Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: wittonwarrior on August 25, 2023, 11:41:38 AM
-
Rumour from the other night it’s done with for us ordinarily supporters
-
is it ?
-
Rumour from the other night it’s done with for us ordinarily supporters
What about more important and special ones like me?
-
Let them eat cake
-
£70 a game. The club has lost the fans
-
Rumour from the other night it’s done with for us ordinarily supporters
What about more important and special ones like me?
This pisses me off as well. Club are doing far too much for ordinary fans and totally disregarding those of who are considerably.....
(https://i.ibb.co/Gnjk6nS/hqdefault.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Gnjk6nS)
-
£70 a game. The club has lot the fans
Are you suggesting this is going to be the price of the match day package?
-
£70 a game. The club has lot the fans
No need to be so salty.
-
The club are missing the point completely. You would think that after the unsuccessful launch of Terrace View they would get the message. The service and the quality of drinks is the Holte Suite has always been poor. And now they are expecting supporters to pay for a service they previously had for free.
Whoever is behind this wouldn't last five minutes with Alan Sugar on the Apprentice.
I've been saying for years, the best thing they could do Is get rid of the cars on the car park. Put a giant bar up and some quality food vans. Open the gates from 11am and that car park could be packed every week.
In addition to that have the concourse open for two hours post match so supporters can let the traffic die down and eat and drink in the ground in the meantime. Improve the facilities in the area of the ground that need it.
It's really not rocket science
-
Agree Holte L2. It's so bloody obvious..
-
I dont think people would want to drink outside on a car park during the winter months though. They just need to leave the Holte Suite as it is instead of charging silly money.
-
The club are missing the point completely. You would think that after the unsuccessful launch of Terrace View they would get the message. The service and the quality of drinks is the Holte Suite has always been poor. And now they are expecting supporters to pay for a service they previously had for free.
Whoever is behind this wouldn't last five minutes with Alan Sugar on the Apprentice.
I've been saying for years, the best thing they could do Is get rid of the cars on the car park. Put a giant bar up and some quality food vans. Open the gates from 11am and that car park could be packed every week.
In addition to that have the concourse open for two hours post match so supporters can let the traffic die down and eat and drink in the ground in the meantime. Improve the facilities in the area of the ground that need it.
It's really not rocket science
They're talking about using the car park. Now, take a wild guess what for.
On the subject of quality food, I noticed yesterday that the area in front of the stage is packed but most people aren't buying anything and the DDC-style concept is down to four options. There just isn't the call for £12 burgers and the like. They're certainly looking at keeping open longer but again you have the problem of the area not being the nicest or easiest to leave once the crowds die down.
-
Assuming the rumour is true then £70 a game will mean it's corporate. So on top of the massive price increases of the last 2 years there's losing the free cup game and access to The Holte Suite.
-
For £70 you could stay in the city centre, have something really nice to eat, and have a few drinks rather than a shit quality buffet, a program thrown in plus a couple of shite quality beers.
-
Assuming the rumour is true then £70 a game will mean it's corporate. So on top of the massive price increases of the last 2 years there's losing the free cup game and access to The Holte Suite.
I think they are blurring the line between corporate and 'normal' or at least are trying to, with things like this and the Terrace View, they're going for the average fan with more money than sense rather than lowering the standards for corporate.
-
Is it 70 quid all you can drink?
-
It may not be prime Trinity Road style corporate, but if it would cost you over 2k for 19 home league games, when you include ticket price, then for me it's closer to corporate than it is your average fan.
-
Price-wise, yes, definitely, but I bet the standards in there are nothing like corporate.
I don't mind them trying this on if they thing they can make it work, even though I'd never pay that, but it pisses me off hugely that elsewhere you have people paying 60 odd quid for a ticket yet encountering overflowing disgusting toilets.
It's like there's a certain level of shit service they do not give a fuck about, so long as people keep ponying up the money.
The answer for them seems to be all about getting people to pay more money based on "this new thing is better than what you'd get otherwise with the bulk of the fans" rather than improving general standards.
"It's hard to buy food at half time, but look, if you can pay another 50 quid (or whatever) you'll be able to get some food" rather than just making it easier for more people to get something on the concourses.
-
I reckon for £70 you'd get admission, decent quality buffet and then you pay for any drinks. As you say, the problem is their solution to shit service is to improve it in small areas, charge way more (more than ticket price), and for good measure, take away something fans have been able to use as part of their ST for years. We just seem to be walking wallets to them these days.
-
Assuming the rumour is true then £70 a game will mean it's corporate. So on top of the massive price increases of the last 2 years there's losing the free cup game and access to The Holte Suite.
I think they are blurring the line between corporate and 'normal' or at least are trying to, with things like this and the Terrace View, they're going for the average fan with more money than sense rather than lowering the standards for corporate.
In that regard they're just trying to catch up with the likes of Spurs and Arsenal. I might have mentioned before that when I went to our first game back in the PL away at Spurs, the only tickets we could get were in the hospitality seats in the Tottingham stadium. Me and my daughter got talking to a Spurs fan and his son. They'd paid something like £80,000 each for a ten year season ticket in area where you were kindly given one free bottle of lager and the choice of a few sandwiches, and then you had to queue up at a nicer bar for anything else after that. The seats being slightly padded was the only other benefit. There wasn't even enough room in the bar for everybody to sit down.
I've got another mate with something similar at Arsenal, and he pays about £5k a season, and gets nothing for free at all. Again, just a slightly posher seat, and the chance to buy a beer and some scran in a nicer looking bar with smaller queues.
I'm guessing the club have paid a consultant to do some "benchmarking" and then decided that Villa fans need to be similarly rinsed.
-
Assuming the rumour is true then £70 a game will mean it's corporate. So on top of the massive price increases of the last 2 years there's losing the free cup game and access to The Holte Suite.
I think they are blurring the line between corporate and 'normal' or at least are trying to, with things like this and the Terrace View, they're going for the average fan with more money than sense rather than lowering the standards for corporate.
In that regard they're just trying to catch up with the likes of Spurs and Arsenal. I might have mentioned before that when I went to our first game back in the PL away at Spurs, the only tickets we could get were in the hospitality seats in the Tottingham stadium. Me and my daughter got talking to a Spurs fan and his son. They'd paid something like £80,000 each for a ten year season ticket in area where you were kindly given one free bottle of lager and the choice of a few sandwiches, and then you had to queue up at a nicer bar for anything else after that. The seats being slightly padded was the only other benefit. There wasn't even enough room in the bar for everybody to sit down.
I've got another mate with something similar at Arsenal, and he pays about £5k a season, and gets nothing for free at all. Again, just a slightly posher seat, and the chance to buy a beer and some scran in a nicer looking bar with smaller queues.
I'm guessing the club have paid a consultant to do some "benchmarking" and then decided that Villa fans need to be similarly rinsed.
The difference with those clubs is London. You can get away with charging a premium in that rip off City.
-
Maybe they'll do a more expensive option to try and palm off some of the Terrace View tickets that go unsold each home game.
-
The difference with those clubs is London. You can get away with charging a premium in that rip off City.
I don't really agree with that. The difference is demand. They had it and still do, we didn't and now increasingly have. When you have a big excess of demand over supply for a product like football where people are emotionally invested, it's an amazing opportunity to make more money than you were before.
-
One thing they do know is whether they'll make a decent profit on it, and they wouldn't be doing it if they felt the demand wasn't there.
-
As someone said, we are 2 miles or so from the city centre. I can go to a city centre pub have some scran and a proper pint or two (without pipe cleaner in) , share a taxi with my mate to get to the ground 20 minutes before and have quite a lot of change from £70.
That’s the difference from spuds or Arsenal … there’s a close diverse alternative.
-
London prices do make a difference. Biggest difference for me though is they did in new builds, we're just taking stuff away from fans and then charging more to be able to use what they were using for years. While the service in the rest of the ground is for the most part, utter shit. If we had an area in a new North Stand for seats that cost that much I doubt many would complain, probably just think people are saft for paying it.
-
Is the demand there though as the Terrace View isn't close to selling out for any game so far?
-
As someone said, we are 2 miles or so from the city centre. I can go to a city centre pub have some scran and a proper pint or two (without pipe cleaner in) , share a taxi with my mate to get to the ground 20 minutes before and have quite a lot of change from £70.
That’s the difference from spuds or Arsenal … there’s a close diverse alternative.
Arsenal is a five minute walk from Islington which has got hundreds of bars and restaurants, and that section of the A1 is literally rammed with places to eat and drink. It's also one stop and five minutes on the tube from Kings Cross/St Pancras and everything going on round there. They've probably got 50 times more places they can go than in Birmingham. It's ridiculously easy to get to, and because there's so much choice nowhere is overly busy, unless you get the away fans deciding to take over one or two pubs. And yet they still sell out the posh bits.
-
Yeah.
The two, use of facilities we as fans can use prior to the games and the facilities within the ground, which are quite frankly shocking - should not be mutually exclusive. We are getting things so right on the pitch but it’s a pretty 1980’s experience in the ground for the fan … unless you use the 1874 area.
Did they put the box prices up £5,000 this year as well?
-
Is the demand there though as the Terrace View isn't close to selling out for any game so far?
It depends what criteria they are using as success at this stage, i guess, it might not necessarily be to sell it out on launch.
-
Without coming over all Wilma, it's pretty obvious who they want in the ground and who they don't. They know that they were ripping us off by removing access to this area hence the lack of information on it's future use. They believe by driving down standards in other areas they will drive the custom into the new ventures and thus extract more money which explains the fact that the place has become a shit hole.
I felt ripped off many a time following football but never more than this.
-
if you sell something and you have over 30,000 on a waiting list for the privilege of giving you hundreds and hundreds of pounds for a year's product in advance then you are going to feel pretty empowered to milk that for as much money as you can get. That's the other side of the equation.
Not saying I like it, but it's basically supply and demand.
-
As someone said, we are 2 miles or so from the city centre. I can go to a city centre pub have some scran and a proper pint or two (without pipe cleaner in) , share a taxi with my mate to get to the ground 20 minutes before and have quite a lot of change from £70.
That’s the difference from spuds or Arsenal … there’s a close diverse alternative.
Arsenal is a five minute walk from Islington which has got hundreds of bars and restaurants, and that section of the A1 is literally rammed with places to eat and drink. It's also one stop and five minutes on the tube from Kings Cross/St Pancras and everything going on round there. They've probably got 50 times more places they can go than in Birmingham. It's ridiculously easy to get to, and because there's so much choice nowhere is overly busy, unless you get the away fans deciding to take over one or two pubs. And yet they still sell out the posh bits.
Tottenham never struck me as as a decent place to have a pint (especially as an away fan) - always quite enjoyed the Ashburton experience but it never struck me as a 10 minute walk for a good pint, think we have always ate/drink two tube stops away - just to queue for the tube. I will have a look. Do they allow football shirts in those places?
With 30,000 season tickets which are increasingly difficult to pass on …. perhaps more a parochial fan base were a city centre start to our “match day” experience will be the way to go. As I say £70 … meh. Perhaps for a table of 10 yep …
-
It is indeed and we won't be the first club to exploit the unique nature of supporting a football team. I'm a realist and know that the game is changing but it still leaves a sour taste. Not least with the disingenuous way they have gone about this, I suspect it's because they know naked greed isn't very cool.
-
I reckon for £70 you'd get admission, decent quality buffet and then you pay for any drinks. As you say, the problem is their solution to shit service is to improve it in small areas, charge way more (more than ticket price), and for good measure, take away something fans have been able to use as part of their ST for years. We just seem to be walking wallets to them these days.
I can only get to a small number of games a year anyway due to the random days/times that the fixtures are played at. And in honesty the effective standing charge of claret membership (since getting tickets together for me and my kids is best impossible one things get to general sale - and I'm not sitting several rows/seats away from a pair of 6 year olds & a 9 year old!) on top of ticket prices ... I think I've been completely priced out now. Was looking to come to a European match with my dad and maybe a league game with the kids, but honestly ... I can't fucking afford it. It'll cost more for a single game than we spend on groceries for a month FFS. Completely unjustifiable for me.
And these pricks think they can make the service so poor that I'll pay double or more just to avoid it?
I'm livid today.
-
Assuming the rumours are true, the lack of transparency and information to the people that have been using it for years when they were renewing season tickets in the summer doesn't reflect well on what they actually think of the fans imo.
-
The difference with those clubs is London. You can get away with charging a premium in that rip off City.
I don't really agree with that. The difference is demand. They had it and still do, we didn't and now increasingly have. When you have a big excess of demand over supply for a product like football where people are emotionally invested, it's an amazing opportunity to make more money than you were before.
There’s loads of cracking pubs and restaurants around arsenal (and to a lesser extent Spurs) so the supply of decent alternatives should keep their pricing competitive. Villa, on the other hand, probably know that they can charge what they want because the alternatives are generally average or a last minute taxi from the city centre.
You’d hope that providing a good service will become a greater priority once the warehouse etc are established. At the moment they appear to be taking the piss.
-
Assuming the rumours are true, the lack of transparency and information to the people that have been using it for years when they were renewing season tickets in the summer doesn't reflect well on what they actually think of the fans imo.
Absolutely. I've always believed that Clubs need to create revenue but must try to respect and look after their core support and I think that has happened at the Villa more or less in my time.
Until now. My support counts for nothing because I don't earn enough.
-
Weirdly, me and my mates have often said we’d happily get to Aston earlier if there were some decent places to eat and drink i.e. take my money!.
The Villa warehouse or Villa Live seemed to be that opportunity but it will be missed if they insist on having membership or a charge to to get in.
-
We’ve started using the Aston Tavern before and after the game. It’s a fiver on the door or seventy quid for the season and for that you get hot food thrown in, usually something like a choice of curry or chilli cooked in a a decent kitchen because it’s used a wedding venue. They do a nice pint of Guinness and has the advantage of only being a hop and skip to the ground. After the Swan and Mitre closed we did use the Holte Suite occasionally but there’s no way I’d pay that sort of money.
-
I’d precisely the supporter they don’t want, I drink (and sometimes eat) in town, and we jump in an Uber at 2.30 to get in for kick off, just about. That won’t change no matter what ‘memberships’ they introduce, they can whistle.
-
Yesterday, I went into the Holte Hotel pre-match and was pleasantly surprised: good service and not massively busy.
Because I travel from the north, I routinely arrive 3 hours before kick off and have tended to go to the Holte Suite... the proposed changes disappoint but don't surprise me. Our commercial performance as a club has been terrible for years and - with the s.t. demand so high - it's not surprising to see the price-gouging going on.
As ever, it's the long-serving attendees that have the most to lose.
-
I dont tend to drink for that long before a game and normally just go in the Holte concourse about 45 mins before k/o have a pint and get the kids a drink & some chips and maybe have another one at h/t. Sometimes I’ll go the Sacred Heart before or most likely after, but at the moment the teenagers haven’t discovered the joy of staying out for hours after a game.
About three or four times a season I might pop in the Holte Suite before a match. I do however know lots of supporters who go in for an hour or more post every home match before moving on.
None of this really matters and Im rambling on, except as season ticket holders there has always been the choice. PWS has nailed this, it’s about the club actively removing the choices that have been available to the loyalists of supporters for many years, the Holte Suite, cup games, and wrapping it up as the result of consumer research, so telling us we’ve asked for this…..fuck right off!!
All the while, the ques remain the same downstairs with us plebs and we continued to get served shite by under paid, under trained disaffected kids.
I know things move on and we are trying to move forwards commercially and the very last thing I want to sound like is Wilma, but shitting all over your bread and butter supporters just seems illogical? Unless their sacred consumer research tells them the holy grail waiting list is made up of people willing to pay for this.
-
I’ve said it before - can’t think of any other business that treats its most loyal customers with such contempt.
They were emailing us , begging us , to bring others to the game 6 years ago in the championship when the trinity upper was closed .
Something very wrong at B6 - and for the first time in a very long time it’s everywhere apart from on the pitch.
-
We are customers. Simple as that. Long gone are the days of looking after the loyal fans at football clubs.
-
Is it 70 quid all you can drink?
Probably 2 pints of carling and a programme + lanyard . Bargain lol
-
It is the total lack of communication from the club that really stinks.
Treating the fans with contempt. What happens at the Fan consultation meetings, does any one ask any questions about this stuff?
-
I thought they had already confirmed at the FAB it was going to a pay facility and the detailed info would follow.
Many bought their ST on the basis the holte suite was included so possibility of a case for mis-selling.
"Have you been mis-sold an Aston Villa ST , if so call..... "
-
I’ve said a few times they think they’ve bought a London club and don’t realise we don’t earn as much up here. Now I’m beginning to realise they think we earn as much as the players.
I honestly wish they’d take their billions and piss off back to wear they came from.
The bloke next to me at the urinal on Saturday said they’ll be charging us to use that before too long.
-
It is the total lack of communication from the club that really stinks.
Treating the fans with contempt. What happens at the Fan consultation meetings, does any one ask any questions about this stuff?
Yes, lots.
-
I think they are blurring the line between corporate and 'normal' or at least are trying to, with things like this and the Terrace View, they're going for the average fan with more money than sense rather than lowering the standards for corporate.
I think this is exactly what is happening now.
Yesterday I paid £6.30 for a pint of Birra Morretti in the bar with all the cameras monitoring you to see what you take after you've scanned your bank card to get in (Lower Holte, right side of the concourse). The positive was the speed at which I got a pint, and could have got various snacks if I'd wanted. And it was a decent pint. The downside was the pint was six pounds thirty.
-
I can't believe I actually got served in the upper holte by someone who knew how to pull a pint.
-
No programmes available in the Upper Holte yesterday for the second game in a row. The programme kiosk is being used to store barrels of lager.
-
I honestly wish they’d take their billions and piss off back to wear they came from.
Yeah me too, I really miss the days where we couldn't pay the tax bill.
-
I honestly wish they’d take their billions and piss off back to wear they came from.
That's without a doubt the most stupid thing I've ever seen posted on here.
-
I honestly wish they’d take their billions and piss off back to wear they came from.
That's without a doubt the most stupid thing I've ever seen posted on here.
You could argue without the billions, we would have gone out of business, then a Zombie Villa would have started and the cost of Non-League matches are a lot cheaper then Prem league. I suspect the loos at Castle Vale Stadium or wherever Zombie Villa starts at are not good enough to be charged for use.
-
I honestly wish they’d take their billions and piss off back to wear they came from.
That's without a doubt the most stupid thing I've ever seen posted on here.
It’s a tough competition but right up there.
-
I think they are blurring the line between corporate and 'normal' or at least are trying to, with things like this and the Terrace View, they're going for the average fan with more money than sense rather than lowering the standards for corporate.
I think this is exactly what is happening now.
Yesterday I paid £6.30 for a pint of Birra Morretti in the bar with all the cameras monitoring you to see what you take after you've scanned your bank card to get in (Lower Holte, right side of the concourse). The positive was the speed at which I got a pint, and could have got various snacks if I'd wanted. And it was a decent pint. The downside was the pint was six pounds thirty.
It was £5 for a carling at Newcastle. I know which I'd prefer if the choice was there.
-
Without their billions there's a decent chance we'd currently still be in the second tier and all excited over Tom Brady. That's assuming we hadn't been relegated to division 3 and were stuck there. I don't like a fair few things they've done last couple of years but wanting them to piss off is a tad bonkers.
-
I honestly wish they’d take their billions and piss off back to wear they came from.
That's without a doubt the most stupid thing I've ever seen posted on here.
bring back Greg Nash
-
I honestly wish they’d take their billions and piss off back to wear they came from.
That's without a doubt the most stupid thing I've ever seen posted on here.
Apart from when some people claimed Sarah Millican was funny.
-
When Chris Heck was appointed on the reputation of turning his Philly team from a multi million dollar franchise to a multi billion dollar one did anyone think things would get
cheaper?
We expect better food and services and that usually comes at a price anywhere and now in football.
Do you think club owners want champions league football for the glory of winning? It's for obscene TV revenue and the opportunity to charge more.
"The problem with success is you become what you detest" is very apt
-
I honestly wish they’d take their billions and piss off back to wear they came from.
That's without a doubt the most stupid thing I've ever seen posted on here.
Apart from when some people claimed Sarah Millican was funny.
Yeah but that was so out there, it was obvious they couldn’t really mean it.
-
When Chris Heck was appointed on the reputation of turning his Philly team from a multi million dollar franchise to a multi billion dollar one did anyone think things would get
cheaper?
We expect better food and services and that usually comes at a price anywhere and now in football.
Do you think club owners want champions league football for the glory of winning? It's for obscene TV revenue and the opportunity to charge more.
"The problem with success is you become what you detest" is very apt
The vast majority of us are getting worse service and food and drink at best the same shite as the last few years. They, whoever they are, the faceless ones, are removing facilities that were available to the majority recently and giving that majority an unspoken choice, either find a way pay lots more (and maybe lots more than many of us can afford) or shut up and put up with queing for over priced crap.
Ranting aside i can sort of put myself in the shoes of those tasked with raising the profile and revenue streams of the club. I can see how the holte suite can be seen for corporatisation, it stinks to me but I can see. Doing it, while leaving the services to the ‘other’ supporters so shoddy, just makes a bad taste even worse.
-
Could never work the Holte Suite out. Seemed ripe for a convivial atmosphere but felt like a soulless airport lounge. However feel for those who frequent and now may have to look elsewhere.
-
If £70 got me a ticket, program, decent food and somewhere to stay a few hours before and after the game I might be the sort of fan they are looking for. That would suite me well. They would have to be selling those tickets months in advance though so I could book plane tickets from Dublin. That can't happen with kick off times not being decided far enough in advance.
Seems to me that there is a tension between the need to make a profit in a club by rinsing it's fans for everything it can. And keeping the essence of football alive. A lot of the appeal of football is that it's accessible to everyone, the working man singing on a terrace, the kids from homes without much money using jumpers as goalposts dreaming of playing professionally. Football needs that to make it worthwhile and interesting. If you can only attract attendance from those with money who may lack some some of the traits that have been associated with football and made it attractive, then eventually it's going to die and you'll have killed your cash cow.
-
Wait to see how much the corporate packages will be to be above the new glass tunnel area they are planning. Spurs and shitty already have in place.
I have said this many times before. Is football any more expensive than seeing a half decent band or artist. If you can actually get an over inflated priced ticket then you will pay more than at football for warm beer, shit food and shittier service.
Back in the summer I went to see Pulp in Sheffield on a Saturday night. Tickets a year previously were face value of £50 - 100. The only ones I could get were £150 each. Of course I was bombarded with hospitality packages ranging between £600-1500 (somebody was buying them because they were eventually sold out as well)
Concert was fab BTW
-
Far cry from small boys in the park, jumpers for goalposts. Rush goalie. Two at the back, three in the middle, four up front, one's gone home for his tea. Beans on toast? Possibly, don't quote me on that. Marvellous.
-
Wait to see how much the corporate packages will be to be above the new glass tunnel area they are planning. Spurs and shitty already have in place.
I have said this many times before. Is football any more expensive than seeing a half decent band or artist. If you can actually get an over inflated priced ticket then you will pay more than at football for warm beer, shit food and shittier service.
Back in the summer I went to see Pulp in Sheffield on a Saturday night. Tickets a year previously were face value of £50 - 100. The only ones I could get were £150 each. Of course I was bombarded with hospitality packages ranging between £600-1500 (somebody was buying them because they were eventually sold out as well)
Concert was fab BTW
Your not planning to see Pulp every two weeks though and you largely know what your going to get. We pay for the Villa through thick and thin, so its a different analogy.
I understand we’re just viewed as consumers, but historically a proportion of us will still be there if the football goes turgid again, they are dicing with the current upward trajectory having some permanence by actively seemingly going out of their way to disengage some of us.
-
After 45 years of going down aston , the whole pricing thing and cost to go and watch them is at breaking point for me. I grew up in a council house played football for the school and Sundays for the local team, coronation league etc. My ST this year is almsost £900 . I can't get tickets to away games now even if I wanted to but the thought of spending hundreds of pounds trapesing around the country and now Europe watching these pampered players earning £150k a week or more isn't sitting right for me. Modern football doesn't work for me . Losing interest
-
It might be an idea to start watching non league footy.
That way you get to watch 11 competition winners and maybe one of them will score an absolute banger at a fraction of the cost!!
-
Wait to see how much the corporate packages will be to be above the new glass tunnel area they are planning. Spurs and shitty already have in place.
I have said this many times before. Is football any more expensive than seeing a half decent band or artist. If you can actually get an over inflated priced ticket then you will pay more than at football for warm beer, shit food and shittier service.
Back in the summer I went to see Pulp in Sheffield on a Saturday night. Tickets a year previously were face value of £50 - 100. The only ones I could get were £150 each. Of course I was bombarded with hospitality packages ranging between £600-1500 (somebody was buying them because they were eventually sold out as well)
Concert was fab BTW
Your not planning to see Pulp every two weeks though and you largely know what your going to get. We pay for the Villa through thick and thin, so its a different analogy.
I understand we’re just viewed as consumers, but historically a proportion of us will still be there if the football goes turgid again, they are dicing with the current upward trajectory having some permanence by actively seemingly going out of their way to disengage some of us.
Exactly this. Football prices used to be comparable to cinema tickets - something you might do every week, not the cost of something you might do a couple of times a year.
-
I wouldn't call a trip to your local world of Cine cheap anymore either.
-
relations between the club and the fanbase as low as it could possibly be and has been (been going since mid 70's).
The ticket office is out of tune with supporters (the only one btw that still operates at home), bring in a Yank with all his American ideas to a British public we are european standard on the pitch and Conference North Standard (about Scunthorpe level) off it.
-
I reckon there's about 0% chance of me and many of the folk I sit with retaining a ticket in the new North Stand when it's done, it will be built to be a corporate/ enhanced experience cash shitting machine.
-
After having a ST for over 40 years, I think I'm nearing the end of my time going down every week. They're targeting a new breed of fanbase, and I think I'll be leaving them to it. There are many other ways of watching the matches these days, without burning all your money.
-
After having a ST for over 40 years, I think I'm nearing the end of my time going down every week. They're targeting a new breed of fanbase, and I think I'll be leaving them to it. There are many other ways of watching the matches these days, without burning all your money.
My mate has vowed to not spend a single penny inside the ground from now on. Enjoy decent food and drink in town before or after the game, at reasonable prices, and just visit to watch the match.
-
After having a ST for over 40 years, I think I'm nearing the end of my time going down every week. They're targeting a new breed of fanbase, and I think I'll be leaving them to it. There are many other ways of watching the matches these days, without burning all your money.
My mate has vowed to not spend a single penny inside the ground from now on. Enjoy decent food and drink in town before or after the game, at reasonable prices, and just visit to watch the match.
If only we could drink in town.
-
I wouldn't call a trip to your local world of Cine cheap anymore either.
It's not that bad though ... £5 a ticket round us (Odeon, book online). So the whole family could go and watch a film for the same price as one kids ticket at Villa Park pretty much.
Now, it's not comparing apples with apples cos I don't see them as at all the same thing, but equally football isn't a cheap thing. For me, the cost of going to 2 Villa games a season - one with the kids, one with just me & my dad - is roughly the same as a season ticket at Wrexham for me, my dad, and the kids. That's not "when you account for travelling" or "when you account for food". It's simply the price of the ticket, plus membership at Aston Villa because I weirdly want to sit next to my 6 year old boy not 2 rows and 20 seats apart.
Not that I plan to get a season ticket at Wrexham, but still ... the costs involved going to Villa with a famliy, for me, are very, very difficult to justify when I know my wife is struggling a bit to get the food money to go round.
-
I don't mind them trying this on if they thing they can make it work, even though I'd never pay that, but it pisses me off hugely that elsewhere you have people paying 60 odd quid for a ticket yet encountering overflowing disgusting toilets.
It's like there's a certain level of shit service they do not give a fuck about, so long as people keep ponying up the money.
The answer for them seems to be all about getting people to pay more money based on "this new thing is better than what you'd get otherwise with the bulk of the fans" rather than improving general standards.
"It's hard to buy food at half time, but look, if you can pay another 50 quid (or whatever) you'll be able to get some food" rather than just making it easier for more people to get something on the concourses.
This is where I'm at really. I'm not that fussed about the Holte Suite as I wouldn't necessarily expect a free private lounge included in the price of a match ticket. Now imagine if instead of halving the facilities in the upper Holte they'd actually improved them and made it somewhere people are happy to dwell - I'd guess the loss of the Holte Suite wouldn't have been such an issue then?
But the fuckers can't even be bothered to install an extra urinal, extend the size of the remaining inadequate bar facilities or even pay for an extra fucking beer pump.
-
I think the issue is there isn't the demand they're banking on. Precisely zero Terrace View tickets were sold for Crystal Palace on a game by game basis. In London, there's a built in market of tourists who will pay over the odds to go to their one Premier League game. In Manchester and Liverpool, teams have sufficient global demand now to have people make a trip to see their favourite TV stars. We're in the middle, unless we get Man City levels of success we're not going to get the market of people.
There just aren't a few thousand people in the Midlands who suddenly want to go to Aston and eat a chicken curry out of a vat and have a warm lager in a windowless room for over £100 on a Sunday at 2pm.
The sensible play, surely, is to make the facilities for the majority of fans nice enough that they'll spend more money at the ground and less elsewhere.
-
I don't mind them trying this on if they thing they can make it work, even though I'd never pay that, but it pisses me off hugely that elsewhere you have people paying 60 odd quid for a ticket yet encountering overflowing disgusting toilets.
It's like there's a certain level of shit service they do not give a fuck about, so long as people keep ponying up the money.
The answer for them seems to be all about getting people to pay more money based on "this new thing is better than what you'd get otherwise with the bulk of the fans" rather than improving general standards.
"It's hard to buy food at half time, but look, if you can pay another 50 quid (or whatever) you'll be able to get some food" rather than just making it easier for more people to get something on the concourses.
This is where I'm at really. I'm not that fussed about the Holte Suite as I wouldn't necessarily expect a free private lounge included in the price of a match ticket. Now imagine if instead of halving the facilities in the upper Holte they'd actually improved them and made it somewhere people are happy to dwell - I'd guess the loss of the Holte Suite wouldn't have been such an issue then?
But the fuckers can't even be bothered to install an extra urinal, extend the size of the remaining inadequate bar facilities or even pay for an extra fucking beer pump.
The Holte Suite is not just for Holte Enders though.
-
Precisely zero Terrace View tickets were sold for Crystal Palace on a game by game basis.
Whilst I absolutely agree with your overall point I'm not sure this is right. There were about 90 left on Friday I seem to recall, so I assume that means they must have sold approx 200 on the game by game basis?
I imagine the numbers will drop when people realise they're paying £114 for a seat in the wings or right at the back. My big fear is the club will realise that to truly make this work they're going to have to have dedicated seating and take the best 1,000 seats in the upper Holte (or maybe some in the lower too)
-
After having a ST for over 40 years, I think I'm nearing the end of my time going down every week. They're targeting a new breed of fanbase, and I think I'll be leaving them to it. There are many other ways of watching the matches these days, without burning all your money.
This is where I am too. Once it goes to £1k for a season ticket I'll finally give up after 45 yrs. I can't really justify £800 currently but it's a hard habit to break
Think theres 3 or 4 seasons before then so hopefully the FACup in the few seasons please
-
I don't mind them trying this on if they thing they can make it work, even though I'd never pay that, but it pisses me off hugely that elsewhere you have people paying 60 odd quid for a ticket yet encountering overflowing disgusting toilets.
It's like there's a certain level of shit service they do not give a fuck about, so long as people keep ponying up the money.
The answer for them seems to be all about getting people to pay more money based on "this new thing is better than what you'd get otherwise with the bulk of the fans" rather than improving general standards.
"It's hard to buy food at half time, but look, if you can pay another 50 quid (or whatever) you'll be able to get some food" rather than just making it easier for more people to get something on the concourses.
This is where I'm at really. I'm not that fussed about the Holte Suite as I wouldn't necessarily expect a free private lounge included in the price of a match ticket. Now imagine if instead of halving the facilities in the upper Holte they'd actually improved them and made it somewhere people are happy to dwell - I'd guess the loss of the Holte Suite wouldn't have been such an issue then?
