onevalefan.co.uk Present Past Specials About Forum
Jump to content
onevalefan.co.uk forum

Advert


Advert


OVF feature: Could Port Vale make the Hamil End a permanent home stand?


News Feed

Recommended Posts

Advert

I've only been in the Hamil once (against Southampton) and that was a long time ago. 

I honestly cannot remember how good the facilities are.  Are they Lorne street standard?

From an atmosphere perspective I'm not sure what it gives us.  We used to generate a fantastic atmosphere in the Bycars, when we got a few bodies in there (pre Lorne Street stand).  I think that we just need more bodies in one of the stands behind the goal to do this.  Comparing a full Hamil with an empty Bycars is not an apples/apples comparison.

I'm also not clear on what would prevent using the Bycars side of the Lorne Street as a family area, if proximity to away fans is a concern.

Bury me under the Hamil, just doesn't feel right.

I'd be interested to know the cost of upgrading the Bycars facilities vs the cost required to change ends.

 

Full disclosure, I was raised on the Bycars, and have many happy memories of being there with my Dad, who is sadly no longer with us. 

While I am an exile, and only get to VP a few  times a season, I still sit on the Bycars, as close as possible to where I used to have a season ticket when I do make the trip to my spiritual home. 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

10 hours ago, Quebec_Valiant said:

I've only been in the Hamil once (against Southampton) and that was a long time ago. 

I honestly cannot remember how good the facilities are.  Are they Lorne street standard?

From an atmosphere perspective I'm not sure what it gives us.  We used to generate a fantastic atmosphere in the Bycars, when we got a few bodies in there (pre Lorne Street stand).  I think that we just need more bodies in one of the stands behind the goal to do this.  Comparing a full Hamil with an empty Bycars is not an apples/apples comparison.

I'm also not clear on what would prevent using the Bycars side of the Lorne Street as a family area, if proximity to away fans is a concern.

Bury me under the Hamil, just doesn't feel right.

I'd be interested to know the cost of upgrading the Bycars facilities vs the cost required to change ends.

 

Full disclosure, I was raised on the Bycars, and have many happy memories of being there with my Dad, who is sadly no longer with us. 

While I am an exile, and only get to VP a few  times a season, I still sit on the Bycars, as close as possible to where I used to have a season ticket when I do make the trip to my spiritual home. 

 

I'm glad the feature prompted a debate and I get your point of view @Quebec_Valiant

I think (and I may be wrong here)) that the cost of bringing the Bycars up to the same is going to be a lot as is the actual ability to do so. The advantage of that land behind the stand means the Hamil has a covered concourse behind the stand and as it's not in view of the pitch the bars can serve beer. To do the same at Bycars you're either going to have to build a concourse on the path at the back (and not sure the club owns that land) or build it at the back of the stand and cut the seating capacity (unless of course someone else has a cleverer plan). 

I think there's pluses and minuses for both viewpoints (hence the article) but I must admit I think that if it has better facilities and those facilities are encouraging fans to go in there, I'd be in the Hamil camp - but then again I generally tend to go in the Lorne or Railway so I haven't got the history and memories that some of the fans who've been in the Bycars for years have got. 

I'm interested in seeing both sides of the argument though so thanks for responding to the feature. I'm interested to hear what other fans think of the possible move.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

13 minutes ago, newchapel valiant said:

It makes sense from a business point to change to hamil as shop and ticket office are on that side.Hopefully revenue could go up as fans who would normally go straight in bycars and home after, may pop into shop to buy things. 

 

Yep, it makes that whole area a "home zone" allowing things like a possible expansion of the popular fanzone, the use of Tommy Cheadles as a home pub plus easy access to the shop. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It really does make sense Rob. 

I get that some people don't want to change, but if we are to stay at Vale Park then we have to prioritise the better facilities to home fans and not the 50 Stevenage / Crawley fans. 

We have to move forward and utilise the better parts of the stadium to generate more revenue for the club. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

To me as someone who goes in the Bycars the permanent move to the Hamil makes all the sense in the world. While I totally respect the views of those who have gone in there for decades the truth is as a stand with the limited facilities it is never going to attract new people into it and just looks a sad sight with the odd person dotted around it. Moving to the Hamil still gives a behind the goal view and a proper home end as well as other stuff like really developing the fanzone around there.

