Interesting article in today's Mail Online.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13243841/Premier-League-VIP-box-rooftop-SWIMMING-POOL-Fulham-hospitality-Thames-Michelin-star.html (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13243841/Premier-League-VIP-box-rooftop-SWIMMING-POOL-Fulham-hospitality-Thames-Michelin-star.html)
I am getting a little wound up with all of the talk and artist,s impressions about the new stand, just wan't to see a bum on every seat on matchdays in orderto restore the full atmosphere to the Cottage.
How many yeas is it behind schedule ,3 I think.
The idea of high-end suites/seating is just modern sports. It's the way of the world.
But for me, its the how you do it, not whether you do it. I think the Pool is an awful idea and doesn't match the aesthetic of the Cottage. Also, who the hell is going into a pool (even if heated) when it's nearly freezing in January? It's just such an odd choice, and hopefully that idea gets punted. But the rest is just the way of the world and I think its fine as an addition.
The pool was my idea.
As i generally bring my Lilo on match days.
Quote from: filham on March 27, 2024, 03:21:57 PMI am getting a little wound up with all of the talk and artist,s impressions about the new stand, just wan't to see a bum on every seat on matchdays in orderto restore the full atmosphere to the Cottage.
How many yeas is it behind schedule ,3 I think.
The kind of spectators they are aiming for in the Riverside aren't likely to Improve the atmosphere much.
It's the future.... they'll be moving pictures with sound soon
Quote from: Penfold on March 27, 2024, 04:36:14 PMQuote from: filham on March 27, 2024, 03:21:57 PMI am getting a little wound up with all of the talk and artist,s impressions about the new stand, just wan't to see a bum on every seat on matchdays in orderto restore the full atmosphere to the Cottage.
How many yeas is it behind schedule ,3 I think.
The kind of spectators they are aiming for in the Riverside aren't likely to Improve the atmosphere much.
Precisely
Quote from: Penfold on March 27, 2024, 04:36:14 PMQuote from: filham on March 27, 2024, 03:21:57 PMI am getting a little wound up with all of the talk and artist,s impressions about the new stand, just wan't to see a bum on every seat on matchdays in orderto restore the full atmosphere to the Cottage.
How many yeas is it behind schedule ,3 I think.
The kind of spectators they are aiming for in the Riverside aren't likely to Improve the atmosphere much.
Let's face it there was very little if any atmosphere in the old stand.
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on March 27, 2024, 04:21:40 PMThe pool was my idea.
As i generally bring my Lilo on match days.
Does it fit in an A4 size bag?
Quote from: alfie on March 27, 2024, 05:09:40 PMQuote from: Penfold on March 27, 2024, 04:36:14 PMQuote from: filham on March 27, 2024, 03:21:57 PMI am getting a little wound up with all of the talk and artist,s impressions about the new stand, just wan't to see a bum on every seat on matchdays in orderto restore the full atmosphere to the Cottage.
How many yeas is it behind schedule ,3 I think.
The kind of spectators they are aiming for in the Riverside aren't likely to Improve the atmosphere much.
Let's face it there was very little if any atmosphere in the old stand.
Harsh, but fair
Quote from: fancyfeet4 on March 27, 2024, 04:16:57 PMThe idea of high-end suites/seating is just modern sports. It's the way of the world.
But for me, its the how you do it, not whether you do it. I think the Pool is an awful idea and doesn't match the aesthetic of the Cottage. Also, who the hell is going into a pool (even if heated) when it's nearly freezing in January? It's just such an odd choice, and hopefully that idea gets punted. But the rest is just the way of the world and I think its fine as an addition.
Yes, there is probably one game at the beginning and end of each season where you could get out of the pool and not be freezing. Unless they plan to heat the swimming pool like a bath for match days it is going to be pretty uncomfortable to use for pretty much all of the season (to dip in and out of the pool and match). I am sure the summer months it will be popular though for people that like that kind of thing (and non match days for avid swimmers).
The reality is it's targeted at punters who use the exclusive sports club for the 13 days of a fortnight when there's no football.
Very happy for affluent west Londoners to assist us in meeting the various financial rules
One simple gauge will be ( when the stand is at full capacity ) is how many seats will be empty for the first ten minutes after half time ? Real football fans or corporate experience seekers ?
