The website tells me that ... With Hospitality, you have the chance to elevate your matchday experience with a range of packages to suit all budgets and requirements. Whether you favour the five-star treatment offered by an Executive Box, the exclusivity of the Markus Liebherr Lounge, or the smart-but-casual President's Suite, Matchday Hospitality provides the perfect opportunity to make yourself at home at St Mary's I didn't know I was having a matchday experience, let alone that it needed elevating. Maybe that's why its so bloody expensive. It was so much cheaper when it was just going to the footy and all we needed to elevate us was good football and a win.
Often (and more frequently in future, no doubt) the only way we could get a ticket was by going in the `posh seats`. It goes against my socialist leanings, but needs must ! I`ve enjoyed it however in the Channon and Paine suites, with some good banter. It was more fun standing in the Archers though.
I was there for the last Championship game in the posh seats...comfy they were too. Had a brekkie, but we were too nervous to really eat. Was nice to get a drink easily at half-time and nice to mix and chat afterwards. Obviously pricey, but didn't care for that day. Nice to do for a special occasion or to treat someone.
Can the club come up with something to "Relegate my matchday experience" ? Something along the lines of: cheaper tickets terracing no refreshments available one flooded toilet an intimidating atmosphere strong possibility of some aggro massive bundle when we score Yeah I know, dreaming again and of course, what sort of sub-human monster could endure watching football in conditions like that eh?
What worries me is that maybe the whole of the proposed new stadium could be like this? I wouldn't mind as long as I don't have to pay extra for it!
CBK, do you secretly take a piss in your seat and watch it trickle slowly down the steps, just for old times sake and memories of being too rammed in to go to the toilet?
You know what, I think the problem is the pesky football. Let's get rid of it and just have an experience.
Saints would probably get a better response to their adverts if they were just honest about Corporate Hospitality and say... "Are you a bit of a ****er who gets a kick out of feeling superior to others?" "Do you like to surround yourself with other like-minded ****ers, pretending you are doing business and claiming this back as a business expense because you are too tight to pay for it yourself?" "Not interested in the football, just like to droan on and on about being at an event" "Been to Wimbledon, Ascot, Henley etc and not seen any sport there? Then add St Mary's to your list!"
Or do you fancy a treat...or want a ticket for a sold out match. People pay to be upgraded all the time in life....nowt wrong with that. I have been in hospitality at Saints and Man City....enjoyable, but have to say that you feel less involved in the match.
A couple of ways in which Saints could improve my matchday experience; Use the PA for announcements only. Bring back the programme sellers (the old scruffy ones outside the ground), so I don't have to wander round the concourse looking for a bright young thing to buy one from.
btw Fran and Aberdeen, I don't mean to take the piss about real fans using it for a treat, or just to get a ticket, I get that. Its the PR-twonks that make up this language that sounds a bit like english that make me laugh. I guess they like to call a spade a garden experience elevation device?
They stand in the same places as the old scruffy ones, where I walk to the ground. Let's keep them, it's easier on the eye.
They don't do so well in the cold...was looking for a programme on a filthy day and found one hiding round by a burger bar. I felt like telling her, 'Get out there with a force 10 up your kilt like the old guys did.'
