Elche’s season ticket push continues to grow, with forecasts suggesting it could reach 20,000 subscribers today. The club reports strong sales across every revenue stream, and the Southern Fund features a bold initiative known as the Grada de Animación. This is not just a seating area; it is a concept, a living entity of its own. A sentiment that aims to shape the future followers of the franjiverde family. The coordinator Ximo Morales explains the approach, noting that this year he is focused on teaching his nephew how to support the team with the club’s values and resilience, even in defeat.
In Elche, fans and players are tightly connected, like a pineapple. The last two seasons in the top division, especially the most recent one affected by pandemic restrictions, showcased unwavering fan support for the club. That same spirit carried into the higher tiers, reflecting a robust rhythm across divisions. Grada de Animación emerged during the 2018-2019 season, and Morales observes that animation has long been a small, intimate group inside the stadium.
This stand, once modest in price and not widely used, hosted around 300 partners but was vibrant and lively. This season, the club has taken charge of generation and growth, aiming for an inclusive animation area where every supporter can rally behind the team as it faces crucial moments. The club notes that the animation booth’s existence already reflects a genuine success since the campaign began.
Following the initial rollout of 300 seats, the club announced an expansion. A new segment within the Southern Fund will form part of the 1923 Southern Fund Animation Booth, broadening access and participation.
New subscribers to the Animation Booth can currently register in person, with online enrollment expected to open soon. Morales stresses the importance of clarity on capacity to allow flexibility before the season kicks off, including the potential to adjust subscriber locations if needed. Based on past experiences, the goal is to reach around 600 members in the stands this year.
The appeal of the program lies in its inclusivity for families. Sons, nephews, couples and entire households have a place in the Southern Fund. It represents a generational shift among fans, with the priority on whoever signs up; the goal is for the supporter to enjoy their time, feel comfortable, and attend with children, while animation staff ensure a fun, safe environment for everyone. The long-term plan is to sustain engagement among franjiverdes by cultivating continuity in the animation.
Both club and stand coordinators emphasize the effort involved in promoting animation, and the fans have responded with enthusiasm. The aim is to ensure the centennial celebration at Martínez Valero resonates loudly for the home crowd.
Requirements
What does it take to join the Animation Booth beyond purchasing a season ticket within the Southern Fund? Three core conditions guide participation. First, attendees must come onto the field to cheer the team. They do not need to be club members, but they must contribute with energy and enthusiasm. This is the animation tribune, and it invites active participation. Second, supporters should not arrive wearing opponents’ jerseys. Although rivals may attend, the atmosphere should be colorful and lively in support of the home side. Third, fans should stand during the match to maintain the visual energy of the stands.
Beyond these basics, the program emphasizes responsibility. It is not about endorsing politics or allowing vandalism or hostility. The aim is a respectful, family-friendly environment that upholds the sport’s integrity and sets a positive example for future generations.
Elche’s season ticket drive remains aggressive, with a clear push toward expanding the Animation Booth and inviting more families to share in the club’s journey. The endeavor requires a coordinated, sustained effort from both the club and the stand organizers, and the response from supporters shows a strong appetite for a vibrant, inclusive matchday experience. The club’s leadership believes this momentum will echo through the centennial season and beyond, strengthening the bond between the stadium and its community.