Once we stop pissing people off and fans start returning, we should be looking at something like this... Fan zone to open at SoL http://www.sunderlandecho.com/webim..._gen/derivatives/landscape_620/2855505637.jpg Outdoor fan zone set to open for 2015-16 season. Supporters visiting the Stadium of Light on matchdays will be able to enjoy a fantastic new outdoor Fan Zone, which the club hopes will open on the first home game of the 2015-16 season. The area, which is currently awaiting planning approval, will be located at the south east corner of the stadium, showcasing bar and food outlets with seating and covered areas as well as live music. Featuring local music talent, radio roadshows, a giant screen playing match highlights and classic games, along with a range of interactive activities, competitions and appearances from former and current players. Open three hours before kick-off and for an hour after final whistle, the area will provide a relaxed environment for fans to soak up the matchday atmosphere and meet with fellow supporters. Visiting fans will also be welcome in the Fan Zone. Sunderland AFC’s commercial director, Gary Hutchinson, said: “The Fan Zone is an exciting new venture for the club and something we hope will enhance the whole matchday experience for supporters.” Further details regarding the Fan Zone will be announced on safc.com and across club channels. http://www.safc.com/news/club-news/2015/june/2015-16-fan-zone
The vibrant, pioneering,Gateway To Europe doesn't want any of these fancy ideas. People hanging about after a match? The idea is to clear the area within 15 minutes. People congregating and drinking sounds a bit risky for Hull. Corcoran will be reaching for the smelling salts.
We had them a couple of times didn't we? I think it was when we played Fulham for our PL debut? The only reason I remember them was the dodgy jokes about whether Karoo Fan Park was somewhere to go, or a new Korean striker.
West Park is a perfect space for it as well in the summer months, have a few kids games going on, a stage and bouncy castles and stuff like that
My next door neighbour is a RL fan and has been to games in Australia where this kind of all day event is normal. I was going to bring it up at the last FWG meeting we had but didn't get chance, and I ultimately thought "what's the point in suggesting something that would be good for fans if they don't care anyway".
When the KC opened AP envisaged fans staying behind after the game to discuss the match and watch the other results whilst having a pint. Naturally the police and council jobsworth so put paid to that by insisting the bars were shut and TVs turned off so the area could be cleared ASAP. Pioneering, innovative. Just a couple of things that don't apply to Hull.
It was John Hawley who did the last fan-park and as PLT says, it was our first three games of the first Premier League season(it was supposed to be the last games if the season as well, but I can't actually remember if that happened or not). James Mooney was keen on doing it again in a bigger way(pattie and chips, local brews, live music etc), but it involves the club talking to the council and obtainng their permission, which makes it unlikely. It's a good idea for the new owner though, he can sort it outside his 35,000 seater stadium...