But the fuckers can't even be bothered to install an extra urinal, extend the size of the remaining inadequate bar facilities or even pay for an extra fucking beer pump.
The Holte Suite is not just for Holte Enders though.
Right, but I guess the point remains if the facilities in the stands are acceptable then there's less need for it.
-
I've said all along that they're looking at the block front centre upstairs and thinking how much they can corporate them for.
-
Probably not the right place for this, but in the centre block of Upper Trinity (A4?) there are two rows of a dozen seats bang on the halfway line that have been completely empty for both games this season. Mental
-
Not necessarily. Fans like to get there early, have a sit down, watch the early game, have a bite to eat, meet up with friends etc. Having better facilties in the ground would not necessarily put people off using the Holte Suite.
-
After having a ST for over 40 years, I think I'm nearing the end of my time going down every week. They're targeting a new breed of fanbase, and I think I'll be leaving them to it. There are many other ways of watching the matches these days, without burning all your money.
My mate has vowed to not spend a single penny inside the ground from now on. Enjoy decent food and drink in town before or after the game, at reasonable prices, and just visit to watch the match.
I reckon there were 10 of us who met up in the OC on Saturday, had a few before the game, got an Uber to the ground, jumped into a “taxi” on Trinity Road after the game, back to town to the pub for several more. My bank statement showed that I spent over £50 - and I’m sure the others with me probably spent the same - and none of it was spent in Villa Park. And that’s a typical home game for us.
-
Not necessarily. Fans like to get there early, have a sit down, watch the early game, have a bite to eat, meet up with friends etc. Having better facilities in the ground would not necessarily put people off using the Holte Suite.
No, but the point I'm making is you don't necessarily expect a private lounge with a standard match ticket and if facilities elsewhere were up to scratch the loss may not be so keenly felt.
-
Ever had the feeling that you're not wanted?
-
Not necessarily. Fans like to get there early, have a sit down, watch the early game, have a bite to eat, meet up with friends etc. Having better facilities in the ground would not necessarily put people off using the Holte Suite.
No, but the point I'm making is you don't necessarily expect a private lounge with a standard match ticket and if facilities elsewhere were up to scratch the loss may not be so keenly felt.
It's been open for season ticket holders for years. People like its convenience on a match day and for all the reasons I listed earlier. They can make the inground facilities better without kicking people out the Holte Suite.
-
Precisely zero Terrace View tickets were sold for Crystal Palace on a game by game basis.
Whilst I absolutely agree with your overall point I'm not sure this is right. There were about 90 left on Friday I seem to recall, so I assume that means they must have sold approx 200 on the game by game basis?
I imagine the numbers will drop when people realise they're paying £114 for a seat in the wings or right at the back. My big fear is the club will realise that to truly make this work they're going to have to have dedicated seating and take the best 1,000 seats in the upper Holte (or maybe some in the lower too)
When they went on sale on 29 August I took a screenshot and there were 91 remaining then, there may have been one or two gone. There were more available for Hibernian but that was due to the 'season ticket' purchasers not taking up their offer of an extortionately overpriced ticket
-
After having a ST for over 40 years, I think I'm nearing the end of my time going down every week. They're targeting a new breed of fanbase, and I think I'll be leaving them to it. There are many other ways of watching the matches these days, without burning all your money.
very much the way i feel too. This will be my last season (though i said that last season). But this time it feels different. The pricing , the KO times and just the overall treatment and "customer service". I used to enjoy doing 3 or 4 away's a season now that's a closed shop with the inner circle controlling tickets and i especially dislike those who treat away games as an excuse to go on a 12 hour bender and post a picture of every fucking pint or can they've drunk on social media - go to the pub FFS and let someone who wants to watch the match go.
-
Ever had the feeling that you're not wanted?
In a way I'm fine with it, because I like being a stubborn bastard about things this and steadfastly refusing to engage with them on any other level than simply watching the football will nourish me spiritually.
The industry of football and it's excess goes against everything I stand for morally and my engagement with it feels much more comfortable if I'm bitter and spiteful to those in power than grateful.
-
There were a couple of blokes, well kids really, next to me. Looks like the ST holder hasn't renewed. Anyway they had TV wrist bands on and were Villa fans although weren't particularly engaged or vocal. My seat is in the lowest band so depending on how much they paid (or their Dad, one had a heavy tan that one would only pick up having spent the summer anywhere but Britain) it might not have been the best value for money.
-
We are not far away from the bars and food facilities being renamed ‘concession stands.’
-
Not necessarily. Fans like to get there early, have a sit down, watch the early game, have a bite to eat, meet up with friends etc. Having better facilities in the ground would not necessarily put people off using the Holte Suite.
No, but the point I'm making is you don't necessarily expect a private lounge with a standard match ticket and if facilities elsewhere were up to scratch the loss may not be so keenly felt.
It's been open for season ticket holders for years. People like its convenience on a match day and for all the reasons I listed earlier. They can make the inground facilities better without kicking people out the Holte Suite.
ok, well we kind of disagree on this one. I think it's one of the more reasonable spaces for the club to make use of. Even so, I think we probably would agree that the concourse facilities are generally sub-standard.
-
Not necessarily. Fans like to get there early, have a sit down, watch the early game, have a bite to eat, meet up with friends etc. Having better facilities in the ground would not necessarily put people off using the Holte Suite.
No, but the point I'm making is you don't necessarily expect a private lounge with a standard match ticket and if facilities elsewhere were up to scratch the loss may not be so keenly felt.
It's been open for season ticket holders for years. People like its convenience on a match day and for all the reasons I listed earlier. They can make the inground facilities better without kicking people out the Holte Suite.
ok, well we kind of disagree on this one. I think it's one of the more reasonable spaces for the club to make use of. Even so, I think we probably would agree that the concourse facilities are generally sub-standard.
It would have made more sense to convert the Holte Suite into the Terrace View and leave the Upper Holte as was and at least improve concourse facilities where they can.
I’d imagine the commercial bods have been told that match day income targets have to be improved so are looking for every opportunity to squeeze the extra money. What irks is the haphazard nature of how they’re doing it, there doesn’t seem to be a well thought through plan about how to accommodate improved commercial performance, just that’ll do to squeeze some new high paying punter. It reminds me of so many industries whom offer better deals to new customers and forget their existing ones.
-
Not necessarily. Fans like to get there early, have a sit down, watch the early game, have a bite to eat, meet up with friends etc. Having better facilities in the ground would not necessarily put people off using the Holte Suite.
No, but the point I'm making is you don't necessarily expect a private lounge with a standard match ticket and if facilities elsewhere were up to scratch the loss may not be so keenly felt.
It's been open for season ticket holders for years. People like its convenience on a match day and for all the reasons I listed earlier. They can make the inground facilities better without kicking people out the Holte Suite.
ok, well we kind of disagree on this one. I think it's one of the more reasonable spaces for the club to make use of. Even so, I think we probably would agree that the concourse facilities are generally sub-standard.
It’s been something season ticket holders have been able to use for years and there are usually hundreds in there every game paying their money to the club. This is now being taken away and you might not care but those that do are losing something that has been integral to their match day for a long time.
-
Not necessarily. Fans like to get there early, have a sit down, watch the early game, have a bite to eat, meet up with friends etc. Having better facilities in the ground would not necessarily put people off using the Holte Suite.
No, but the point I'm making is you don't necessarily expect a private lounge with a standard match ticket and if facilities elsewhere were up to scratch the loss may not be so keenly felt.
It's been open for season ticket holders for years. People like its convenience on a match day and for all the reasons I listed earlier. They can make the inground facilities better without kicking people out the Holte Suite.
ok, well we kind of disagree on this one. I think it's one of the more reasonable spaces for the club to make use of. Even so, I think we probably would agree that the concourse facilities are generally sub-standard.
It would have made more sense to convert the Holte Suite into the Terrace View and leave the Upper Holte as was and at least improve concourse facilities where they can.
I’d imagine the commercial bods have been told that match day income targets have to be improved so are looking for every opportunity to squeeze the extra money. What irks is the haphazard nature of how they’re doing it, there doesn’t seem to be a well thought through plan about how to accommodate improved commercial performance, just that’ll do to squeeze some new high paying punter. It reminds me of so many industries whom offer better deals to new customers and forget their existing ones.
You are right,it seems that it that no real planning has gone into the process, but doesn't that sum up modern day management, but no one got the balls to say ere I think we need to look at this again, can't blame them really because in this country you put your head about the parapet you get it shot off and upset some senior dick head of a manager and you are finished
-
Not necessarily. Fans like to get there early, have a sit down, watch the early game, have a bite to eat, meet up with friends etc. Having better facilities in the ground would not necessarily put people off using the Holte Suite.
No, but the point I'm making is you don't necessarily expect a private lounge with a standard match ticket and if facilities elsewhere were up to scratch the loss may not be so keenly felt.
It's been open for season ticket holders for years. People like its convenience on a match day and for all the reasons I listed earlier. They can make the inground facilities better without kicking people out the Holte Suite.
ok, well we kind of disagree on this one. I think it's one of the more reasonable spaces for the club to make use of. Even so, I think we probably would agree that the concourse facilities are generally sub-standard.
It’s been something season ticket holders have been able to use for years and there are usually hundreds in there every game paying their money to the club. This is now being taken away and you might not care but those that do are losing something that has been integral to their match day for a long time.
I'm not saying I think it's a good idea - far from it I think it will flop if the plans are as leaked. I'm just saying I wouldn't necessarily expect a private lounge to be included with a season ticket. Hopefully the Villa Live space will provide an alternative in due course.
-
All this does make me wonder who these people are that can afford to keep paying these ever increasing prices, because i can't - or won't, which I guess all goes to make walking away that bit easier.
-
You don't think it's a good idea but you are defending it? As for Villa live venue, thats a couple of years down the line yet.
-
You don't think it's a good idea but you are defending it? As for Villa live venue, thats a couple of years down the line yet.
Yes, pretty much. I think as part of a package of measures the club using that space would have been reasonable. The problem is the measures I have in mind aren't happening and probably can't happen in the Witton Lane upper due to space. I also think what they have planned is ridiculously priced and will fail.
-
They can't do too much to the Holte Suite as it's used for non-matchday functions of all sorts.
-
I think the issue is there isn't the demand they're banking on. Precisely zero Terrace View tickets were sold for Crystal Palace on a game by game basis.
That's not true.
-
After having a ST for over 40 years, I think I'm nearing the end of my time going down every week. They're targeting a new breed of fanbase, and I think I'll be leaving them to it. There are many other ways of watching the matches these days, without burning all your money.
This is where I am too. Once it goes to £1k for a season ticket I'll finally give up after 45 yrs. I can't really justify £800 currently but it's a hard habit to break
Think theres 3 or 4 seasons before then so hopefully the FACup in the few seasons please
I was going to give up my season ticket when we moved north, because in recent years, half a dozen home games on record was enough for a Wembley ticket & I thought - I’d probably come down for maybe half the games.
Then, at that exact moment we suddenly had 30,000 season ticket holders and another 30,000 waiting! So I kept it.
But everything - the rising cost of the ST itself, the myriad of kick off times that don’t work well with the trip down, & this season, the feeling that they can’t find enough ways to get money out of us are contributing to me moving on.
Nonetheless, how can I give my ST up just when we look like winning something? I don’t want to have had it for 20 average to shitty years, to have us win the FA Cup the season after I go!
It’s a weird thing, but I think I’m not alone, & they may find that the season we win a trophy, will be the one before a huge number of us finally throw the towel in. Imagine how baffled they are going to be when success leads to falling gates! Understanding Villa fans doesn’t come easy!
-
Only started using the Holte suite since last season, normally I go straight into my seat, but my son has a season ticket and we have a drink at half time and although what I call pricey for a pint I really enjoy it, because it's comfortable to have a sit down and chat with him, what I do find a pain is you got less then half hour to drink,so we only have the one pint.Very soon he be taking his new born baby down with his wife and if it's only ticket only there be no were to sit comfortably, aren't we supposed supposed to make it more attractive for families especially younger kids?
-
It really does sound like things are at breaking point for a significant number of fans.
On the face of it, it doesn't seem like price increases are massively out of whack with inflation.
Are Birmingham wages lagging behind the rest of the country?
-
used the HS last season after the Newcastle game, was very nice not too packed , decent beer and Evans Swain and McNaught came in for a chat. Its quite spacious in there . It will be a shame that it will become £70 entry and the club can definitely stick it where the sun don't shone
-
After having a ST for over 40 years, I think I'm nearing the end of my time going down every week. They're targeting a new breed of fanbase, and I think I'll be leaving them to it. There are many other ways of watching the matches these days, without burning all your money.
This is where I am too. Once it goes to £1k for a season ticket I'll finally give up after 45 yrs. I can't really justify £800 currently but it's a hard habit to break
Think theres 3 or 4 seasons before then so hopefully the FACup in the few seasons please
I was going to give up my season ticket when we moved north, because in recent years, half a dozen home games on record was enough for a Wembley ticket & I thought - I’d probably come down for maybe half the games.
Then, at that exact moment we suddenly had 30,000 season ticket holders and another 30,000 waiting! So I kept it.
But everything - the rising cost of the ST itself, the myriad of kick off times that don’t work well with the trip down, & this season, the feeling that they can’t find enough ways to get money out of us are contributing to me moving on.
Nonetheless, how can I give my ST up just when we look like winning something? I don’t want to have had it for 20 average to shitty years, to have us win the FA Cup the season after I go!
It’s a weird thing, but I think I’m not alone, & they may find that the season we win a trophy, will be the one before a huge number of us finally throw the towel in. Imagine how baffled they are going to be when success leads to falling gates! Understanding Villa fans doesn’t come easy!
Exactly my situation, amfy.
-
I think the issue is there isn't the demand they're banking on. Precisely zero Terrace View tickets were sold for Crystal Palace on a game by game basis.
That's not true.
91 Seats available in that area on 29th August
(https://i.ibb.co/kQNd2hy/eabb0f1f-835d-4926-8efe-7f8a541d6ea1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kQNd2hy)
I didn't check on matchday but was still in the 90s based on what those have said here
-
I think the issue is there isn't the demand they're banking on. Precisely zero Terrace View tickets were sold for Crystal Palace on a game by game basis.
That's not true.
91 Seats available in that area on 29th August
(https://i.ibb.co/kQNd2hy/eabb0f1f-835d-4926-8efe-7f8a541d6ea1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kQNd2hy)
I didn't check on matchday but was still in the 90s based on what those have said here
For Palace? I checked on the morning - was getting rough prices for later in the year and wondered if it'd be cheaper going Terrace View over Membership + Trinity Road. Anyway, there were 86 seats left in Terrace View at the time
-
It really does sound like things are at breaking point for a significant number of fans.
On the face of it, it doesn't seem like price increases are massively out of whack with inflation.
Are Birmingham wages lagging behind the rest of the country?
(https://i.ibb.co/tXx5MsK/FB-IMG-1528322074649.jpg) (https://ibb.co/16dxfqQ)
-
I wouldn't call a trip to your local world of Cine cheap anymore either.
It's not that bad though ... £5 a ticket round us (Odeon, book online). So the whole family could go and watch a film for the same price as one kids ticket at Villa Park pretty much.
I'm guessing that is several weeks after the film is released or specific kids matinee type things. The cheapest near us is £15 each but then they did turn the whole cinema into the recliner seats so you can't go "cheap" seats either.
-
I guess the simple answer to those not satisfied with the food/drink options is just to give it a miss (like me), but whilst people are still queuing for long periods the club will assume they’re happy to continue to do so.
-
I wouldn't call a trip to your local world of Cine cheap anymore either.
It's not that bad though ... £5 a ticket round us (Odeon, book online). So the whole family could go and watch a film for the same price as one kids ticket at Villa Park pretty much.
I'm guessing that is several weeks after the film is released or specific kids matinee type things. The cheapest near us is £15 each but then they did turn the whole cinema into the recliner seats so you can't go "cheap" seats either.
Ah, that's probably it. No recliner seats in ours, but everything's a fiver - any film, any time, any day - so not arsed that I have to slouch rather than have the seat slouch for me. Book online and you're golden:
https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/wrexham-eagles-meadow/
(just noticed that it says it's a special deal on there, but I've been using it or a year or so and aren't a myOdeon member or anything ..)
-
I wouldn't call a trip to your local world of Cine cheap anymore either.
It's not that bad though ... £5 a ticket round us (Odeon, book online). So the whole family could go and watch a film for the same price as one kids ticket at Villa Park pretty much.
I'm guessing that is several weeks after the film is released or specific kids matinee type things. The cheapest near us is £15 each but then they did turn the whole cinema into the recliner seats so you can't go "cheap" seats either.
£15 for the football though? Doesn’t that sound a bit more like it?
-
Less than 41,000 there on Saturday.
-
Someone posted this on Twitter of the Upper Holte, saying
Taken at 2.59pm and vacant all game.....
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F6T0JmEWwAAC_fq?format=webp&name=small)
-
Less than 41,000 there on Saturday.
I think a big chunk of that shortfall was Palace not selling out their allocation.
-
A lot depends on personal circumstances. If you're in a job where wages have kept pace with inflation, or your mortage is still on a lower rate or even better paid off, then I guess most of us will tolerate a certain level of increase above what's normal. But everyone will have their own breaking point. The club, as a business, won't worry about you whilst there's tens of thousands waiting to take your place & that would be the same whoever was running the club. I'm sure there's fans at every club in the country expressing the same feelings.
-
Less than 41,000 there on Saturday.
I think a big chunk of that shortfall was Palace not selling out their allocation.
when I looked Friday night there was about 95 terrace view tickets and about 400 approximately around the ground
-
I think the issue is there isn't the demand they're banking on. Precisely zero Terrace View tickets were sold for Crystal Palace on a game by game basis.
That's not true.
91 Seats available in that area on 29th August
I didn't check on matchday but was still in the 90s based on what those have said here
I looked about 3 weeks before the Palace game and there were 120+ seats available in Terrace View. Then had a quick look every day or so and they were selling pretty steadily until there were fewer than 20 available about 10 days out. When I checked a couple of days later to see if they'd sold out, there were then 120-130 seats available. Clearly they'd released another 100-150 Terrace View seats for sale. I didn't really look after that but there were 70-80 or so available a couple of hours before the game. So, as I said, it's simply not true that they didn't sell any TV tickets for that particular game.
-
One of the problems with closing the Holte Suite is the half time issue. There's 600 people who might potentially then gather in the Holte lower concourse area, which makes it even more packed...
-
Didn't realise you could use the holte suite at HT
-
Didn't realise you could use the holte suite at HT
it opens about 15 minutes before the first half ends, which sometimes may be later and then you have about a half hour to get your drink/ drinks down your neck and of course queuing up for food
-
Less than 41,000 there on Saturday.
I think a big chunk of that shortfall was Palace not selling out their allocation.
Easily 300 empty seats in the Palace end - I can't imagine hospitality was an easy sell for the game too.
-
I reckon there were 10 of us who met up in the OC on Saturday, had a few before the game, got an Uber to the ground, jumped into a “taxi” on Trinity Road after the game, back to town to the pub for several more. My bank statement showed that I spent over £50 - and I’m sure the others with me probably spent the same - and none of it was spent in Villa Park. And that’s a typical home game for us.
Is that a thing that you and your friends do out of habit, Chico? If there was some facility available at the club post game could that tempt you to spend your money there instead of in town? As I'm typing this I'm sure the Holte Suite used to be open post game.
-
We do exactly the same, and until recently we did stay behind in the Holte Suite for a couple while the traffic eased. The club at least need to consider opening it to all after the game, as it’s a big place that could be very under used if they close it out to people wanting to spend their money.
-
I’m very confused by the club’s strategy on this - they will obviously have given it a lot of thought, so I’m sure I’m just being stupid. However, my understanding was that most match goers spend very little time at Villa Park itself, and getting them to spend more time (and money) there would be a good way to increase matchday revenue. Rather than trying to create more opportunities for match goers to spend time at the ground, they are making the facilities that do exist more exclusive. Spurs seem to have the biggest matchday revenue at the moment. Do match goers have to pay to enter bars to get a drink at the Tottenham stadium?
-
The revenue increase is to get more hospitality and packages like Terrace View across the ground…the rest of us the investment to make the facilities better and the servers more competent clearly doesn’t appeal in terms of returns or it would have been done already or would have been a headline message about what is coming at the Fan Board.
We have very little importance whilst they are confident that a couple of thousand not renewing will be replaced from the list.
-
I reckon there were 10 of us who met up in the OC on Saturday, had a few before the game, got an Uber to the ground, jumped into a “taxi” on Trinity Road after the game, back to town to the pub for several more. My bank statement showed that I spent over £50 - and I’m sure the others with me probably spent the same - and none of it was spent in Villa Park. And that’s a typical home game for us.
Is that a thing that you and your friends do out of habit, Chico? If there was some facility available at the club post game could that tempt you to spend your money there instead of in town? As I'm typing this I'm sure the Holte Suite used to be open post game.
That’s exactly our routine.
Drinks and food jewellery quarter, Uber to ground half hour before kick off.
There’s nothing they could do to make me spend that money at the ground, because the food won’t be as good, the beer won’t be either, and most city centre pubs are much more pleasant places to be than the concourse or Holte Suite.
-
So apparently feedback from the recent supporters' consulation meeting is that they want to hugely increase the hospitality offering, including putting marquees up in car parks. They do that at Leeds which I've been to, and it's massively, massively shit. I went with my Leeds supporting mate last season, and we had some French lads on our table. To say they were disappointed with the quality of British sports facility catering would be a huge understatement. They didn't actually say "you dirty fucking rosbifs" but I could tell they were thinking it.
-
Putting tents up in the car parks is about as tinpot as it gets.
-
I reckon there were 10 of us who met up in the OC on Saturday, had a few before the game, got an Uber to the ground, jumped into a “taxi” on Trinity Road after the game, back to town to the pub for several more. My bank statement showed that I spent over £50 - and I’m sure the others with me probably spent the same - and none of it was spent in Villa Park. And that’s a typical home game for us.
Is that a thing that you and your friends do out of habit, Chico? If there was some facility available at the club post game could that tempt you to spend your money there instead of in town? As I'm typing this I'm sure the Holte Suite used to be open post game.
That’s exactly our routine.
Drinks and food jewellery quarter, Uber to ground half hour before kick off.
There’s nothing they could do to make me spend that money at the ground, because the food won’t be as good, the beer won’t be either, and most city centre pubs are much more pleasant places to be than the concourse or Holte Suite.
Same here, it was previously the Bartons for drinks and food but they have a similar issue to the club in that they make it difficult for me to spend my money with them, so the Hockley Social has taken their place.
-
Same here, it was previously the Bartons for drinks and food but they have a similar issue to the club in that they make it difficult for me to spend my money with them, so the Hockley Social has taken their place.
When did the Bartons put the massive Villa badge on the side or it?
-
Start of the season, included getting the name of the pub wrong!
-
There’s nothing they could do to make me spend that money at the ground, because the food won’t be as good, the beer won’t be either, and most city centre pubs are much more pleasant places to be than the concourse or Holte Suite.
Agree totally. My routine for many years has been: bus to the Barton's Arms, leisurely meal and good beer with family and friends, walk to the ground, back to the Barton's after the match for an hour or so, then bus into town. I have no intention of changing this for whatever Villa offer, and certainly not in the light of recent developments.
-
Putting tents up in the car parks is about as tinpot as it gets.
What an abysmal experience that’d be, freezing fucking cold in a tent in Aston.
-
As it happens this has just landed in my inbox, if nothing else it shows where we sit. No idea what the firm are charging over and above the clubs fee.
[Premier League Hospitality
Man City v Nottingham Forest - Saturday 23rd September - 15:00 Kick Off
93:20 Lounge
Executive Middle Tier Padded Seats, Located in Blocks 209/210/220/221, 93:20 Executive Lounge Access, Access 2.5hrs Pre/1hr Post Match, Complimentary Match Programme, Cash Bar & Food Outlets Available
£275 Per Person
Chelsea v Aston Villa - Sunday 24th September - 14:00 Kick Off
Under The Bridge Hospitality
Luxury Padded Seats, West Upper Blocks 2/3 , Access 2.5hrs Pre/1hr Post Match, Chef's Table, Hot and Cold Bowl Food, Complimentary Beer/Wine/Soft Drinks, Half Time Concourse Drink Vouchers, Refreshments Served at Full-Time, Matchday Programme & Teamsheet
£325 Per Person
Liverpool v West Ham - Sunday 24th September - 14:00 Kick Off
Exec Main Stand Ticket
£175 Per Person - 2 Available
Man Utd v Crystal Palace - Saturday 30th September - 15:00 Kick Off
The Sports Bar
Luxury Padded Quadrant Seating, Access 3 Hours Pre/1 Hour Post Match, Complimentary Hot Food Station, Cash Bar, Complimentary Match Programme, Half-Time Tea and Coffee
£150 Per Person
Carabao Cup
Chelsea v Brighton - Wednesday 27th September - 19:45 Kick Off
Museum Hospitality
Savoury refreshments on arrival, A pre-match behind the scenes mini tour (only during time designated on itinerary), Complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks, Interactive Chefs Table, Drinks vouchers redeemable in the West Stand upper tier concourse at half-time, Matchday programme, Exclusive Chelsea gift, Appearance from a Chelsea legend (subject to availability), Hospitality Opens – 5 hours before kick-off (9am for lunchtime kick-offs)
£150 Per Person
Man Utd v Crystal Palace - Tuesday 26th September - 20:00 Kick Off
The Sports Bar
Luxury Padded Quadrant Seating, Access 3 Hours Pre/1 Hour Post Match, Complimentary Hot Food Station, Cash Bar, Complimentary Match Programme, Half-Time Tea and Coffee
£75 Per Person
Liverpool v Leicester - Wednesday 27th September - Kick Off TBC
Beat Lounge
Longside Main Stand Lower reserved seats, Direct access from the lounge to the seats, Complimentary half-time drink, LFC former players in attendance, Complimentary match programme, Pre match entertainment, Opens 3 hours before the match and an hour after
£175 Per Person
All Prices are Plus VAT
/quote]
-
I think the North will be all about hospitality. I expect it to be a pretty soulless stand.
-
I think the North will be all about hospitality. I expect it to be a pretty soulless stand.
Yep, I said similar the other day in that I don't expect to still be sitting there when it's rebuilt.
-
Putting tents up in the car parks is about as tinpot as it gets.
What an abysmal experience that’d be, freezing fucking cold in a tent in Aston.
At least they can huddle together in the bar queue, and enjoy a warm pint - in a plastic glass.
-
I reckon there were 10 of us who met up in the OC on Saturday, had a few before the game, got an Uber to the ground, jumped into a “taxi” on Trinity Road after the game, back to town to the pub for several more. My bank statement showed that I spent over £50 - and I’m sure the others with me probably spent the same - and none of it was spent in Villa Park. And that’s a typical home game for us.
Is that a thing that you and your friends do out of habit, Chico? If there was some facility available at the club post game could that tempt you to spend your money there instead of in town? As I'm typing this I'm sure the Holte Suite used to be open post game.
That’s exactly our routine.
Drinks and food jewellery quarter, Uber to ground half hour before kick off.
There’s nothing they could do to make me spend that money at the ground, because the food won’t be as good, the beer won’t be either, and most city centre pubs are much more pleasant places to be than the concourse or Holte Suite.
Same here, it was previously the Bartons for drinks and food but they have a similar issue to the club in that they make it difficult for me to spend my money with them, so the Hockley Social has taken their place.
We have discovered that booking a table at the Bartons and then having table service makes the experience an enjoyable one!
-
I honestly couldn't be further away personally from wanting anything to do with 'exclusivity' in my leisure time, be it holidays, going out for drinks or food, and most certainly going to the football.
Me and the wife were talking about this over lunch on Sunday, the thought of getting 'dolled up' for her or me (not much dolling up required there in fairness) for the honour of paying a tenner a pint to stand around in some soulless space alongside 10 bob millionaires wearing clothes they can't afford on Klarna.
Fuck all of that shit, honestly.
-
I met my lad and his girlfriend at the game Saturday. They had driven up from Bristol and were staying over for the night. We met in Aston walked into town and got a pizza and they had a few drinks, before getting the train back to Aston. There was never any thought that we could do this in Aston in or around the ground. I don't use the Holte Suite very often now, but it is useful for us on night games coming up from the South. We try and get past the M42 early and then use the Holte Suite to get something to eat and chill before the game. Will definitely not be paying more for that option.
-
We have discovered that booking a table at the Bartons and then having table service makes the experience an enjoyable one!
Can you do that in the immediate pre- and post- match stupidly busy times though?
-
As it happens this has just landed in my inbox, if nothing else it shows where we sit. No idea what the firm are charging over and above the clubs fee.
[Premier League Hospitality
Man City v Nottingham Forest - Saturday 23rd September - 15:00 Kick Off
93:20 Lounge
Executive Middle Tier Padded Seats, Located in Blocks 209/210/220/221, 93:20 Executive Lounge Access, Access 2.5hrs Pre/1hr Post Match, Complimentary Match Programme, Cash Bar & Food Outlets Available
£275 Per Person
Chelsea v Aston Villa - Sunday 24th September - 14:00 Kick Off
Under The Bridge Hospitality
Luxury Padded Seats, West Upper Blocks 2/3 , Access 2.5hrs Pre/1hr Post Match, Chef's Table, Hot and Cold Bowl Food, Complimentary Beer/Wine/Soft Drinks, Half Time Concourse Drink Vouchers, Refreshments Served at Full-Time, Matchday Programme & Teamsheet
£325 Per Person
Liverpool v West Ham - Sunday 24th September - 14:00 Kick Off
Exec Main Stand Ticket
£175 Per Person - 2 Available
Man Utd v Crystal Palace - Saturday 30th September - 15:00 Kick Off
The Sports Bar
Luxury Padded Quadrant Seating, Access 3 Hours Pre/1 Hour Post Match, Complimentary Hot Food Station, Cash Bar, Complimentary Match Programme, Half-Time Tea and Coffee
£150 Per Person
Carabao Cup
Chelsea v Brighton - Wednesday 27th September - 19:45 Kick Off
Museum Hospitality
Savoury refreshments on arrival, A pre-match behind the scenes mini tour (only during time designated on itinerary), Complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks, Interactive Chefs Table, Drinks vouchers redeemable in the West Stand upper tier concourse at half-time, Matchday programme, Exclusive Chelsea gift, Appearance from a Chelsea legend (subject to availability), Hospitality Opens – 5 hours before kick-off (9am for lunchtime kick-offs)
£150 Per Person
Man Utd v Crystal Palace - Tuesday 26th September - 20:00 Kick Off
The Sports Bar
Luxury Padded Quadrant Seating, Access 3 Hours Pre/1 Hour Post Match, Complimentary Hot Food Station, Cash Bar, Complimentary Match Programme, Half-Time Tea and Coffee
£75 Per Person
Liverpool v Leicester - Wednesday 27th September - Kick Off TBC
Beat Lounge
Longside Main Stand Lower reserved seats, Direct access from the lounge to the seats, Complimentary half-time drink, LFC former players in attendance, Complimentary match programme, Pre match entertainment, Opens 3 hours before the match and an hour after
£175 Per Person
All Prices are Plus VAT
/quote]
You can see these type of companies buying a block of terrace view tickets in time and selling them on...if so it makes a mockery that normal ST holders can't pass your ticket on without getting the club involved, but you can see it coming
-
We have discovered that booking a table at the Bartons and then having table service makes the experience an enjoyable one!
Can you do that in the immediate pre- and post- match stupidly busy times though?
We were doing the same a few years back, having a table meant getting beers delivered to the table in decent time rather than standing in the morale-sapping queue at the bar, but you need to book in advance
-
The Holte Suite is no more. It’s now the Lower Grounds.
£60 for the Brighton game as an ‘opening offer’. £120 if you want a match ticket too.
Unlimited street food.
Fuck off.
-
What are they going to do about the match ticket packages?
Reserve a given number of tickets for people who buy them, or just make them available with all the general sale tickets?
-
What is the cost differential between Terrace View and the new Holte Suite?
If the quality in the HS was really exceptional - ie not with that all pervasive immediately identifiable stench of chips plus the gormless bar staff moving at the speed of tectonic plates - then you could see it being worth spending money on, but from what I have heard, the Terrace View isn't that special, and the price differential can't be that much, which doesn't give me high hopes for the quality here.
