[Albion] Everton Fan Zone

[Gazwag]

Another thing to bear in mind is The Hawthorns and Goodison have been there for decades upon decades, the Amex hasn't but is gradually improving outside season by season.

 

[Moshe Gariani]

Never underestimate some on NSC and their ability to attack the club (and naturally Barber-out) on a Monday morning.

I just hope this thread follows the usual trend where NSC Albion fans make very obvious and sensible suggestions for improvements that will actually make a difference to them (rather than some new capability to pay for upgrading a ticket to 1901 just before kick off), and a consensus is reached, before "Two Page Paul" comes along with his Golden (Sledge)Hammer and tells us why the professionals have got it right...

 

[Hotchilidog]

I'm certainly not attacking anyone. I just recall Tom's enthusiasm to really make something of the outer concourse areas at the Amex, but I also have a vague recollection that red-tape (council and/or National Rail and/or someone else) may have been a barrier in progressing those plans.

I think you are correct I believe both Tom and his predecessor Paul Bierne were keen on making more use of the space outside the ground. Not sure why these plans had yet to come to fruition, I'd guess resources but I would not be surprised if planning also had something to do with it. I'd like to think if we can stay up we may be able to upgrade next season especially as other clubs are now successfully operating decent fan zones around the league, Swansea had a good one too.

 

[Titanic]

Another thing to bear in mind is The Hawthorns and Goodison have been there for decades upon decades, the Amex hasn't but is gradually improving outside season by season.

I agree with this... and the outside facilities have definitely evolved... but there is much that could be done to make it all the more successful / enjoyable.

A little bit of cover from inclement weather, seating, toilets, better use of the stage, interviews, match highlights, video screens, Eagles/Fleetwood Mac covers from the over-compressed guitar-playing duo - all in evidence at Everton and very well used a by both sets of fans.

 

[BNthree]

Really even just some toilets for fans outside would be a big improvement.

Assume the Fanzone is the way it is as the club wants people to head inside to the concourses where fans are segregated and easier to manage whilst spending money at club outlets.

 

[Mackenzie]

I think you are correct I believe both Tom and his predecessor Paul Bierne were keen on making more use of the space outside the ground. Not sure why these plans had yet to come to fruition, I'd guess resources but I would not be surprised if planning also had something to do with it. I'd like to think if we can stay up we may be able to upgrade next season especially as other clubs are now successfully operating decent fan zones around the league, Swansea had a good one too.

That was good. Big screen showing the early game, bars, things for the kids, music, KFC and a pub next to the car park. Swansea have got it right.

 

[The Birdman]

 

[Bolton va va]

I have been to these games as well. If you take the overall setup, Amex V Hawthorns V Goodison, I know which one I prefer. Think away fans at the Albion would probably agree with me.

For fanzone & atmosphere type stuff around the ground, Hawthorns/ Goodison equal 1st, Amex 3rd. Brighton is a much nicer place than either Birmingham or Liverpool though.

Thinking about it, not many new grounds are that good outside but the facilities inside are more modern, if not always better.

 

[Fourteenth Eye]

I believe Tom Gorringe really wanted a big fanzone thing at the Amex when he took on his role with the club, including Albion-ising (my word) the approach from the station so that as soon as you got off the train (or walked over the bridge anyway) you would have no doubt about where you were.

I'm not sure if planning/licensing etc or lack of senior support/apathy are the reasons that very little progress was made with any of that, and Tom has since moved on to Bristol Rovers.

It does feel a real opportunity missed to date though.

Anyone who went to any of the Rugby world cup games would have seen what COULD be done.

This is what Tom really wanted to achieve but he came up against various brick walls along the way which was making it difficult.

 

[BNthree]

Anyone who went to any of the Rugby world cup games would have seen what COULD be done.

As someone that didn't go to the rugby world cup what was done that was different? Thanks.

 

[Stat Brother]

As someone that didn't go to the rugby world cup what was done that was different? Thanks.

Not a good start, but I'll keep looking:-

 

[LowKarate]

Andrei Kanchelskis
Toilets outside the ground
More food choice
MC
Strippers*


*possibly.

Did Kanchelskis actually speak? I only saw him walking around looking well-fed.

 

[rippleman]

Not a good start, but I'll keep looking:-

View attachment 95072

Thank you. Doesn't appear there were too many problems with planning or Network Rail there!

The concessions and the bandstand seem to close / pack up waaaay before kick off and if you are going to have the Harveys stand open to drink pre-match, then you really do need some external toilet facilities!

 

[Goldstone1976]

Did Kanchelskis actually speak? I only saw him walking around looking well-fed.

Yep - he was interviewed by the MC chap. No idea what was said though; I tuned out.

 

[el punal]

Never underestimate some on NSC and their ability to attack the club (and naturally Barber-out) on a Monday morning.

I know, pathetic isn't it. Strange how the Amex, and the club, has won countless awards for offering the best facilities for fans. And, recently, been voted the best away ground to visit by Best of the 92 poll in the Football Ground Guide. Still, some who post on here have made an art form out of nitpicking.