I won't pre - judge - so let us wait and see.
Bit different from the days when I used to stand on the halfway line on the riverside terracing, waving my rattle -
the air filled with the smell of fag smoke, feet crunching on Percy Dalton's empty peanut shells, new plastic badges of the Fulham players bought outside the ground, pinned to my black and white woolly hat, RAF surplus rucksack with my scrap book of player photos glued into it to get signed after the game -
watching Tosh banter with the crowd, or with his mate Haynes, all for a couple of bob.
But football, and society, has come a long way since then, and maybe this is the way forward for Fulham, helping make us self-sustainable, and will it help leave behind the threat of FFP sanctions? besides also leaving behind old-timers such as myself.
Well, Shahid Khan seems to think it is, and there will still be tickets available for the remaining three quarters of the ground, though even those are too expensive for me to regularly afford, but such is the way of top flight English football today.
But maybe we should also admire Khan's long term ambition for the club in which he 's prepared to put his money where his mouth is.
Just an opinion.
Quote from: FFCAli on March 27, 2024, 06:09:49 PMQuote from: Woolly Mammoth on March 27, 2024, 04:21:40 PMThe pool was my idea.
As i generally bring my Lilo on match days.
Does it fit in an A4 size bag?
That's what she said last night.
Isn't there also an argument that a lot of old Fulham fans CAN afford this kind of thing on occasions. I mean, a lot of Fulham fans made good decisions in life (like their continuing allegiance to Fulham) and have also taken the step up from working class to middle class (you literally can't be poor and attend nowadays regularly). And the new locals certainly do have enough money.
Even if i wouldn't pay money for VIP packages etc, it is the best way forward for the club, and at least we aren't being ripped off like when Bulstrode and Clay were involved. Khan is literally a saint compared to those two (and that horrible part of our history does still impact us today).
Quote from: HV71 on March 27, 2024, 07:39:14 PMOne simple gauge will be ( when the stand is at full capacity ) is how many seats will be empty for the first ten minutes after half time ? Real football fans or corporate experience seekers ?
I won't pre - judge - so let us wait and see.
I take it you haven't been in the Hammersmith end at after half time having to continuously
To get up and down to accommodate those "supporters" who just had to have that extra pint.
Quote from: alfie on March 27, 2024, 08:36:09 PMQuote from: HV71 on March 27, 2024, 07:39:14 PMOne simple gauge will be ( when the stand is at full capacity ) is how many seats will be empty for the first ten minutes after half time ? Real football fans or corporate experience seekers ?
I won't pre - judge - so let us wait and see.
I take it you haven't been in the Hammersmith end at after half time having to continuously
To get up and down to accommodate those "supporters" who just had to have that extra pint.
I understand Alfie
There is though a genuine difference from people who want a half time drink ( but the lack of facilities mean they are late back for the restart ) to those that are enjoying the queue free facilities and prawn sandwiches so much that they don't care about missing any of the action on the pitch
Quote from: Cambridge Away on March 27, 2024, 07:52:48 PMIsn't there also an argument that a lot of old Fulham fans CAN afford this kind of thing on occasions. I mean, a lot of Fulham fans made good decisions in life (like their continuing allegiance to Fulham) and have also taken the step up from working class to middle class (you literally can't be poor and attend nowadays regularly). And the new locals certainly do have enough money.
Even if i wouldn't pay money for VIP packages etc, it is the best way forward for the club, and at least we aren't being ripped off like when Bulstrode and Clay were involved. Khan is literally a saint compared to those two (and that horrible part of our history does still impact us today).
For all the uproar when those £3000 season tickets were announced, I do believe they sold out pretty quickly so there is definitely demand for Fulham tickets at those premium price points. The question is how much demand. There weren't that many of those available and now we are adding even more expensive tickets numbering in the thousands. If Fulham fans can mostly fill out those new seats then that's fantastic but if it's only a few and the rest is taken up by tourists, touts selling to away fans and corporations then that's not so great. But if they are all filled out regardless of who it is then that is a ton a revenue so it's still likely a net positive. It's a problem if no one buys them though.