-
The Holte Suite is no more. It’s now the Lower Grounds.
£60 for the Brighton game as an ‘opening offer’. £120 if you want a match ticket too.
Unlimited street food.
Fuck off.
x 2
-
For season ticket holders this really is another piss take. Also Is the beer going to get any better? I’m still convinced every type of lager comes from the same keg.
-
I do wonder if they will bring in external street food suppliers to set up a stall, along with guaranteed prices!
-
Having experienced the very basic levels of "silver hospitality" we offered at the Springsteen gig the £4 hot dog outside the ground is a million times better than the dross that was served up.
Why is the club getting this so wrong - who is in charge of the messaging and more importantly the decision-making?!!
Like with the badge, Heck seems to have come in and is making decisions without any concern about how they are being perceived by the vast majority of the match-going support.
-
So a bar I could previously enter for nothing, I would now have to pay £60 before I had a beer in my hand.
Fuck you Villa.
-
For season ticket holders this really is another piss take. Also Is the beer going to get any better? I’m still convinced every type of lager comes from the same keg.
I like to think I can imbibe most drinks, but the pint of "Amstel" I had in the lower Doug on Saturday was the vilest lager I've ever had. Well, maybe not as bad as Tennent Super.
-
So a bar I could previously enter for nothing, I would now have to pay £60 before I had a beer in my hand.
Fuck you Villa.
yeah and that is a special offer price. I suspect it will be much more than that when we play the likes of ManUre.
The yanks love a dynamic pricing model and Mr Spreadsheet will be all over that
-
Depressing how the club are getting this all wrong. So good on the pitch so bad off it. It's just contempt for the average fan and particularly season ticket holders.
-
£60 for a match ticket, and that will mean fewer tickets available to the the average fan. Genius.
-
It’s not compulsory to go you know. Leave it to to folk who want to spend their hard earned money on watching the odd game and then enjoy the £50m French players we buy after.
I’ve never yet purchased a football ticket based on the beer or food.
-
£60 for a match ticket, and that will mean fewer tickets available to the the average fan. Genius.
At least they aren’t offering Lower Holte tickets with this -mad they are like hens teeth since you can’t get any in the Upper Holte any more!
But still….more lost money….against their perceived potential profit. Lower Holte Enders used to use The Holte Suite at half time, their new clientele from the side stands won’t be doing that. So that’s approaching half an hour of knocking out £30 rounds of drinks they have lost, before you start to consider how low the uptake for this nonsense could be.
Is there really a substantial demand for a corporate experience with no special service at half time for £60?
-
I'd suggest that in protest we should organise a supporter boycott of all food and drink inside the stadium from now on, but the service is so shit that I bet the fuckers would barely notice any impact.
Heck really isn't covering himself in glory since his appointment - it's like he attended the same school as Liz Truss.
-
Mr Spreadsheet seems to relish in upsetting the fans. He even said he will be making decisions that will upset people
-
Heck or some of the team need to spend time on a match day on the concourses to see the awful service and experience etc. I am sure if they got things right more people would buy stuff. I am often put off by the queues and quality of the drink / food.
-
The Holte Suite is no more. It’s now the Lower Grounds.
£60 for the Brighton game as an ‘opening offer’. £120 if you want a match ticket too.
Unlimited street food.
Fuck off.
x 2
x 3. I wonder what the next money grabbing wheeze will be. They really just don't understand the average fan do they? £120?? Stick it where the sun don't shine.
-
Since they closed the Holte Suite the concourse at half time is even worse than it was.
I don’t even bother trying anymore and stay in my seat so I wonder how many more people do the same?
Since the owners came in they have done what they promised on the pitch and have been brilliant for this club. What is happening now off the pitch is a shame and they’ll push it too far, if they haven’t already. I don’t think the fans will be slow in letting them know.
-
It’s not compulsory to go you know. Leave it to to folk who want to spend their hard earned money on watching the odd game and then enjoy the £50m French players we buy after.
I’ve never yet purchased a football ticket based on the beer or food.
Well said. Having said that the wankers who get up 10mins before half time to get their pie and pint boil my piss. Then waddle back 5 mins into the second half! On a par with the cinema fruit loops who decide they are going to eat a picnic and slurp and drool their way through an entire film.
-
It’s not compulsory to go you know. Leave it to to folk who want to spend their hard earned money on watching the odd game and then enjoy the £50m French players we buy after.
I’ve never yet purchased a football ticket based on the beer or food.
Wow, talk about missing the point.
-
It's not compulsory to keep fucking over the average fan that has been going for years even when we were utter shit so as to accommodate some fans that want to go now we're decent, but there you go. The more that people defend it the more it will continue.
-
Other than access to your own seat, away tickets and the away ticket ballot, is there any other benefit included in your season ticket now?
-
"The package will include seats in the Trinity Road Stand or the Doug Ellis Upper and a matchday programme".
My season ticket is in the centre of the Doug Ellis Upper. It makes you wonder how long it will take them to decide that my seat is a "hospitality seat" and I will either have to pay an extra £1500 a year for the privilege or move.
-
It’s not compulsory to go you know. Leave it to to folk who want to spend their hard earned money on watching the odd game and then enjoy the £50m French players we buy after.
I’ve never yet purchased a football ticket based on the beer or food.
Wow, talk about missing the point.
Bang on I thought. I go to VP to watch football. Pubs to drink beer and restaurants to eat out. Some people might want to combine all three, let them crack on.
-
It’s not compulsory to go you know. Leave it to to folk who want to spend their hard earned money on watching the odd game and then enjoy the £50m French players we buy after.
I’ve never yet purchased a football ticket based on the beer or food.
Wow, talk about missing the point.
Bang on I thought. I go to VP to watch football. Pubs to drink beer and restaurants to eat out. Some people might want to combine all three, let them crack on.
And you've missed the point again.
-
I'm alright Jack so who cares about anyone else.
-
It’s not compulsory to go you know. Leave it to to folk who want to spend their hard earned money on watching the odd game and then enjoy the £50m French players we buy after.
I’ve never yet purchased a football ticket based on the beer or food.
Wow, talk about missing the point.
Bang on I thought. I go to VP to watch football. Pubs to drink beer and restaurants to eat out. Some people might want to combine all three, let them crack on.
The problem isn't the availability of higher quality, more expensive product for those who want it.
The problem is doing so whilst simultaneously jacking up the price of a match ticket or a season ticket, whilst doing absolutely nothing about the quality served up there.
It is not on to be selling someone a match ticket for 60 odd quid and expecting them to be ankle deep in piss in non functional toilets, to expect them to miss a chunk of the match if they want to get something to eat or drink, to make them use an even more cramped concourse (because you've commandeered some of that space for higher price tickets) whilst making the only way to avoid having to put up with those shit facilities spending even more money.
What is going to happen next is the food and drink facilities for the £60 ticket paupers are going to be moved outside the fucking ground and into a marquee on the Holte car park. I guarantee it.
-
The car park marquees will be corporate. You peasants will have to slum it outside.
-
The problem isn't the availability of higher quality, more expensive product for those who want it.
The problem is doing so whilst simultaneously jacking up the price of a match ticket or a season ticket, whilst doing absolutely nothing about the quality served up there.
It is not on to be selling someone a match ticket for 60 odd quid and expecting them to be ankle deep in piss in non functional toilets, to expect them to miss a chunk of the match if they want to get something to eat or drink, to make them use an even more cramped concourse (because you've commandeered some of that space for higher price tickets) whilst making the only way to avoid having to put up with those shit facilities spending even more money.
Exactly Paulie, perfectly put.
-
I'm a season ticket holder in Upper Trinity...
- Season ticket over £100 more than last season
- Club asking for additional £38 for what will probably be a second string home cup tie in the third round of the league cup.... which would have been included FREE last season.
- Takes 25-30 mins to queue for any form of sustenance during a 15 min half time break, only to discover that they've replaced the ONLY thing I queue for (a chicken balti pie) with an inferior product.
It's bollocks. I'd suggest that the club could increase revenue MORE by just getting the basics right (*half time refreshment for us plebs, acceptable prices for cup games, etc).
-
The Holte Suite is no more. It’s now the Lower Grounds.
£60 for the Brighton game as an ‘opening offer’. £120 if you want a match ticket too.
Unlimited street food.
Fuck off.
Was the Rat Pan called The Lower Grounds at some point?
-
In the last 2 years season ticket prices have increased massively, while facilities and service haven't for a lot of fans. There's also the stealth increase of losing a cup match. A number of people on here have spoken about how they don't bother trying to spend money in the ground now, of barely functioning restrooms, and so on and not only has there been the Terrace View and Holte Suite being turned more corporate, it means fans that used those for years are now in the concourses making the facilities and service even worse as there's more people trying to use them.
-
Alternatively, for less than £60 I'd prefer lunch and a few pints in Lasan in the Jewellery Quarter with a taxi to Villa Park.
-
may be some millionaires on this site will buy the Swan and Mitre and The Britannia and reopen them as public houses again....just for match day though :)
seriously the taking away all the "perks" so to speak of being a season ticket holder is going to shorten that waiting list pretty quick when people decide not to renew.
UTV
The Doc
-
It’s not compulsory to go you know. Leave it to to folk who want to spend their hard earned money on watching the odd game and then enjoy the £50m French players we buy after.
I’ve never yet purchased a football ticket based on the beer or food.
Wow, talk about missing the point.
Bang on I thought. I go to VP to watch football. Pubs to drink beer and restaurants to eat out. Some people might want to combine all three, let them crack on.
And you've missed the point again.
It’s not compulsory to go you know. Leave it to to folk who want to spend their hard earned money on watching the odd game and then enjoy the £50m French players we buy after.
I’ve never yet purchased a football ticket based on the beer or food.
Wow, talk about missing the point.
Bang on I thought. I go to VP to watch football. Pubs to drink beer and restaurants to eat out. Some people might want to combine all three, let them crack on.
And you've missed the point again.
Did I ? Oh well, I’ll get over it eventually.
-
The point is, by all means have new revenue streams and options. But not to the detriment of the majority of other supporters.
-
You can't beat a bit of sarcasm and a quote fail which ruins it.
-
Also what they have not factored into this at all is public transport strain. Many duck into the holte suite post game (i did a few times last season) to wait for crowds to die down before attempting train/getting an uber
Thats now gone. Off the pitch the club is now pure americana corporate shite
The Holte pub will be next!!
Meanwhile i cant go for a piss in the upper Holte without playing a game of piss jenga
-
The Holte Suite is no more. It’s now the Lower Grounds.
£60 for the Brighton game as an ‘opening offer’. £120 if you want a match ticket too.
Unlimited street food.
Fuck off.
Was the Rat Pan called The Lower Grounds at some point?
Upper Grounds
-
The toilets I use in the Upper Holte are usually ok unless I've just been lucky when I've been in.
-
Ta, knew a bell was ringing vaguely.
I shall now refer to the Holte Suite as the Twat Pan.
-
The toilets I use in the Upper Holte are usually ok unless I've just been lucky when I've been in.
Everton and Palace it was atrocious K2 block
-
You can't beat a bit of sarcasm and a quote fail which ruins it.
😂
I refer you to my previous answer!
-
Since they closed the Holte Suite the concourse at half time is even worse than it was.
I don’t even bother trying anymore and stay in my seat so I wonder how many more people do the same?
Since the owners came in they have done what they promised on the pitch and have been brilliant for this club. What is happening now off the pitch is a shame and they’ll push it too far, if they haven’t already. I don’t think the fans will be slow in letting them know.
like next week when only 25,000 turn out for the Everton game
-
I'm no health and safety expert but i'd say the concourse in the upper DE must be bordering on dangerous. I used to have a season ticket some years back there but as 2 adults who were not arsed about getting food and drink we used to get in 45 mins before kick off and not move from our seats until full time. There might have been a very occasional toilet visit but i didn't generally notice how bad it was back then. Fast forward 20 odd years and grabbing odd tickets here and there in that stand, taking kids and you end up down there at some point, they want the toilet or a drink or whatever. It's truly awful down there. And that's the problem, some people have to use the facilities and can't just please themselves.
-
I'm no health and safety expert but i'd say the concourse in the upper DE must be bordering on dangerous. I used to have a season ticket some years back there but as 2 adults who were not arsed about getting food and drink we used to get in 45 mins before kick off and not move from our seats until full time. There might have been a very occasional toilet visit but i didn't generally notice how bad it was back then. Fast forward 20 odd years and grabbing odd tickets here and there in that stand, taking kids and you end up down there at some point, they want the toilet or a drink or whatever. It's truly awful down there. And that's the problem, some people have to use the facilities and can't just please themselves.
I'm a ST holder up there and i can confirm it is very dangerous . Could easily be a crush / stampede scenario up there
-
The toilets I use in the Upper Holte are usually ok unless I've just been lucky when I've been in.
Is "been lucky" a euphemism for having a huge shit?
-
Yep, I should have flushed.
-
At half time on Saturday, and probably for the first time since the days when I was in the habit of buying a fleur de lys pie in the ground, for 22p, I had a tentative foray in the direction of buying some food in the ground, from the middle Trinity concourse. What a miserable experience that was, and needless to say I didn't buy anything.
-
Forgive my ignorance, but up until this point who has been entitled to admission to the Holte Suite, and on what terms?
-
At half time on Saturday, and probably for the first time since the days when I was in the habit of buying a fleur de lys pie in the ground, for 22p, I had a tentative foray in the direction of buying some food in the ground, from the middle Trinity concourse. What a miserable experience that was, and needless to say I didn't buy anything.
And I'm sure this story is repeated thousands of times every single match in every single stand.
-
Forgive my ignorance, but up until this point who has been entitled to admission to the Holte Suite, and on what terms?
Season Ticket Holders.
-
Forgive my ignorance, but up until this point who has been entitled to admission to the Holte Suite, and on what terms?
ST holders , free entry
-
Yep, I should have flushed.
Aston Villa are pleased to announce that flushing will be offered on a game by game basis for just £10 for Season ticket holders
-
Yep, I should have flushed.
Aston Villa are pleased to announce that flushing will be offered on a game by game basis for just £10 for Season ticket holders
Haha, superb.
-
For season ticket holders this really is another piss take. Also Is the beer going to get any better? I’m still convinced every type of lager comes from the same keg.
And its a Hofmeister one!
-
I’m glad I hardly go anymore. Never thought I’d say that.
-
I’m glad I hardly go anymore. Never thought I’d say that.
We're playing the best football we have in over a decade. The price increases are a bit brutal, but not that unexpected. Whilst there's been a lot of noise about the Terrace View (not least from me) the reality is the upper concourse is still light years ahead of the Upper Witton and North Stand.
I'd still take the current 'fan experience' over any time since MON left the club.
-
I’m glad I hardly go anymore. Never thought I’d say that.
We're playing the best football we have in over a decade. The price increases are a bit brutal, but not that unexpected. Whilst there's been a lot of noise about the Terrace View (not least from me) the reality is the upper concourse is still light years ahead of the Upper Witton and North Stand.
I'd still take the current 'fan experience' over any time since MON left the club.
I love the club, I love what Emery is doing.
I worry our owners are slowly trying to turn us into like an NFL type experience for fans.
I wonder if this is why Purslow went, if he wasn’t on board with some of these changes.
-
Purslow was behind the Terrace View concept, so I very much doubt he left on that point of principal.
-
I doubt Purslow's ever done anything on a point of principle. He'll have gone, and rightly so, because of his very expensive Gerrard fiasco.
-
A lot of you guys know more than me, it was the first thing I thought when I saw these latest changes. I’ve worked in enough corporate environments where as soon as top level directors etc want changes, it’s easier to get rid of people against them than try and get them on board
-
I’m glad I hardly go anymore. Never thought I’d say that.
We're playing the best football we have in over a decade. The price increases are a bit brutal, but not that unexpected. Whilst there's been a lot of noise about the Terrace View (not least from me) the reality is the upper concourse is still light years ahead of the Upper Witton and North Stand.
I'd still take the current 'fan experience' over any time since MON left the club.
I love the club, I love what Emery is doing.
I worry our owners are slowly trying to turn us into like an NFL type experience for fans.
I wonder if this is why Purslow went, if he wasn’t on board with some of these changes.
I think they are just trying to bring us into line with the more commercially successful clubs in the league.
Whether this is achievable at Villa Park time will tell I guess.
-
Ta, knew a bell was ringing vaguely.
I shall now refer to the Holte Suite as the Twat Pan.
The Bells are Ringing, albeit vaguely
The fans are singing for the street food sushi.
Everybody is knowing, to the Twat Pan they’re going.
Where the Villa are showing.
They want the corporate cash. Corporate cash!!!
It won't catch on.
-
I’m glad I hardly go anymore. Never thought I’d say that.
We're playing the best football we have in over a decade. The price increases are a bit brutal, but not that unexpected. Whilst there's been a lot of noise about the Terrace View (not least from me) the reality is the upper concourse is still light years ahead of the Upper Witton and North Stand.
I'd still take the current 'fan experience' over any time since MON left the club.
I love the club, I love what Emery is doing.
I worry our owners are slowly trying to turn us into like an NFL type experience for fans.
I wonder if this is why Purslow went, if he wasn’t on board with some of these changes.
I think they are just trying to bring us into line with the more commercially successful clubs in the league.
Whether this is achievable at Villa Parl time will tell I guess.
I think most people would appreciate that and including such a justification in an announcement regarding the HS over the summer would probably have helped rather than treating us like shit and not saying a thing. They frame everything as if they are doing us all a favour rather than devaluing the ST's that we bought over the Summer. The meeting on Saturday sounds appallingly organised and executed and this seems to be a pattern with the Club regarding so many things now. A contemptuous and disrespectful attitude to the core support at any club is only ever going to end badly.
-
I’m glad I hardly go anymore. Never thought I’d say that.
getting to that place myself. Regardless of how decent the football is i won't be taken for a mug by the suits spoiling the club
-
It was echoed when Purslow was proud to announce the season ticket prices were now more in line with top-performing teams in the premier league... after our failure to finish in the top 10 for the 10th year on the bounce...
-
I’m glad I hardly go anymore. Never thought I’d say that.
getting to that place myself. Regardless of how decent the football is i won't be taken for a mug by the suits spoiling the club
Yep. Walking away won't be the wrench I thought it would be - and it'll get worse before it gets better
-
So if i understand the plan, those in the Upper Grounds will have to leave the room, walk round in the drizzle and queue up to get into the Trinity or Witton stands?
Does any other Premier League club, or indeed other match day corporate hospitality require you to do that? I have only done the "corporate" experience at a few places, but cannot recall anywhere where once i gain entry to the corporate space I had to go out and queue to get into the ground to see the game.
I have no issue with the Villa trying to be better hospitality-wise but i this this is a novel approach ... a message will flash up on the TV the queue for the Trinity Road entry is 12 minutes, the lift is currently not working?
-
Dedicated turnstiles no doubt - with your super special lanyand
-
But that must be partly because the fcking twunts just aren't organised enough to sell us food or drinks without huge queues in the majority of stands.
-
So if i understand the plan, those in the Upper Grounds will have to leave the room, walk round in the drizzle and queue up to get into the Trinity or Witton stands?
Does any other Premier League club, or indeed other match day corporate hospitality require you to do that? I have only done the "corporate" experience at a few places, but cannot recall anywhere where once i gain entry to the corporate space I had to go out and queue to get into the ground to see the game.
I have no issue with the Villa trying to be better hospitality-wise but i this this is a novel approach ... a message will flash up on the TV the queue for the Trinity Road entry is 12 minutes, the lift is currently not working?
this isn't what i'd call full corporate though.
-
Aston Villa are pleased to announce ' the enhanced season ticket entry experience'. Yes for only £20 per match, Doug Ellis season ticket holders can enter Villa Park via the exciting new 'revolving access gates' (formerly known as turnstiles) giving access to a plethora of pay bars serving premium 'beers' like Amstel and cans of Strongbow dark fruits (you may have to educate the staff on how to pour a pint), sausage rolls (subject to availability and usually sold out before kick off) and pies with fillings that faithfully recreate the temperatures of molten lava. After all that excitement, why not enjoy a slash at one of our amazing Villa themed lavatories? Who knows, you may make it to the front of the queue before you wet yourself.
-
Unpopular opinion I guess but I'd stopped going in the Holte Suite because of the queue to get in , the age it took to get a drink , most times there was nowhere to sit , there just seemed zero point. The only benefit was it was free, but I could just go in the Lower Holte, where catering is pretty good now, and its easy to get a beer 0 and there's nowhere to sit there either but no worse off.
So if there's an option to pay to use a facility that is a positive experience then I might use it, maybe 2 or 3 times a season, when I know I can get there early and then go in again to let the traffic clear after. Yes it's dear but it's cheap compared to say, a corporate ticket at a concert, which I also like to do now and again.
Just because something is free, doesn't mean its any good. Usually the opposite.
-
Unpopular opinion I guess but I'd stopped going in the Holte Suite because of the queue to get in , the age it took to get a drink , most times there was nowhere to sit , there just seemed zero point. The only benefit was it was free, but I could just go in the Lower Holte, where catering is pretty good now, and its easy to get a beer 0 and there's nowhere to sit there either but no worse off.
So if there's an option to pay to use a facility that is a positive experience then I might use it, maybe 2 or 3 times a season, when I know I can get there early and then go in again to let the traffic clear after. Yes it's dear but it's cheap compared to say, a corporate ticket at a concert, which I also like to do now and again.
Just because something is free, doesn't mean its any good. Usually the opposite.
It wasn't free, it was one of the benefits of buying a ST and when I bought mine in the summer it was on the understanding that I could gain access, depending on availability, to the HS. As I had for the previous two seasons that I held a ST. Would I have given up my ST if they had announced the change to the HS? No, of course not, but it would've been nice to be informed about the change and I think that's what's at the heart of this really. The extraordinary arrogance of the Club towards the fans who don't have the sort of money needed to access enhanced facilities, and the appalling state of the facilities in the UH where I sit.
-
I can see why they did not want to announce it at the same time as the TV tbf. They're managing the bad news. Most people are used to life without the TV concourse now, whereas announcing them together there would prob have been a lot more complaints.
-
Unpopular opinion I guess but I'd stopped going in the Holte Suite because of the queue to get in , the age it took to get a drink , most times there was nowhere to sit , there just seemed zero point. The only benefit was it was free, but I could just go in the Lower Holte, where catering is pretty good now, and its easy to get a beer 0 and there's nowhere to sit there either but no worse off.
So if there's an option to pay to use a facility that is a positive experience then I might use it, maybe 2 or 3 times a season, when I know I can get there early and then go in again to let the traffic clear after. Yes it's dear but it's cheap compared to say, a corporate ticket at a concert, which I also like to do now and again.
Just because something is free, doesn't mean its any good. Usually the opposite.
It wasn't free, it was one of the benefits of buying a ST and when I bought mine in the summer it was on the understanding that I could gain access, depending on availability, to the HS. As I had for the previous two seasons that I held a ST. Would I have given up my ST if they had announced the change to the HS? No, of course not, but it would've been nice to be informed about the change and I think that's what's at the heart of this really. The extraordinary arrogance of the Club towards the fans who don't have the sort of money needed to access enhanced facilities, and the appalling state of the facilities in the UH where I sit.
C’mon Nev they have compensated all season ticket holders for this with the highly discounted prices for admission for the League Cup tie :-)
It’s a great point though
-
It makes you wonder what they've got planned for Villa Live or whatever the scaled back version is going to be called.
-
Unpopular opinion I guess but I'd stopped going in the Holte Suite because of the queue to get in , the age it took to get a drink , most times there was nowhere to sit , there just seemed zero point. The only benefit was it was free, but I could just go in the Lower Holte, where catering is pretty good now, and its easy to get a beer 0 and there's nowhere to sit there either but no worse off.
So if there's an option to pay to use a facility that is a positive experience then I might use it, maybe 2 or 3 times a season, when I know I can get there early and then go in again to let the traffic clear after. Yes it's dear but it's cheap compared to say, a corporate ticket at a concert, which I also like to do now and again.
Just because something is free, doesn't mean its any good. Usually the opposite.
It wasn't free, it was one of the benefits of buying a ST and when I bought mine in the summer it was on the understanding that I could gain access, depending on availability, to the HS. As I had for the previous two seasons that I held a ST. Would I have given up my ST if they had announced the change to the HS? No, of course not, but it would've been nice to be informed about the change and I think that's what's at the heart of this really. The extraordinary arrogance of the Club towards the fans who don't have the sort of money needed to access enhanced facilities, and the appalling state of the facilities in the UH where I sit.
Yes I do get that, and understand that it feels like, for those that used it, something has been taken away. I just dont think it added much, but thats just a personal opinion.
Like it or not, this is how the clubs we aspire to be on a level with make their money.
I can't speak about the facilities anywhere other then the Lower Holte as thats where I sit, but they have improved out of all recognition in the last 12 months, I would assume that it's in the plan to do this everywhere else too.
-
Unpopular opinion I guess but I'd stopped going in the Holte Suite because of the queue to get in , the age it took to get a drink , most times there was nowhere to sit , there just seemed zero point. The only benefit was it was free, but I could just go in the Lower Holte, where catering is pretty good now, and its easy to get a beer 0 and there's nowhere to sit there either but no worse off.
So if there's an option to pay to use a facility that is a positive experience then I might use it, maybe 2 or 3 times a season, when I know I can get there early and then go in again to let the traffic clear after. Yes it's dear but it's cheap compared to say, a corporate ticket at a concert, which I also like to do now and again.
Just because something is free, doesn't mean its any good. Usually the opposite.
It wasn't free, it was one of the benefits of buying a ST and when I bought mine in the summer it was on the understanding that I could gain access, depending on availability, to the HS. As I had for the previous two seasons that I held a ST. Would I have given up my ST if they had announced the change to the HS? No, of course not, but it would've been nice to be informed about the change and I think that's what's at the heart of this really. The extraordinary arrogance of the Club towards the fans who don't have the sort of money needed to access enhanced facilities, and the appalling state of the facilities in the UH where I sit.
Yes I do get that, and understand that it feels like, for those that used it, something has been taken away. I just dont think it added much, but thats just a personal opinion.
Like it or not, this is how the clubs we aspire to be on a level with make their money.
I can't speak about the facilities anywhere other then the Lower Holte as thats where I sit, but they have improved out of all recognition in the last 12 months, I would assume that it's in the plan to do this everywhere else too.
I sit in the lower holte and have done for years and they really haven’t improved that much. The queing and appalling service have been somewhat improved by the pre order machines and the small bar where you tab your debit card. But its a slightly improved queing system before the game, not at half time, for the same shite service and fair on offer.
Nevs point is exactly right. If I’m honest im not that bothered about losing the three of four visits to the holte suite a season, but it was part of the season ticket and they should of told season ticket holders before.
-
the facilities and service in the Witton Upper is a total joke . Then if you ever do get to the front of the queue the level of service is laughable . How long can it take to unscrew the top of a bottle of coke
-
Unpopular opinion I guess but I'd stopped going in the Holte Suite because of the queue to get in , the age it took to get a drink , most times there was nowhere to sit , there just seemed zero point. The only benefit was it was free, but I could just go in the Lower Holte, where catering is pretty good now, and its easy to get a beer 0 and there's nowhere to sit there either but no worse off.
So if there's an option to pay to use a facility that is a positive experience then I might use it, maybe 2 or 3 times a season, when I know I can get there early and then go in again to let the traffic clear after. Yes it's dear but it's cheap compared to say, a corporate ticket at a concert, which I also like to do now and again.
Just because something is free, doesn't mean its any good. Usually the opposite.
It wasn't free, it was one of the benefits of buying a ST and when I bought mine in the summer it was on the understanding that I could gain access, depending on availability, to the HS. As I had for the previous two seasons that I held a ST. Would I have given up my ST if they had announced the change to the HS? No, of course not, but it would've been nice to be informed about the change and I think that's what's at the heart of this really. The extraordinary arrogance of the Club towards the fans who don't have the sort of money needed to access enhanced facilities, and the appalling state of the facilities in the UH where I sit.
I checked my welcome emails from this year and last. Turns out they didn’t offer access to The Holte Suite this year. Who noticed?
https://twitter.com/amfy/status/1704456798776770660?s=61&t=ykPqB2YlwOoDmsWj6RR6ng
-
Oh I’m sure it’s been planned well in advance. Just like when they hoof me out of my seat behind the dugout (next season wouldn’t surprise me) for the new “dugout experience package”
-
Just opened the email about the “fan focused experience “.
Straight into the bin.
-
Oh I’m sure it’s been planned well in advance. Just like when they hoof me out of my seat behind the dugout (next season wouldn’t surprise me) for the new “dugout experience package”
Back in the day, the "Doug Out experience package" was free for all Villa fans. :(
-
They are already prepping for it with the removal of the roof from the dugouts. I'm sure it will be next season and those seats will have access to the Holte Suite as part of the package.
-
They are already prepping for it with the removal of the roof from the dugouts. I'm sure it will be next season and those seats will have access to the Holte Suite as part of the package.
What's the thinking there? That being able to sit behind an open dugout is a desirable thing with your ticket?
-
Indeed https://www.chelseafc.com/en/club-chelsea/the-dugout-club
-
Indeed https://www.chelseafc.com/en/club-chelsea/the-dugout-club
I don't get the appeal but obviously there's something in it. I wonder did they consult the players and staff who'll get soaked all winter.
-
https://www.mancity.com/hospitality/the-tunnel-club?cohort=GB_out_#the-tunnel-club
All the "big" clubs do it. Close to action, see the players up close, get a selfie, tell them they've had a sh*te game!
-
Sorry for the double post - but when you actually look at man city's offer you can see how far away we are from that. It's mindblowing that a club with man city's support is able to make this viable?!
https://www.mancity.com/hospitality/mens?cohort=GB_out_#city-bars
-
I'm looking at that lot and hating football a bit more all the time.
-
Sorry for the double post - but when you actually look at man city's offer you can see how far away we are from that. It's mindblowing that a club with man city's support is able to make this viable?!
https://www.mancity.com/hospitality/mens?cohort=GB_out_#city-bars
I'd imagine a club like Man City are more likely to make that work. Tourist club offers tourist experiences for its tourist fans.
-
Sad state of affairs
-
It’s a long way from Moss Side.
-
I'm looking at that lot and hating football a bit more all the time.
Comes to something when they offer hospitality packages that require you to go to a different stadium
-
With a nod to those who may get punted out of their seats, I can see all this happening at Villa Park and while I don't like it if people are daft enough to pay it let them crack on. Just leave the Holte End to the supporters.
-
I'm looking at that lot and hating football a bit more all the time.
Comes to something when they offer hospitality packages that require you to go to a different stadium
Looked at it last season for our away game there was a £500 package where you eat at a restaurant in the town centre then have to get to the ground , WTAF !
-
Looked at it last season for our away game there was a £500 package where you eat at a restaurant in the town centre then have to get to the ground , WTAF !
Again, I can see a club like MC attracting people who would want that experience, it's debatable whether they're actually football fans though. And no offence to us, but even with the improvement on the pitch, and where that might lead, I just can't see us ever being that kind of attractive for experiences like that. At the very least we're a long way off it.
It does feel a bit like they've skipped several steps with these plans.
-
Apart from buying Villa clothes for the baby granddaughter,I won't be purchasing any drinks or food from them in future,if I not good enough to provide adequate facilities during the game, your not good enough to have my money
-
"The Lower Grounds will open its doors to a fan-focused experience, which will include food and drinks as part of the package, for the first time against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, September 30.
Located in the former Holte Suite, the Lower Grounds will be open from three hours before kick-off and up to 90 minutes post-match, supporters will be able to take advantage of all-you-can-eat street food as well as a range of beers, wines and soft drinks* while mingling with former players and watching pre-match build-up, interviews and classic matches on large media screens in a convivial atmosphere."
Just a thought, but the text from the story about the Lower Grounds on the club website mentions before and after the game, but nothing about half time. Could it possibly be available to regular ST holders at half-time? If not, then what will it be used for at this time?
I just don't see a scenario where the club don't want the tills ringing in there at half time.
