[Albion] Update on Dick's Bar

[attila]

Update after the closure of Dick’s Bar. I’ve been informed that all the exhibited work there apart from the Fan Mosaic (Dick’s painting, shirts, souvenirs, my poems) will be relocated to the North Stand. My ‘Goldstone Ghosts’ poem is already in place. This was my preferred solution and I’m glad the club listened. It is living history!
The reason the mosaic isn’t included in the transfer is because it is made of less durable material in an area which is open to the elements to à degree. Its final location is yet to be decided but it will be accessible to supporters.

It has also been agreed that will be a new Dick’s Bar in the North Stand, open after games, accessible to all, as an alternative to the new box park fan zone thing. Obviously it won’t be a patch on what we had before but it will keep our tribute to our original club saviour alive.
Now let’s start winning games again. Give Shane Duffy a clap for me at Narch and I’ll
see you at Ipswich and Man U.

 

[brighton_tom]

Is this north stand concourse refurb happening this summer?

 

[Gazwag]

Its a shame the mosaic can't have some sort of protection added, maybe its not possible

 

[Hotchilidog]

Its a shame the mosaic can't have some sort of protection added, maybe its not possible

It may end up in the city centre museum.

 

[timbha]

Thanks Atilla. That will hopefully prevent more scaremongering and rubbishing of our club’s management.

 

[Commander]

Always felt Dick's Bar was a real missed opportunity. It could have been so good, but ended up being like an airport lounge. That said, I haven't been in there for years, so maybe it got better in recent times.

 

[Dibdab]

Always felt Dick's Bar was a real missed opportunity. It could have been so good, but ended up being like an airport lounge. That said, I haven't been in there for years, so maybe it got better in recent times.

Agree although felt like a soulless cheap budget hotel bar to me. Although also haven't been for several years. Hopefully the new facility will deliver something worth visiting.

 

[Arthur]

Always felt Dick's Bar was a real missed opportunity. It could have been so good, but ended up being like an airport lounge. That said, I haven't been in there for years, so maybe it got better in recent times.

It didn't. Went in there last season and it was still like drinking in a 1980s leisure centre bar.

 

[Lady Whistledown]

Always felt Dick's Bar was a real missed opportunity. It could have been so good, but ended up being like an airport lounge. That said, I haven't been in there for years, so maybe it got better in recent times.

I'm glad it's not just me. Seeing some of the pining for that place makes me think I've missed something. Whenever I've been in there- admittedly not for a few years now- it's been fine. Not great, not awful, just...fine. Acceptable. Average. An airport lounge is the perfect description of it. I'm genuinely surprised that anybody would get sentimental about it.

 

[Seagull Stew]

Its a shame the mosaic can't have some sort of protection added, maybe its not possible

Here is a picture taken in September 2023 of my son next to his baby picture on the mosaic.

That mosaic is priceless!

 

[Terry Butcher Tribute Act]

I like it. Because in the winter, it's a warm, dry place to chat and watch the tv game, rather than a cold concourse. I felt sorry for the old boy in there last week campaigning for it to stay open until the Fanzone, so the elderly had somewhere to go and sit before a game.

It's not perfect and hopefully the fanzone will be miles better, but i can absolutely understand why people were fond of it, compared to a dark and windy concourse, or standing outside in the elements if you want to meet friends before the game who sit in another area of the stadium.

The biggest problem for me was nothing to do with 'airport lounges', but how early you had to get there to get a seat and avoid a big queue.

Hopefully Fanzone is better for that.

 

[thedonkeycentrehalf]

I'm glad it's not just me. Seeing some of the pining for that place makes me think I've missed something. Whenever I've been in there- admittedly not for a few years now- it's been fine. Not great, not awful, just...fine. Acceptable. Average. An airport lounge is the perfect description of it. I'm genuinely surprised that anybody would get sentimental about it.

I think it was designed for use outside of match days so probably more 'corporate' than fans would have liked. I have used it a few times as a convenient place for meetings over the years as it is easy to get to and the parking is free.

 

[nickbrighton]

Thanks Atilla. That will hopefully prevent more scaremongering and rubbishing of our club’s management.

Whilst I admire your optimism, I really think you are aiming more than a little high with that wish. (Think Ulloa's penalty and then some)

 

[el punal]

Always felt Dick's Bar was a real missed opportunity. It could have been so good, but ended up being like an airport lounge. That said, I haven't been in there for years, so maybe it got better in recent times.

Um, no it hasn’t. Unless you get there really early there’s no chance of getting a seat. It gets overcrowded and a real pain to negotiate trying to get from the bar to wherever your destination is. My main beef is last season we got to the Amex early doors so we (myself, my daughter and my grandson who is 16) went to Dick’s only to find my grandson wasn’t allowed in as he was underage (18). We then had to spend the best part of an hour on the outer concourse in the cold and rain waiting for the turnstiles to open for the West Upper. Not the best experience I’ve had following the Albion.

 

[Thunder Bolt]

I'm glad it's not just me. Seeing some of the pining for that place makes me think I've missed something. Whenever I've been in there- admittedly not for a few years now- it's been fine. Not great, not awful, just...fine. Acceptable. Average. An airport lounge is the perfect description of it. I'm genuinely surprised that anybody would get sentimental about it.