The stand is open as an official partnership with the Boat race organisers. It will be a great spot to watch the boat race, have a few drinks and in future years a meal - if that is what floats your boat ( :slap: ) then great. Ten's probably hundreds of thousands of pounds of income for the club
I Wonder if the Club will scrap the 65+ ticket Concession.They Wouldn't would they?
There is always a demand for luxury, just look at the number of multi thousand pound per night hotels in London and so many top notch restaurants too. There is also no prize for second place and SK has certainly fulfilled his promise to make it a unique experience worthy of our riverside setting with architecture to match.
Of course the hospitality is not for the "average joe", it was never intended to be and the exclusivity is what will make it sell As a bonus for all of this we now also have a stand where the seating is comfortable and the facilities for the non-hospitality fans is also going to be vastly improved.
True these seats are priced into the several thousands but in all honesty how much do many of us spend on a vacation these days. Bournemouth with a bucket and spade is still popular but a good numbers of us want more than that and will pay for it.
Quote from: Roberty on March 28, 2024, 10:49:33 AMThere is always a demand for luxury, just look at the number of multi thousand pound per night hotels in London and so many top notch restaurants too. There is also no prize for second place and SK has certainly fulfilled his promise to make it a unique experience worthy of our riverside setting with architecture to match.
Of course the hospitality is not for the "average joe", it was never intended to be and the exclusivity is what will make it sell As a bonus for all of this we now also have a stand where the seating is comfortable and the facilities for the non-hospitality fans is also going to be vastly improved.
True these seats are priced into the several thousands but in all honesty how much do many of us spend on a vacation these days. Bournemouth with a bucket and spade is still popular but a good numbers of us want more than that and will pay for it.
Well said. Whether we like it or not this is the future. Any income that can be generated from our iconic ground and location should be capitalized on
Quote from: St Eve on March 28, 2024, 12:07:56 PMQuote from: Roberty on March 28, 2024, 10:49:33 AMThere is always a demand for luxury, just look at the number of multi thousand pound per night hotels in London and so many top notch restaurants too. There is also no prize for second place and SK has certainly fulfilled his promise to make it a unique experience worthy of our riverside setting with architecture to match.
Of course the hospitality is not for the "average joe", it was never intended to be and the exclusivity is what will make it sell As a bonus for all of this we now also have a stand where the seating is comfortable and the facilities for the non-hospitality fans is also going to be vastly improved.
True these seats are priced into the several thousands but in all honesty how much do many of us spend on a vacation these days. Bournemouth with a bucket and spade is still popular but a good numbers of us want more than that and will pay for it.
Well said. Whether we like it or not this is the future. Any income that can be generated from our iconic ground and location should be capitalized on
Even at the cost of losing long term fans? If people want to pay stupid money for corporate hospitality and maybe watch about 30 minutes of football that's fine. But the large increases in ordinary season tickets has generated a certain amount of animosity.
Quote from: Penfold on March 28, 2024, 12:22:15 PMQuote from: St Eve on March 28, 2024, 12:07:56 PMQuote from: Roberty on March 28, 2024, 10:49:33 AMThere is always a demand for luxury, just look at the number of multi thousand pound per night hotels in London and so many top notch restaurants too. There is also no prize for second place and SK has certainly fulfilled his promise to make it a unique experience worthy of our riverside setting with architecture to match.
Of course the hospitality is not for the "average joe", it was never intended to be and the exclusivity is what will make it sell As a bonus for all of this we now also have a stand where the seating is comfortable and the facilities for the non-hospitality fans is also going to be vastly improved.
True these seats are priced into the several thousands but in all honesty how much do many of us spend on a vacation these days. Bournemouth with a bucket and spade is still popular but a good numbers of us want more than that and will pay for it.
Well said. Whether we like it or not this is the future. Any income that can be generated from our iconic ground and location should be capitalized on
Even at the cost of losing long term fans? If people want to pay stupid money for corporate hospitality and maybe watch about 30 minutes of football that's fine. But the large increases in ordinary season tickets has generated a certain amount of animosity.