-
https://www.mancity.com/hospitality/the-tunnel-club?cohort=GB_out_#the-tunnel-club
All the "big" clubs do it. Close to action, see the players up close, get a selfie, tell them they've had a sh*te game!
We had tunnel club seats at Wycombe in the cup a few years ago.
-
Unpopular opinion I guess but I'd stopped going in the Holte Suite because of the queue to get in , the age it took to get a drink , most times there was nowhere to sit , there just seemed zero point. The only benefit was it was free, but I could just go in the Lower Holte, where catering is pretty good now, and its easy to get a beer 0 and there's nowhere to sit there either but no worse off.
So if there's an option to pay to use a facility that is a positive experience then I might use it, maybe 2 or 3 times a season, when I know I can get there early and then go in again to let the traffic clear after. Yes it's dear but it's cheap compared to say, a corporate ticket at a concert, which I also like to do now and again.
Just because something is free, doesn't mean its any good. Usually the opposite.
It wasn't free, it was one of the benefits of buying a ST and when I bought mine in the summer it was on the understanding that I could gain access, depending on availability, to the HS. As I had for the previous two seasons that I held a ST. Would I have given up my ST if they had announced the change to the HS? No, of course not, but it would've been nice to be informed about the change and I think that's what's at the heart of this really. The extraordinary arrogance of the Club towards the fans who don't have the sort of money needed to access enhanced facilities, and the appalling state of the facilities in the UH where I sit.
Yes I do get that, and understand that it feels like, for those that used it, something has been taken away. I just dont think it added much, but thats just a personal opinion.
Like it or not, this is how the clubs we aspire to be on a level with make their money.
I can't speak about the facilities anywhere other then the Lower Holte as thats where I sit, but they have improved out of all recognition in the last 12 months, I would assume that it's in the plan to do this everywhere else too.
I sit in the lower holte and have done for years and they really haven’t improved that much. The queing and appalling service have been somewhat improved by the pre order machines and the small bar where you tab your debit card. But its a slightly improved queing system before the game, not at half time, for the same shite service and fair on offer.
Nevs point is exactly right. If I’m honest im not that bothered about losing the three of four visits to the holte suite a season, but it was part of the season ticket and they should of told season ticket holders before.
Did they say it would be included this year? or just not say it wouldn't?
I dont know about your LH experience, I dont try and get a drink at half time (though when I get my prematch food and drink, it asks me to preorder for half time - does that not help?) but before the game I think its very good - food is good, there no queue to order at the machine or collect the drinks and food, its fine.
-
Just a thought, but the text from the story about the Lower Grounds on the club website mentions before and after the game, but nothing about half time. Could it possibly be available to regular ST holders at half-time? If not, then what will it be used for at this time?
I just don't see a scenario where the club don't want the tills ringing in there at half time.
It says from x before to x after.... I'd assume that includes all of the time in-between?
-
Half time doesn't sound practical if you're sitting in the Trinity or Witton Lane, by the time you got back to the Holte Suite you'd have to turn 'round to make your way back again.
Perhaps it will be open but I can't see "normal" fans being allowed any access.
-
No good if your seat is in the Witton Upper.
-
"The Lower Grounds will open its doors to a fan-focused experience, which will include food and drinks as part of the package, for the first time against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, September 30.
Located in the former Holte Suite, the Lower Grounds will be open from three hours before kick-off and up to 90 minutes post-match, supporters will be able to take advantage of all-you-can-eat street food as well as a range of beers, wines and soft drinks* while mingling with former players and watching pre-match build-up, interviews and classic matches on large media screens in a convivial atmosphere."
Just a thought, but the text from the story about the Lower Grounds on the club website mentions before and after the game, but nothing about half time. Could it possibly be available to regular ST holders at half-time? If not, then what will it be used for at this time?
I just don't see a scenario where the club don't want the tills ringing in there at half time.
No chance
-
Unpopular opinion I guess but I'd stopped going in the Holte Suite because of the queue to get in , the age it took to get a drink , most times there was nowhere to sit , there just seemed zero point. The only benefit was it was free, but I could just go in the Lower Holte, where catering is pretty good now, and its easy to get a beer 0 and there's nowhere to sit there either but no worse off.
So if there's an option to pay to use a facility that is a positive experience then I might use it, maybe 2 or 3 times a season, when I know I can get there early and then go in again to let the traffic clear after. Yes it's dear but it's cheap compared to say, a corporate ticket at a concert, which I also like to do now and again.
Just because something is free, doesn't mean its any good. Usually the opposite.
It wasn't free, it was one of the benefits of buying a ST and when I bought mine in the summer it was on the understanding that I could gain access, depending on availability, to the HS. As I had for the previous two seasons that I held a ST. Would I have given up my ST if they had announced the change to the HS? No, of course not, but it would've been nice to be informed about the change and I think that's what's at the heart of this really. The extraordinary arrogance of the Club towards the fans who don't have the sort of money needed to access enhanced facilities, and the appalling state of the facilities in the UH where I sit.
Yes I do get that, and understand that it feels like, for those that used it, something has been taken away. I just dont think it added much, but thats just a personal opinion.
Like it or not, this is how the clubs we aspire to be on a level with make their money.
I can't speak about the facilities anywhere other then the Lower Holte as thats where I sit, but they have improved out of all recognition in the last 12 months, I would assume that it's in the plan to do this everywhere else too.
Do they take away existing facilities to do so, or do they add things like a new ground or a stand to put them in?
As for your final point, what's the holdup in the rest of the ground? I'm a longstanding sufferer of the UT, a stand whose facilities were clearly designed in the expectation that that particular section of the ground would rarely, if ever, be even close to full.
-
If I was the owners and I cast an eye over this forum (unlikely I know) then I'd paraphrase the site like this :
- We are a massive club, with a great fanbase, we need to be competing with the likes of Man U, City, Liverpool, etc and the likes of Spurs and the Arse shouldn't even be on the same pitch
- Why haven't we spent more millions on players like the above clubs do
- These owners are great, they're going to take us where we need to be
- They're really business savvy, they'll bring the money in and then we can invest and get Champions League
- Shit - have you seen we can't use that bar we use a couple of times a year, where you have to queue for 20 minutes to get a beer - thats not on - bloody prawn sandwich brigade going to be in there - that's our bloody heritage they're taking away
- Bloody love Emery I do .....but why the hell have we got 2 keepers on the bench again?
-
Unpopular opinion I guess but I'd stopped going in the Holte Suite because of the queue to get in , the age it took to get a drink , most times there was nowhere to sit , there just seemed zero point. The only benefit was it was free, but I could just go in the Lower Holte, where catering is pretty good now, and its easy to get a beer 0 and there's nowhere to sit there either but no worse off.
So if there's an option to pay to use a facility that is a positive experience then I might use it, maybe 2 or 3 times a season, when I know I can get there early and then go in again to let the traffic clear after. Yes it's dear but it's cheap compared to say, a corporate ticket at a concert, which I also like to do now and again.
Just because something is free, doesn't mean its any good. Usually the opposite.
It wasn't free, it was one of the benefits of buying a ST and when I bought mine in the summer it was on the understanding that I could gain access, depending on availability, to the HS. As I had for the previous two seasons that I held a ST. Would I have given up my ST if they had announced the change to the HS? No, of course not, but it would've been nice to be informed about the change and I think that's what's at the heart of this really. The extraordinary arrogance of the Club towards the fans who don't have the sort of money needed to access enhanced facilities, and the appalling state of the facilities in the UH where I sit.
Yes I do get that, and understand that it feels like, for those that used it, something has been taken away. I just dont think it added much, but thats just a personal opinion.
Like it or not, this is how the clubs we aspire to be on a level with make their money.
I can't speak about the facilities anywhere other then the Lower Holte as thats where I sit, but they have improved out of all recognition in the last 12 months, I would assume that it's in the plan to do this everywhere else too.
I sit in the lower holte and have done for years and they really haven’t improved that much. The queing and appalling service have been somewhat improved by the pre order machines and the small bar where you tab your debit card. But its a slightly improved queing system before the game, not at half time, for the same shite service and fair on offer.
Nevs point is exactly right. If I’m honest im not that bothered about losing the three of four visits to the holte suite a season, but it was part of the season ticket and they should of told season ticket holders before.
Did they say it would be included this year? or just not say it wouldn't?
I dont know about your LH experience, I dont try and get a drink at half time (though when I get my prematch food and drink, it asks me to preorder for half time - does that not help?) but before the game I think its very good - food is good, there no queue to order at the machine or collect the drinks and food, its fine.
Its maybe better before the game, but it couldnt get much worse to be honest, i tend to get there 45 mins or so before k/o so the ques were never massive then, so hard to tell of any real improvement. . Id debate that the food and drink are good, its still crap lager and over priced for what it is, with a lack of choice. Spurs and Arsenal both have quality pre poured beers for more or less the same price. The pre order for half time, which i do use, is better if you leave your seat 5 mins before half time, if not its swapped one type of que for another. As has been discussed many times on this site, if they pre poured loads of pints before the build up to half time, this could be completely resolved, but like most aspects of the concourse experience, nobody can be arsed to organise the staff to do this.
-
The Holte Suite is no more. It’s now the Lower Grounds.
£60 for the Brighton game as an ‘opening offer’. £120 if you want a match ticket too.
Unlimited street food.
Fuck off.
Was the Rat Pan called The Lower Grounds at some point?
I can’t remember if it was the Upper or Lower. I got it wrong in my book, was told so by dozens of people, and corrected it for the Old Dogs Books-published version. (Which has an extra chapter in the latest edition, for people who pay an extra couple of quid - true story)
-
https://www.mancity.com/hospitality/the-tunnel-club?cohort=GB_out_#the-tunnel-club
All the "big" clubs do it. Close to action, see the players up close, get a selfie, tell them they've had a sh*te game!
They have a restaurant named after Joe. He’s made quite the impression. We could absolutely cane them on the off-site hospitality by the way. 5 michelljn stars, although I doubt Glynn Purnell would be on board, Chelmsley bluenose that he is.
-
https://www.mancity.com/hospitality/the-tunnel-club?cohort=GB_out_#the-tunnel-club
All the "big" clubs do it. Close to action, see the players up close, get a selfie, tell them they've had a sh*te game!
I was in there for our away match last season. It was very good to be fair.
-
I’d love it if all this pissing the fans off the Villa are doing led to viable business cases for re-opening the old boozers near the ground. You’d think the club might even be interested in the Aston Hotel and the Rat Pan.
-
I’d love it if all this pissing the fans off the Villa are doing led to viable business cases for re-opening the old boozers near the ground. You’d think the club might even be interested in the Aston Hotel and the Rat Pan.
tbh when I saw the lower grounds I thought they meant the rat pan.
-
I’d love it if all this pissing the fans off the Villa are doing led to viable business cases for re-opening the old boozers near the ground. You’d think the club might even be interested in the Aston Hotel and the Rat Pan.
The Brittania , if I had some backing I'd lob to open that again.
And the The Swan & Mitre.
Beautiful buildings that will be gone forever
-
I’d love it if all this pissing the fans off the Villa are doing led to viable business cases for re-opening the old boozers near the ground. You’d think the club might even be interested in the Aston Hotel and the Rat Pan.
The Brittania , if I had some backing I'd lob to open that again.
And the The Swan & Mitre.
Beautiful buildings that will be gone forever
Hope not but sadly I think you’re right.
-
Have some memories of being in the Ratpan with my dad as a kid (I believe so, anyway, looking at the photos of the place)
Typed the Ratpan into Google and came across this photo. Some great flags, there! Deportivo La Coruna away in 93 I reckon:
(https://i.ibb.co/Ln2qJGS/images.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Ln2qJGS)
-
You've lost me with the Rat Pan. Must have closed before I was going.
-
Think it opened up again fairly recently before swiftly shutting again.
-
https://www.heroesandvillains.info/forumv3/index.php?topic=39244.0
The Aston Tavern when I first started going down in 88.
Then a guy I worked with at VP suggested we start drinking in the Upper Grounds as it was closer.
I still shiver thinking about that place - colloquially known as the rat pan - NICE
They even gave us 'honourary memberships' because we worked on the gates.
-
I’d love it if all this pissing the fans off the Villa are doing led to viable business cases for re-opening the old boozers near the ground. You’d think the club might even be interested in the Aston Hotel and the Rat Pan.
The Brittania , if I had some backing I'd lob to open that again.
And the The Swan & Mitre.
Beautiful buildings that will be gone forever
Hope not but sadly I think you’re right.
Not forgetting the Eddies. That was a great boozer too.
-
(https://i.ibb.co/3SFtySS/4259947760-71ac06b3be-c.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3SFtySS)
-
(https://i.ibb.co/3SFtySS/4259947760-71ac06b3be-c.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3SFtySS)
never been in that one , i take it thats long gone
-
(https://i.ibb.co/3SFtySS/4259947760-71ac06b3be-c.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3SFtySS)
Yup. Used to go in there pre-match in the seventies.
-
It hasn't changed much on the outside - it's now some sort of event venue. Must have been shut for at least 10 years?
-
There used to be a pub half way up Witton Road on the left hand side which I can't remember the name of now. It's been closed for years now. From memory, it wasn't terrible.
-
(https://i.ibb.co/3SFtySS/4259947760-71ac06b3be-c.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3SFtySS)
They offer parking on match days.
-
Have some memories of being in the Ratpan with my dad as a kid (I believe so, anyway, looking at the photos of the place)
Typed the Ratpan into Google and came across this photo. Some great flags, there! Deportivo La Coruna away in 93 I reckon:
(https://i.ibb.co/Ln2qJGS/images.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Ln2qJGS)
It is Deportivo. A young me was in amongst that lot. Really, thirty years ago? Bleedin'ell!
-
There used to be a pub half way up Witton Road on the left hand side which I can't remember the name of now. It's been closed for years now. From memory, it wasn't terrible.
Guild Arms ?
-
All-you-can-eat informal food served at street food popups located around the room, serving hotdogs, burgers, nachos, popcorn, ice cream, and mor
-
There used to be a pub half way up Witton Road on the left hand side which I can't remember the name of now. It's been closed for years now. From memory, it wasn't terrible.
Guild Arms ?
Yes The Guild Arms, just up from the Sacred Heart
-
I'm confused. I've gone through the posts on here and am still not sure what changes there are in The Holte Suite / Lower Grounds, other than refurbishment and a change in name (not even sure if I'm right about that. Can someone summarise the changes for me. i used to arrive, show my ST and pay a small fee to get in. Is that not the case any more? Sorry if I've missed something.
-
https://www.avfc.co.uk/premium/the-lower-grounds/
-
I'm confused. I've gone through the posts on here and am still not sure what changes there are in The Holte Suite / Lower Grounds, other than refurbishment and a change in name (not even sure if I'm right about that. Can someone summarise the changes for me. i used to arrive, show my ST and pay a small fee to get in. Is that not the case any more? Sorry if I've missed something.
£60 for you now. Pre-booked.
-
Thanks Meanwood. Just saw that on the VP development thread.
I'm a not-happy bunny. The atmosphere and the camaraderie was always great in there. so now I'd have to pay 60 quid to get in.
-
And to PWS. Criminal decision IMHO.
-
All-you-can-eat informal food served at street food popups located around the room, serving hotdogs, burgers, nachos, popcorn, ice cream, and more
And only £60! Tempting isn't it. Or instead go for lunch in Lasan's, St Paul’s Square.
Sarson King Prawn - Freshwater tandoori king prawns served with sweet, tangy grapefruit & pomelo sirka dressing. £14.95
Followed by Kashmiri Rogan - Tender lamb, slow-braised in a bone-marrow stock spiced with garam masala. £20.95
Peshwari Naan £4.50
All washed down with a couple of pints of Daroo IPA (4.8%) at £5.25 x 2
Total Cost: £50.10 leaving me a tenner for the 8 minute taxi ride to Villa Park.
Tough call.
-
I'm confused. I've gone through the posts on here and am still not sure what changes there are in The Holte Suite / Lower Grounds, other than refurbishment and a change in name (not even sure if I'm right about that. Can someone summarise the changes for me. i used to arrive, show my ST and pay a small fee to get in. Is that not the case any more? Sorry if I've missed something.
It's been free to get in for a few years now, since Dr Tony's days I think. Before that it was about £3 or £4 with a programme. Now, it's extortionate. £36 for kids? How much bloody pop is a kid gonna drink for that?
-
We should all stand outside the entrance, forming a picket line shouting SHAME, SHAME, SHAME at anyone that enters, ala Game of Thrones.
This season's shirt sales, the midweek attendance, and the undoubted failure of this latest venture (*straight out of 'the Apprentice') should hopefully send a message to Heck that we're not to be fucked around with.
On what planet does the commercial department think Midlands football fans have a spare £60 to part with to pay for a shit beer and a sausage roll... especially as we could previously go in there for FREE?!
-
I looked on the site and it’s nearly sold out.
It looks like theatre style seating.
-
I’m taking it it’s all you can drink on selected beers and wines? I mean, if you were up for going in there for the entire time that you can whilst having your lunch and your tea there and guzzling 4 or 5 pints and a couple of glasses of wine you’d probably get your moneys worth just about. Depends on the quality as well of course. If it’s Carling, cheap shit wine and the usual standard of food in football grounds it wouldn’t be worth bothering. As pointed out I’m sure there are much better options out there.
-
I looked on the site and it’s nearly sold out.
It looks like theatre style seating.
Tickets have been palmed off to friends and family of the players by all accounts. So those numbers don't quite ring true. ;)
-
I looked on the site and it’s nearly sold out.
It looks like theatre style seating.
If that's because you've been allocated a row and seat number Terrace View us then sane.
-
Just been reading about Lower Grounds and found myself thinking, if the food is really decent quality, and it really is inclusive of booze, and it really is open 3 hours before and an hour and a half after, then it might not be such a bad deal.
I know.
-
Just been reading about Lower Grounds and found myself thinking, if the food is really decent quality, and it really is inclusive of booze, and it really is open 3 hours before and an hour and a half after, then it might not be such a bad deal.
I know.
Splitter.
-
Just been reading about Lower Grounds and found myself thinking, if the food is really decent quality, and it really is inclusive of booze, and it really is open 3 hours before and an hour and a half after, then it might not be such a bad deal.
I know.
Splitter.
If there's one group I hate more than Heck and his acolytes, it's the fucking Supporters Trust of Aston Villa.
-
Just been reading about Lower Grounds and found myself thinking, if the food is really decent quality, and it really is inclusive of booze, and it really is open 3 hours before and an hour and a half after, then it might not be such a bad deal.
I know.
I think people are more pissed off about how it’s been done rather than the value proposition. Though I agree with you that if you’re into that sort of thing then it’s probably alright in terms of a deal and value. Guaranteed seat, lack of queues etc etc, it’s certainly better than what’s on offer in the Upper Trinity.
-
Just been reading about Lower Grounds and found myself thinking, if the food is really decent quality, and it really is inclusive of booze, and it really is open 3 hours before and an hour and a half after, then it might not be such a bad deal.
I know.
I think people are more pissed off about how it’s been done rather than the value proposition. Though I agree with you that if you’re into that sort of thing then it’s probably alright in terms of a deal and value. Guaranteed seat, lack of queues etc etc, it’s certainly better than what’s on offer in the Upper Trinity.
Oh yeah don't get me wrong, my problem with all this shit isn't that they're offering these packages, it's that they're doing so whilst doing absolutely nothing to improve the lot of the average fan, despite having had plenty of time to do so.
I know I've said this a few times, but charging people the best part of 60 quid to use 1980s era toilet facilities and be unable to get anything to eat or drink whilst doing this makes the whole thing look like a case of warped priorities.
-
I looked on the site and it’s nearly sold out.
It looks like theatre style seating.
If that's because you've been allocated a row and seat number Terrace View us then sane.
?
-
Is the same.
-
Is the same.
Ok.
-
Straight to the bar. "30 pints please!"
-
All-you-can-eat informal food served at street food popups located around the room, serving hotdogs, burgers, nachos, popcorn, ice cream, and more
And only £60! Tempting isn't it. Or instead go for lunch in Lasan's, St Paul’s Square.
Sarson King Prawn - Freshwater tandoori king prawns served with sweet, tangy grapefruit & pomelo sirka dressing. £14.95
Followed by Kashmiri Rogan - Tender lamb, slow-braised in a bone-marrow stock spiced with garam masala. £20.95
Peshwari Naan £4.50
All washed down with a couple of pints of Daroo IPA (4.8%) at £5.25 x 2
Total Cost: £50.10 leaving me a tenner for the 8 minute taxi ride to Villa Park.
Tough call.
I’m not surprised that the toilets need some work if this is what everyone eats pre match.
-
I'm confused. I've gone through the posts on here and am still not sure what changes there are in The Holte Suite / Lower Grounds, other than refurbishment and a change in name (not even sure if I'm right about that. Can someone summarise the changes for me. i used to arrive, show my ST and pay a small fee to get in. Is that not the case any more? Sorry if I've missed something.
£60 for you now. Pre-booked.
Sixty quid is going to be worth it to those willing to chugg through the buffet and booze. Birra Morretti was £6.30 a pint in the self-service thingy in the LH a few games back, so six or seven pints of that and a simultaneous attack on the burgers, hotdogs and nachos and some will get their moneys-worth.
There is the issue of it being an offence to be intoxicated inside a football stadium. Aside from the two drinks per person per visit to the bar, I wonder if people will be limited to the number of drinks they can have on the day.
-
There is no way on this earth they won’t cap the amount of drinks you can have. Some of the beer monsters I see at games will bankrupt the club by Christmas doing this.
-
Like I say, you could really hammer the booze and get your moneys worth. But then again do you want to actually see the match without going to sleep, or getting up for a piss every 10 mins or everything just being a blur? And would you want to start again a few hours later. I have been to enough away games to realise that this is standard for some but I always like to be able to watch the game I’ve paid for and looked forward to for most of the week. I also noticed that it sounds like an introduction price from how it was worded so probably will go up pretty quickly, especially if the demand is there.
-
All-you-can-eat informal food served at street food popups located around the room, serving hotdogs, burgers, nachos, popcorn, ice cream, and more
And only £60! Tempting isn't it. Or instead go for lunch in Lasan's, St Paul’s Square.
Sarson King Prawn - Freshwater tandoori king prawns served with sweet, tangy grapefruit & pomelo sirka dressing. £14.95
Followed by Kashmiri Rogan - Tender lamb, slow-braised in a bone-marrow stock spiced with garam masala. £20.95
Peshwari Naan £4.50
All washed down with a couple of pints of Daroo IPA (4.8%) at £5.25 x 2
Total Cost: £50.10 leaving me a tenner for the 8 minute taxi ride to Villa Park.
Tough call.
I’m not surprised that the toilets need some work if this is what everyone eats pre match.
I had a look at the menu and it does sound rather good but fuck me, it doesn’t seem like that long ago we’d have a curry at the end of a night out, popadoms, curry, rice, naan, £10 each including leaving the waiter a bit of change.
-
There is no way on this earth they won’t cap the amount of drinks you can have. Some of the beer monsters I see at games will bankrupt the club by Christmas doing this.
I've seen a post on Facebook about it and someone raised the point about away fans accessing it. A bunch of pissed up plastic 'United' or 'YNWA Mighty Reds' fans in the vicinity of the Holte would not be a great prospect,
-
There is no way on this earth they won’t cap the amount of drinks you can have. Some of the beer monsters I see at games will bankrupt the club by Christmas doing this.
I've seen a post on Facebook about it and someone raised the point about away fans accessing it. A bunch of pissed up plastic 'United' or 'YNWA Mighty Reds' fans in the vicinity of the Holte would not be a great prospect,
Speak for yourself.
-
There is no way on this earth they won’t cap the amount of drinks you can have. Some of the beer monsters I see at games will bankrupt the club by Christmas doing this.
I've seen a post on Facebook about it and someone raised the point about away fans accessing it. A bunch of pissed up plastic 'United' or 'YNWA Mighty Reds' fans in the vicinity of the Holte would not be a great prospect,
It's down to booking history so they won't be allowed.
-
There is no way on this earth they won’t cap the amount of drinks you can have. Some of the beer monsters I see at games will bankrupt the club by Christmas doing this.
I've seen a post on Facebook about it and someone raised the point about away fans accessing it. A bunch of pissed up plastic 'United' or 'YNWA Mighty Reds' fans in the vicinity of the Holte would not be a great prospect,
It's down to booking history so they won't be allowed.
Ah right. That's somewhat reassuring then.
-
All-you-can-eat informal food served at street food popups located around the room, serving hotdogs, burgers, nachos, popcorn, ice cream, and more
And only £60! Tempting isn't it. Or instead go for lunch in Lasan's, St Paul’s Square.
Sarson King Prawn - Freshwater tandoori king prawns served with sweet, tangy grapefruit & pomelo sirka dressing. £14.95
Followed by Kashmiri Rogan - Tender lamb, slow-braised in a bone-marrow stock spiced with garam masala. £20.95
Peshwari Naan £4.50
All washed down with a couple of pints of Daroo IPA (4.8%) at £5.25 x 2
Total Cost: £50.10 leaving me a tenner for the 8 minute taxi ride to Villa Park.
Tough call.
I’m not surprised that the toilets need some work if this is what everyone eats pre match.
I had a look at the menu and it does sound rather good but fuck me, it doesn’t seem like that long ago we’d have a curry at the end of a night out, popadoms, curry, rice, naan, £10 each including leaving the waiter a bit of change.
The point was going to arguably the best and most expensive Indian restaurant in the city, being close to Villa Park for the same price. I've never been there. Oh and my local curry is pretty much as you list above and under a tenner.
-
I suppose the club see things like the rebrand and repurpose of the Holte Suite and the creation of Terrace View as what some would call incremental gains. On their own they aren't game changers but if the LG earns an extra £1m a season and the TV earns half a million a season and they can replicate that elsewhere (rumours of "dug-out experience" seating and whatever else they put into the new north stand) then in the eyes of the club that might be the difference between shopping at Lidl or shopping at Waitrose.
What they absolutely should not have done was to ignore issues around the ground for the "standard" fan, perhaps for want of a better phrase. While I have no service or toilet issues in the LH, I understand there are issues elsewhere. These should have been corrected above all else, and if they had been then perhaps there would have been less bad feeling around the HS(LG) and TV.
-
All-you-can-eat informal food served at street food popups located around the room, serving hotdogs, burgers, nachos, popcorn, ice cream, and more
And only £60! Tempting isn't it. Or instead go for lunch in Lasan's, St Paul’s Square.
Sarson King Prawn - Freshwater tandoori king prawns served with sweet, tangy grapefruit & pomelo sirka dressing. £14.95
Followed by Kashmiri Rogan - Tender lamb, slow-braised in a bone-marrow stock spiced with garam masala. £20.95
Peshwari Naan £4.50
All washed down with a couple of pints of Daroo IPA (4.8%) at £5.25 x 2
Total Cost: £50.10 leaving me a tenner for the 8 minute taxi ride to Villa Park.
Tough call.
I’m not surprised that the toilets need some work if this is what everyone eats pre match.
I had a look at the menu and it does sound rather good but fuck me, it doesn’t seem like that long ago we’d have a curry at the end of a night out, popadoms, curry, rice, naan, £10 each including leaving the waiter a bit of change.
The point was going to arguably the best and most expensive Indian restaurant in the city, being close to Villa Park for the same price. I've never been there. Oh and my local curry is pretty much as you list above and under a tenner.
Yeah, get the point. Mine was just a comment really about how much things have gone up in the last couple of years. I’m sure that place is a great meal though and as you say better than the (likely) mediocre slop on offer in the ground. That said, i’d be interested to hear what it was like in there today for anyone that’s gone in, and indeed if there are restrictions on the drinks.
-
For £70 you could stay in the city centre, have something really nice to eat, and have a few drinks rather than a shit quality buffet, a program thrown in plus a couple of shite quality beers.
If open you could go to Shabbabs (https://www.shababsindian.co.uk/menu) and have:
- Paneer Tikka £5
- Keema Balti £12
- 4 cans from shop over road £7
- Gulab Jaman and ice-cream £2.69
- Coffee £2.50
- Uber to ground about £10
Under £40 per person. FTF!
-
Photos from RedSox and taken the last few mins. It's doing a roaring trade....
(https://i.ibb.co/vY3YPCB/01a.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vY3YPCB)
(https://i.ibb.co/Pcx5t2P/01b.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Pcx5t2P)
-
I think it’s been open for 2 hours at that point? 😂
-
He said there was about a dozen people at the back, and while he was stood outside (about 11am) for 10 mins or so chatting to friends more staff entered than customers. 2 staff went inside.
-
It hasn’t got any busier.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F7Q5QRkW8AAUrU0?format=jpg&name=small)
-
Had a little peak
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F7Q5QRkW8AAUrU0?format=jpg&name=small)
👍 sounds like it’s been a pretty major flop anyway !
-
Folks reckon these are the unold seats for the Terrace View and Lower Grounds
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F7RTz71WEAAzZjL?format=jpg&name=large)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F7RT0xMWwAAcMtF?format=jpg&name=large)
-
Folks reckon these are the unold seats for the Terrace View and Lower Grounds
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F7RT0xMWwAAcMtF?format=jpg&name=large)
Or the legendary Holte End Farter may have guffed once again.
-
Balloons? Christ almighty.
-
Balloons? Christ almighty.
Probably more edible than the burgers…
-
Sloppy goal to concede.
-
Folks reckon these are the unold seats for the Terrace View and Lower Grounds
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F7RTz71WEAAzZjL?format=jpg&name=large)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F7RT0xMWwAAcMtF?format=jpg&name=large)
I did wonder if that was the case when I saw those blocks of empty seats. There was a rumour going round that the families and guests of the players had been invited to use it as there weren't many tickets sold for it.
-
Folks reckon these are the unold seats for the Terrace View and Lower Grounds
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F7RTz71WEAAzZjL?format=jpg&name=large)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F7RT0xMWwAAcMtF?format=jpg&name=large)
I did wonder if that was the case when I saw those blocks of empty seats. There was a rumour going round that the families and guests of the players had been invited to use it as there weren't many tickets sold for it.
All members of the FAB were invited +1. We all turned it down.
-
There were definitely people in there connected to players.
-
Folks reckon these are the unold seats for the Terrace View and Lower Grounds
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F7RTz71WEAAzZjL?format=jpg&name=large)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F7RT0xMWwAAcMtF?format=jpg&name=large)
I did wonder if that was the case when I saw those blocks of empty seats. There was a rumour going round that the families and guests of the players had been invited to use it as there weren't many tickets sold for it.
All members of the FAB were invited +1. We all turned it down.
Sorry Dave, FAB?
-
Fan advisory board.
-
[/imgleft]2]
Fan advisory board.
Ah right.
-
Folks reckon these are the unold seats for the Terrace View and Lower Grounds
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F7RTz71WEAAzZjL?format=jpg&name=large)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F7RT0xMWwAAcMtF?format=jpg&name=large)
I did wonder if that was the case when I saw those blocks of empty seats. There was a rumour going round that the families and guests of the players had been invited to use it as there weren't many tickets sold for it.
All members of the FAB were invited +1. We all turned it down.
Sorry Dave, FAB?
Fifth columnists
-
I think it will be more popular for games against some of the more "glamorous" sides but those blocks of empty seats looked terrible today. I don't think it will put the likes of Heck off from his brief though. There will be more of this sort of thing to come.
-
Is the "sit behind the bench experience" going to be a real thing or just a bit light hearted guesswork?
-
I’d expect it to be a reality as it was in the plans submitted to the council for the new stand and Trinity refurb.
-
I’m watching the tnt replay, they basically did a massive advert for the terrace view at the start, how the hell did the club persuade them to do that?
-
The Terrance view, was that done on Purslow's watch?
-
The Terrance view, was that done on Purslow's watch?
Yes. It’s just a lounge in the Holte concourse so far, with randomly located seats. If that’s all it stays then I’ll learn to live with it. If they bring in padded seats, that’s when I’ll start swinging.
-
Woodhall turning down a food and drink freebie?
-
Woodhall turning down a food and drink freebie?
Turned down, nay spurned.
