to see’
When they approached the box office asking to be moved they were told there was nothing that could be done.
“I was in Row B, in line with the baseline,” said Willie Inglis, who had travelled from Edinburgh for the match.
“I couldn’t see the server because of the people in front.
“All I got was the ball toss and the sound of the racquet on ball. When I turned to see the return, all I got was a different person’s head. Pointless.”
Clare Smith was one of the first to support Battle of the Brits, paying £114 per ticket back in February 2021.
“To arrive after nearly two years and find that I could see very little was hugely frustrating,” she said. “Some of those around us hadn’t been to tennis before and seemed to think that not seeing the court was normal.”
Ms Smith ended up leaving after the Dan Evans singles match to watch the Murray tie on the BBC.
She said: “I realised there was no point in staying. I’d like a refund as that wasn’t an acceptable fan experience.’”
Fans pointed out that a day-one ground pass at Wimbledon is around £40, allowing access to 10 hours world-class play with perfect views.
“At £114 I expected to be able to see,” Ms Smith added.
Looked at seating and made changes
Many fans in the banked seating had a great night but a section of supporters, many of whom were hoping to see top-class tennis for the first time, were left very disappointed.
Julie Main, who paid £90, posted on social media showing her restricted view from courtside.
“I was so excited and delighted to be able to see top-class tennis players tonight in Aberdeen,” she said. “Unfortunately unable to see court from seat and match not on screen incredibly disappointing when you pay £90 to watch live sport.”
Katy Gray also commented online: “My husband took our daughter and friend, 11 & 12. Floor seating, he could barely see anything let alone the smaller girls.”
Dr Bala Vijayan posted: “Very poor seating arrangements for the money paid for seats. Hardly able to see the court. No large TV screens to see the replays. Poor show.”
In a joint statement, Battle of the Brits organisers and P&J Live said: “We want everyone who comes to Battle of Brits to have the best possible time, so of course we take any complaints extremely seriously and we value feedback.
“We have looked at seating and made some changes to make sure everyone who buys a ticket gets the best possible view of the tennis.”
‘Experience fantastic’
Despite some feeling disappointed, lots of fans flocked to social media to praise the smooth running of the event – with high hopes it will return.
Megan Lawrance wrote: “Great, well organised event. Loved it. Aberdeen needs more events like this.”
Julie Green wrote: “View was good, experience was fantastic.”
Linda Morrison wrote: “We had brilliant view, further back and row J, great night.”
Amol Deshmukh posted: “It was a great night and the tennis on display was excellent.”
Conversation