Didn’t say you’re out of touch with pub trade, more construction and construction infrastructure. I can’t see using East Stand toilets being doable - just too much of a security issue going in and out. Commercially everything could be sponsored and cover costs - but my point refers to actual costs to do it. Accrington’s was a great example of how it can be done. But we should be looking at something bigger and more robust. I can’t see their marquee looking great in 3 years time after snow and storms etc. I’m just saying you can’t do it for £10k. I’d be happy to spend £50k to make it a proper job, something to be proud of and has longevity. We had a social which was decent but obviously that was years ago.
Best pint of magnet ever. They also used to do a cracking holster pils export. Cards in back room, Butler, taggert, graham and O’Connell used to come in for coke cans filled with beer as their warm down if memory serves me right
When Accrington's fans were fund raising for their fanzone, their target was £40,000. They ended up handing over £25,000. I haven't found how much it actually cost yet though.
Because the wedding ‘one’ has to be buy the cellar dispense equipment. That part is free for something that stocks beers from the same brewery every week. Zero cost if you do the right deal. You could spend £6 to £8k on a mobile bar unit. Then £2k to £4k on fixtures and fittings and other bits. I think you might be overestimating what the club are looking to do with the fan zone initially. Start small and grow it basically.
Fair enough - and I’m not here to argue or anything. But I do think a decent size quality marquee type building, powered up and running water will cost more than £10k. Bar equipment side, I understand what you are saying. There’s small things such as signage, fire extinguishers and probably vehicle barriers to think about, as well as extra security. I agree - start small and build it. But the building needs to be big enough to grow into though. Be interesting to know Accrington’s costs.
What are we talking about here ....... lol !!! Absolutely ridiculous and insignificant twaddle about cost of this that and the other. Ohhhh it might cost £2000 that. Remember the owners are only going to start small. I hope the owners don’t read such garbage - because if they do they will be thinking they have inherited a town of half wits.
Alternatively, the person you are taking the piss out of might have sat around a table with the owner to discuss the plans, given input into them due to having a job with a brand that is one of the most rapidly expanding in the bar business. There is a half-wit in this thread and as usual, it's you!
Sorry, but if all they are going to do is pitch a tent in the carpark and stick a bar in it, I'd rather they just didn't bother at all. I'll just stay in town till quart to kickoff.
I agree with him. If we are doing it, do it right (within reasonable financial constraints) so it can grow into something bigger over time. Make it nice and professional and spend a bit on it. (Remember folk moaned that the East Sand was too big and we didn’t need the executive boxes at the time....). For me to not drink in town before, that’s what it needs to be. And it needs to cater for all fans - not just drinkers. To spend money that only covers a small percentage of fans wouldn’t be fair. Build it right and folk will come. If it’s a cheap flappy marquee that’s freezing in Winter and doesn’t offer much more than Ale, then folk will stay in the Garrison, AAH, Chennels, Dove, Outpost, Mount or the Manx.
You’ve said what you don’t want it to be. What do you want it to be. What in your view would cover a larger percentage of fans
I dont know how Man Citys is a success, probably because they get 45k at home is a guess. Why folk would want to stand out there in November..
A reasonable size Marquee that will last and look decent. Could even be sponsored. Something that will be heated in winter. Bar/food outlets could be van based and pulled up along side - but would need to be undercover. By this I mean the marquee doesn’t have to have an actual bar. Offer ‘streetfood’ outlets, but only 1 or 2 at first just to see how it goes. Live music or comedians etc is fine, but so long as folk still have a separate bit to talk/eat/drink. A lot of folk meet up to chat to mates and being drowned out by ***** music doesn’t help. A standing area, and a separate table and chair area. Sky Sports On large screen. Portaloos (don’t want to have to walk to East Stand - which I don’t think would work from a security aspect.) The area properly fenced off to provide vehicle segregation ( not like outside Treadles back in the day) - this would fall under the RAMS of operating such a facility. Reasonable selection of ales, snacks and some hot food. To suit adults and kids. I don’t expect cheap prices - I’m happy to pay a reasonable price for a reasonable product. I know everything costs money, I don’t expect the club to subsidise prices, and I expect other small businesses involved to make a profit. Profit is not a dirty word. Overall, start small, but get the infrastructure right and of good quality so the area can grow over the years if demand is there.
So basically you want a big tent that serves ale and food. Agree with most of what you have said btw (apart from the live music) but I don't see how it attracts women and/or families.