-
Folks reckon these are the unold seats for the Terrace View and Lower Grounds
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F7RTz71WEAAzZjL?format=jpg&name=large)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F7RT0xMWwAAcMtF?format=jpg&name=large)
I did wonder if that was the case when I saw those blocks of empty seats. There was a rumour going round that the families and guests of the players had been invited to use it as there weren't many tickets sold for it.
All members of the FAB were invited +1. We all turned it down.
Well done to all, it’s looking a bit embarrassing for Heck.
-
Extensive wine list.
-
I know someone connected to the squad was went along. Said the food looked dreadful, they were off into town to eat.
-
There was a chorus of boos ( at least in our part of the Holte) at half time when an ad for the Terrace View went up on the big screen. The more I hear about it the more I fucking hate the shit idea.
-
If its still up and running how are they going to manage the Holte Suite bookings for Manure and Liverpool - a lot of away fans will use this as a way of getting to the game
-
If its still up and running how are they going to manage the Holte Suite bookings for Manure and Liverpool - a lot of away fans will use this as a way of getting to the game
It'll have the same criteria as other tickets - you'll need a booking history.
-
If its still up and running how are they going to manage the Holte Suite bookings for Manure and Liverpool - a lot of away fans will use this as a way of getting to the game
DW stated that you still require a booking history to get in but if tickets are not selling I wouldn't be surprised if they ditch this (on the quiet of course like everything else lately). Look at the inducements that suddenly appeared in order to sell TV.
-
Did any one go the the HS yesterday?
-
There's going to be a punch up outside the internal Terrace View entrance this season at some point. It got a bit spicy today when a Holte Ender was booing the scabs going in at half time and the wrist band wanker turned around to cry about it.
-
If its still up and running how are they going to manage the Holte Suite bookings for Manure and Liverpool - a lot of away fans will use this as a way of getting to the game
It'll have the same criteria as other tickets - you'll need a booking history.
So much goals out of the window and inducements offered when it suits the Villa.
-
There's going to be a punch up outside the internal Terrace View entrance this season at some point. It got a bit spicy today when a Holte Ender was booing the scabs going in at half time and the wrist band wanker turned around to cry about it.
I don't think anyone are 'wrist band wankers' for going in. It's their money. The boos should be reserved for those that dreamt it up.
I didn't mind the idea at first (apart from the price). Seeing it in operation just feels wrong.
-
No boo them, we need more of this sort of thing in general.
Same with the 'fastrack' wankers at theme parks.
-
No boo them, we need more of this sort of thing in general.
Same with the 'fastrack' wankers at theme parks.
Also people in supermarkets with clearly over six items in their basket going in the six items and under queue. Bastards.
-
There's going to be a punch up outside the internal Terrace View entrance this season at some point. It got a bit spicy today when a Holte Ender was booing the scabs going in at half time and the wrist band wanker turned around to cry about it.
I don't think anyone are 'wrist band wankers' for going in. It's their money. The boos should be reserved for those that dreamt it up.
I didn't mind the idea at first (apart from the price). Seeing it in operation just feels wrong.
Booing them seems pointless alright. These things will bring in money for the club, if people are happy spending their own money, let them.
Where that money is being reinvested would be my concern. The facilities for the average fan should be what benefits first from increased revenue. It seems like an easy enough way to appease the situation.
-
It exists because people feed it. Now our Upper Holte is shitter because of it; less bar space, less space generally, less toilets (significantly less for women too). Fuck anybody who uses it.
-
It wouldn't be so bad if they were a bit less obvious about it. Terrace View was pushed as a bit of an extra but in reality it's velvet ropes, lanyards and private security. They couldn't have made it look more like two fingers up to the rest of us if they tried.
-
It exists because people feed it. Now our Upper Holte is shitter because of it; less bar space, less space generally, less toilets (significantly less for women too). Fuck anybody who uses it.
Terrace View should not be in the heart of the holte end . It's a stupid idea and it needs reversing
-
Second Premier League game in a row where the attendance was around 2,000 short of capacity. It's unbelievably short-sighted to miss out on the opportunity to sell those seats to claret members who have already paid for the opportunity to watch demolitions like yesterday. In Heck's terms, think of the lifetime value of a kid who might have got to their first game and ignited 80 years of interest in getting down every matchday. It's all kinds of wrong, and the club's hierarchy need to hear it week in, week out.
In slightly better news, apparently there is a fan zone on its way that will extend the half time Lower Holte concourse out into the car park. If only the club could actually communicate these things, it would help smooth so much of the hostility.
-
In other words, pay not to stand in the rain.
The price of everything, the value of nothing fits perfectly once again.
-
Second Premier League game in a row where the attendance was around 2,000 short of capacity. It's unbelievably short-sighted to miss out on the opportunity to sell those seats to claret members who have already paid for the opportunity to watch demolitions like yesterday. In Heck's terms, think of the lifetime value of a kid who might have got to their first game and ignited 80 years of interest in getting down every matchday. It's all kinds of wrong, and the club's hierarchy need to hear it week in, week out.
In slightly better news, apparently there is a fan zone on its way that will extend the half time Lower Holte concourse out into the car park. If only the club could actually communicate these things, it would help smooth so much of the hostility.
I'd guess the train strike didn't help with the attendance though.
-
Second Premier League game in a row where the attendance was around 2,000 short of capacity. It's unbelievably short-sighted to miss out on the opportunity to sell those seats to claret members who have already paid for the opportunity to watch demolitions like yesterday. In Heck's terms, think of the lifetime value of a kid who might have got to their first game and ignited 80 years of interest in getting down every matchday. It's all kinds of wrong, and the club's hierarchy need to hear it week in, week out.
In slightly better news, apparently there is a fan zone on its way that will extend the half time Lower Holte concourse out into the car park. If only the club could actually communicate these things, it would help smooth so much of the hostility.
I'd guess the train strike didn't help with the attendance though.
It didn’t help with getting out of the Aston area by car either, if anything showed the value of public transport it was the roads around Birmingham yesterday, absolute chaos.
-
It didn’t help with getting out of the Aston area by car either, if anything showed the value of public transport it was the roads around Birmingham yesterday, absolute chaos.
Agreed, yesterday was horrific, up there with the worst I can recall. The surrounding roads and expressway was backed up solid all the way back to the city centre as people tried various routes ways to get round the traffic. Once I get to the Bartons it's normally open roads and an easy journey from there, but it took another half an hour yesterday to get from there to the M6 south slip road.
-
It didn’t help with getting out of the Aston area by car either, if anything showed the value of public transport it was the roads around Birmingham yesterday, absolute chaos.
Agreed, yesterday was horrific, up there with the worst I can recall. The surrounding roads and expressway was backed up solid all the way back to the city centre as people tried various routes ways to get round the traffic. Once I get to the Bartons it's normally open roads and an easy journey from there, but it took another half an hour yesterday to get from there to the M6 south slip road.
Yeah I noticed that as well. Absolute gridlock everywhere.
-
I can’t visualise where the terrace view sits in the Holte.
I am unable to go to matches for health reasons, but would like to understand where they put this divisive section.
Understand the outside bit is at the top of the stairs, but have they taken a chunk of the upper concourse out for it?
-
Part of the pre match build up on TNT yesterday came from the Terrace.
It was very disingenuous, suggesting that it’s accessible to all and wonderful fan experience.
I’m sure the powers that be at the club were delighted with the free advertising.
It looked like there were about 6 people in there an hour before kickoff.
Do we know of anyone who experienced The Lower Grounds yesterday?
Was it a pre match utopia with all that booze and street food ?
-
I can’t visualise where the terrace view sits in the Holte.
I am unable to go to matches for health reasons, but would like to understand where they put this divisive section.
Understand the outside bit is at the top of the stairs, but have they taken a chunk of the upper concourse out for it?
It's where the old bar used to be where the windows overlooked the pitch. Hope that helps a bit.
-
Part of the pre match build up on TNT yesterday came from the Terrace.
It was very disingenuous, suggesting that it’s accessible to all and wonderful fan experience.
I’m sure the powers that be at the club were delighted with the free advertising.
It looked like there were about 6 people in there an hour before kickoff.
Do we know of anyone who experienced The Lower Grounds yesterday?
Was it a pre match utopia with all that booze and street food ?
Someone mentioned it was half empty and the food looked crap
-
This is from someone that was in on a freebie, and includes a pic that's the busiest i've seen.
https://twitter.com/jodielouiseart/status/1707694561487659079
-
The whole thing looks like The Apprentice episode where they overprice the hospitality food, cock up the entertainment experience and generally, fail miserably.
-
It looks like a builders canteen on a large construction project.
-
I looks like a refectory at the local technical college.
-
There's going to be a punch up outside the internal Terrace View entrance this season at some point. It got a bit spicy today when a Holte Ender was booing the scabs going in at half time and the wrist band wanker turned around to cry about it.
I don't think anyone are 'wrist band wankers' for going in. It's their money. The boos should be reserved for those that dreamt it up.
I didn't mind the idea at first (apart from the price). Seeing it in operation just feels wrong.
Booing them seems pointless alright. These things will bring in money for the club, if people are happy spending their own money, let them.
Where that money is being reinvested would be my concern. The facilities for the average fan should be what benefits first from increased revenue. It seems like an easy enough way to appease the situation.
do they boo those that use the corporate boxes etc?, must likely genuine fans that used the terrace view and the Holte suite
-
It appears that it has had a knock on effect that the old programme kiosk in upper Holte as you go in next to the turnstiles is now a bar. Probably more of a result of Terrace View than the Lower Grounds thing.
-
I can’t visualise where the terrace view sits in the Holte.
I am unable to go to matches for health reasons, but would like to understand where they put this divisive section.
Understand the outside bit is at the top of the stairs, but have they taken a chunk of the upper concourse out for it?
It's where the old bar used to be where the windows overlooked the pitch. Hope that helps a bit.
Thanks clampy, so separate from outside seating then, strange.
-
There's going to be a punch up outside the internal Terrace View entrance this season at some point. It got a bit spicy today when a Holte Ender was booing the scabs going in at half time and the wrist band wanker turned around to cry about it.
I don't think anyone are 'wrist band wankers' for going in. It's their money. The boos should be reserved for those that dreamt it up.
I didn't mind the idea at first (apart from the price). Seeing it in operation just feels wrong.
Booing them seems pointless alright. These things will bring in money for the club, if people are happy spending their own money, let them.
Where that money is being reinvested would be my concern. The facilities for the average fan should be what benefits first from increased revenue. It seems like an easy enough way to appease the situation.
do they boo those that use the corporate boxes etc?, must likely genuine fans that used the terrace view and the Holte suite
Genuine scabs.
-
I am massively disappointed they’ve instituted these facilities, but really, using words like “scabs” is the kind of ridiculous histrionics you’d expect from a newly radicalised first year politics student, not someone who is clearly very intelligent and should know better.
-
They're joining in the bastardisation of the Holte. If no bugger turned up, it would die a death. If you go in the Terrace View you're complicit in this.
-
I am massively disappointed they’ve instituted these facilities, but really, using words like “scabs” is the kind of ridiculous histrionics you’d expect from a newly radicalised first year politics student, not someone who is clearly very intelligent and should know better.
Its a harsh thing to call someone, granted. But by using the new facilities, you are supporting and encouraging the club to keep them, and possibly create more in the future to the detriment of everyone else.
Its exactly the same dynamic as breaking a strike, albeit there's a lot less at stake here.
-
At the end of the day, they're still Villa supporters and it's their money. What they do with it is up to them. If they want to spend £50-£60 for two free drinks and a programme, then let them.
-
I am massively disappointed they’ve instituted these facilities, but really, using words like “scabs” is the kind of ridiculous histrionics you’d expect from a newly radicalised first year politics student, not someone who is clearly very intelligent and should know better.
Its a harsh thing to call someone, granted. But by using the new facilities, you are supporting and encouraging the club to keep them, and possibly create more in the future to the detriment of everyone else.
Its exactly the same dynamic as breaking a strike, albeit there's a lot less at stake here.
It's not the same dynamic as breaking a strike at all, as you intimated in the second clause of your last sentence, there's a lot less at stake.
I don't like it, but I am not going to throw around words like "scab", which are laden with historical weight, about people stupid enough to throw 60 quid at the club for the sort of shite they think we're thick enough to consider quality.
I would imagine the vast majority of Villa fans either don't know about it, or if they do, don't give that much of a fuck about it.
-
I am massively disappointed they’ve instituted these facilities, but really, using words like “scabs” is the kind of ridiculous histrionics you’d expect from a newly radicalised first year politics student, not someone who is clearly very intelligent and should know better.
Its a harsh thing to call someone, granted. But by using the new facilities, you are supporting and encouraging the club to keep them, and possibly create more in the future to the detriment of everyone else.
Its exactly the same dynamic as breaking a strike, albeit there's a lot less at stake here.
It's not the same dynamic as breaking a strike at all, as you intimated in the second clause of your last sentence, there's a lot less at stake.
I don't like it, but I am not going to throw around words like "scab", which are laden with historical weight, about people stupid enough to throw 60 quid at the club for the sort of shite they think we're thick enough to consider quality.
I would imagine the vast majority of Villa fans either don't know about it, or if they do, don't give that much of a fuck about it.
Why would you assume your last point, Paulie? The club have aggressively marketed it to everyone on their database and it’s come up in conversation with most Villa fans I have spoken to and they invariably think it’s crap. The Holte Suite was always packed on match day and I think it particularly suited older fans who could get a seat and some hot food before the game who are unlikely to be those who go in there now.
-
I would imagine the vast majority of Villa fans either don't know about it, or if they do, don't give that much of a fuck about it.
More likely the latter. They've promoted this so much it's likely you'd have to be a fan on top of Mt Everest without an internet signal for the last fortnight to not know about this.
BTW, benches? I was expecting it to be a leather armchair each. Not benches.
-
Why would you assume your last point, Paulie? The club have aggressively marketed it to everyone on their database and it’s come up in conversation with most Villa fans I have spoken to and they invariably think it’s crap. The Holte Suite was always packed on match day and I think it particularly suited older fans who could get a seat and some hot food before the game who are unlikely to be those who go in there now.
I don't know, I'll admit, the last time I was on the Holte, it was the old standing stand, so I've never used the Holte Suite, so am prepared to admit I might be misjudging this, but I suspect those who feel particularly strongly about it are going to be outnumbered by those who do not.
However, I wouldn't want that part of my post to get away from my main point, which was that using words like "scab" seems hugely inappropriate when we're just talking about people daft enough not to work out that 60 quid is a rip off, rather than, say, people facing the immense moral confusion of crossing picket lines where people are fighting for their livelihoods.
It's a facility at a football ground, not the miner's strike, and I suspect the original poster wouldn't be so quick to use it were we talking about an actual strike.
-
I would imagine the vast majority of Villa fans either don't know about it, or if they do, don't give that much of a fuck about it.
More likely the latter. They've promoted this so much it's likely you'd have to be a fan on top of Mt Everest without an internet signal for the last fortnight to not know about this.
BTW, benches? I was expecting it to be a leather armchair each. Not benches.
It looks like the Mandela Bar at Newcastle Polytechnic 1987, except with some big screens added.
The screens thing is weird, it's like they thought, "shit, what do we put here? what do fans really like? I know, they like sport, let's get a job lot down Curry's, that'll do it".
-
Why would you assume your last point, Paulie? The club have aggressively marketed it to everyone on their database and it’s come up in conversation with most Villa fans I have spoken to and they invariably think it’s crap. The Holte Suite was always packed on match day and I think it particularly suited older fans who could get a seat and some hot food before the game who are unlikely to be those who go in there now.
I don't know, I'll admit, the last time I was on the Holte, it was the old standing stand, so I've never used the Holte Suite, so am prepared to admit I might be misjudging this, but I suspect those who feel particularly strongly about it are going to be outnumbered by those who do not.
However, I wouldn't want that part of my post to get away from my main point, which was that using words like "scab" seems hugely inappropriate when we're just talking about people daft enough not to work out that 60 quid is a rip off, rather than, say, people facing the immense moral confusion of crossing picket lines where people are fighting for their livelihoods.
It's a facility at a football ground, not the miner's strike, and I suspect the original poster wouldn't be so quick to use it were we talking about an actual strike.
Completely agree with you on this. Ive been on strike and stood on picket lines and seen some colleagues and friends cross the same picket lines, its a hugely uncomfortable, divisive and to degree upsetting experience. I didnt and wouldnt shout down those people as scabs although i might think it, but try and have conversations about the implications of their actions.
Im angry at the direction of travel with the corporatisation of the holte and the disregard for the loyalty of the season ticket holding supporters in particular. My feelings seem to be shared given the booing and conversations Ive had. However, I’d hazard a guess that many of the people using the Terrace View havent thought about or dont understand the implications of whats happening in the holte. I know someone with his own building contractors who has bought himself and his villa supporting son, terrace view season tickets on the company account, he wouldnt have a clue about the politics of it all.
Its right if the demand isnt there it will die a death, but then another equally shit idea will spring up. So im still not sure shouting the people who use it down is the answer. The people generating and implementing the ideas need to be tackled with strength of feeling from holte end regulars the key.
-
I would imagine the vast majority of Villa fans either don't know about it, or if they do, don't give that much of a fuck about it.
More likely the latter. They've promoted this so much it's likely you'd have to be a fan on top of Mt Everest without an internet signal for the last fortnight to not know about this.
BTW, benches? I was expecting it to be a leather armchair each. Not benches.
It looks like the Mandela Bar at Newcastle Polytechnic 1987, except with some big screens added.
The screens thing is weird, it's like they thought, "shit, what do we put here? what do fans really like? I know, they like sport, let's get a job lot down Curry's, that'll do it".
I not sure why they have put big screens up. The place was already full of a television screens anyway.
-
I am so disappointed the Club have gone down this road with The Holte
I feel they would have had far less grief if they had converted the Witton Lane to a more corporate area even if it meant reducing the capacity
-
Its the most talked about Villa matter, with the possible exception of Emery ranking games.
-
They're not scabs. To be a scab you have to cross a picker line or take the work of others who have withdrawn their labour.
Those giving out to them are doing so under the assumption of the TV and LG attendees know what that means. I doubt that assumption applies to all of them.
-
Well the word is a 600 year old insult, with late 19/early 20th century reconstitution to the very rigid definition the denizens on here wish to impose. You don't turn left when you enter the Holte. Corporate, velvet rope offerings now has its place, but not in the Holte; not at the expense of the mass of support whose exprience was lacking as it was, but which has now worsened. The line has been crossed and if you fund it directly, be it Terrace View or Lower Grounds, you're part of the problem.
The Terrace View is booed after every game by the mass of ordinary upper Holte Enders descending the stairs. There was a bit of a minor altercation at half time between an oldish chap and a Terrace Viewer. Discontent is building.
The Lower Grounds is booed when advertised. A2 and P2 (I believe) being empty due to the lack of demand, adds two more stands where ordinary supporters are unable to purchase tickets, because the ugly Tarquinisation of B6 is underway. It looked daft on Saturday. Not that Heck/club care/listen. But hey, good news, you get to stand on tarmac in the elements instead.
-
Well the word is a 600 year old insult, with late 19/early 20th century reconstitution to the very rigid definition the denizens on here wish to impose. You don't turn left when you enter the Holte. Corporate, velvet rope offerings now has its place, but not in the Holte; not at the expense of the mass of support whose exprience was lacking as it was, but which has now worsened. The line has been crossed and if you fund it directly, be it Terrace View or Lower Grounds, you're part of the problem.
The Terrace View is booed after every game by the mass of ordinary upper Holte Enders descending the stairs. There was a bit of a minor altercation at half time between an oldish chap and a Terrace Viewer. Discontent is building.
The Lower Grounds is booed when advertised. A2 and P2 (I believe) being empty due to the lack of demand, adds two more stands where ordinary supporters are unable to purchase tickets, because the ugly Tarquinisation of B6 is underway. It looked daft on Saturday. Not that Heck/club care/listen. But hey, good news, you get to stand on tarmac in the elements instead.
Got better things to worry about then a few so-called scabs
-
As demonstrated by replying to messages on a thread dedicated to discontent on corporate offerings in the Holte at 20 past 10 on a Sunday.
Apologies for interrupting your date with Jennifer Lawrence!
-
I am massively disappointed they’ve instituted these facilities, but really, using words like “scabs” is the kind of ridiculous histrionics you’d expect from a newly radicalised first year politics student, not someone who is clearly very intelligent and should know better.
Well said. i have seen many stupid statements but calling fellow Villa fans who choose to spend their hard earned money this way is a very, very low point. Your anger is mis-directed and frankly, surprised the mods are allowing it.
-
As demonstrated by replying to messages on a thread dedicated to discontent on corporate offerings in the Holte at 20 past 10 on a Sunday.
Apologies for interrupting your date with Jennifer Lawrence!
apologies accepted
-
I am massively disappointed they’ve instituted these facilities, but really, using words like “scabs” is the kind of ridiculous histrionics you’d expect from a newly radicalised first year politics student, not someone who is clearly very intelligent and should know better.
Well said. i have seen many stupid statements but calling fellow Villa fans who choose to spend their hard earned money this way is a very, very low point. Your anger is mis-directed and frankly, surprised the mods are allowing it.
same here
-
I had a glance over at the Terrace View fans as I walked up the Holte Steps on Saturday and to be honest, they looked like ordinary punters. But they are punters who can afford premium prices in the part of our ground that has never had such a huge price disparity before, that is the heart of support for the Club and a totem for the identity of both the Club and the ground where so many others have lost theirs. It's started with TV, continued with LG and you can guarantee that it won't stop there. Areas of seating will become premium, not to mention other parts of the concourse and we can go and stand in the fucking car park at half time if we're not prepared to pay more money on top of the cost of a ticket.
I don't see anything other than the end of the Holte End as we know it and Villa Park will never be the same. Progress it may be, necessary according to some in order for us to progress but I've never felt less engaged as a fan.
-
Jeeeesus, really? Daddy the man said a word!
The point is that they're allowed to spend their money this way.
This is like the Upside Down. If the Villa decided to rip out all the toilets on the lower right side of the Upper Holte for an exclusive titty bar offering, some berks would still pay for it and it would be their choice to do so; there should not be a choice, that's the point. No velvet rope. There's no social or economic division on the Holte- only now there is. But good news! Yes you now have to pay £60 for that thing that's been free for 2 decades, even under poundland Monty Burns, Man Child Trustfund baby and lunatic shit shoe front man- but it's fine; you get to stand in a car park soon. The Holy of Holies has been defiled and its rank.
It's also sad that we are just the fucking same as all the other loathsome shit out there. We kinda already suspected, but now there's no doubt and its a shame. I dread to think how much the season tickets will cost next year.
Edit: Nev and I both propping up the same side of the bar in this argument, so you know this is bad times when we agree.
-
The current 1874 membership in the Witton works out at £15 per game. I expect that to rocket up in price next season as the club expand these hospitality schemes.
-
I can only see both TV and LG losing money for a while. Zrinjsk, West Ham, Luton, Alkmaar, Fulham are hardly big draws for casual fans where those areas may be the only options to get a ticket. 3 blocks around the ground all with a load of unsold seats, takings in the areas down, the costs of the renovations. I'm guessing their big hope is the demand once the North goes. But I can't see it being a big money earner between now and the North being done. Which kind of defeats the point of them.
-
There were some chants and insults aimed at those going into the lower grounds after the game. It feels weird having Villa fans insulting other fans outside the Holte.
-
The current 1874 membership in the Witton works out at £15 per game. I expect that to rocket up in price next season as the club expand these hospitality schemes.
I suspect my seats in the Witton upper (halfway line ) will become part of an 1874 package next season and I will be turfed out .
-
Saw Chris Heck coming out of the back of the Holte Suite into the passage way of the Holte End on Saturday before the game
A Villa fan did ask him the reasons for the change
I do not know what was said as he carried on walking and talking to the Villa fan.
-
There were some chants and insults aimed at those going into the lower grounds after the game. It feels weird having Villa fans insulting other fans outside the Holte.
That is very sad, but this is down to the club.
-
I'm all for extra revenue streams, but let's start with the tap in the men's toilet in the lower Doug which has been running non stop since the Palace match.
-
The new North is going to be a grim £800/900 or £1500 for a padded seat job isn't it.
-
The new North is going to be a grim £800/900 or £1500 for a padded seat job isn't it.
At best. I'm already resigned to not sitting anywhere near where I do now.
-
The new North is going to be a grim £800/900 or £1500 for a padded seat job isn't it.
At best. I'm already resigned to not sitting anywhere near where I do now.
*sigh*
I was hoping the lower tier would be a rail seating, dominate the away end noisy affair. But then that isn't the sort or soccer fantatic Heck wants.
-
I can only see both TV and LG losing money for a while. Zrinjsk, West Ham, Luton, Alkmaar, Fulham are hardly big draws for casual fans where those areas may be the only options to get a ticket. 3 blocks around the ground all with a load of unsold seats, takings in the areas down, the costs of the renovations. I'm guessing their big hope is the demand once the North goes. But I can't see it being a big money earner between now and the North being done. Which kind of defeats the point of them.
I definitely think the North Stand capacity reduction is going to be part of their calculations, but I also imagine they will not have imagined it being a success from the off (they've probably pencilled this season as 'bedding in' time).
What is the capacity of the Holte Suite?
Even if they managed to get 1,000 people in there every home match (which seems a stupidly over the top number tbh) that'd be 60k a match. Take off the cost of providing the service, say a 50% margin (which again I suspect is very generous and will actually be much lower), say 30k profit a match. 25 or so matches, £750k profit over the season.
Which is probably more or less 5 or 6 weeks of Lucas Digne's salary.
-
The current 1874 membership in the Witton works out at £15 per game. I expect that to rocket up in price next season as the club expand these hospitality schemes.
Is it actually a membership? I thought they just increased the ST prices there and planned to put in padded seats.
-
But this is all a dipping the toes in the water approach. The New North Stand will be seen as a money generating behemoth. Toilets that flush, drinks that aren't as warm as a pint of milk left out in the sun and other unimaginable luxuries
-
The new North is as much about increasing corporate as it is about increasing capacity. The actual increase in capacity for day-to-day fans will be pretty negligible I reckon.
-
I can only see both TV and LG losing money for a while. Zrinjsk, West Ham, Luton, Alkmaar, Fulham are hardly big draws for casual fans where those areas may be the only options to get a ticket. 3 blocks around the ground all with a load of unsold seats, takings in the areas down, the costs of the renovations. I'm guessing their big hope is the demand once the North goes. But I can't see it being a big money earner between now and the North being done. Which kind of defeats the point of them.
I definitely think the North Stand capacity reduction is going to be part of their calculations, but I also imagine they will not have imagined it being a success from the off (they've probably pencilled this season as 'bedding in' time).
What is the capacity of the Holte Suite?
Even if they managed to get 1,000 people in there every home match (which seems a stupidly over the top number tbh) that'd be 60k a match. Take off the cost of providing the service, say a 50% margin (which again I suspect is very generous and will actually be much lower), say 30k profit a match. 25 or so matches, £750k profit over the season.
Which is probably more or less 5 or 6 weeks of Lucas Digne's salary.
The Holte is about 13,500 at present. I'm not sure how many seats are indexed to the Terrace View, as there's a high concentration of season ticket holders, so it's not so visual as it is with A2/P2 for Lower Grounds, but its not been full all season as a result.
-
The new North is going to be a grim £800/900 or £1500 for a padded seat job isn't it.
At best. I'm already resigned to not sitting anywhere near where I do now.
Same here. Fully expecting my Dear John letter early next year
-
It would be interesting for Chris Heck to communicate with the fans just what the clubs thinking was behind the Terrace View and Lower Grounds. To me, it's been an absolute disaster from initial conception, through lack of communication and final execution. I'm a designer by profession and it's laughable what the Villa have done in terms of the fan experience in both the Terrace View and Lower Grounds. The visuals and concept for the new New North Stand look great and very professional with a team of top-notch architects. This just looks like a cheap in-house money-making exercise that completely misses the point regarding terrace culture and the significance of the Holte End to Villa fans. The whole concept didn't need to be implemented at this stage, as it could have been rolled out in the new North Stand. The financial gains, even if working at capacity, just don't seem of massive benefit. Yet the negatives are obvious for all to see, empty blocks of seats being one!! I just hope this is a short-lived exercise that will quickly die a quiet death.
-
I think he has communicated it a bit through the FAB Dorset.
The situation is we're miles behind our rivals on match day income and corporate hospitality offer and he wants to increase it as much as he possibly can. Unfortunately, it's only going one way I think.
-
I understand that we need to increase corporate hospitality. But surely the first question should have been how to fill the existing corporate capacity in either the Trinity or North Stand, that is under capacity.
-
I understand that we need to increase corporate hospitality. But surely the first question should have been how to fill the existing corporate capacity in either the Trinity or North Stand, that is under capacity.
I too understand the need for it these days. The problem is in the execution, the 'lets degrade the current service to push people into paying more for anything resembling decent service' approach.
-
You'd think that is critical. But they are bringing in layers of 'premium packages' available at different price points, so getting a wider range of people to spend more money. Tbh I get the concept, but because the Wtoon and North aren't really fit for purpose they're squeezing the pips on areas many of us feel should be sacrosanct.
-
I understand that we need to increase corporate hospitality. But surely the first question should have been how to fill the existing corporate capacity in either the Trinity or North Stand, that is under capacity.
There's no corporate capacity in the Trinity, big waiting list for all the packages. Don't know about the North Stand. The boxes there look properly shit behind glass, must be a hard sell.
-
The North Stand had some hospitality, where they messed around with the seats in the "A" of the "AV". Not sure if it still there or not though.
I'd have thought the Holte Pub would be next in line to be "lanyarded".
-
The North Stand had some hospitality, where they messed around with the seats in the "A" of the "AV". Not sure if it still there or not though.
I'd have thought the Holte Pub would be next in line to be "lanyarded".
Yeah that will be The Holte Brasserie before long with a 7 course tasting menu and extensive wine list . God i hate modern football.
-
This is the Everton fans for the LC. The empty bit in the middle of them is some kind of corporate.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F7DokgdXwAAO-aj?format=jpg&name=large)
-
There is a limit to how much Corporate they can sell.
-
The North Stand had some hospitality, where they messed around with the seats in the "A" of the "AV". Not sure if it still there or not though.
I'd have thought the Holte Pub would be next in line to be "lanyarded".
Yeah that will be The Holte Brasserie before long with a 7 course tasting menu and extensive wine list . God i hate modern football.
Please god no. I was hoping the Holte pub could go back to being a proper pub for ordinary fans with flags outside and singing inside. There's also the Aston Hotel. Surely the club could buy that and do something useful with it. I know it's some sort of hostel these days and i'd expect the club would find a new location for them in the area.
-
Yes and no - if there lots of different levels, from £40 add-ons up to £1500 per person, per match there will be a market for it. It's the norm now for gigs, sporting events and with football having the largest spectator fan base and us having the waiting list I think we'll sell more than we expect.
-
You'd think that is critical. But they are bringing in layers of 'premium packages' available at different price points, so getting a wider range of people to spend more money. Tbh I get the concept, but because the Wtoon and North aren't really fit for purpose they're squeezing the pips on areas many of us feel should be sacrosanct.
I know it won’t be popular to say it but I’ve never viewed the Holte Suite as sacrosanct, it was a conference room venue tagged on the back of the Holte that wasn’t much better than a downmarket mid range hotel venue. I absolutely get that the users of it feel shortchanged but it was the obvious place with the North/Witton being unsuitable and the Trinity Road full as Risso said, for putting a premium offering.
The Terrace View is an abomination however and that is the venue/approach people should be getting riled about. Oh and it can be laid firmly at Purslows door.
I think I’ve said it before if the club and Heck in particular are wanting to go down this avenue then be clear and open in your communications with the fans. As others have said padded seats are probably coming to the new Tunnel club in C3 and 4, probably P5 and 6 in the Witton Lane and the middle of the Upper Tier in the new North Stand. That and probably another 10-15 percent hike in season tickets next year means there’ll be plenty for us to moan about moving forward.
-
They're joining in the bastardisation of the Holte. If no bugger turned up, it would die a death. If you go in the Terrace View you're complicit in this.
Agree with this. The club’s PR machine is going into overdrive to promote TV and LG - ads all around the pitch on Saturday, website full of adverts for queue jumping opportunities, emails showing dodgy computer enhanced images of happy fans. The only response the fans have is to not take up the offer. And to remind those who do take up the offer that we are on the slippery slope. Obviously, before I called someone a scab I’d make a mental note of how likely they’d be to punch my lights out.
