1901 Club - Your thoughts so far?

[TWOCHOICEStom]

So, now we're a little way into the season, what are everyone's thoughts on the 1901 Club? Do you think it's worth the extra cash?

Here's my thoughts:

Positives:

• Queue times
  The main advantage as far as I can see it are the lack of queues. The service at the bar is quick and the toilet queue is never more than a couple of minutes.
• Bar-to-seat distance
  About 10m. Nice.
• Free programmes

Negatives:

• A worse atmosphere
  Because it's such a mix of regular fans and corporates, it creates a weird tension sometimes. I got told off for saying shit. True story.
  
• A restrictive dress code
  I know this has been covered a million times. But having to wear collar & shoes is a little bit much. Especially when the women in there seem to be able to wear what the hell they like..
  
• Car parking
  It feels like more of a hindrance than a privilege to drive to the stadium at the moment. It is nice being able to drive home. But sitting in your car for 45 minutes after every game, just because a) you don't leave early and b) don't want to stay for an hour and a half after the game, really isn't much fun. Especially when it's totally avoidable with some simple management.
  
• Food/Drink
  Less selection than on the concourse.

Overall, I really don't see that I'm getting anywhere near what you'd call value for money. At the moment it just seems like you pay for a nicer bar and arm rests. If the car park emptied at a reasonable rate, it would be worth the money on it's own.

In short, if I'd have known what it was going to be like I don't think I'd have bothered.

What are your thoughts on it?

 

[Titanic]

Don't you get quite a good view of the football too?

 

[Gangsta]

So, now we're a little way into the season, what are everyone's thoughts on the 1901 Club? Do you think it's worth the extra cash?

Here's my thoughts:

Positives:

• Queue times
  The main advantage as far as I can see it are the lack of queues. The service at the bar is quick and the toilet queue is never more than a couple of minutes.
• Bar-to-seat distance
  About 10m. Nice.
• Free programmes

Negatives:

• A worse atmosphere
  Because it's such a mix of regular fans and corporates, it creates a weird tension sometimes. I got told off for saying shit. True story.
  
• A restrictive dress code
  I know this has been covered a million times. But having to wear collar & shoes is a little bit much. Especially when the women in there seem to be able to wear what the hell they like..
  
• Car parking
  It feels like more of a hindrance than a privilege to drive to the stadium at the moment. It is nice being able to drive home. But sitting in your car for 45 minutes after every game, just because a) you don't leave early and b) don't want to stay for an hour and a half after the game, really isn't much fun. Especially when it's totally avoidable with some simple management.
  
• Food/Drink
  Less selection than on the concourse.

Overall, I really don't see that I'm getting anywhere near what you'd call value for money. At the moment it just seems like you pay for a nicer bar and arm rests. If the car park emptied at a reasonable rate, it would be worth the money on it's own.

In short, if I'd have known what it was going to be like I don't think I'd have bothered.

What are your thoughts on it?

Its OK. Annoying bloke called Tom in my row though.

PS. Slow day in the office today?

 

[Icy Gull]

I love the view from my seat in the WSL half way line, especially as the situation means I only have to move for a max of 2 other people if they are late.Just the seat alone is worth extra to me. The atmosphere around me is fine if not raucous and foul mouthed.

I like the short queues for drinks. If I decide to eat at the stadium I like having table to sit at before the match, at half time and at full time although the food is pretty poor imo and the service is a bit shit although willing. If they actively took drinks orders at the tables they'd make way more money imo.

I actually hate Bennett's field and the fact that is makes me stay for an hour, sit in my car for an hour or leave early (not gonna happen) and I need to look at alternatives. The push and shove to get out just winds me up, It's a lesson in complete cluelessness with regards to traffic control. I hate not being able to leave immediately after a defeat, hopefully the Albion will oblige from now on and not get beat at home again this season.

Regarding the dress code, yes it's a bit irritating as I'm naturally a scruffy bastard but I can live with it.

Overall I'm very happy with 1901

 

[Albion Robster]

The food quality is a long way behind that is served in The Premiership. Its feels and tastes like a glorified canteen - this opinion was based on the Profile Hospitality Suite.

 

[Notters]

A restrictive dress code
I know this has been covered a million times. But having to wear collar & shoes is a little bit much. Especially when the women in there seem to be able to wear what the hell they like..

...sounds like my office.

 

[TWOCHOICEStom]

Don't you get quite a good view of the football too?

I forgot that part. The view is amazing.

 

[Rugrat]

Bar-to-seat distance
About 10m. Nice.

I take it that means 10 minutes given the empty seats for that long after half time

 

[TWOCHOICEStom]

Its OK. Annoying bloke called Tom in my row though.

PS. Slow day in the office today?

They DO do receipts when you buy a cup of tea I suppose.

And yes. Slow day.

 

[Monsieur Le Plonk]

If the car park emptied at a reasonable rate, it would be worth the money on it's own.

In short, if I'd have known what it was going to be like I don't think I'd have bothered.

?

I actually hate Bennett's field and the fact that is makes me stay for an hour, sit in my car for an hour or leave early (not gonna happen) and I need to look at alternatives. The push and shove to get out just winds me up, It's a lesson in complete cluelessness with regards to traffic control. I hate not being able to leave immediately after a defeat, hopefully the Albion will oblige from now on and not get beat at home again this season.