I think that the OP summarizes it very well
I take it that if I bought one of these packages I would be able to use it seven days a week and not one day a fortnight
Quote from: Penfold on March 28, 2024, 12:22:15 PMQuote from: St Eve on March 28, 2024, 12:07:56 PMQuote from: Roberty on March 28, 2024, 10:49:33 AMThere is always a demand for luxury, just look at the number of multi thousand pound per night hotels in London and so many top notch restaurants too. There is also no prize for second place and SK has certainly fulfilled his promise to make it a unique experience worthy of our riverside setting with architecture to match.
Of course the hospitality is not for the "average joe", it was never intended to be and the exclusivity is what will make it sell As a bonus for all of this we now also have a stand where the seating is comfortable and the facilities for the non-hospitality fans is also going to be vastly improved.
True these seats are priced into the several thousands but in all honesty how much do many of us spend on a vacation these days. Bournemouth with a bucket and spade is still popular but a good numbers of us want more than that and will pay for it.
Well said. Whether we like it or not this is the future. Any income that can be generated from our iconic ground and location should be capitalized on
Even at the cost of losing long term fans? If people want to pay stupid money for corporate hospitality and maybe watch about 30 minutes of football that's fine. But the large increases in ordinary season tickets has generated a certain amount of animosity.
Why do you think just because it maybe a corporate purchase that they are not interested in watching the football, when I was at Fulham I attended a few corporate purchased seats and they all wanted to watch the football.
Quote from: alfie on March 28, 2024, 02:29:00 PMQuote from: Penfold on March 28, 2024, 12:22:15 PMQuote from: St Eve on March 28, 2024, 12:07:56 PMQuote from: Roberty on March 28, 2024, 10:49:33 AMThere is always a demand for luxury, just look at the number of multi thousand pound per night hotels in London and so many top notch restaurants too. There is also no prize for second place and SK has certainly fulfilled his promise to make it a unique experience worthy of our riverside setting with architecture to match.
Of course the hospitality is not for the "average joe", it was never intended to be and the exclusivity is what will make it sell As a bonus for all of this we now also have a stand where the seating is comfortable and the facilities for the non-hospitality fans is also going to be vastly improved.
True these seats are priced into the several thousands but in all honesty how much do many of us spend on a vacation these days. Bournemouth with a bucket and spade is still popular but a good numbers of us want more than that and will pay for it.
Well said. Whether we like it or not this is the future. Any income that can be generated from our iconic ground and location should be capitalized on
Even at the cost of losing long term fans? If people want to pay stupid money for corporate hospitality and maybe watch about 30 minutes of football that's fine. But the large increases in ordinary season tickets has generated a certain amount of animosity.
Why do you think just because it maybe a corporate purchase that they are not interested in watching the football, when I was at Fulham I attended a few corporate purchased seats and they all wanted to watch the football.
I've only ever been in hospitality once and all people attending in the box were enthusiasts. However,when you are often watching a game on the box, hospitality seats are sparsely populated from around 15 minutes before half time, doesn't fill up again until at least 15 mins into second half and if the game is one sided or tedious, empties well before the end.
Quote from: Penfold on March 28, 2024, 03:12:44 PMQuote from: alfie on March 28, 2024, 02:29:00 PMQuote from: Penfold on March 28, 2024, 12:22:15 PMQuote from: St Eve on March 28, 2024, 12:07:56 PMQuote from: Roberty on March 28, 2024, 10:49:33 AMThere is always a demand for luxury, just look at the number of multi thousand pound per night hotels in London and so many top notch restaurants too. There is also no prize for second place and SK has certainly fulfilled his promise to make it a unique experience worthy of our riverside setting with architecture to match.
Of course the hospitality is not for the "average joe", it was never intended to be and the exclusivity is what will make it sell As a bonus for all of this we now also have a stand where the seating is comfortable and the facilities for the non-hospitality fans is also going to be vastly improved.
True these seats are priced into the several thousands but in all honesty how much do many of us spend on a vacation these days. Bournemouth with a bucket and spade is still popular but a good numbers of us want more than that and will pay for it.
Well said. Whether we like it or not this is the future. Any income that can be generated from our iconic ground and location should be capitalized on
Even at the cost of losing long term fans? If people want to pay stupid money for corporate hospitality and maybe watch about 30 minutes of football that's fine. But the large increases in ordinary season tickets has generated a certain amount of animosity.
