Chris Heck - President of Business Operations

[Somniloquism]

Until they get on the road after a couple of hours of drinking in said pubs......

[LeeB]

There is a massive uptapped market, left by the dozens of pubs that used to cater for pre and post match drinks, in the proximity of the ground.

Now, while habits have changed, I'm sure there are few thousand fans who would quite happily spend a couple of hours having a beer, watching the next match on TV, in an environment that is pub-like. This alone would help the traffic problems.

You get the feeling they're reluctant to address it as it would eat into their other higher priced offerings. I suppose they'll say the Villa Live thing will but that will be pricey no doubt.

[Villan82]

Underwhelming interview with Heck on the site today.

We can expect more premium seating, a tidy up and a few coats of paint.

[john2710]

https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/may/09/chris-heck-update/

I'm sure there's some who won't be happy with whatever he says, but I think this clears up a few concerns.

[Dogtanian]

Interviewed by Gabby? Bet he had him on the ropes.

[Villan82]

https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/may/09/chris-heck-update/

I'm sure there's some who won't be happy with whatever he says, but I think this clears up a few concerns.

In that interview there is not a hint of a single new General  Admission seat at Villa Park in the next several seasons let alone plans for any new stand.

[Dogtanian]

Has he just said season ticket increase is 5%? From about 6:20.

[Risso]

Heck in that mentions a 5% increase in season ticket prices.

In terms of short term plans for the ground - more premium seats, LED lights, and some premium offering in the North Stand car park. Take that, FFP!

[sid1964]

Like the Adidas top Heck is wearing, yes he mentions 5% increase in GA

[frank black]

He did say general admission up 5%, (reasonable) However I’ll hold my breath a little longer, as we don’t know the impact of additional premium options (which he never fails to mention)

[Dogtanian]

This is what's doping my head in. There's some good info in there, both the 5% figure and that they are leaving the Holte End alone etc.

Why haven't they made bigger deals of this? Instead of burying it in a video most people aren't going to watch.

[Dogtanian]

He did say general admission up 5%, (reasonable) However I’ll hold my breath a little longer, as we don’t know the impact of additional premium options (which he never fails to mention)

He said renewals, so I suspect new season tickets may be higher.

[dalians umbrella]

He did say general admission up 5%, (reasonable) However I’ll hold my breath a little longer, as we don’t know the impact of additional premium options (which he never fails to mention)

Yes, the unanswered question for some of us is whether our seats will continue to be classed as general admission or whether we will a) be kicked out completely so someone else can buy them each game as part of a corporate package, b) get to keep our seat if we also pay a lot more for bundled-in access to a lounge with food and drink, or c) get to keep our seat if we pay a bit more for a padded seat and tie.

[Dogtanian]

If they made it easier to get served, we could eat more pies and pad our arses with more fat, saving the need to pad the seat.

[Hookeysmith]

I do get the feeling that whatever this guy says or does folk on here and afar will find fault.

I am as traditionalist as the next guy but unfortunately the world has changed, especially in media and entertainment. I have used this before but i try to watch a lot of live music and everytime you try to buy a ticket nowadays it is accompanied by the option to "upgrade" to the premium pack , meals, meet the band, etc etc.

If you are a massive fan of a certain band it is sometimes the only way to secure tickets.

I know a woman who paid £600 to see Pink at VP, A guy who paid £400 to see Springsteen and we and my missus paid £300 to see Pulp in Sheffield a while back.

Even cinema tickets are offering "premium packages"

I know guys from the old days that when all seaters came in got priced out of VP and never came back yet we are not short of people paying todays prices.

Its inevitible i suppose