-
They're joining in the bastardisation of the Holte. If no bugger turned up, it would die a death. If you go in the Terrace View you're complicit in this.
Agree with this. The club’s PR machine is going into overdrive to promote TV and LG - ads all around the pitch on Saturday, website full of adverts for queue jumping opportunities, emails showing dodgy computer enhanced images of happy fans. The only response the fans have is to not take up the offer. And to remind those who do take up the offer that we are on the slippery slope. Obviously, before I called someone a scab I’d make a mental note of how likely they’d be to punch my lights out.
Knowing my luck I'd shout it at some Charles Hawtrey-a-like whilst not seeing his mate Grossburger from Stir Crazy.
-
Yes and no - if there lots of different levels, from £40 add-ons up to £1500 per person, per match there will be a market for it. It's the norm now for gigs, sporting events and with football having the largest spectator fan base and us having the waiting list I think we'll sell more than we expect.
Understand where you are coming from, the last week has showed with Everton and then large areas of seats not sold Saturday that they can not just put them on the market and expect to sell out whatever the waiting list.
-
Playing devil's advocate here - but there is no getting away from the fact we are tens of millions behind our peers (not even the Man citys/Aresenal/Man utds) in terms of match-day revenue. So how do we increase the income with the current facilities, but also make it more accessible at different price points.
-
Playing devil's advocate here - but there is no getting away from the fact we are tens of millions behind our peers (not even the Man citys/Aresenal/Man utds) in terms of match-day revenue. So how do we increase the income with the current facilities, but also make it more accessible at different price points.
I would happily pay more for somewhere warm dry that I can get served food and drink without standing in a queue for an hour, and I think that there are quite a few like that.
What are the rules concerning how many season tickets we can sell?
-
I noticed the style and font of the advertising for the LG is almost identical to the Sky Sports autumn campaign. Fashionable? Coincidence? Or a deliberate come hither to a certain kind of market?
Rather like paying for the opportunity to buy tickets which is now the norm, paying for facilities that were part of the ticket price is probably the future. A common capitalist tactic to make people almost pay twice for something. Booking fees, handling, admin fees, they're all the same in an effort to raise money. As long as people will pay it, this will continue and in terms of following a football team or musical artist it's a monopoly and they know it. Like utilities and public transport.
And it's landed with one hell of a thud at Villa Park.
-
Playing devil's advocate here - but there is no getting away from the fact we are tens of millions behind our peers (not even the Man citys/Aresenal/Man utds) in terms of match-day revenue. So how do we increase the income with the current facilities, but also make it more accessible at different price points.
I would happily pay more for somewhere warm dry that I can get served food and drink without standing in a queue for an hour, and I think that there are quite a few like that.
What are the rules concerning how many season tickets we can sell?
And that's the thing - lots of people will have a price point and want different things.
What would you be prepared to pay?
A pub by the ground - no seats crap beer. no food? £5
The new Warehouse thing is rumoured to be £20 per match - maybe a free beer? Seats, decent service.
Holte Suite - £60 unlimited foot and beer
Cheapest padded seat ticket with buffet food £100+
etc etc
-
Playing devil's advocate here - but there is no getting away from the fact we are tens of millions behind our peers (not even the Man citys/Aresenal/Man utds) in terms of match-day revenue. So how do we increase the income with the current facilities, but also make it more accessible at different price points.
I would happily pay more for somewhere warm dry that I can get served food and drink without standing in a queue for an hour, and I think that there are quite a few like that.
What are the rules concerning how many season tickets we can sell?
And that's the thing - lots of people will have a price point and want different things.
What would you be prepared to pay?
A pub by the ground - no seats crap beer. no food? £5
The new Warehouse thing is rumoured to be £20 per match - maybe a free beer? Seats, decent service.
Holte Suite - £60 unlimited foot and beer
Cheapest padded seat ticket with buffet food £100+
etc etc
I want none of these things at the prices quoted because I can get a vast array of alternatives offering much more value about 2 miles away.
This is the thing.
And this approach doesn't consider that there is a yawning gap where me and others like me would buy a bite to eat and a pint, maybe turn up a little earlier to do so, if the facillities were available, and it really, really shouldn't be too difficult to tap that revenue stream along with increasing the corporate offers.
-
You'd think that is critical. But they are bringing in layers of 'premium packages' available at different price points, so getting a wider range of people to spend more money. Tbh I get the concept, but because the Wtoon and North aren't really fit for purpose they're squeezing the pips on areas many of us feel should be sacrosanct.
I know it won’t be popular to say it but I’ve never viewed the Holte Suite as sacrosanct, it was a conference room venue tagged on the back of the Holte that wasn’t much better than a downmarket mid range hotel venue. I absolutely get that the users of it feel shortchanged but it was the obvious place with the North/Witton being unsuitable and the Trinity Road full as Risso said, for putting a premium offering.
The Terrace View is an abomination however and that is the venue/approach people should be getting riled about. Oh and it can be laid firmly at Purslows door.
I think I’ve said it before if the club and Heck in particular are wanting to go down this avenue then be clear and open in your communications with the fans. As others have said padded seats are probably coming to the new Tunnel club in C3 and 4, probably P5 and 6 in the Witton Lane and the middle of the Upper Tier in the new North Stand. That and probably another 10-15 percent hike in season tickets next year means there’ll be plenty for us to moan about moving forward.
I tend to agree with you but a lot of people don't. I think the fact the Holte Suit was located under the Holte has made it more emotive than it would have otherwise been. It's never really been a space for everyone - out of 30k season ticket holders how many got to use it regularly - maybe 5-600? It may have been there a long time, but I still don't think your average season ticket holder would expect the use of a private lounge as part of the deal.
The Terrace View however was directly reducing facilities and space for every fan in the Upper Holte and I agree that is disgraceful. If they take this further with premium seating - as I suspect they will - it will be unforgivable.
-
And this approach doesn't consider that there is a yawning gap where me and others like me would buy a bite to eat and a pint, maybe turn up a little earlier to do so, if the facillities were available, and it really, really shouldn't be too difficult to tap that revenue stream along with increasing the corporate offers.
And this is what so many of us find so infuriating. They can't even be bothered to provide minimum levels of service to cater for this untapped demand.
-
You'd think that is critical. But they are bringing in layers of 'premium packages' available at different price points, so getting a wider range of people to spend more money. Tbh I get the concept, but because the Wtoon and North aren't really fit for purpose they're squeezing the pips on areas many of us feel should be sacrosanct.
I know it won’t be popular to say it but I’ve never viewed the Holte Suite as sacrosanct, it was a conference room venue tagged on the back of the Holte that wasn’t much better than a downmarket mid range hotel venue. I absolutely get that the users of it feel shortchanged but it was the obvious place with the North/Witton being unsuitable and the Trinity Road full as Risso said, for putting a premium offering.
The Terrace View is an abomination however and that is the venue/approach people should be getting riled about. Oh and it can be laid firmly at Purslows door.
I think I’ve said it before if the club and Heck in particular are wanting to go down this avenue then be clear and open in your communications with the fans. As others have said padded seats are probably coming to the new Tunnel club in C3 and 4, probably P5 and 6 in the Witton Lane and the middle of the Upper Tier in the new North Stand. That and probably another 10-15 percent hike in season tickets next year means there’ll be plenty for us to moan about moving forward.
I tend to agree with you but a lot of people don't. I think the fact the Holte Suit was located under the Holte has made it more emotive than it would have otherwise been. It's never really been a space for everyone - out of 30k season ticket holders how many got to use it regularly - maybe 5-600? It may have been there a long time, but I still don't think your average season ticket holder would expect the use of a private lounge as part of the deal.
The Terrace View however was directly reducing facilities and space for every fan in the Upper Holte and I agree that is disgraceful. If they take this further with premium seating - as I suspect they will - it will be unforgivable.
I don’t see the distinction, I think both are wrong but to follow your reasoning the Terrace View only impacts those in the Upper Holte.
The Holte Suite was really well used both before and after games. For a three o’clock kick off it was generally full by one then a queue would form and people would go in on a staggered basis as others left. No idea of capacity but over the course of a season thousands of people will have used it.
-
Playing devil's advocate here - but there is no getting away from the fact we are tens of millions behind our peers (not even the Man citys/Aresenal/Man utds) in terms of match-day revenue. So how do we increase the income with the current facilities, but also make it more accessible at different price points.
I would happily pay more for somewhere warm dry that I can get served food and drink without standing in a queue for an hour, and I think that there are quite a few like that.
What are the rules concerning how many season tickets we can sell?
And that's the thing - lots of people will have a price point and want different things.
What would you be prepared to pay?
A pub by the ground - no seats crap beer. no food? £5
The new Warehouse thing is rumoured to be £20 per match - maybe a free beer? Seats, decent service.
Holte Suite - £60 unlimited foot and beer
Cheapest padded seat ticket with buffet food £100+
etc etc
I want none of these things at the prices quoted because I can get a vast array of alternatives offering much more value about 2 miles away.
This is the thing.
And this approach doesn't consider that there is a yawning gap where me and others like me would buy a bite to eat and a pint, maybe turn up a little earlier to do so, if the facillities were available, and it really, really shouldn't be too difficult to tap that revenue stream along with increasing the corporate offers.
Totally agree with this.
Given the options listed above, I'll opt to eat and drink in the city centre, where there are literally hundreds of places to go, at the majority of which you can get reasonably (compared to the LG) priced food, and several drinks, and then share an Uber amongst 3 or 4 of you to the ground.
It's a much more convincing option to spend your £70 than sitting in a canteen smelling of football ground chips.
However, if there were an option, I would not mind hanging back for a drink whilst waiting for the post match traffic to clear. I don't know why making things like that available is not part of the bigger picture in terms of improving transport to and from the ground - yes, there would still be tens of thousands of people all heading away from the ground, only not all at the same time.
Returning to the LG, looking at those photos, one thing I am surprised at, is what looks like a total lack of effort to create an environment where people will feel like their 70 quid has got them even a little bit of comfort.
"Slap some benches in, put some little flags and shirts up, stick some big tellies to keep the morons distracted watching earlier games, bob's your uncle".
If that's the best the finest commercial mind from the NBA can come up with, it's hugely underwhelming.
-
Exactly.
It's so poor, A level Business Studies workshop standard.
-
You'd think that is critical. But they are bringing in layers of 'premium packages' available at different price points, so getting a wider range of people to spend more money. Tbh I get the concept, but because the Wtoon and North aren't really fit for purpose they're squeezing the pips on areas many of us feel should be sacrosanct.
I know it won’t be popular to say it but I’ve never viewed the Holte Suite as sacrosanct, it was a conference room venue tagged on the back of the Holte that wasn’t much better than a downmarket mid range hotel venue. I absolutely get that the users of it feel shortchanged but it was the obvious place with the North/Witton being unsuitable and the Trinity Road full as Risso said, for putting a premium offering.
The Terrace View is an abomination however and that is the venue/approach people should be getting riled about. Oh and it can be laid firmly at Purslows door.
I think I’ve said it before if the club and Heck in particular are wanting to go down this avenue then be clear and open in your communications with the fans. As others have said padded seats are probably coming to the new Tunnel club in C3 and 4, probably P5 and 6 in the Witton Lane and the middle of the Upper Tier in the new North Stand. That and probably another 10-15 percent hike in season tickets next year means there’ll be plenty for us to moan about moving forward.
I tend to agree with you but a lot of people don't. I think the fact the Holte Suit was located under the Holte has made it more emotive than it would have otherwise been. It's never really been a space for everyone - out of 30k season ticket holders how many got to use it regularly - maybe 5-600? It may have been there a long time, but I still don't think your average season ticket holder would expect the use of a private lounge as part of the deal.
The Terrace View however was directly reducing facilities and space for every fan in the Upper Holte and I agree that is disgraceful. If they take this further with premium seating - as I suspect they will - it will be unforgivable.
I don’t see the distinction, I think both are wrong but to follow your reasoning the Terrace View only impacts those in the Upper Holte.
The Holte Suite was really well used both before and after games. For a three o’clock kick off it was generally full by one then a queue would form and people would go in on a staggered basis as others left. No idea of capacity but over the course of a season thousands of people will have used it.
I might be wrong about this but there are one or two people who don't seem to concerned about the demise of the old Holte Suite, possibly because they didn't use it. Like Chris said, it was very popular before the game (the queue to get in when it was full was quite lengthy). They must have made a fortune on a match day but however much it was, it wasn't enough. It's shocking and very sad to see what they've done to it.
-
Again - playing devil's advocate as I think how we are going about things is very wrong - but is there another "big" club that has a facility like the Holte Suite that is free for fans?
You can imagine Heck (with a brief to increase revenue) walking around and finding out it was free and being puzzled as to why.
Didn't there used to be a charge years ago too??
-
Playing devil's advocate here - but there is no getting away from the fact we are tens of millions behind our peers (not even the Man citys/Aresenal/Man utds) in terms of match-day revenue. So how do we increase the income with the current facilities, but also make it more accessible at different price points.
Taking devils advocate further, we also appear to be tens of millions behind our peers in terms of shirt sponsor, kit deal….so what are they doing to scratch those issues alongside the desperation to fleece fans under the cover of being ‘pleased to announce’
They see us as the easy wins….you can definitely see that in 5 years time we’ll have a team properly competing for trophies but thousands of the fans who were there through the garbage years will be watching at home whilst the glory hunters fill the ground
-
The distinction I make is because is that the Holte Suite is a lounge outside the stands used by a tiny minority of ST holders. I accept it's been there for a long time and some people enjoyed it, I just think this sort of space is fairer game for a club trying to increase revenue. Equally, I doubt many top clubs have a dedicated lounge included in a standard season ticket price. And yes, as a HE ST holder who generally gets to the ground early I have used it.
The Terrace View was halving the space and facilities within the Holte concourse itself and bringing Corporate into the Holte End stand. It feels like a pre-cursor to having dedicated seating to complement it in the future.
Ultimately one is repurposing an externally accessed space that was in theory open to all, the other is fundamentally changing the dynamic of our main supporter terrace. Personally, I think there's a huge distinction between the two.
-
Agree 100% - we are a million miles away on loads of things:
Shirt manufacturers
Shirt sponsors and 2nd tier sponsors
Using the website to sort tickets
Regular fan facilities - and looking after the loyal ones
-
I would add that if they upgraded the concourses to a more acceptable standard as I have advocated many times, there would be less need for a space like the Holte suite. Note I said less not none. I realise that for some it was an important space for their match day experience.
-
Again - playing devil's advocate as I think how we are going about things is very wrong - but is there another "big" club that has a facility like the Holte Suite that is free for fans?
I am sure it wasn’t your intention but you make it sound as if being exceptional is a bad thing. That providing a reasonable facility when what is available inside the ground is sub-standard is something that ordinary fans should not have unless they’re willing to pay stupid prices.
It just grates with me that those with deeper pockets are being prioritised over normal fans.
-
Just talking to someone on the phone concerning both the Terrace view and Holte suite,who is a staff member, got the impression they didn't want to talk about it when asking about number of people in attendance
-
It's more trying to see it from the club's perspective. It's clear we don't make enough money on match days, we need to up our game massively. We've seen it with the motorbike thing in the summer, the US tours. the social events... it's Heck's brief to bring in more cash, so we can compete. That means everything is on the table.
Exceptional isn't a bad thing - I'd love to be able to have a free Holte Suite, give season ticket holders a free ticket and a 10% discount in the shop. But those days are long gone if we are going to compete on the biggest stage.
I'm not happy either - I'll be turfed out of my seat in the Trinity at the end of this season, but we all wanted to compete at the top of the league - this is now the reality of it.
-
It does seem quite sad that, after a fair few years of obscurity - when we’ve paid our money and sat through some absolutely turgid football - many of us will be shunted from our seats to make way for newcomers with deeper pockets.
-
Just been reading about Lower Grounds and found myself thinking, if the food is really decent quality, and it really is inclusive of booze, and it really is open 3 hours before and an hour and a half after, then it might not be such a bad deal.
I know.
If I'm honest, was half thinking the same. Potentially going with rarely seen relatives later in the year, and on honesty £120 for entertainment, food and booze from midday to 6pm isn't that awful, at least as long as the food & beer are of vaguely acceptable quality.
Know that makes me a prick.
-
It doesn't make you a prick. If you can afford it and think it's good value then crack on, and I hope you enjoy it but that's not really the point.
One day we'll all look back and wonder why the atmosphere at Villa Park is not quite the same, that it seems quieter, less partisan and it won't be down to people wanting better facilities, service and quality. It will be down to the thirst for revenue at the expense of those who made the club what's it is.
That will never be the fault of the fans. Ever.
-
One day we'll all look back and wonder why the atmosphere at Villa Park is not quite the same, that it seems quieter, less partisan and it won't be down to people wanting better facilities, service and quality. It will be down to the thirst for revenue at the expense of those who made the club what's it is.
That will never be the fault of the fans. Ever.
[/quote]
This.
-
I think it's a good offering in itself. I see the appeal of being able to upgrade your day for yourself and some family or friends at pretty short notice without having to stump up for full-blown hospitality. What's not sitting right is taking away existing facilities to enable it. And I'd place a sizeable bet that whatever happens in the new Witton end, said facilities won't be returning from whence they came.
-
When people were asked to answer the fan's questionaire no way I imagine did we think they meant we would be charged for it
-
It was another survey to justify the changes - this was on the cards well before the survey landed.
-
A mate of mine who could easily afford Terrace View/Lower Grounds and he could do hospitality if he wanted told me on Saturday, that Villa can go fuck themselves with these new facilities. Just because there are those that can match those prices, doesn't mean that they'll necessarily part with their cash for a lanyard and a few 'complimentary' pints. All Villa have succeeded in doing so far, is create banks of empty seats and a lot of bad will amongst supporters.
-
But in this regard, Villa are simply following the playbook set by their peers - am not saying that’s right but go to Chelsea, Utd, City etc - I have a close mate who is a Spurs fan and the sentiment they express is similar to that on here - the game is moving away from the average fan and it’s been happening for years now.
Wages, costs, have been spiralling for over a decade - someone has to pay if we want the club to compete as I think we all do - so where do we draw the line? When is enough, enough?
While I hear a lot of frustration and anger, I don’t see a lot of alternate solutions being proffered. If the argument is that this is a loss maker, we will know soon enough because they won’t persist with it. If it is seen to boost revenue, it will continue regardless fan sentiment. That sucks but welcome to the Premier League.
And where is it headed? Try buying tickets to a regular Yankees game. For me and my two boys, good luck getting change out of £400 which is insane. And the stadium is rarely at capacity. That tells you all you need to know.
-
£400 for Rounders? Fuck me.
-
I've just been on to see if I can get my lad a ticket for West Ham. It's saying my block A3 is "locked". Is that where the Lower Grounds gets you a seat? I did try almost buying one to find out, but it didn't say. What it did say was there's only 9 available.
-
The Yanks are trying to make us go full blown American by having fans cooking sausages on the backs of their cars in the carpark, BYOB.
-
I have to say, i find it baffling logic to believe that by treating supporters terribly it will suddenly mean that we’ll be in the champions league in the future so it’s a price worth paying.
Or what could also happen is the club could treat it’s supporters terribly and we get no closer to anything except you p*ss off those that you need most when things are sh*t.
-
But in this regard, Villa are simply following the playbook set by their peers - am not saying that’s right but go to Chelsea, Utd, City etc - I have a close mate who is a Spurs fan and the sentiment they express is similar to that on here - the game is moving away from the average fan and it’s been happening for years now.
Wages, costs, have been spiralling for over a decade - someone has to pay if we want the club to compete as I think we all do - so where do we draw the line? When is enough, enough?
While I hear a lot of frustration and anger, I don’t see a lot of alternate solutions being proffered. If the argument is that this is a loss maker, we will know soon enough because they won’t persist with it. If it is seen to boost revenue, it will continue regardless fan sentiment. That sucks but welcome to the Premier League.
And where is it headed? Try buying tickets to a regular Yankees game. For me and my two boys, good luck getting change out of £400 which is insane. And the stadium is rarely at capacity. That tells you all you need to know.
Few years back, we were in New York. The only tickets we could get at Yankee Stadium were best part of £200 each. Yankees hit the ball four times all night.
-
But in this regard, Villa are simply following the playbook set by their peers - am not saying that’s right but go to Chelsea, Utd, City etc - I have a close mate who is a Spurs fan and the sentiment they express is similar to that on here - the game is moving away from the average fan and it’s been happening for years now.
Wages, costs, have been spiralling for over a decade - someone has to pay if we want the club to compete as I think we all do - so where do we draw the line? When is enough, enough?
While I hear a lot of frustration and anger, I don’t see a lot of alternate solutions being proffered. If the argument is that this is a loss maker, we will know soon enough because they won’t persist with it. If it is seen to boost revenue, it will continue regardless fan sentiment. That sucks but welcome to the Premier League.
And where is it headed? Try buying tickets to a regular Yankees game. For me and my two boys, good luck getting change out of £400 which is insane. And the stadium is rarely at capacity. That tells you all you need to know.
What tickets are you buying??? They've been $9 on Stubhub for all of September
-
I understand that we need to increase corporate hospitality. But surely the first question should have been how to fill the existing corporate capacity in either the Trinity or North Stand, that is under capacity.
There's no corporate capacity in the Trinity, big waiting list for all the packages. Don't know about the North Stand. The boxes there look properly shit behind glass, must be a hard sell.
When I went on a tour in August 2020, they'd done the general corporate foyer area up, so I assumed the boxes were quite fancy.
-
I think it's a good offering in itself. I see the appeal of being able to upgrade your day for yourself and some family or friends at pretty short notice without having to stump up for full-blown hospitality. What's not sitting right is taking away existing facilities to enable it. And I'd place a sizeable bet that whatever happens in the new Witton end, said facilities won't be returning from whence they came.
These are in essence test cases for probably a much more extensive plan for North Stand replacement.
As an old fashioned fan it is painful as there are 'losers' where normal fee payers are penalised by having worse facilities.
That said if we want to compete we need to increase match day revenues and that come from existing and new 'fans'.
Nothing stands still sport is monumentally big business nowadays, the Premier League is a Global Product.
In 20 years time when each team is playing 2 or 3 home games in Shanghai, Melbourne and Dubai etc..., this initiative may seem less important
-
Heck has come in with the objective of increasing revenues, which we need to have any chance of being able to compete. Whatever he does, within the limited scope we currently have, someone will be upset.
Villa Live when it arrives won't be free or cheap either.
-
But in this regard, Villa are simply following the playbook set by their peers - am not saying that’s right but go to Chelsea, Utd, City etc - I have a close mate who is a Spurs fan and the sentiment they express is similar to that on here - the game is moving away from the average fan and it’s been happening for years now.
Wages, costs, have been spiralling for over a decade - someone has to pay if we want the club to compete as I think we all do - so where do we draw the line? When is enough, enough?
While I hear a lot of frustration and anger, I don’t see a lot of alternate solutions being proffered. If the argument is that this is a loss maker, we will know soon enough because they won’t persist with it. If it is seen to boost revenue, it will continue regardless fan sentiment. That sucks but welcome to the Premier League.
And where is it headed? Try buying tickets to a regular Yankees game. For me and my two boys, good luck getting change out of £400 which is insane. And the stadium is rarely at capacity. That tells you all you need to know.
Many on here, myself included, having being saying for years about the club needing to improve it's commercial performance. Despite calling for this, the nagging feeling was what that would look like and we are seeing it now.
As well as success on the field, a lot of the teams with large commercial earnings have either moved to new grounds or had new stands built fairly recently. That means they have been able to incorporate that side of things. Trinity Road stand aside, our stands were built in the last century and didn't have that in mind as much. That means we have very limited options.
What annoyed me most about it on Saturday was the blocks of empty seats in the Trinity Road and Doug Ellis and the reduced attendance as a result. Those seats would have been filled by fans who instead missed out on one of the great performances of recent times. I still remember as a kid watching us putting 5 past Plymouth in the old 2nd division and 6 past Everton a couple of seasons later. The fact that supporters (young kids especially) have been denied watching such a memorable performance while those seats remained empty is a bit shameful really.
If it is to be continued and still doesn't sell, then wouldn't it be better to.do it like they have with season ticket holders and just have it as an add on when you buy a match ticket?
-
With every new bad idea we launch, the purchase and refurb of the Witton Arms looks like the business initiative of the century, particularly with more midweek games. It couldn’t have played out better for those guys and hats off to them.
-
With every new bad idea we launch, the purchase and refurb of the Witton Arms looks like the business initiative of the century, particularly with more midweek games. It couldn’t have played out better for those guys and hats off to them.
As a regular user of Holte Suite which has now been denied me i've been to Witton Arms and it's absolutely bang on. In the bars wall to wall TV screens and outside is probably the best quality screen i think i've ever seen, and maybe the biggest. Watched the Ryder Cup in there Saturday for nearly 3 hours.
Plenty of food options as well.
Music pumping out the back as well.
Certainly fair play to em!!!
-
You do wonder if someone, somewhere got wind of what was going to happen with the Holte and thought the Witton Arms was worth a punt.
-
When people were asked to answer the fan's questionaire no way I imagine did we think they meant we would be charged for it
There was one along the lines of "general admittance plus" and asking if people would be willing to pay for that. Presumably enough people said they were interested in it, and so that's what they've gone for with the Terrace View / Holte Suite.
I guess the warehouse thing will probably be along similar lines with the new North stand - proper corporate facilities in the stand itself, or you can pay £60 on top of the ticket to sit in stumps and have some free chips.
-
You do wonder if someone, somewhere got wind of what was going to happen with the Holte and thought the Witton Arms was worth a punt.
Do they do any trade on none Villa days ? I'd imagine not much , which means they have to take some serious money on the match days to make any return on the investment ?
-
I bet they only open the front bar on a non-match day.
-
I think it will be more popular for games against some of the more "glamorous" sides but those blocks of empty seats looked terrible today. I don't think it will put the likes of Heck off from his brief though. There will be more of this sort of thing to come.
So it will be full of London Reds then.
-
With every new bad idea we launch, the purchase and refurb of the Witton Arms looks like the business initiative of the century, particularly with more midweek games. It couldn’t have played out better for those guys and hats off to them.
As a regular user of Holte Suite which has now been denied me i've been to Witton Arms and it's absolutely bang on. In the bars wall to wall TV screens and outside is probably the best quality screen i think i've ever seen, and maybe the biggest. Watched the Ryder Cup in there Saturday for nearly 3 hours.
Plenty of food options as well.
Music pumping out the back as well.
Certainly fair play to em!!!
Maybe someone should advise Mr Heck should pop over and have a butchers !!
-
I think it will be more popular for games against some of the more "glamorous" sides but those blocks of empty seats looked terrible today. I don't think it will put the likes of Heck off from his brief though. There will be more of this sort of thing to come.
So it will be full of London Reds then.
This is exactly what will happen.
Initially it will be 'fans with booking history' then when there's little take up they'll open it up and you'll have a block of the fuckers sat up there for the first time in decades.
There was always a sense with Doug that if he could sell your seat to an away fan for a couple of quid more he would, and that feeling is very much alive again.
-
Someone should show Mr Heck a picture of what the Holte Suite used to be like on matchdays and compare it to how it was on Saturday. He might wonder where everyone has gone.
-
They've stopped selling Holte Suite for Thursday - maybe lead in time for catering as I can't imagine it's sold out.
It is pretty much sold out for West Ham. I'm not surprised as I think people will want to try it out and you're going to get far better value out of it for a 4.30 ko than a 12.30. There will also be a lot of tanked up people in the reserved blocks and good luck to those in the upper Witton needing a piss at half time. (although of course a lot may be people upgrading ST I guess)
By the sound of the food on offer on Saturday I think people will be very under whelmed though. How can you describe concourse standard chops and bugers as 'street food'.
-
Someone should show Mr Heck a picture of what the Holte Suite used to be like on matchdays and compare it to how it was on Saturday. He might wonder where everyone has gone.
I don't think a 12.30 ko with a weeks selling time is a reasonable barometer of how successful it will be. It may well flop, but the Brighton game wont be the yardstick.
Where they really fucked up was not putting the reserved seats on general sale a few days before the game. It's a travesty to have empty seats when there may well have been paying fans who would have been happy to take them.
-
I tried buying a bottle of coke in the Upper Holte concourse before the game on Saturday and I couldnt get one (only on draft). You can probably get cola bottles in the pick and mix in the Lower Grounds though.
-
I tried buying a bottle of coke in the Upper Holte concourse before the game on Saturday and I couldnt get one (only on draft). You can probably get cola bottles in the pick and mix in the Lower Grounds though.
Same, diet coke came in a cup when I was expecting a bottle. More environmentally friendly I guess but it was a surprise. Also, I didn't clock the price difference.
Pick & Mix is an odd thing to provide. I would have thought that would be a very expensive option.
-
(https://i.ibb.co/J2DyRYj/IMG-20231002-WA0002.jpg) (https://ibb.co/J2DyRYj)
£4.80 for a sausage roll against Brighton I believe
-
At least it's cooked.
-
I think it will be more popular for games against some of the more "glamorous" sides but those blocks of empty seats looked terrible today. I don't think it will put the likes of Heck off from his brief though. There will be more of this sort of thing to come.
So it will be full of London Reds then.
This is exactly what will happen.
Initially it will be 'fans with booking history' then when there's little take up they'll open it up and you'll have a block of the fuckers sat up there for the first time in decades.
There was always a sense with Doug that if he could sell your seat to an away fan for a couple of quid more he would, and that feeling is very much alive again.
Many of them will already have a booking history too, from years gone by, I can see there being trouble in there, or in the stands, and us being blamed for it.
-
On the outside.
-
At least it's cooked.
looks like they BBQ'd it
-
Club Facebook account now trolling its own fan base.
-
... I can see there being trouble in there, or in the stands ...
Heck will learn firsthand about the historical challenge, then. It'll probably strengthen his resolve to re-engineer the football-attendance dynamic to exclude the 'ordinary fan'.
-
Is The Witton Arms still £3 to get in or has it gone up? Assuming The Yew Tree is also charging?
I'll be at The Diggers Thursday. Longer walk but free entry.
-
(https://i.ibb.co/J2DyRYj/IMG-20231002-WA0002.jpg) (https://ibb.co/J2DyRYj)
£4.80 for a sausage roll against Brighton I believe
enough to make you go Vegan that
-
There's a twitter video advert now. It says open at half time. I think that's a mistake unless they have changed it? The featured food includes the grim hot dogs you get on the concourse - hardly street food.
I doubt the sweet cart will last long, people will obviously start taking the piss with those and leaving with full pockets.
-
It's £3 in the Witton Arms . The Diggers also charge £3 now as well. Yew Tree has been charging £2/3 for a few seasons now.
-
It's £3 in the Witton Arms . The Diggers also charge £3 now as well. Yew Tree has been charging £2/3 for a few seasons now.
The Diggers didn't charge last Saturday
-
Cheeky buggers charged us £3 after the Everton game !
-
Lower Grounds is sold out for Thursday.
-
Lower Grounds is sold out for Thursday.
Is that sold out or closed?
-
It's saying sold out. I think it was yesterday I had a look and there was 9 left.
Dunno about being got rid of, it's looking more likely to be expanded.
-
It's saying sold out. I think it was yesterday I had a look and there was 9 left.
Dunno about being got rid of, it's looking more likely to be expanded.
I find it very difficult believe that demand could go from 0-100 in a week, particularly given the photos from Saturday.
-
It's saying sold out. I think it was yesterday I had a look and there was 9 left.
Dunno about being got rid of, it's looking more likely to be expanded.
I find it very difficult believe that demand could go from 0-100 in a week, particularly given the photos from Saturday.
Is there a ban on alcohol inside the ground for UEFA games?
-
You do wonder if someone, somewhere got wind of what was going to happen with the Holte and thought the Witton Arms was worth a punt.
They probably looked at what the Aston Tavern are doing if that’s proving viable/successful. We drive past both a lot at random times and the Witton Arms has always stayed open (though very quiet) in the week as well, whereas the Tavern is closed. The Tavern refurb must have cost an absolute fortune, a massive increase in capacity, whereas the WA was always a big pub.