Why do you think just because it maybe a corporate purchase that they are not interested in watching the football, when I was at Fulham I attended a few corporate purchased seats and they all wanted to watch the football.
I've only ever been in hospitality once and all people attending in the box were enthusiasts. However,when you are often watching a game on the box, hospitality seats are sparsely populated from around 15 minutes before half time, doesn't fill up again until at least 15 mins into second half and if the game is one sided or tedious, empties well before the end.
Quote from: Penfold on March 28, 2024, 03:12:44 PMQuote from: alfie on March 28, 2024, 02:29:00 PMQuote from: Penfold on March 28, 2024, 12:22:15 PMQuote from: St Eve on March 28, 2024, 12:07:56 PMQuote from: Roberty on March 28, 2024, 10:49:33 AMThere is always a demand for luxury, just look at the number of multi thousand pound per night hotels in London and so many top notch restaurants too. There is also no prize for second place and SK has certainly fulfilled his promise to make it a unique experience worthy of our riverside setting with architecture to match.
Of course the hospitality is not for the "average joe", it was never intended to be and the exclusivity is what will make it sell As a bonus for all of this we now also have a stand where the seating is comfortable and the facilities for the non-hospitality fans is also going to be vastly improved.
True these seats are priced into the several thousands but in all honesty how much do many of us spend on a vacation these days. Bournemouth with a bucket and spade is still popular but a good numbers of us want more than that and will pay for it.
Well said. Whether we like it or not this is the future. Any income that can be generated from our iconic ground and location should be capitalized on
Even at the cost of losing long term fans? If people want to pay stupid money for corporate hospitality and maybe watch about 30 minutes of football that's fine. But the large increases in ordinary season tickets has generated a certain amount of animosity.
Why do you think just because it maybe a corporate purchase that they are not interested in watching the football, when I was at Fulham I attended a few corporate purchased seats and they all wanted to watch the football.
I've only ever been in hospitality once and all people attending in the box were enthusiasts. However,when you are often watching a game on the box, hospitality seats are sparsely populated from around 15 minutes before half time, doesn't fill up again until at least 15 mins into second half and if the game is one sided or tedious, empties well before the end.
Ok mate not trying to cause an argument, gonna leave it there.
Must have something going for it,QPR Fans on their loft for words forum are so consumed with envy it's hilarious.Obviously something they would love to do but will never be able to,not there anyhow.
The main concern for corporate purchases is they will invite their clients who are fans of the Big 6 teams for those games
Quote from: alfie on March 28, 2024, 03:20:51 PMQuote from: Penfold on March 28, 2024, 03:12:44 PMQuote from: alfie on March 28, 2024, 02:29:00 PMQuote from: Penfold on March 28, 2024, 12:22:15 PMQuote from: St Eve on March 28, 2024, 12:07:56 PMQuote from: Roberty on March 28, 2024, 10:49:33 AMThere is always a demand for luxury, just look at the number of multi thousand pound per night hotels in London and so many top notch restaurants too. There is also no prize for second place and SK has certainly fulfilled his promise to make it a unique experience worthy of our riverside setting with architecture to match.
Of course the hospitality is not for the "average joe", it was never intended to be and the exclusivity is what will make it sell As a bonus for all of this we now also have a stand where the seating is comfortable and the facilities for the non-hospitality fans is also going to be vastly improved.
True these seats are priced into the several thousands but in all honesty how much do many of us spend on a vacation these days. Bournemouth with a bucket and spade is still popular but a good numbers of us want more than that and will pay for it.
Well said. Whether we like it or not this is the future. Any income that can be generated from our iconic ground and location should be capitalized on
Even at the cost of losing long term fans? If people want to pay stupid money for corporate hospitality and maybe watch about 30 minutes of football that's fine. But the large increases in ordinary season tickets has generated a certain amount of animosity.
Why do you think just because it maybe a corporate purchase that they are not interested in watching the football, when I was at Fulham I attended a few corporate purchased seats and they all wanted to watch the football.
