Has anyone seen the YouTube episode from the Bournemouth Fan who rates all the grounds that they visit? They love Villa Park, but scored it very low for drinking around the ground. I know the Warehouse will be completed soon, so that will help somewhat, but will away fans be allowed in? That could get a bit messy! But, the surrounding area is in desperate need of development, and I feel that this is the only black mark against Villa Park. Maybe the club will need to think about developing an area for away fans to drink/eat in? The Bournemouth guy was saying that they most of them stayed in the City Centre until close to kick off time, and even mentioned the Yenton in Erdington. Now, I love the Yenton, but it's not really close to Villa Park.
I know it may be pie in the sky, but the sports quarter will obviously be a venue for a lot of visitors to Birmingham which will be taking some revenue away from us. I know it will be impossible to redevelop the whole area, but in the long run providing safe spaces for home and away fans in the vicinity of the ground needs to be looked at.
I’d wonder, if it became available, if buying the Aston Hotel might be the answer. Either segregated or away fans only for matchdays, little food court out the back … then as an extension of the warehouse outside of that.
I'm not being funny but it's not the clubs responsibility to provide anywhere for away fans to drink. I'm happy that pubs around the ground are home pubs only. There's plenty of pubs in town where they can go and get the train to Witton. Another good option for them is the JQ. Loads of good pubs and cheap enough to get taxis to drop them close to VP.
You’re right it isn’t the club’s responsibility - but it’s another lost revenue stream- the same as limited options to upsell the majority of supporters across the 4 stands.
There’s been a load of charts showing the relative paucity of supporter match day spend.
Yes. We’re flying on broadcast and academy income, really good on player trading, lagging behind on matchday income and commercial.