Amazing how emotive this damn Bennetts Field crap park is. I believe that 99% of those that signed up would be more than happy with everything if it was improved. Until they do the sour taste will persist and it's a bloody shame.

 

[Jim D]

I'm just amazed that, because people are allocated a parking space, they feel that they have to take their cars. Perhaps if you live in the middle of the country and can't get to the stadium by train or bus - or live over 60 miles away - but not for most of us who are near the railway or on a bus route. Why not take public transport and have a few drinks before and after? On Sunday we went to Dick's Bar, watched the late game and left at about 6.15. There was no queue at the station and we were in Brighton by 6.30 - then an easy connection and back in Worthing by 7. And that with the largest ever number of home fans.

 

[Storer 68]

Positives:
•Queue times
The main advantage as far as I can see it are the lack of queues. The service at the bar is quick and the toilet queue is never more than a couple of minutes.
•Bar-to-seat distance
About 10m. Nice.
•Free programmes

apart from the free programme, we get ALL that in Row D of WSU Block H. And we didn't have to pay a huge wedge for the privilege either...........

 

[Deleted member 18477]

<mod: abusive post removed>

 

[TWOCHOICEStom]

I'm just amazed that, because people are allocated a parking space, they feel that they have to take their cars. Perhaps if you live in the middle of the country and can't get to the stadium by train or bus - or live over 60 miles away - but not for most of us who are near the railway or on a bus route. Why not take public transport and have a few drinks before and after? On Sunday we went to Dick's Bar, watched the late game and left at about 6.15. There was no queue at the station and we were in Brighton by 6.30 - then an easy connection and back in Worthing by 7. And that with the largest ever number of home fans.

I think the point is that a significant advantage of 1901 is that you get a parking space. I see your point though.

Perhaps a cheaper option where you don't get a parking space could be introduced?

 

[Monsieur Le Plonk]

<mod: abusive post removed>

I guess you think that because we are always moaning about the car park when we could easily use public transport etc......or is there something else? Just interested.

 

[hillianseagull]

I'm pretty happy with my 1901 seats.

Like the lack of queues for drinks etc.

Food has been a mixed bag, but have seen a gradual improvement. Service in our lounge is pretty good, as they do run a drinks service to the table.

Dress code still ticks me off! We adhere completely to it, only to see all sorts of attire. Would like to see consistency in this regard. Have seen trainers, hiking boots, collarless shirts etc at different times. I dont really care that they do, but my lad was close to be refused entry in the Summer for wearing a £60 pair of "Boats". They only relented when they realised he was 15!! Some rule about U16s being able to wear replica shirts etc. (Never been told that).

Bennetts Field, I dont mind as we are now happy to stay behind with a beer and visit the other concourses. Havent queued to get out for more than 15 mins, so ok with that.

Anyway, all in all I just love the the whole AMEX experience, even if the occasional non fan talks complete bollocks.

 

[e77]

Don't you get quite a good view of the football too?

I am in the 2nd row of WSU and get much the same view for under half the price.

 

[clippedgull]

I think the point is that a significant advantage of 1901 is that you get a parking space. I see your point though.

Factually incorrect. One space per two platinum members. One space per four gold members. Not every 1901'er gets a free space.

I'm a Gold Member and do P&R from the racecourse.

Another advantage you forgot was three lifts!

 

[Bozza]

I either don't know or have forgotten: what's the deal with what lounge you have access to?

If two mates had seats at opposite ends of the WSM, would they be in different lounges based on their seat location and not able to meet and chat pre-match and at half-time?

 

[Giraffe]

So, now we're a little way into the season, what are everyone's thoughts on the 1901 Club? Do you think it's worth the extra cash?

Here's my thoughts:

Positives:

• Queue times
  The main advantage as far as I can see it are the lack of queues. The service at the bar is quick and the toilet queue is never more than a couple of minutes.
• Bar-to-seat distance
  About 10m. Nice.
• Free programmes

Negatives:

• A worse atmosphere
  Because it's such a mix of regular fans and corporates, it creates a weird tension sometimes. I got told off for saying shit. True story.
  
• A restrictive dress code
  I know this has been covered a million times. But having to wear collar & shoes is a little bit much. Especially when the women in there seem to be able to wear what the hell they like..
  
• Car parking
  It feels like more of a hindrance than a privilege to drive to the stadium at the moment. It is nice being able to drive home. But sitting in your car for 45 minutes after every game, just because a) you don't leave early and b) don't want to stay for an hour and a half after the game, really isn't much fun. Especially when it's totally avoidable with some simple management.
  
• Food/Drink
  Less selection than on the concourse.

Overall, I really don't see that I'm getting anywhere near what you'd call value for money. At the moment it just seems like you pay for a nicer bar and arm rests. If the car park emptied at a reasonable rate, it would be worth the money on it's own.

In short, if I'd have known what it was going to be like I don't think I'd have bothered.

What are your thoughts on it?

I would agree with all of this, although I think the atmosphere is pretty good but we are towards the North end. Also would say that some of the extra money is worth it for the view which is great.

Already thinking I may move to a normal STH in a couple of years and cash in on the 1901.