You’d think maybe the smaller boozers like the Brit and the Swan & Mitre could work as Desi pubs, judging by the success of the Railway and the Soho Tavern in Handsworth back streets. Maybe not enough on-site parking, although Holborn Hill and Thimble Mill Lane are free round the back.
You have to admire the fighting spirit of some of the pubs - The Villa Tavern came back from the dead last season, and the Albion Vaults is still open.
-
The club shared a photo on Facebook. Doesn't look empty. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid023H9z3CL7ygDiMU9uf6vmDzLXwuX8eLg8Ak9Y3iECUnexdLY51pZFcKtjfkiLmse6l&id=100044439759406&sfnsn=scwspmo
-
My mistake about the 9, that's for West Ham. Which is now down to 2.
-
The club shared a photo on Facebook. Doesn't look empty. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid023H9z3CL7ygDiMU9uf6vmDzLXwuX8eLg8Ak9Y3iECUnexdLY51pZFcKtjfkiLmse6l&id=100044439759406&sfnsn=scwspmo
How many of them paid?
-
Is there a ban on alcohol inside the ground for UEFA games?
I'm trying to find out about this. The only articles I've seen so far are about UEFA lifting its ban in 2018. I assume the ban hasn't been reinstated since as I'd expect to find more recent articles if it had.
-
(https://i.ibb.co/J2DyRYj/IMG-20231002-WA0002.jpg) (https://ibb.co/J2DyRYj)
£4.80 for a sausage roll against Brighton I believe
That should be bagged and binned. Please don't hang it on a branch in a tree.
-
I don't think a 12.30 ko with a weeks selling time is a reasonable barometer of how successful it will be. It may well flop, but the Brighton game wont be the yardstick.
Where they really fucked up was not putting the reserved seats on general sale a few days before the game. It's a travesty to have empty seats when there may well have been paying fans who would have been happy to take them.
Tomd made the same point earlier in the thread but it isn't really true. My uncle's in L5 for the West Ham game so I was keeping an eye on tickets for the Brighton game. Late on Friday there were plenty of 'resale' seats available including 15 in L5, so anyone that wanted to go could have.
Having said that, I agree with the rest of your post (and Tomd's).
-
I don't think a 12.30 ko with a weeks selling time is a reasonable barometer of how successful it will be. It may well flop, but the Brighton game wont be the yardstick.
Where they really fucked up was not putting the reserved seats on general sale a few days before the game. It's a travesty to have empty seats when there may well have been paying fans who would have been happy to take them.
Tomd made the same point earlier in the thread but it isn't really true. My uncle's in L5 for the West Ham game so I was keeping an eye on tickets for the Brighton game. Late on Friday there were plenty of 'resale' seats available including 15 in L5, so anyone that wanted to go could have.
Having said that, I agree with the rest of your post (and Tomd's).
Yeah, but they only allow resale seats once the match has sold out, and more often than not, they tend to be individual seats which are hard to shift at any time, but especially so at the last minute.
-
I don't think a 12.30 ko with a weeks selling time is a reasonable barometer of how successful it will be. It may well flop, but the Brighton game wont be the yardstick.
Where they really fucked up was not putting the reserved seats on general sale a few days before the game. It's a travesty to have empty seats when there may well have been paying fans who would have been happy to take them.
Tomd made the same point earlier in the thread but it isn't really true. My uncle's in L5 for the West Ham game so I was keeping an eye on tickets for the Brighton game. Late on Friday there were plenty of 'resale' seats available including 15 in L5, so anyone that wanted to go could have.
Having said that, I agree with the rest of your post (and Tomd's).
Yeah, but they only allow resale seats once the match has sold out, and more often than not, they tend to be individual seats which are hard to shift at any time, but especially so at the last minute.
Yes it screws the ST holders that can not go to a game for whatever reason.
-
The Tavern refurb must have cost an absolute fortune, a massive increase in capacity, whereas the WA was always a big pub.
I think at least part of the money for the Tavern refurb came from the council in the form of a grant as part of the deal for the compulsary purchase of the Eddies.
-
The club shared a photo on Facebook. Doesn't look empty. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid023H9z3CL7ygDiMU9uf6vmDzLXwuX8eLg8Ak9Y3iECUnexdLY51pZFcKtjfkiLmse6l&id=100044439759406&sfnsn=scwspmo
Loads of freebies given out, there's other rooms and that's only half of that room. There's loads of non Pravda pics and videos on social media showing how empty it was.
-
If it was so packed, why were there blocks of empty seats in the Trinity and Witton on Saturday? I'm also sceptical about the sold out notice for Thursday. OS bullshit IMO
-
If it was so packed, why were there blocks of empty seats in the Trinity and Witton on Saturday? I'm also sceptical about the sold out notice for Thursday. OS bullshit IMO
Well, I guess the obvious (and I don't really care either way) answer is that you can also buy it as a bolt on to your season ticket.
-
The package Saturday was I believe all you can eat and drink , for £60 . Not sure if that's always going to be the price but if it is for some of the heavy drinkers this would actually be decent value as say 5 pints pre game 1 at half time and 3 after the game is about £50 plus whatever food is on it becomes cost neutral for them
-
So if you down 9 pints it makes sense? How many people really down that much beer? Especially for a 12.30 kick off.
How many people are prepared to try in a quest to get their money's worth, and what's more, isn't it an offence to enter a football ground whilst shit faced?
-
The package Saturday was I believe all you can eat and drink , for £60 . Not sure if that's always going to be the price but if it is for some of the heavy drinkers this would actually be decent value as say 5 pints pre game 1 at half time and 3 after the game is about £50 plus whatever food is on it becomes cost neutral for them
So basically, to get any value out this you need to get shit faced before the match, have a load more beer after and shovel as much concourse quality grub you can handle, to soak up the alcohol.
Never has The Witton Arms looked more attractive.
-
All of the European games have 'the lower grounds' as 'sold out'. Most likely explanation is licensing laws. The big patches of tickets which were empty for Brighton are both on sale for Mostar.
-
So if you down 9 pints it makes sense? How many people really down that much beer? Especially for a 12.30 kick off.
How many people are prepared to try in a quest to get their money's worth, and what's more, isn't it an offence to enter a football ground whilst shit faced?
I've always gotten away with it!
-
If it was so packed, why were there blocks of empty seats in the Trinity and Witton on Saturday? I'm also sceptical about the sold out notice for Thursday. OS bullshit IMO
Well, I guess the obvious (and I don't really care either way) answer is that you can also buy it as a bolt on to your season ticket.
I heard it was offered as a freebie to families of staff. Good Photo opportunity for the "we sold out" look
-
All of the European games have 'the lower grounds' as 'sold out'. Most likely explanation is licensing laws. The big patches of tickets which were empty for Brighton are both on sale for Mostar.
Ta. UEFA lifted their ban a few years back, but they have sought guidance (https://healthystadia.eu/serving-alcohol-uefa-matches/), perhaps we've actually been cautious.
The last two LG tickets for West Ham seem to have sold overnight. A3 is still 'locked', so can't look to see if there's a suitable ticket near me available for the lad.
-
Those tickets in A2 and P2 now cost you £60. Bloody hell. 2 left for West Ham, so I guess A2 and P2 will be full. Tally ho!
£69 to sit on the Holte with Terrace View. 93 available for people wanting to turn left.
-
The package Saturday was I believe all you can eat and drink , for £60 . Not sure if that's always going to be the price but if it is for some of the heavy drinkers this would actually be decent value as say 5 pints pre game 1 at half time and 3 after the game is about £50 plus whatever food is on it becomes cost neutral for them
So basically, to get any value out this you need to get shit faced before the match, have a load more beer after and shovel as much concourse quality grub you can handle, to soak up the alcohol.
When you put it like that, I'm in.
-
I'm sure the police will allow that.
-
The package Saturday was I believe all you can eat and drink , for £60 . Not sure if that's always going to be the price but if it is for some of the heavy drinkers this would actually be decent value as say 5 pints pre game 1 at half time and 3 after the game is about £50 plus whatever food is on it becomes cost neutral for them
So basically, to get any value out this you need to get shit faced before the match, have a load more beer after and shovel as much concourse quality grub you can handle, to soak up the alcohol.
When you put it like that, I'm in.
probably what the police are thinking
-
Those tickets in A2 and P2 now cost you £60. Bloody hell. 2 left for West Ham, so I guess A2 and P2 will be full. Tally ho!
£69 to sit on the Holte with Terrace View. 93 available for people wanting to turn left.
?? The West Ham game is £114 for Terrace View (or £45 ST bolt on)
£45.00 for 2 free pints and the ability to have a piss is crazy.
-
Those tickets in A2 and P2 now cost you £60. Bloody hell. 2 left for West Ham, so I guess A2 and P2 will be full. Tally ho!
£69 to sit on the Holte with Terrace View. 93 available for people wanting to turn left.
?? The West Ham game is £114 for Terrace View (or £45 ST bolt on)
£45.00 for 2 free pints and the ability to have a piss is crazy.
You're forgetting the free programme. 😀
-
Those tickets in A2 and P2 now cost you £60. Bloody hell. 2 left for West Ham, so I guess A2 and P2 will be full. Tally ho!
£69 to sit on the Holte with Terrace View. 93 available for people wanting to turn left.
?? The West Ham game is £114 for Terrace View (or £45 ST bolt on)
£45.00 for 2 free pints and the ability to have a piss is crazy.
That's what they're costing the ticket as when you deduct the bolt on price from the package price.
-
Those tickets in A2 and P2 now cost you £60. Bloody hell. 2 left for West Ham, so I guess A2 and P2 will be full. Tally ho!
£69 to sit on the Holte with Terrace View. 93 available for people wanting to turn left.
?? The West Ham game is £114 for Terrace View (or £45 ST bolt on)
£45.00 for 2 free pints and the ability to have a piss is crazy.
Lower Grounds is all you can eat and drink
-
Those tickets in A2 and P2 now cost you £60. Bloody hell. 2 left for West Ham, so I guess A2 and P2 will be full. Tally ho!
£69 to sit on the Holte with Terrace View. 93 available for people wanting to turn left.
?? The West Ham game is £114 for Terrace View (or £45 ST bolt on)
£45.00 for 2 free pints and the ability to have a piss is crazy.
That's what they're costing the ticket as when you deduct the bolt on price from the package price.
Got it, yes it's nuts. I can see it working for one-off tourists, but for anyone with regular access to tickets the premium is crazy.
-
From an outside-ish perspective (I have been to about 10 games since NSWE came in and I'm 20000 odd on the waiting list) I've tried to avoid this conversation in the main because I don't think it affects me as much as many of you.
Terrace View - This seems like a massive load of bollocks and is basically an option to pay a fortune to have slightly less shit service, this is on a par with the wank-y fast track passes you get in theme parks, a solution to a problem they've created and that could easily be resolved by them in better ways.
Maybe replace it with an options to pre-order drinks, food(?) and programmes for a small additional fee (like a couple of quid at most) and fulfil it with the multi-pour stations that can rush people through far quicker if they just scan their ticket and take their drink(s).
Lower Grounds - I think this is a much better idea and is something that may well work going forward but it needs a couple of changes.
Firstly it should've been a new venue, if they'd gone ahead with Villa Live and launched it as this I think the reaction would've been much better, by doing it this way they've taken something away from the general fan base to give it to hospitality, that never goes over well and I'm surprised no one saw the reaction coming, I agree with others that 'scab' is a bit extreme but I can understand the sentiment.
Secondly the quality needs to be high for this to last. The food needs to be digbeth dining club levels and the drinks need to be 'premium' offerings for this to make sense otherwise I think it'll be a novelty that gets 40-50% capacity most games, which is not only a waste but also makes the club look a bit shit.
More generally I think the biggest problem with both initiatives is that they feel like a slap in the face to people who've been complaining about poor service at the ground. If you want to do this and don't want it to create anger you start by fixing the waiting times all around the ground and by making sure the quality of food and drink everywhere is good enough for most people. Once you're not getting complaints it changes to feeling like an extra service for those that want it instead of feeling like a way to pay to get the basic services that most fans are missing. I don't think the club are trying to piss anyone off or are intentionally ignoring existing fans to chase the money from new ones, I just think they're trying to run before they walk.
-
More generally I think the biggest problem with both initiatives is that they feel like a slap in the face to people who've been complaining about poor service at the ground. If you want to do this and don't want it to create anger you start by fixing the waiting times all around the ground and by making sure the quality of food and drink everywhere is good enough for most people. Once you're not getting complaints it changes to feeling like an extra service for those that want it instead of feeling like a way to pay to get the basic services that most fans are missing.
This is very well put Paul.
-
I'm sure the police will allow that.
thats how it was v BHA . I saw one review on Twitter a fan was well happy, 8 pints of Morretti and in the food troughs as much as he wanted . He'd seen it as good value
-
I'm sure the police will allow that.
thats how it was v BHA . I saw one review on Twitter a fan was well happy, 8 pints of Morretti and in the food troughs as much as he wanted . He'd seen it as good value
Chris.hic@avfc.co.uk :-)
-
More generally I think the biggest problem with both initiatives is that they feel like a slap in the face to people who've been complaining about poor service at the ground. If you want to do this and don't want it to create anger you start by fixing the waiting times all around the ground and by making sure the quality of food and drink everywhere is good enough for most people. Once you're not getting complaints it changes to feeling like an extra service for those that want it instead of feeling like a way to pay to get the basic services that most fans are missing.
This is very well put Paul.
True, but if the food/drink/service on the concourses was any good there’d be less of a market for TC & LG.
-
More generally I think the biggest problem with both initiatives is that they feel like a slap in the face to people who've been complaining about poor service at the ground. If you want to do this and don't want it to create anger you start by fixing the waiting times all around the ground and by making sure the quality of food and drink everywhere is good enough for most people. Once you're not getting complaints it changes to feeling like an extra service for those that want it instead of feeling like a way to pay to get the basic services that most fans are missing.
This is very well put Paul.
True, but if the food/drink/service on the concourses was any good there’d be less of a market for TC & LG.
Maybe true, but at least we'd see exactly what the demand is and have proper data to use in deciding things like capacity and pricing.
-
Listening to talksport early, sure some Newcastle fan said il he paided £150 or £250 for tonight match stand to be corrected if wrong
-
I'm sure the police will allow that.
thats how it was v BHA . I saw one review on Twitter a fan was well happy, 8 pints of Morretti and in the food troughs as much as he wanted . He'd seen it as good value
Whoever who he is, that's up to him of course. In my opinion, it also makes him a colossal twat.
-
I'm sure the police will allow that.
thats how it was v BHA . I saw one review on Twitter a fan was well happy, 8 pints of Morretti and in the food troughs as much as he wanted . He'd seen it as good value
Whoever who he is, that's up to him of course. In my opinion, it also makes him a colossal twat.
Why? Seems a bit harsh.
-
I'm sure the police will allow that.
thats how it was v BHA . I saw one review on Twitter a fan was well happy, 8 pints of Morretti and in the food troughs as much as he wanted . He'd seen it as good value
Whoever who he is, that's up to him of course. In my opinion, it also makes him a colossal twat.
Why? Seems a bit harsh.
only managing 8 pints
-
I'm sure the police will allow that.
thats how it was v BHA . I saw one review on Twitter a fan was well happy, 8 pints of Morretti and in the food troughs as much as he wanted . He'd seen it as good value
Whoever who he is, that's up to him of course. In my opinion, it also makes him a colossal twat.
Don't know when you last got to an away game but the amount of fans going that just seem to go on a mega bender is staggering. Not my cup of tea but each to their own
-
I'm sure the police will allow that.
thats how it was v BHA . I saw one review on Twitter a fan was well happy, 8 pints of Morretti and in the food troughs as much as he wanted . He'd seen it as good value
Whoever who he is, that's up to him of course. In my opinion, it also makes him a colossal twat.
Don't know when you last got to an away game but the amount of fans going that just seem to go on a mega bender is staggering. Not my cup of tea but each to their own
Tell you the truth, most away games for us about 100 years was about the same
-
I'm guessing from the couple of mentions online that the Lower Grounds isn't even open tonight. The fact there's only a couple seem to back it up. That will help with FFP.
-
getting hit with emails for Lower Grounds eat til you explode buffet . Must not be selling too well
-
I'm sure the police will allow that.
thats how it was v BHA . I saw one review on Twitter a fan was well happy, 8 pints of Morretti and in the food troughs as much as he wanted . He'd seen it as good value
Whoever who he is, that's up to him of course. In my opinion, it also makes him a colossal twat.
Why? Seems a bit harsh.
Yeah agree, pretty greedy i guess but nothing more. But saying that if you've paid you go for it.
I've never really got the need to stuff your face and get hammered at the football. I go to the football for the football. My routine when i used to do it every weekend was to get the piss up and curry out of the way on the Friday night before going to the game on the Saturday.
-
getting hit with emails for Lower Grounds eat til you explode buffet . Must not be selling too well
There’s meeting of Lions club chairs in there before Sunday’s game. So many of the people going into the Lower Grounds will be space filling and not fans who have paid for the seats.
-
getting hit with emails for Lower Grounds eat til you explode buffet . Must not be selling too well
There’s meeting of Lions club chairs in there before Sunday’s game. So many of the people going into the Lower Grounds will be space filling and not fans who have paid for the seats.
Is it still drink till you explode as well? Or was that just an opening offer for the first game?
-
I understand that free beer is mentioned but quantity isn’t specified
-
getting hit with emails for Lower Grounds eat til you explode buffet . Must not be selling too well
There’s meeting of Lions club chairs in there before Sunday’s game. So many of the people going into the Lower Grounds will be space filling and not fans who have paid for the seats.
Is it still drink till you explode as well? Or was that just an opening offer for the first game?
Mr Creasote special : eat and drink til you burst, 3 hours pre KO, HT and 1 hour post game
Inclusive drinks package – selected beers, wines, and soft drinks.
All-you-can-eat informal food served at street food popups located around the room, serving hotdogs, burgers, nachos, popcorn, ice cream, and more.
followed by Ian Taylor , Elmo and Andy Blair singing Nessun Dorma
-
getting hit with emails for Lower Grounds eat til you explode buffet . Must not be selling too well
There’s meeting of Lions club chairs in there before Sunday’s game. So many of the people going into the Lower Grounds will be space filling and not fans who have paid for the seats.
Is it still drink till you explode as well? Or was that just an opening offer for the first game?
Mr Creasote special : eat and drink til you burst, 3 hours pre KO, HT and 1 hour post game
Inclusive drinks package – selected beers, wines, and soft drinks.
All-you-can-eat informal food served at street food popups located around the room, serving hotdogs, burgers, nachos, popcorn, ice cream, and more.
followed by Ian Taylor , Elmo and Andy Blair singing Nessun Dorma
It does have the feel of paying top whack to go to a work colleagues budget wedding alongside every home match.
-
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/jul/22/end-of-the-bartender-the-uk-vending-machines-pouring-pints-for-the-masses
I wonder have the club looked at these?
Seems like a simple solution.
-
Congratulations to Super John McGinn Scotland national team qualified for Euros in Germany.
-
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/jul/22/end-of-the-bartender-the-uk-vending-machines-pouring-pints-for-the-masses
I wonder have the club looked at these?
Seems like a simple solution.
We’ve already got these in the Lower Holte! They pour really fast though so you need your wits about you!
-
We only have nitwits about us in the Upper Holte.
Tbh, I'm over this shit now. It's not going to change and regardless of whether or not it is a success, the club will paint it as one however they can. The same goes for TV and any other idea they come up with.
-
getting hit with emails for Lower Grounds eat til you explode buffet . Must not be selling too well
There’s meeting of Lions club chairs in there before Sunday’s game. So many of the people going into the Lower Grounds will be space filling and not fans who have paid for the seats.
Is it still drink till you explode as well? Or was that just an opening offer for the first game?
Mr Creasote special : eat and drink til you burst, 3 hours pre KO, HT and 1 hour post game
Inclusive drinks package – selected beers, wines, and soft drinks.
All-you-can-eat informal food served at street food popups located around the room, serving hotdogs, burgers, nachos, popcorn, ice cream, and more.
followed by Ian Taylor , Elmo and Andy Blair singing Nessun Dorma
It does have the feel of paying top whack to go to a work colleagues budget wedding alongside every home match.
£120 if you want a match ticket too
-
getting hit with emails for Lower Grounds eat til you explode buffet . Must not be selling too well
There’s meeting of Lions club chairs in there before Sunday’s game. So many of the people going into the Lower Grounds will be space filling and not fans who have paid for the seats.
Is it still drink till you explode as well? Or was that just an opening offer for the first game?
Mr Creasote special : eat and drink til you burst, 3 hours pre KO, HT and 1 hour post game
Inclusive drinks package – selected beers, wines, and soft drinks.
All-you-can-eat informal food served at street food popups located around the room, serving hotdogs, burgers, nachos, popcorn, ice cream, and more.
followed by Ian Taylor , Elmo and Andy Blair singing Nessun Dorma
It does have the feel of paying top whack to go to a work colleagues budget wedding alongside every home match.
This made me laugh :)
-
Box Park opening up in Digbeth 2025. If we are allowed to drink in town by then, there’s another pre match option that’ll come in way cheaper than the LG.
-
Don’t know if it’s been mentioned elsewhere but the ‘Lower grounds facility’ was roundly booed at half time yesterday when they were promoting it
It was pretty obvious what most people felt about it
-
I'm working on an overcoat with extended lagerproof pockets to get full advantage of the eat and drink until you die scheme. Spending a few post match hours on Aston station platform guzzling luke warm ale down at my own leisure is more than worth the cost of a ticket.
-
I'm working on an overcoat with extended lagerproof pockets to get full advantage of the eat and drink until you die scheme. Spending a few post match hours on Aston station platform guzzling luke warm ale down at my own leisure is more than worth the cost of a ticket.
can you take in Tupperware ?
-
I'm working on an overcoat with extended lagerproof pockets to get full advantage of the eat and drink until you die scheme. Spending a few post match hours on Aston station platform guzzling luke warm ale down at my own leisure is more than worth the cost of a ticket.
can you take in Tupperware ?
yes, but no lids.
-
I'm curious how many were in it yesterday as it barely got a mention on social media that I can see.
-
I think it's disappointing to hear that we have not sold out our homes games this season which is entirely down to seats being held back for these hospitality offers.
I do get that the club see it as a necessary evil, but when we're averaging 4 goals a game and have won 11 on the bounce it's criminal that seats are being left empty. And when Sky announce it's our biggest crowd of the season it looks ridiculously small time when we are in effect sold out.
-
I'm curious how many were in it yesterday as it barely got a mention on social media that I can see.
Someone said there was a queue of 26 people there for when the doors opened. Usually it's a 150+ queue. Ridiculous decision and I roundly booed yesterday when they were trying to plug it. Note they do it at half time when a lot of fans are downstairs in the (now packed) concourse. Try doing it just before KO!
-
I've just seen a FB ad for the Lower Grounds, it mentions access Pre and post match but interestingly references Half Time, something that wasn't available when it was launched. Hmmmm.....
-
I road tested it Sunday. It’s really shit, lots of people strutting about in their brand new uniforms, some even with ear pieces acting very important.
It’s very brightly lit so has the ambience of the freezer section at Tescos. The food is mediocre at best, warm burger, giant hot dog and nachos with liquid cheese. Then they had the interview with Tony Daley Tommy Johnson and Alan Wright which was appalling and in my view disrespectful. No announcement, half the audience have their back to the stage because of the stupid picnic table set up , most of the rest were oblivious and continued to wonder around, talk and munch through their micro waved food. Because there was no real announcement and the interviewer had the presence of an out of work shopping trolley fetcher, you could not hear anything and the whole thing was just an embarrassing mess.
Sad.
-
I've just seen a FB ad for the Lower Grounds, it mentions access Pre and post match but interestingly references Half Time, something that wasn't available when it was launched. Hmmmm.....
Half time access would only work if you sit in the lower Holte wouldn't it?
-
I've just seen a FB ad for the Lower Grounds, it mentions access Pre and post match but interestingly references Half Time, something that wasn't available when it was launched. Hmmmm.....
Half time access would only work if you sit in the lower Holte wouldn't it?
That was the conventional wisdom when it was launched. It would take too long from elsewhere in the ground to make it worthwhile going in at HT. Either the ad was a mistake, or the offering has changed, rather like TV due to lack of sales.
-
Just had an email that tells me that I can enter a ballot to be in the Lower Grounds for free next week. Well, well, well.....
-
Link in email doesn’t work!
-
The food is mediocre at best, warm burger, giant hot dog and nachos with liquid cheese.
This is both the most predictable and the most depressing part about this LG as an offer, they think we're that stupid, we'll think it's a proper premium experience eating largely the same shit you can get elsewhere in the ground but, hey, you can have as much of it as you want.
If the food were of a decent quality, they'd have a leg to stand on.
-
Link in email doesn’t work!
same here
-
And yet the amount of people who think it's a good deal is sadly depressing. I wonder what will happen the first time a fight breaks out in there, which it will given the amount of free beer available?
-
Link in email doesn’t work!
same here
Me too
-
Well mine worked so, it was only mine working, I have a good chance of winning!
-
Obviously they want to expand the number of people who experience it, so when they go back to the usual shite service, they’ll be more likely to cough up for the new offerings.
-
Think I’ll pass on the ballot as could have gone in last season for free also….plus I enjoy booing it everytime.
I’d be a hypocrite to go in…free or not
-
The food is mediocre at best, warm burger, giant hot dog and nachos with liquid cheese.
This is both the most predictable and the most depressing part about this LG as an offer, they think we're that stupid, we'll think it's a proper premium experience eating largely the same shit you can get elsewhere in the ground but, hey, you can have as much of it as you want.
If the food were of a decent quality, they'd have a leg to stand on.
They have liquid cheese?
I take it all back, where do I sign?
-
And yet the amount of people who think it's a good deal is sadly depressing. I wonder what will happen the first time a fight breaks out in there, which it will given the amount of free beer available?
There will be opposing fans in there sooner rather than later particularly if it doesn't sell well with Villa fans.
-
I was fortunate enough to get an invite last week into the 1982 lounge and the food in there was mediocre aswell but it's a lot more than £60 and you only get 2 free drinks after that it's £6 a pint territory. All these corporate areas do very little for me and I find them a waste of time and money.
-
The food is mediocre at best, warm burger, giant hot dog and nachos with liquid cheese.
This is both the most predictable and the most depressing part about this LG as an offer, they think we're that stupid, we'll think it's a proper premium experience eating largely the same shit you can get elsewhere in the ground but, hey, you can have as much of it as you want.
If the food were of a decent quality, they'd have a leg to stand on.
They have liquid cheese?
I take it all back, where do I sign?
Yeah I’ll try a pint too.
It’s a joke really but everything catering wise within the general area of the ground is. We had a wonder around last week before the game. The stalls all around the ground were double cheeseburger for £9 or £9.50.
The pints at the stalls outside the back of the Holte were something like £5.90 for a pint of pale ale.
Everything is a fucking rip off but yet you’ve still got people queuing. I don’t get it. Use the chippies a quarter of a mile away or eat before you leave the house.
-
I saw one stall outside recently and they were selling sweet potatoe fries. It really annoyed me.
-
I saw one stall outside recently and they were selling sweet potatoe fries. It really annoyed me.
Why?
-
I usually get a steakburger with onions from one of the stalls outside the ground. £5.50, and lovely they are. At the Bruce Springsteen concert I gave the stall owner a very gentle ribbing for having put his prices up by £1 for the occasion, and he absolutely insisted on only charging me the usual amount.
-
I saw one stall outside recently and they were selling sweet potatoe fries. It really annoyed me.
That comes across as a little 'unhinged'.
-
I saw one stall outside recently and they were selling sweet potatoe fries. It really annoyed me.
That comes across as a little 'unhinged'.
Maybe VillaTim was upset as he loves them but had already pigged out on a double tofu and advocado burger.
-
I saw one stall outside recently and they were selling sweet potatoe fries. It really annoyed me.
Why?
The superfluous ’e’ I assume.
-
I saw one stall outside recently and they were selling sweet potatoe fries. It really annoyed me.
Why?
The superfluous ’e’ I assume.
He'll be very annoyed when they start selling quayle eggs.
-
The food is mediocre at best, warm burger, giant hot dog and nachos with liquid cheese.
This is both the most predictable and the most depressing part about this LG as an offer, they think we're that stupid, we'll think it's a proper premium experience eating largely the same shit you can get elsewhere in the ground but, hey, you can have as much of it as you want.
If the food were of a decent quality, they'd have a leg to stand on.
They have liquid cheese?
I take it all back, where do I sign?
Yeah I’ll try a pint too.
It’s a joke really but everything catering wise within the general area of the ground is. We had a wonder around last week before the game. The stalls all around the ground were double cheeseburger for £9 or £9.50.
The pints at the stalls outside the back of the Holte were something like £5.90 for a pint of pale ale.
Everything is a fucking rip off but yet you’ve still got people queuing. I don’t get it. Use the chippies a quarter of a mile away or eat before you leave the house.
In terms of beers, unless you go to a spoons or you have a reasonably priced local or go to a social club, 5-6 quid of pint is the norm now unfortunately, even more in town.
The price of the beers dont really piss me off in or just outside the ground, just the lack of management of the whole service issue (e.g. the well versed moan of the kids behind the bar pouring one pint at a time). The new tab and go bar in the lower holte is better for this, in terms of lining them up.
-
I saw one stall outside recently and they were selling sweet potatoe fries. It really annoyed me.
Hipster chips
-
This is the sort of entertainment we want.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/ouxV1z6Tkd9Th1rU/?startTimeMs=58949
-
I saw one stall outside recently and they were selling sweet potatoe fries. It really annoyed me.
Hipster chips
A very normal snack all over Asia, mind 😂
I'm not a massive fan, but drench them in Tabasco mayonnaise and I'll eat them!
-
I saw one stall outside recently and they were selling sweet potatoe fries. It really annoyed me.
Hipster chips
Exactly
-
The food is mediocre at best, warm burger, giant hot dog and nachos with liquid cheese.
This is both the most predictable and the most depressing part about this LG as an offer, they think we're that stupid, we'll think it's a proper premium experience eating largely the same shit you can get elsewhere in the ground but, hey, you can have as much of it as you want.
If the food were of a decent quality, they'd have a leg to stand on.
They have liquid cheese?
I take it all back, where do I sign?
Yeah I’ll try a pint too.
It’s a joke really but everything catering wise within the general area of the ground is. We had a wonder around last week before the game. The stalls all around the ground were double cheeseburger for £9 or £9.50.
The pints at the stalls outside the back of the Holte were something like £5.90 for a pint of pale ale.
Everything is a fucking rip off but yet you’ve still got people queuing. I don’t get it. Use the chippies a quarter of a mile away or eat before you leave the house.
In terms of beers, unless you go to a spoons or you have a reasonably priced local or go to a social club, 5-6 quid of pint is the norm now unfortunately, even more in town.
The price of the beers dont really piss me off in or just outside the ground, just the lack of management of the whole service issue (e.g. the well versed moan of the kids behind the bar pouring one pint at a time). The new tab and go bar in the lower holte is better for this, in terms of lining them up.
I have to say £5-£6 a pint has really priced me out of drinking regularly. Not that I can't afford it. I just don't want to hand over that kind of money for a pint. It's ridiculous.
-
the days of not even getting 4 pints for £20 is madness, so I know what you mean HolteL2
-
By all means have a go at the developments in the Holte Suite and Liwer Grounds but not Sweet Potato Chips. At least I'm now classed as a hipster. Only took 61 years on this planet..
-
By all means have a go at the developments in the Holte Suite and Liwer Grounds but not Sweet Potato Chips. At least I'm now classed as a hipster. Only took 61 years on this planet..
do you have a ginger beard, round rimmed glasses, chequed shirts and a vape? if not, you are technically not a hipster
-
No fixed-wheel bike either. Although I am Vegan..
-
Don’t know if it’s been mentioned elsewhere but the ‘Lower grounds facility’ was roundly booed at half time yesterday when they were promoting it
It was pretty obvious what most people felt about it
I'm sure i'll get some abuse for this, but seriously, grown up people booing a catering facility??
