The council could build,own and run it and keep the revenue though? Granted defeats the object in terms of revenue for club
I went to Accrington as a neutral a good few years before we played them. They were getting gates of around 2k then, and had a great little fanzone behind the home end already. I think they are very fan focussed because they’re sandwiched between Burnley & Blackburn and have to look after the fans they have, welcome visitors and hope some come back. They proudly market themselves as the biggest small club (or something along those lines) and try to make a visit to them an experience, which I think works. I found it to be a special place, even on a winters day v Yeovil. As for fanzones in general, I’m a bit ‘meh’ about them at home, but that’s just me speaking as someone that drives to Oakwell, parks up and goes straight into the game, rarely buying food or drinks. Away from home is a different matter. Although I drive to the away games and don’t drink, it’s more likely I’ll be at the ground earlier and will be ready for some snap after the journey, and might have more time to kill. Just a quality burger will suffice for me, Donny food carts set the standard.
I wouldn't think so take the upcoming boxing assuming the council develops the Grove school site My thinking too it's it the best interest of BMBC to make the area around the ground the best they can. Take the upcoming boxing and assuming the ground becoming a multi use stadium to have a purpose built area would I imagine generate money for the council or make it a viable space somebody to become a tennent.
I don't think the council are trying to reduce crowds and wear and tear I just mean that being responsible for maintenance means logically less use is better financially not more use. The main issue that people forget is that the school site isnt owned by the club or the council, it's privately owned by someone else
It's being worked on now but there's a lot goes into it. New location, planning, getting power / water etc etc connected, having the whole thing designed, appointing a contractor etc etc. I'm sure there will be updates soon on this.
To be fair to the Bapps for Bolts owner he had offered the site for the club to use but they are unable to do so.
Some insight from the owner. It looks a splendid wedding venue. It's something they can have open or hire out for many different type of events all year round.