I've only ever been in hospitality once and all people attending in the box were enthusiasts. However,when you are often watching a game on the box, hospitality seats are sparsely populated from around 15 minutes before half time, doesn't fill up again until at least 15 mins into second half and if the game is one sided or tedious, empties well before the end.
Quote from: Penfold on March 28, 2024, 03:12:44 PMQuote from: alfie on March 28, 2024, 02:29:00 PMQuote from: Penfold on March 28, 2024, 12:22:15 PMQuote from: St Eve on March 28, 2024, 12:07:56 PMQuote from: Roberty on March 28, 2024, 10:49:33 AMThere is always a demand for luxury, just look at the number of multi thousand pound per night hotels in London and so many top notch restaurants too. There is also no prize for second place and SK has certainly fulfilled his promise to make it a unique experience worthy of our riverside setting with architecture to match.
Of course the hospitality is not for the "average joe", it was never intended to be and the exclusivity is what will make it sell As a bonus for all of this we now also have a stand where the seating is comfortable and the facilities for the non-hospitality fans is also going to be vastly improved.
True these seats are priced into the several thousands but in all honesty how much do many of us spend on a vacation these days. Bournemouth with a bucket and spade is still popular but a good numbers of us want more than that and will pay for it.
Well said. Whether we like it or not this is the future. Any income that can be generated from our iconic ground and location should be capitalized on
Even at the cost of losing long term fans? If people want to pay stupid money for corporate hospitality and maybe watch about 30 minutes of football that's fine. But the large increases in ordinary season tickets has generated a certain amount of animosity.
Why do you think just because it maybe a corporate purchase that they are not interested in watching the football, when I was at Fulham I attended a few corporate purchased seats and they all wanted to watch the football.
I've only ever been in hospitality once and all people attending in the box were enthusiasts. However,when you are often watching a game on the box, hospitality seats are sparsely populated from around 15 minutes before half time, doesn't fill up again until at least 15 mins into second half and if the game is one sided or tedious, empties well before the end.
Ok mate not trying to cause an argument, gonna leave it there.
No problem. Have a tip top weekend
They don't need to rush back to their seats in the stand to watch the game, there is HD TV for them to watch while they finish their coffee and petit fours
The new stand looks great. Brilliant way of bringing in more revenue. Fantastic to see us have such expensive season tickets and be able to sell them. Well done all involved at the club. Love it.
Quote from: Roberty on March 28, 2024, 11:09:49 PMThey don't need to rush back to their seats in the stand to watch the game, there is HD TV for them to watch while they finish their coffee and petit fours
and chat up some other blokes partner, i have seen it all.
I could write a book on these shenanigans as thick as War & Peace, and some of the ladies are just as keen, as all kittens grow into cats.
It's about opportunity at social gatherings fueled by a profusion of Pims No 1 and other firewater.
It helps make the world go round both clockwise & anti clockwise. A small percentage get caught, but for the majority it is a well kept secret.
That is human nature, and the abundance of facilities in the new Stand will cater for these extravagances.
As for the football most will turn up to watch the opposition in cooperate hospitality.
My only regret is dropping that 1946 half a crown on the riverside terrace watching us play Oxford United back in the 60s in a midweek cup match.
I never did find the coin, and then they built the stand on it in the early 70s.
Whilst the article was good the article which goes alongside it wasn't so nice, suggesting that Fulham are losing contact with it's true supporters in chasing high end spenders.
There are 2 sides to most stories.
Quote from: Roberty on March 28, 2024, 11:09:49 PMThey don't need to rush back to their seats in the stand to watch the game, there is HD TV for them to watch while they finish their coffee and petit fours
Dreadful. I would be necking port and giving the cheeseboard a hammering.
Quote from: AJW48361 on March 28, 2024, 09:49:58 AMI Wonder if the Club will scrap the 65+ ticket Concession.They Wouldn't would they?
No chance of that. They will just move it up to 80+
My understanding is that Fulham have the most expensive season tickets £3000, an 18% increase from last season.
I'd like to watch a game from the new stand and have a look around the restaurants and gym place (though that pool isn't big enough to do proper swimming in), but it's not really for me. However, I can see it being popular among local residents and a competitor for the River Cafe (the Michelin star one towards Hammersmith, not the greasy spoon opposite Putney Bridge Station).
