The Terrace View - Holte End Upper

[Clampy]

They're not forcing anyone to use the new Terrace Bar though. The only people people it might efffect are those who use it already.

I think Chris nailed it with his point - the rest of us in the Upper Holte will find that everyone is now going to be crammed into a much smaller space. We are going to be paying more for reduced facilities. That bar seemed to be the only place in the entire ground where you could get a drink without having to queue for 25 minutes, and now that's being taken away.

Me, my brother and my dad had got into the habit of having a drink before the match, just because it's convenient. We'll almost definitely end up just getting to the ground later and going straight to our seats now.

If it was an extra benefit for season ticket holders, or incorporated into the Pride Rewards, or even just a few quid to enter, I could understand it - but £25 a match is just a ludicrous price. I honestly can't get my head around how anyone at the club could possibly think that is reasonable.

This is exactly it.  I don't know how many the Holte upper holds - maybe 5k?  So if ambitiously 1k take this up then 80% of 'customers' will be shoehorned into maybe half the current space.  It's packed up there as it is and the increased demand for the remaining 'plebs' bars and toilets will surely be unsustainable.

How the hell can this be considered a step forward in fan experience?

I'm not happy about the ST prices, but I can kind of see the logic in terms of taking steps to bridge the revenue gap.  But forcing this sort of shit onto us when these are the type of facilities they should be providing anyway is pretty disgusting in my view.

The thing is, you are using the word 'forced' in regards to the new bar and no-one is forcing anybody. Just don't use it.

[Drummond]

You'd think they would increase revenue by making food and drink available when people actually want it, and without having to commit to it. I'd guess that being able to buy the food and beer you want, when you want (i.e. minimal waits) throughout the ground, with an increase of £0.50 per pint/pie/portion of chips would result in huge revenue growth and happy people.

[Risso]

The thing is, you are using the word 'forced' in regards to the new bar and no-one is forcing anybody. Just don't use it.

People who don't want to use it will be forced into a smaller area than before though, which I think is the point you're missing.

[Drummond]

They're not forcing anyone to use the new Terrace Bar though. The only people people it might efffect are those who use it already.

I think Chris nailed it with his point - the rest of us in the Upper Holte will find that everyone is now going to be crammed into a much smaller space. We are going to be paying more for reduced facilities. That bar seemed to be the only place in the entire ground where you could get a drink without having to queue for 25 minutes, and now that's being taken away.

Me, my brother and my dad had got into the habit of having a drink before the match, just because it's convenient. We'll almost definitely end up just getting to the ground later and going straight to our seats now.

If it was an extra benefit for season ticket holders, or incorporated into the Pride Rewards, or even just a few quid to enter, I could understand it - but £25 a match is just a ludicrous price. I honestly can't get my head around how anyone at the club could possibly think that is reasonable.

This is exactly it.  I don't know how many the Holte upper holds - maybe 5k?  So if ambitiously 1k take this up then 80% of 'customers' will be shoehorned into maybe half the current space.  It's packed up there as it is and the increased demand for the remaining 'plebs' bars and toilets will surely be unsustainable.

How the hell can this be considered a step forward in fan experience?

I'm not happy about the ST prices, but I can kind of see the logic in terms of taking steps to bridge the revenue gap.  But forcing this sort of shit onto us when these are the type of facilities they should be providing anyway is pretty disgusting in my view.

The thing is, you are using the word 'forced' in regards to the new bar and no-one is forcing anybody. Just don't use it.

They are forcing it upon everyone in the Upper Holte. Because it will be there, getting in the fucking way and spoiling the matchday experience for everyone that doesn't use it.

I know you like to positively spin stuff, but really this is the ultimate piss-take. I hope nobody takes up the offer, but in reality- plenty will.

[Drummond]

The thing is, you are using the word 'forced' in regards to the new bar and no-one is forcing anybody. Just don't use it.

People who don't want to use it will be forced into a smaller area than before though, which I think is the point you're missing.

Gah, beat me.

[LeeB]

Yeah, they've sold the local playing fields and built a David Lloyd on it instead. Stop moaning, nobody is forcing you to join.

[Drummond]

Since I had my season ticket in the Upper, I have always enjoyed buying a beer and having a look at the ground through the window in there, it's odd but having a quick pint and having a look was always something I did.

Now people are expected to pay well over a grand to have their seat, get a pint before and at half time, and a programme. And all that for just 1000 people? Jesus.

[Nev]

There should never be any corporate whatsoever in the Holte, it's the one part of the ground that should be left as it is. Once this wall is broken then it can be the thin end of the wedge, the most central seating, with the best view will be the next target and the very heart of Villa Park will be diluted and can never be the same again.

Shame.

[Stu82]

It's the Holte End. It is a divisive decision, them who can afford it, and less space for those that can't.
Going back to the old Holte, we didn't go there for the facilities, it was a very basic offer , but was where most of us went for the camaraderie, the raucous experience. Splitting the fans by this decision is just wrong.

[LeeB]

It's the Holte End. It is a divisive decision, them who can afford it, and less space for those that can't.
Going back to the old Holte, we didn't go there for the facilities, it was a very basic offer , but was where most of us went for the camaraderie, the raucous experience. Splitting the fans by this decision is just wrong.

Yes, this. It's both devisive and comercially shit. Who did they consult for this, Lord Frost?

[Brazilian Villain]

It's the Holte End. It is a divisive decision, them who can afford it, and less space for those that can't.
Going back to the old Holte, we didn't go there for the facilities, it was a very basic offer , but was where most of us went for the camaraderie, the raucous experience. Splitting the fans by this decision is just wrong.

Even back in the 'good old' days there was a split, between left side and right side.

[Clampy]

The thing is, you are using the word 'forced' in regards to the new bar and no-one is forcing anybody. Just don't use it.

People who don't want to use it will be forced into a smaller area than before though, which I think is the point you're missing.

If that's what he meant, then fair enough.

[chrisw1]

The thing is, you are using the word 'forced' in regards to the new bar and no-one is forcing anybody. Just don't use it.

People who don't want to use it will be forced into a smaller area than before though, which I think is the point you're missing.

If that's what he meant, then fair enough.

I would have thought it was obvious in the context of the post, which was all about the remaining 80% or so.

[Brend'Watkins]

If they want to increase revenue just get the basics right. Quick food, quick beer and drinks and staff who are proficient.  It's a captive market, if it's good it will be used and you get the increased revenue.  This latest plan is wank in the extreme.

[Mister E]

I'd make 2 points -
1. They want to build revenue through catering and recognise that the current arrangements limit their ability to do so; I get that. However, their solution is flawed and answers the wrong question. Instead of improving fan-flow, product-quality and service-quality in the existing space - easily done with good expertise in these matters - they've convinced themselves that a new and expensive 'product' will solve their challenge (with no understanding of the unintended consequences their solution creates).
2. Their response to well-documented problems of weak / no wifi and intrusive p.a. system is to offer a space for those who wish to pay to address this. Good and free wifi should be a standard - a norm - anywhere in the UK in my opinion (the reason it isn't at VP - I suspect - is that they don't want people accessing in-game betting sites instead of using the in-stadium booths). The p.a. system has been a nuisance for as long as I can remember ... the seems to be no incentive to improve it.