Quote Starbug="Starbug"It will , for the council , somehow you must get control of the Shay if you ever want to get back into SL '"
No chance when the stadium is shared with FC Halifax Town.
Regarding the bars, it has always been the case with the Southdale Lounge that the club does not benefit directly from its takings. However, the income generated through this source has ensured both the sustainability of SST and that the rent both clubs paid was kept to a minimum. It will be a similar situation with the new East Stand with revenue generated through the bars going to the Council. This once again will ensure that the stadium remains sustainable whilst helping keep the future rental payments by FCHT and HRLFC as low possible.
There will undoubtedly be new ways for the two clubs to raise commercial income by using the much enhanced facilities that will be available. For example there will be:
- six executive boxes that the club will be able to use (and sell on a seasonal basis).
- much improved banqueting facilities for attracting more corporate partners, sponsors and diners on a matchday.
- much bigger retail space providing a more professional shop for selling club merchandise.
The clubs have a huge part to play and will have to work with the company appointed by the Council to develop and maximise usage of the facilities to ensure full benefit is taken of the new stand. By providing these new facilities, the clubs has a lot of hard work to ensure it takes full advantage of what will be available to them.
Hopefully everyone with an interest will be able to work together for the benefit of each other and the Council will remain realistic over its future rent charges.