It seems to me it has and quite a bit. Okay, crowds are going to be up with a promotion, even so, history has shown us that these fall off if the team starts doing poorly. It doesn't appear to be the case these days. We also appear to be attracting more kids. Not just kids of long time suffering parents but kids generally. For example. My daughter lives and works in Oxford. I've taken her a few times to Villa Park when she was younger, she thought it too loud and didn't really get football even though she's been to a few more games in her late teens and early 20s . If someone asked her who was her team she'd say Villa and not have a clue what position or division we were in. She gets the rivalry thing between us and our neighbours which is a good thing as one of the house supports the other lot. The other day she was talking to a colleague who happened to be a Spurs fan who told her that his son also supported Villa. "How can that happen" she inquired. It transpired that he had taken him to a few games to Tottenham but his son was bored and didn't feel anything, no excitement, no involvement, nothing. Hi son liked football so hearing about the 'fun days' at Villa Park he took him along. Straight away he was hooked. Enthralled by the lion mascots, the games and kick abouts and whatever they do. Then the game, loved the atmosphere and intensity and the immensity of the Holte End. Then told his Dad..."I'm a Villa fan, I'm sorry Dad but I am" His Dad has accepted it so takes him. Apparently, he also gives a big "Yesss" too if he hears Blues have gone a goal down. Well done the marketing team!
Got to say that the family zone is really well done - our little one loves it, it’s connecting her to the club and means we end up spending a lot more on a match day. It’s also nice that they allow away fans in there, on Boxing Day there were quite a few Norwich fans in there and they all seemed to think it was great. There are still things that need sorting out (calling the ticket office is painfully slow most times), but the match day experience for young fans is really positive.