Then when the Hamil side of Lorne Street is finished that can be the family stand and not have the issue of being right next to away fans.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

18 minutes ago, Rory said:

I'm more nervous about finding out if we get to keep the Hamil end than I am about the final next Sunday.

I thought it was something to help keep your minds off Saturday's game 😉

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Behind the Bycars between the top and bottom turnstiles there is srub land inside the boundary wall up to the stand put pilings in rsj/girders on top for the floor then build a tea bar with toilet blocks  the toilet blocks could be link to the excisting ones for drainage  you could then use the doors at the back of bycars onto the metal walk way at the back to enter the tea bar and toilets and if closed off from the pitch to sell beer as well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, rsb said:

Behind the Bycars between the top and bottom turnstiles there is srub land inside the boundary wall up to the stand put pilings in rsj/girders on top for the floor then build a tea bar with toilet blocks  the toilet blocks could be link to the excisting ones for drainage  you could then use the doors at the back of bycars onto the metal walk way at the back to enter the tea bar and toilets and if closed off from the pitch to sell beer as well.

I believe that it would be possible to improve facilities in the Bycars, using that space inside the boundary.  The question would really be at what cost (Vs any cost associated with changing ends).

Is there sufficient space in the Bycars/Lorne Street turnstile area to close off the area from the pitch to allow sale of alcohol?  The area might be bigger in my mind than in reality.  It's not really somewhere that I spend a lot of time. 

Genuine question, do people think that providing better facilities will increase crowds?

The opening of the Lorne street  didn't seem to, more people migrated from the Bycars to the Lorne street.

If the Hamil end of the Lorne street is opened would we expect bigger crowds or will people move from the Railway to enjoy improved facilities, or would designating it as a family area prevent that happening. 

Where are families currently sitting?  I suspect that most are in the Lorne Street, as the Bycars is largely empty and the Railway Stand/Paddock is where the "hardcore" is located.  

If the Hamil becomes the home end do the "hardcore" move to the Bycars/Lorne street, to enjoy better facilities and engage in banter with away fans, with families moving to the Hamil/Lorne Street.  Would it be good to have the accessability stand between these 2 sets of supporters.

If there is to be a change then I hope that it is part of a long term strategy for Vale Park.  At the moment I suspect that, although the Railway and Bycars are somewhat antiquated, they are probably not bad enough to be considered a priority for upgrade.  They are certainly better than facilities at most league 2 grounds (and league 1 for that matter).

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

18 minutes ago, Quebec_Valiant said:

Genuine question, do people think that providing better facilities will increase crowds?

I think the bottom line is the football will increase crowds. 

However, better facilities may improve matchday revenue (as people may be encouraged to come earlier and/or spend more) and that in turn may help to improve the team. 

I also think in a world where there are so many alternatives (there's our neighbours down the road or simply buying a Sky Sports subscription) you must have decent facilities to compete.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Reporting Posts and other information

    Rules - This forum is moderated but the admin team don't read everything. Don't assume we'll spot rule breaking and alert us by reporting content. Logged in users can hover over the post and click the orange button. Guests can contact us here. If you don't get on with another user you can "ignore" them. Click this link, type in their username and click save. Please check with the admin team if you wish to sell/auction any items. We're happy to support good causes but check first.

    Use - This forum may not be suitable for all as it may contain words or phrases not considered appropriate for some. You are personally responsible and potentially liable for the contents of your posting and could face legal action should it contain content of a defamatory or other illegal nature. Every message posted leaves a traceable IP number. Please do not reveal any personal information about yourself or anyone else (for example: phone number, address or email address). This forum is not in any way affiliated with Port Vale FC. OVF reserve the right to edit, delete, move or close any thread for any reason. If you spot an offensive post please report it to the admin team (instructions are above).

    Adverts - This site occasionally a) has adverts and sponsored features about gambling b) accepts sponsored posts from third parties. If you require help and advice on gambling read these links: Information on protecting young people | Addiction help from gambleaware.co.uk
  • Friends of OVF

×
×
  • Create New...