-
Don’t know if it’s been mentioned elsewhere but the ‘Lower grounds facility’ was roundly booed at half time yesterday when they were promoting it
It was pretty obvious what most people felt about it
I'm sure i'll get some abuse for this, but seriously, grown up people booing a catering facility??
They're not booing a catering facility. They're booing the gentrification of our traditional fan terrace. If you can't understand that you must be entirely tone deaf.
-
I have to say £5-£6 a pint has really priced me out of drinking regularly. Not that I can't afford it. I just don't want to hand over that kind of money for a pint. It's ridiculous.
I can't remember the last time I paid less than a fiver for a pint. Genuinely, probably about 5 or 6 years ago.
I think it's almost a cyclical thing with pubs.
Far fewer people go to pubs than did in the past, and it has been like that for ages now. Even with fewer pubs still remaining, and fewer outlets chasing the business, there has been this combination of a massive cultural change to start things, followed by 15 years of economic strife, and then by the impact of covid, and to make money, the prices have to be steep.
I used to work with a guy whose Dad ran pubs for years, and he said that nowadays it was pretty much a given that you had to offer food, and that although you might sell hardly any of it a day, you had to have it and someone to cook it pretty much all day.
All these things must put such a squeeze on the industry.
-
I paid £3.60 for the best pint I've had in ages on Saturday. Food in this pub was cobs or scratchings. It was very busy.
-
Don’t know if it’s been mentioned elsewhere but the ‘Lower grounds facility’ was roundly booed at half time yesterday when they were promoting it
It was pretty obvious what most people felt about it
I'm sure i'll get some abuse for this, but seriously, grown up people booing a catering facility??
They're not booing a catering facility. They're booing the gentrification of our traditional fan terrace. If you can't understand that you must be entirely tone deaf.
Why is it tone deaf to not understand why grown ups would boo a new facility at the club, while I am not an ST, I have been a regular in the Holte for around 25 years and the gentrification of this started a long time ago
My opinion about the Lower Grounds is that the club went about it totally the wrong way in how it was communicated and the facility delivered, they should have improved the facilities in the existing concourses first, then some kind of outdoor fan park style area in the Holte car park if the Trinity area isn't enough before making the LG area
I don't see that I would use the LG as I usually drive, but don't think it is that bad value if it does suit your usual matchday routine of a few pints and something to eat
How many ST's would have not renewed if they knew that the Holte suite was being removed from the package??
I just think the whole booing and abuse aimed at fellow fans over this is a bit OTT
-
I've also said I understand the Holte Suite refurb more than Terrace View, as TV took a huge part of the concourse and directly impacted on everyone in the Upper Holte.
But even so, LG is a part of a package of measures to take away facilities from traditional fans with little or no mitigation. It's natural that people will be pissed off. And if we meekly accept everything then I guarantee you the next step is padded seats in the Holte. And once they're in and people have lost their long-held season ticket seats it will be too late to do anything about it. Showing dissent now puts the club on notice - don't push it too far.
-
... Far fewer people go to pubs than did in the past, and it has been like that for ages now. Even with fewer pubs still remaining, and fewer outlets chasing the business, there has been this combination of a massive cultural change to start things, followed by 15 years of economic strife, and then by the impact of covid, and to make money, the prices have to be steep ...
Add to that the loosening of the off-licence sales regs - supermarkets have killed the specialist offie and on-licence drinking. I'm committed to pubs, but I know I go less than I used to because I can now sit in front of on-demand TV drinking very good inexpensive beer (all of which probably makes me even more the pub bore when I do go ....)
-
The very idea that you can pay extra not to stand in the pissing rain went out with away days at Huddersfield. We can fuck off outside if we're not prepared to pay through the nose?
Fan Parks came about through tournaments held in the Summer and shouldn't be the norm through the winter.
I don't agree with individuals abusing other fans but other than booing to express dissatisfaction how are the fans supposed to go about it? Strongly worded and subsequently ignored emails? Go and support someone else? The fans representation boards that appear to have little influence if recent evidence is anything to go by?
I concede that booing an advert for a club initiative sounds incongruous but you have to look how we got to such a point.
-
I sometimes sneer at Costa, and I usually silently boo Frankie and Benny's.
-
I haven't actually been in the Upper Holte this season as I have been taking my lad in the family section in the Trinity, but will be in there for the Legia game so will see how much the TV has impacted the space
I'm probably not as dismissive of the LG as others because I have never been able to access this area as not an ST
Agree about the fan parks being suitable for summer events, maybe the club should look at installing some form of marquee to make it a bit more appealing for the winter
Unfortunately booing has become norm for a whole manner of things in this era, we'd normally save it up for ex noses who had seen the light and moved on!
It would be good if the club took notice of members of the fan consulation group as I would expect they would be raising these points
-
I paid £3.60 for the best pint I've had in ages on Saturday. Food in this pub was cobs or scratchings. It was very busy.
Sounds perfect Dave. Where was this heavenly place?
-
What is the point of sweet potato fries when you can just have potato fries .
They have no place and definitely not at a football match
-
What is the point of sweet potato fries when you can just have potato fries .
They have no place and definitely not at a football match
People might prefer sweet potatoes to the more common variety?
-
What is the point of sweet potato fries when you can just have potato fries .
They have no place and definitely not at a football match
I must admit, i almost vomited my foie gras up when i saw those.
-
Sweet potato chips are great. They're like normal chips, but made from sweet potatoes! Amazing thing, this choice malarkey.
-
i don't like them. Or Caramilised onions .
-
i don't like them. Or Caramilised onions .
certainly not together
-
The Holte Suite should never have been touched and the Terrace View should never have happened.
The Holte End is there purely for our loud, dedicated, boisterous, working class fans to meet up with their mates of a weekend and sing and cheer their team on. It is not a place for day tripping corporate types to take social media selfies with the pitch in the background, with more money than sense. Lose/price out the hardcore fans from the Holte and you lose any resemblance of atmosphere from Villa Park. This corporate shite should have been paused and dropped into the new North Stand.
I'm a season ticket holder in the Trinity, and have seen it change massively over recent years. Tickets are priced to a point where it's only really affordable on an add-hock basis for a lot of fans - Lost count the amount of people I've spotted in the Trinity who obviously don't even support Villa, hence the absolutely dead atmosphere in there.
Last season, season ticket holders got FREE access to the Holte Suite plus a FREE cup game.... This season my season ticket went up well over a hundred quid, and on the flip side I also lost access to the Holte Suite where I used to meet up with my mates prematch, along with the free cup game.
THIS is what we're booing for claret+blue ed. 👎🏻
-
I paid £3.60 for the best pint I've had in ages on Saturday. Food in this pub was cobs or scratchings. It was very busy.
Sounds perfect Dave. Where was this heavenly place?
Cradley Heath. There's always a catch.
-
Tell me it's International week without telling me it's .......etc etc
-
The Holte Suite should never have been touched and the Terrace View should never have happened.
The Holte End is there purely for our loud, dedicated, boisterous, working class fans to meet up with their mates of a weekend and sing and cheer their team on. It is not a place for day tripping corporate types to take social media selfies with the pitch in the background, with more money than sense. Lose/price out the hardcore fans from the Holte and you lose any resemblance of atmosphere from Villa Park. This corporate shite should have been paused and dropped into the new North Stand.
I'm a season ticket holder in the Trinity, and have seen it change massively over recent years. Tickets are priced to a point where it's only really affordable on an add-hock basis for a lot of fans - Lost count the amount of people I've spotted in the Trinity who obviously don't even support Villa, hence the absolutely dead atmosphere in there.
Last season, season ticket holders got FREE access to the Holte Suite plus a FREE cup game.... This season my season ticket went up well over a hundred quid, and on the flip side I also lost access to the Holte Suite where I used to meet up with my mates prematch, along with the free cup game.
THIS is what we're booing for claret+blue ed. 👎🏻
As I've said before, absolutely nobody is going to take a corporate client into the Terrace View. In there they're going for the fan who's prepared to pay more for better service, same with the Lower Grounds. Of course decent service everywhere in the ground should come as a bare minimum, but it doesn't mean in there that "normal" fans are being priced out and displaced for corporate clients.
-
The only food it's acceptable to boo is salted caramel.
-
The only food it's acceptable to boo is salted caramel.
Mushrooms.
-
The only food it's acceptable to boo is salted caramel.
Mushrooms.
It's not the mushrooms fault they're born that way, you fungist.
Salted caramel is a man made creation, somebody is responsinle and they should feel the full weight of the law as a result.
-
I saw one stall outside recently and they were selling sweet potatoe fries. It really annoyed me.
Why?
The superfluous ’e’ I assume.
I've had, err, one or two of those in my time.
-
The only food it's acceptable to boo is salted caramel.
Mushrooms.
It's not the mushrooms fault they're born that way, you fungist.
Salted caramel is a man made creation, somebody is responsinle and they should feel the full weight of the law as a result.
Nonsense. Some of these so-called mushrooms don't even get you spannered. They're a disgrace.
-
The only food it's acceptable to boo is salted caramel.
Mushrooms.
It's not the mushrooms fault they're born that way, you fungist.
Salted caramel is a man made creation, somebody is responsinle and they should feel the full weight of the law as a result.
Nonsense. Some of these so-called mushrooms don't even get you spannered. They're a disgrace.
Booing mushrooms? Salted Caramel? You both need therapy.
-
I like salted caramel. And sweet potato fries. And craft beer tbh. Christ, am I a hipster?
In my defence I also like a pint of Bathams and 'old mans pubs' are by far my favourite.
-
I haven't actually been in the Upper Holte this season as I have been taking my lad in the family section in the Trinity, but will be in there for the Legia game so will see how much the TV has impacted the space
I can tell you - the whole middle section of the lower concourse has gone. The bit with the main bar, windows overlooking the pitch and largest toilets.
So 80-90% of the people are squeezed into approx 50% of the space, with significantly less bar and w/c facilities.
Not one thing was done to mitigate this at the start of the season. Not one extra urinal in the remaining toilets, not one extra beer tap. They're starting to try to address this now as funnily enough fans were pissed off, but it feels like token changes so far and this should have been addressed as a priority from game 1.
-
I like salted caramel. And sweet potato fries. And craft beer tbh. Christ, am I a hipster?
In my defence I also like a pint of Bathams and 'old mans pubs' are by far my favourite.
ask yourself, do my jeans finish above my ankles.
-
I like salted caramel. And sweet potato fries. And craft beer tbh. Christ, am I a hipster?
In my defence I also like a pint of Bathams and 'old mans pubs' are by far my favourite.
ask yourself, do my jeans finish above my ankles.
I'm safe there. And I always wear socks.
phew.
-
In my defence I also like a pint of Bathams and 'old mans pubs' are by far my favourite.
I wouldn't go in any other, and i'm not all that old.
-
I haven't actually been in the Upper Holte this season as I have been taking my lad in the family section in the Trinity, but will be in there for the Legia game so will see how much the TV has impacted the space
I can tell you - the whole middle section of the lower concourse has gone. The bit with the main bar, windows overlooking the pitch and largest toilets.
So 80-90% of the people are squeezed into approx 50% of the space, with significantly less bar and w/c facilities.
Not one thing was done to mitigate this at the start of the season. Not one extra urinal in the remaining toilets, not one extra beer tap. They're starting to try to address this now as funnily enough fans were pissed off, but it feels like token changes so far and this should have been addressed as a priority from game 1.
The changes have certainly not been thought through, the communication even worse, hopefully they was going to address the issues anyway without the need to wait for the reaction from the fans, but that is maybe my misplaced optimistic look at life
Hopefully I won't be too disappointed at the Legia match
-
In my defence I also like a pint of Bathams and 'old mans pubs' are by far my favourite.
I wouldn't go in any other, and i'm not all that old.
So were you both in Dave's Cradley Heath pub enjoying pints of Mild?
-
There's a great Bathams pub not far from Cradley Heath - The Bull and Bladder (also known as The Vine) on Delph Road. Lunches are ridiculously cheap. Well worth a visit for any Black Country Villans.
-
In my defence I also like a pint of Bathams and 'old mans pubs' are by far my favourite.
I wouldn't go in any other, and i'm not all that old.
So were you both in Dave's Cradley Heath pub enjoying pints of Mild?
:-)
No but i know Cradley and Cradley Heath well. I also know the Bull and Bladder and, in fact, the vast majority of pubs in the black country, or the good ones anyway.
-
You’ve been ripped off Dave, £4.45 will get you a pint of Bathams and a cob in my local.
-
The only food it's acceptable to boo is salted caramel.
Mushrooms.
It's not the mushrooms fault they're born that way, you fungist.
Salted caramel is a man made creation, somebody is responsinle and they should feel the full weight of the law as a result.
Nonsense. Some of these so-called mushrooms don't even get you spannered. They're a disgrace.
Booing mushrooms? Salted Caramel? You both need therapy.
Canned fucking bacon needs booing Sweet spud fries whilst hipster are nice tbh
-
Salted caramel is ace.
As for the Lower Grounds and Terrace View, we've all been suckered, haven't we? We were asked in a survey whether we'd be interested in an "enhanced experience" and enough of us were suitably curious to say "yes". We were not given any kind of preview of these offerings as might have been reasonable to expect, simply the "yes" was taken as carte-blanche for the club to do what they want rather than offer any kind of preview or a selection of proposals.
Even at the start of the season, The Holte Suite was just "being renovated" and none of us knew they were going to re-purpose it.
All that said, I'm not saying at some point I won't try one of the facilities just to see what it's like.
-
Salted caramel is absolutely unacceptable.
-
Like caramel! Like salt! You'll love ...
-
Salted caramel is ace.
As for the Lower Grounds and Terrace View, we've all been suckered, haven't we? We were asked in a survey whether we'd be interested in an "enhanced experience" and enough of us were suitably curious to say "yes". We were not given any kind of preview of these offerings as might have been reasonable to expect, simply the "yes" was taken as carte-blanche for the club to do what they want rather than offer any kind of preview or a selection of proposals.
Even at the start of the season, The Holte Suite was just "being renovated" and none of us knew they were going to re-purpose it.
All that said, I'm not saying at some point I won't try one of the facilities just to see what it's like.
maybe fast for a few days then try Lower Grounds eat til you explode experience , then Waddle to a seat in the Upper Witton
-
Like caramel! Like salt! You'll love ...
Like brown bread? Like ice-cream? You'll love....
Actually, it is very nice.
-
Like caramel! Like salt! You'll love ...
i like it but it's a bit 2021 now .
when i was a kid i ate crisps and chocolate together , same sort of thing
-
I've noticed that after the Man City games the prices for the Lower Grounds are increasing.
LG + match ticket, £140 adult, £88 under 14s.
LG only, £75 adult, under 14s complimentary.
It seems that they think they're selling enough tickets to justify putting the prices up.
-
Absolutely. Once we play sides like this, this sort of thing comes into it's own.
-
I've noticed that after the Man City games the prices for the Lower Grounds are increasing.
LG + match ticket, £140 adult, £88 under 14s.
LG only, £75 adult, under 14s complimentary.
It seems that they think they're selling enough tickets to justify putting the prices up.
Lots of way fans will pay that.
-
A group of my mates were thinking of doing the LG for the Arsenal game, until one was told that he had to pay the full £75 for his 16 year old lad, despite the obvious fact that he can’t drink. Ludicrous.
-
A group of my mates were thinking of doing the LG for the Arsenal game, until one was told that he had to pay the full £75 for his 16 year old lad, despite the obvious fact that he can’t drink. Ludicrous.
I was wondering about that myself. If the consession is for under 14s, why would anyone pay full price for a 14 - 17 year old?
-
In all seriousness, who would want to shell out £75 to spend two hours in a school canteen?
-
In all seriousness, who would want to shell out £75 to spend two hours in a school canteen?
It's odd, isn't it?
My lot are on about doing it for Sheffield United. I was the naysayer, but was kind of coming around to the idea of the "eat until you explode" (copyright VillaTim) experience until the prices went up. Will have to see if they're still up for it.
-
As RCF said, that sort of money could get you Michelin-quality food and a stretch limo to the match.
-
As RCF said, that sort of money could get you Michelin-quality food and a stretch limo to the match.
Ah-ha! But not the gallon (that's eight pints, kids) of Birra Morretti to go with it.
Might as well go to the Wetherspoons in Perry Barr.
-
I imagine when we play the ManUre and LiVARpools of this world the place will be full of plastic away fans resulting in lots of away fans in home areas. You don't need any booking history to book just a client ref which anyone can create ??
-
I imagine when we play the ManUre and LiVARpools of this world the place will be full of plastic away fans resulting in lots of away fans in home areas. You don't need any booking history to book just a client ref which anyone can create ??
You will for those two.
-
In all seriousness, who would want to shell out £75 to spend two hours in a school canteen?
Rory?
-
In all seriousness, who would want to shell out £75 to spend two hours in a school canteen?
Rory?
Haha
-
There has been a new fan survey emailed through today so crack on and get your complaints in. And carry on boo-ing.
-
There has been a new fan survey emailed through today so crack on and get your complaints in. And carry on boo-ing.
i've not had this
-
There has been a new fan survey emailed through today so crack on and get your complaints in. And carry on boo-ing.
i've not had this
No, same here.
-
There has been a new fan survey emailed through today so crack on and get your complaints in. And carry on boo-ing.
I've just done it and bitched on about catering and the 2 'experiments' currently In progress.
-
I've noticed that after the Man City games the prices for the Lower Grounds are increasing.
LG + match ticket, £140 adult, £88 under 14s.
LG only, £75 adult, under 14s complimentary.
It seems that they think they're selling enough tickets to justify putting the prices up.
Would be good if it's going well for them.
-
I've noticed that after the Man City games the prices for the Lower Grounds are increasing.
LG + match ticket, £140 adult, £88 under 14s.
LG only, £75 adult, under 14s complimentary.
It seems that they think they're selling enough tickets to justify putting the prices up.
Would be good if it's going well for them.
It isn't.
-
Latest ticket prices in the Lower Grounds:
Vs Newcastle
LG + match ticket, £130 adult, £81 under 14s.
LG only, £70 adult, under 14s comp.
Vs Man United
LG + match ticket, £170 adult, £99 under 14s.
LG only, £80 adult, under 14s comp.
Man United can't possibly be the draw that they once were, other than, dare I say, for Brummie Reds?
-
So against Man U they're essentially pricing a match ticket c£100 based on a typical add on price of £70 for the food and drink.
It's clearly aimed at tourists who think it's ok for an easy way to get a one-off seat.
-
So against Man U they're essentially pricing a match ticket c£100 based on a typical add on price of £70 for the food and drink.
It's clearly aimed at tourists who think it's ok for an easy way to get a one-off seat.
expect loads of the plastic twats I home fan areas.
-
Is there no requirement for booking history with Lower Grounds?
-
Is there no requirement for booking history with Lower Grounds?
It's the same as ordinary tickets - you have to have a booking history.
-
Is there no requirement for booking history with Lower Grounds?
i thought you needed a client ref number but as i've never booked it i'm not 100%
-
Be surprised if too many Villa pay those prices then.
-
There's two seats next to me that are sold under Terrace View (or could be LG) and all the supporters so far have been Villa fans, but with Newton Heath and Liverpool coming up it will interesting to see what happens.
-
There's two seats next to me that are sold under Terrace View (or could be LG) and all the supporters so far have been Villa fans, but with Newton Heath and Liverpool coming up it will interesting to see what happens.
2 people from Surrey sat next to you
-
Only if a Villa fan has sold them the tickets.
-
Only if a Villa fan has sold them the tickets.
or they simply registered a Fan ID with the club in advance of the game.
-
Only if a Villa fan has sold them the tickets.
or they simply registered a Fan ID with the club in advance of the game.
That will always happen and there were a fair few Warsaw fans in Home areas only a month or so ago.
-
Only if a Villa fan has sold them the tickets.
or they simply registered a Fan ID with the club in advance of the game.
That will always happen and there were a fair few Warsaw fans in Home areas only a month or so ago.
Yes, but as non claret members they can easily get a seat via TV or LG, whereas before these it was very difficult to get seats for big games on general sale.
-
Only if a Villa fan has sold them the tickets.
or they simply registered a Fan ID with the club in advance of the game.
That will always happen and there were a fair few Warsaw fans in Home areas only a month or so ago.
Except for the Manchester United, Liverpool and I think Wolves fixtures they require you to have a Fan ID with previous booking history on it. For these faux-hospitality tickets, you just need a Fan ID, which anyone can go on and register.
-
Can anyone explain to me, as a season ticket holder ( x2 )in Trinity, I’m trying to buy 2 family members tickets for the Forest game. I’ve just been online, and the only thing available is this poxy terrace view thing. If I buy these 2 tickets in this terrace view, are my 2 season still ok to use in Trinity? It will only assign me these 2 tickets to myself and daughter, it won’t allow me to assign them to my two family members fan ID’s. Thanks for any advice in advance.
-
Can anyone explain to me, as a season ticket holder ( x2 )in Trinity, I’m trying to buy 2 family members tickets for the Forest game. I’ve just been online, and the only thing available is this poxy terrace view thing. If I buy these 2 tickets in this terrace view, are my 2 season still ok to use in Trinity? It will only assign me these 2 tickets to myself and daughter, it won’t allow me to assign them to my two family members fan ID’s. Thanks for any advice in advance.
you keep your x 2 seats for the game , what you are buying is a bolt on for the 2 of you to go into TV
-
I think LG is bolt on but TV isn't.
-
I think LG is bolt on but TV isn't.
thought they were both similar optional bolt ons
-
Can anyone explain to me, as a season ticket holder ( x2 )in Trinity, I’m trying to buy 2 family members tickets for the Forest game. I’ve just been online, and the only thing available is this poxy terrace view thing. If I buy these 2 tickets in this terrace view, are my 2 season still ok to use in Trinity? It will only assign me these 2 tickets to myself and daughter, it won’t allow me to assign them to my two family members fan ID’s. Thanks for any advice in advance.
If they have club ID's as a season ticket holder you are now in the window where you can buy additional seats and allocate them to your family. There are a few seats left, mainly at the back of the Holte. It's usually quite difficult to get seats together at this stage, but I think they may have released some that were probably being held back for Terrace View. Looks like K1 is your best bet.
-
Can anyone explain to me, as a season ticket holder ( x2 )in Trinity, I’m trying to buy 2 family members tickets for the Forest game. I’ve just been online, and the only thing available is this poxy terrace view thing. If I buy these 2 tickets in this terrace view, are my 2 season still ok to use in Trinity? It will only assign me these 2 tickets to myself and daughter, it won’t allow me to assign them to my two family members fan ID’s. Thanks for any advice in advance.
you keep your x 2 seats for the game , what you are buying is a bolt on for the 2 of you to go into TV
So does that mean we can still sit in a season ticket seats in Trinity Road, and my two family members can have two seats in the TV? Sorry for being thick
-
Can anyone explain to me, as a season ticket holder ( x2 )in Trinity, I’m trying to buy 2 family members tickets for the Forest game. I’ve just been online, and the only thing available is this poxy terrace view thing. If I buy these 2 tickets in this terrace view, are my 2 season still ok to use in Trinity? It will only assign me these 2 tickets to myself and daughter, it won’t allow me to assign them to my two family members fan ID’s. Thanks for any advice in advance.
you keep your x 2 seats for the game , what you are buying is a bolt on for the 2 of you to go into TV
So does that mean we can still sit in a season ticket seats in Trinity Road, and my two family members can have two seats in the TV? Sorry for being thick
Yes. But you don't need to pay the extra for Terrace View. There are standard seats available in the Holte.
-
Can anyone explain to me, as a season ticket holder ( x2 )in Trinity, I’m trying to buy 2 family members tickets for the Forest game. I’ve just been online, and the only thing available is this poxy terrace view thing. If I buy these 2 tickets in this terrace view, are my 2 season still ok to use in Trinity? It will only assign me these 2 tickets to myself and daughter, it won’t allow me to assign them to my two family members fan ID’s. Thanks for any advice in advance.
you keep your x 2 seats for the game , what you are buying is a bolt on for the 2 of you to go into TV
So does that mean we can still sit in a season ticket seats in Trinity Road, and my two family members can have two seats in the TV? Sorry for being thick
Yes. But you don't need to pay the extra for Terrace View. There are standard seats available in the Holte.
Just had a look in K1 and as soon as click on a seat that’s standard it keeps saying “ This seat is not available for the chosen price type “ Any ideas what I’m doing wrong 😂👍
-
Sorry I've just checked and I'm wrong. They must be seats retained for the Terrace View. They don't normally show these when you click through for standard seating (you normally get 'this area is locked') so as they were showing I assumed they must be available for standard purchase.
So to answer your original question, yes you can buy them through Terrace View, just ensure you allocate them to the correct fan IDs once in your basket.
-
Sorry I've just checked and I'm wrong. They must be seats retained for the Terrace View. They don't normally show these when you click through for standard seating (you normally get 'this area is locked') so as they were showing I assumed they must be available for standard purchase.
So to answer your original question, yes you can buy them through Terrace View, just ensure you allocate them to the correct fan IDs once in your basket.
Thanks for your help mate, it’s much appreciated. I think I’ll call the ticket office in the morning ( and sit in a queue for 30 minutes ) and ask the question, in case I balls things up 👍
-
https://x.com/wrighti1/status/1755706435994829290?s=46&t=fPyiXcae7CCzHj_x8UdphA
-
They can't be making more money than they used to when it was packed in there surely?
-
I think that looks good. But then I am somebody that is sticking to a pretty tightly to their macros now we're in Competition season and I've not had a drink of ale in 2024. So The Jockey with some pic n' mix would probably be appealing.
-
Looks terrible for the money . Empty school canteen vibes
-
Looks terrible for the money . Empty school canteen vibes
It is, too bright, the benches are uncomfortable, the food was mediocre, just about warm full of chemicals.
It has the ambiance of a night time supermarket or motorway service station canteen.
What they have failed to provide is warmth, comfort, quality and value.
-
The really annoying thing is these additional offers would be well received if they were extra (new seats) rather than replacing the existing.
I spent hours trying to buy Forest tickets in the Holte but, despite empty seats, I could not buy because they’re being held for GA+ offerings only. I managed to get a ticket elsewhere eventually but mainly because I’d ready bought my train ticket. If I didn’t have that I’d have sacked it off like I imagine most people will.
-
Looks terrible for the money . Empty school canteen vibes
It is, too bright, the benches are uncomfortable, the food was mediocre, just about warm full of chemicals.
It has the ambiance of a night time supermarket or motorway service station canteen.
What they have failed to provide is warmth, comfort, quality and value.
ah did you bite the bullet and try it ? I'm not a big drinker so i'd never get my moneys worth . I read from someone who said he'd made it stack financially but that involved drinking 8 pints of morretti and eating a fair bit too.
Guess its handy if its your only chance of a ticket though
-
Looks terrible for the money . Empty school canteen vibes
It is, too bright, the benches are uncomfortable, the food was mediocre, just about warm full of chemicals.
It has the ambiance of a night time supermarket or motorway service station canteen.
What they have failed to provide is warmth, comfort, quality and value.
ah did you bite the bullet and try it ? I'm not a big drinker so i'd never get my moneys worth . I read from someone who said he'd made it stack financially but that involved drinking 8 pints of morretti and eating a fair bit too.
Guess its handy if its your only chance of a ticket though
I wanted to test drive it.
As I would use it if it was value for money, but it really isn’t.
The whole set up is crap.
-
I'd like to see what it like as well, only because we used the Holte Suite a lot over the years.
-
The way things are going I wouldn't put it past them to have done the whole thing as half-arsed and shoddy as they have so that it wouldn't work and they can say, "We gave you something better and you didn't want it so it'll be full-on corporate next season."
-
nobody asked for it in the first place
-
The way things are going I wouldn't put it past them to have done the whole thing as half-arsed and shoddy as they have so that it wouldn't work and they can say, "We gave you something better and you didn't want it so it'll be full-on corporate next season."
Would say that’s more than plausible Dave…boot some season ticket holders out of great view seats in Holte or Witton, pad the seats and sell it as full corporate
-
I'm going the other way to what Dave W thinks and reckon they'll open it back up to the way it was, but with a small fee.
-
Yep, there's no way they could really offer proper corporate in the Holte without a radical rebuild.
-
nobody asked for it in the first place
But, sadly, we did. Remember the survey asking if we'd be interested (read curious) about an enhanced offering above and beyond the regular seat?
I voted yes, out of curiousity, and I'm sure many did. The club took that as the green flag.
-
Btw, I expect if United score on Sunday there will be trouble. Probably in A1 - A3.
Or it might happen before that even. Some people can't handle eight pints of Birra Morretti, regardless of their footballing persuasion.
-
nobody asked for it in the first place
But, sadly, we did. Remember the survey asking if we'd be interested (read curious) about an enhanced offering above and beyond the regular seat?
I voted yes, out of curiousity, and I'm sure many did. The club took that as the green flag.
That was a stitch up. The decision was already made.
-
food looks pretty crap and potential salmonella spreading, Yuck
-
Btw, I expect if United score on Sunday there will be trouble. Probably in A1 - A3.
Or it might happen before that even. Some people can't handle eight pints of Birra Morretti, regardless of their footballing persuasion.
if there are pissed up away fans being a nuisance in the home end then they get what they deserve
-
Btw, I expect if United score on Sunday there will be trouble. Probably in A1 - A3.
Or it might happen before that even. Some people can't handle eight pints of Birra Morretti, regardless of their footballing persuasion.
if there are pissed up away fans being a nuisance in the home end then they get what they deserve
Removed by the stewards.
-
Btw, I expect if United score on Sunday there will be trouble. Probably in A1 - A3.
Or it might happen before that even. Some people can't handle eight pints of Birra Morretti, regardless of their footballing persuasion.
if there are pissed up away fans being a nuisance in the home end then they get what they deserve
Removed by the stewards.
imagine the questioning "how did you get tickets in the home end ?!"
-
nobody asked for it in the first place
But, sadly, we did. Remember the survey asking if we'd be interested (read curious) about an enhanced offering above and beyond the regular seat?
I voted yes, out of curiousity, and I'm sure many did. The club took that as the green flag.
That was a stitch up. The decision was already made.
I agree.
-
Looks terrible for the money . Empty school canteen vibes
Yet the review gave it five stars for 'value'. ???
-
Looks terrible for the money . Empty school canteen vibes
Yet the review gave it five stars for 'value'. ???
god knows what his baseline is . I thought the overall rating was 3*
-
The food looks pretty grim, it was in there for Springsteen, the American buffet was laughable
Though I also save £’s every game on food now because all the burger bars outside seem to have ditched proper bread rolls for the vile brioche ones so that’s knocked on the head :-)
-
what is that liquid cheese crap on the nachos ? awful
Chicken copotole - all legs not a breast in sight , cheap crap slopped up for undiscerning drinkers is what it looks like
-
what is that liquid cheese crap on the nachos ?
Liquid cheese.
-
what is that liquid cheese crap on the nachos ?
Liquid cheese.
Nacho cheese sauce is the technical name, I believe.
-
what is that liquid cheese crap on the nachos ?
Liquid cheese.
Nacho cheese sauce is the technical name, I believe.
i saw it in vegas recently in a spray can. Mmmmmmmmm
-
what is that liquid cheese crap on the nachos ? awful
Chicken copotole - all legs not a breast in sight , cheap crap slopped up for undiscerning drinkers is what it looks like
Prefer leg meat myself, a whole leg even better.
-
what is that liquid cheese crap on the nachos ? awful
Chicken copotole - all legs not a breast in sight , cheap crap slopped up for undiscerning drinkers is what it looks like
Prefer leg meat myself, a whole leg even better.
thigh is ok, but not legs for me. wings can be decent
-
I did it for Sheff Utd as had friends from America over and wanted sears all together.
The food wasn’t too bad and service to get drinks was great.
It’s not aimed I think at week in week out fans and really more for the casual tourist.
-
I did it for Sheff Utd as had friends from America over and wanted sears all together.
The food wasn’t too bad and service to get drinks was great.
It’s not aimed I think at week in week out fans and really more for the casual tourist.
yep , fair point.
-
By the way, there were 3 Newton Heath "fans" in the seats beside me today. If you are ever under the illusion that the club give a flying fuck about us, then there is your answer.