[Albion] Update on Dick's Bar

[Terry Butcher Tribute Act]

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.

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.

I don't think there will be an interim arrangement, as I said to the chap running the petition the other day. They will just expect people to lump it for a few games.

 

[kevo]

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

I liked Dick's, and I'm fearful the new space will just be a gigantic sports bar type affair. I know that's what some people want, but not for me really.

 

[ManOfSussex]

What was the capacity of Dick's?

 

[chaileyjem]

What was the capacity of Dick's?

250 and the capacity for the new fanzone is 1000.

 

[jcdenton08]

250 and the capacity for the new fanzone is 1000.

How many seats though, that’s the big question. I personally dont see the point in standing in the fanzone compared to standing on the concourse

 

[Peacehaven Wild Kids]

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

The Seven Stars? How long was it there for? Half a season if I recall. Yep, no queue and beer in a glass.

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

The Seven Stars? How long was it there for? Half a season if I recall. Yep, no queue and beer in a glass.

No, it pre-dated The Seven Stars. I think it must have been one of the early hospitality lounges or something that was open to all-comers after matches. It would have been for the first couple of seasons after the Amex opened

 

[Seagull over Canaryland]

I don't think there will be an interim arrangement, as I said to the chap running the petition the other day. They will just expect people to lump it for a few games.

You may well be right. However that would be regrettable and while some will put up with it, it would remain a short-term PR gaff if it especially disadvantages and deters those with mobility / health issues (paid up ST holders?) who rely on the facility that Dicks Bar has traditionally provided. I suspect that is why the gentleman circulating the petition at the Arsenal game was looking to prompt BHA to grasp the opportunity for some reasonable interim provision to cover the 3+ month / up to 8 home game period. Failing that to communicate this sufficiently in advance, so people can plan accordingly.

 

[ManOfSussex]

How many seats though, that’s the big question. I personally dont see the point in standing in the fanzone compared to standing on the concourse

I never quite saw the point of queuing up to go inside Dick's rather than just going in and drinking on the concourse. I think I only ever went in Dick's once.

 

[deletebeepbeepbeep]

How many seats though, that’s the big question. I personally dont see the point in standing in the fanzone compared to standing on the concourse

Imagine there'll be no seating downstairs to maximise capacity and limited seating upstairs (if you're an Amex cardholder).

 

[Napper]

Dicks was ok . Ball ache to get into though if arriving even quite early . Was decent enough as could follow betsbkarge screen and have shots of fancied . Once or twice a season enough though

Will use the new place if it’s easy to get in and get a beer .

Hopefully will have some character and atmosphere

Prob still need to queue

 

[chaileyjem]

Imagine there'll be no seating downstairs to maximise capacity and limited seating upstairs (if you're an Amex cardholder).

There is lots of seating downstairs

As per mock up

 

[pay no mind]

That looks like a collage to me not a mosaic.

 

[clapham_gull]

That looks like a collage to me not a mosaic.

It's a mosaic because the small photographs are the same size and akin to tiles. Standing back, visually they individually aggregate a single colour building up a pixelated version of an existing larger photograph.

A collage is quite a different different, using different materials of different size and often overlapping.

 

[nickbrighton]

Imagine there'll be no seating downstairs to maximise capacity and limited seating upstairs (if you're an Amex cardholder).

not sure if Ive been whooshed- but im sure its been said there is no entry fee or Amex card required for any of it, and there is loads of seating downstairs

 

[kevo]

There is lots of seating downstairs

As per mock up


View attachment 194915

People calling Dick's an airport lounge, that looks like an aircraft hanger. Not exactly a place for a cosy pint.

 

[Beach Hut]

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?

The giant flag wasn't ditched, I am still not clear what actually happened to it

 

[Thunder Bolt]

The giant flag wasn't ditched, I am still not clear what actually happened to it

It was stored in a builders bag in a little shed but when the away end was built at Withdean, the shed was demolished & everything inside was ditched.

Source, the late Lord Bracknell.