Every area of commercial activity is under review, with a sense of urgency to make changes and improvements as soon as possible.
In line with this, it's immediately clear to me that from a drinking perspective, on a match day we are unable to cater for the majority who attend the matches. Provision of drinks is both important as a revenue stream for the club and as part of giving supporters good choice and a good experience when visiting The Rec. We have therefore put together plans to address this with immediate effect.
For the games on Sat. 22nd December (Setanta Shield match Vs. Oxford)and Tuesday 1st January 2008 (BSP league match Vs. Woking) we'll have a temporary bar located in what has been the Director's Car Park. Located within 50 yards of the corner between the East Bank and the North Stand, this will cater for anyone wanting Lager, Bitter and soft drinks - to be consumed within the bar area only. This is a temporary measure to increase our serving capacity in the short term.
Later in January we are looking to site a temporary Pub within the same area - catering for 400-500 people indoors, with heating, full oak bar, entertainment, Sky TV and an increase in food outlet options. The experiences and learnings we gain from these initiatives will help us plan a more permanent and ATFC owned facility to be built in time for the 2008/09 season.
Before the Pub is built, the Phoenix club will continue to operate as normal. Once the Pub is open, there are plans to reallocate this space to provide match day hospitality with a meal service. More details of this will follow in due course - in the meantime, please be assured that changes here will not take place until alternative arrangements are in place for the people already enjoying these facilities.
Please spread the word - facilities at The Rec on match days are being improved on a phased basis. I want our supporters to have lots of choice with an improvement in capacity - all leading to a better experience, which in turn will deliver new revenue and profit streams for the club - which will result in further improvements being made elsewhere. Look out for the changes & additions and lend them your support where and when you can.
Regards
Bob Bowden
Chief Executive
Aldershot Town Football Club