I am probably misreading the posts, but I got the impression people were wanting to make sure that certain memories, like the iconic poem, Dick's portraits and the mosaic weren't just ditched like the giant flag was at Withdean.

We've already lost the museum at the stadium despite members of the supporters' club offering to steward it voluntarily. I know some of the exhibits are going to the Brighton museum, but I suspect some may get 'lost' on the way.

Any news on the etched windows?

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

I like it. Because in the winter, it's a warm, dry place to chat and watch the tv game, rather than a cold concourse. I felt sorry for the old boy in there last week campaigning for it to stay open until the Fanzone, so the elderly had somewhere to go and sit before a game.

It's not perfect and hopefully the fanzone will be miles better, but i can absolutely understand why people were fond of it, compared to a dark and windy concourse, or standing outside in the elements if you want to meet friends before the game who sit in another area of the stadium.

The biggest problem for me was nothing to do with 'airport lounges', but how early you had to get there to get a seat and avoid a big queue.

Hopefully Fanzone is better for that.

I used to absolutely love that huge lounge up the stairs in the East Stand in the early Amex years. Anybody could go in there after the game, you got a better choice of beer in a proper glass with minimal queueing to get served and comfy couches you could watch all the post match interviews etc. It was fantastic! If the new fanzone is anywhere near half as good we will be truly blessed

 

[Nathan]

I like it. Because in the winter, it's a warm, dry place to chat and watch the tv game, rather than a cold concourse. I felt sorry for the old boy in there last week campaigning for it to stay open until the Fanzone, so the elderly had somewhere to go and sit before a game.

It's not perfect and hopefully the fanzone will be miles better, but i can absolutely understand why people were fond of it, compared to a dark and windy concourse, or standing outside in the elements if you want to meet friends before the game who sit in another area of the stadium.

The biggest problem for me was nothing to do with 'airport lounges', but how early you had to get there to get a seat and avoid a big queue.

Hopefully Fanzone is better for that.

When I go to the football with my dad we always try to go to Dicks bar after the game, he really likes it due to the fact he can sit down and it is warmer than the concourse. The fact it is soulless doesn't bother him.

 

[Dave the OAP]

I like it. Because in the winter, it's a warm, dry place to chat and watch the tv game, rather than a cold concourse. I felt sorry for the old boy in there last week campaigning for it to stay open until the Fanzone, so the elderly had somewhere to go and sit before a game.

It's not perfect and hopefully the fanzone will be miles better, but i can absolutely understand why people were fond of it, compared to a dark and windy concourse, or standing outside in the elements if you want to meet friends before the game who sit in another area of the stadium.

The biggest problem for me was nothing to do with 'airport lounges', but how early you had to get there to get a seat and avoid a big queue.

Hopefully Fanzone is better for that.

If wembley box park is comparable, good luck with that!

are they thinking of ticketing it, because if just racking up and expecting a seat doesnt seem practical.

for us old bastards who like to have a sit down outside I hope they keep the seats and pick nick benches by the memorial garden as I assume the fanzone / box park will be rammed.

 

[MJsGhost]

Always felt Dick's Bar was a real missed opportunity. It could have been so good, but ended up being like an airport lounge. That said, I haven't been in there for years, so maybe it got better in recent times.

Once I overheard an away fan saying that if you don't like Dick's, you're not a true BHA fan.

I've always wondered why he took such an interest in the bar?

 

[Seagull over Canaryland]

I like it. Because in the winter, it's a warm, dry place to chat and watch the tv game, rather than a cold concourse. I felt sorry for the old boy in there last week campaigning for it to stay open until the Fanzone, so the elderly had somewhere to go and sit before a game.

It's not perfect and hopefully the fanzone will be miles better, but i can absolutely understand why people were fond of it, compared to a dark and windy concourse, or standing outside in the elements if you want to meet friends before the game who sit in another area of the stadium.

The biggest problem for me was nothing to do with 'airport lounges', but how early you had to get there to get a seat and avoid a big queue.

Hopefully Fanzone is better for that.

This. When the stadium opened it was a nice touch to have a 'free' walk-in fans' bar. OK, albeit rather minimalist in style and with limited, 'first-come, first served' capacity. Particularly as there are no alternatives in the immediate area of the stadium.

I agree that Dick's Bar has never quite fulfilled its potential either. But it's 'our' fans bar with some sentimental items on display, having real meaning to fans and family members / friends, past and present. Plus some historic football memorabilia. The mosaic is very special and deserves a suitable prominent home. The signed replica Mac Allister World Cup winner's shirt commemorates an achievement for all BHA fans to be proud of.

I understand the timescale for the new Fan Zone is '12 weeks' away, which means a gap of 5 PL and potentially 3 home FA cup games (if we progress) - so a reasonable portion of the season and mostly during inclement winter months. This assumes no further slippage. So there is a genuine concern as to what interim, early / pre-match facilities will be available - especially for those elderly, mobility and / or health impaired fans who need to arrive in good time to secure a seat in a warm, dry facility. Plus others who travel long distance or simply for those locals who just wish to arrive early and socialise before they head off to whichever stand they later occupy.

Finally, there is intrigue as to how the Fan Zone will operate in practice - hopefully as a major upgrade on Dick's Bar.

Meanwhile, hopefully BHA will come forth with more details as to the interim arrangements, before the next home game, in a couple of weeks.