BigTime wrote:
Re the fan park. A good idea I think but, unlike last season we aren’t playing a big team first. We have Batley, Sheffield and then Swinton over the course of 6 weeks so I think that will test the concept of street food vans at “London prices” to the max. None of those teams will bring masses of fans and, high quality or not, £9 for on the go food may meet consumer resistance. We’ll see. (In fairness although somewhat tinpot I did think the food from the kiosk was Ok and fit for purpose it’s other areas that I felt could do with immediate attention). As before a key component in all this is how well the team do on the field. I await news of additions with some impatience now and I’m a bit concerned that the way the season is constructed it’s the back end of the season where there are a decent number of home games over a shortish period allowing for the build up of attendance habits. This could be a make or break season. I’m hoping for the best but confess to being a bit concerned.
The back loading of home fixtures (assuming no Ebbsfleet last minute moves) gives the fan park strategy a better chance. Those early matches give an opportunity to get things right. I think it may be a challenge for the reasons you mention. The kiosk food is okay, but tends to be more snack to the "fan park" meal. The summer matches are key. Get supporters in for beer and food and to be entertained on and off the pitch.
I'm okay if I can see off field progress in those first three matches. It was badly messed up last year, so I think everything I see will be a bonus.
Should add that £9 is just about the bottom end of the pricing. MyPie charge that. Jerk Chicken I think £10. Pizza could be £11 now. The other regulars are Burger & Chips (the also offer Vegan), Chinese, Chips and occasionally Doner Kebabs. MyPie and Ding Ding (Chinese) have been at the stadium for non-football events, so I guess the most likely for Broncos matches unless they source their own.
At those prices the food has to be good. I've tried them all. Only Pizza would I say is a bit so, so but it is popular. Probably a bit basic for me (Margarita or Pepperoni) compared with the flavours of the other vans. I'd be delighted with the MyPie, Jerk Chicken or Chinese in a pub. The first two are particularly filling.
If the Broncos vendors are going to charge similar amounts, the food needs to be good. Most people will say the prices are more than a bit punchy. I will only pay £9/£10 if the food is good. More to the point I wouldn't spend that much a second time if it wasn't. Paying for a family it certainly adds up quickly I can tell you! We did consider not eating at the stadium as per head it's not cheap. We don't need to eat there living close, but we enjoy the quality. Not everybody at the football agrees, but the generally the feedback is very good and fans tend to have different favourites.
My Pie (Sausage Roll) and Ding Ding (Veggie Spring Rolls) offer a £3 snack option. Both are good. Particularly the Spring Rolls, stuffed with some quality veg with some crunch. Comes with a sweet chili dip. It'a treat (starter) rather than a meal of course.
