Wanderers – in partnership with the Bolton Wanderers Supporters’ Trust – are devising plans to bring back a fan zone to make match days at the University of Bolton Stadium even better.
With supporters keen to see the return of a designated fan area to provide pre-game entertainment and extend the match-day experience, Wanderers are working, in conjunction with key stakeholders, on a scheme for a brand-new facility.
The proposals, if given planning and licensing approval, would see covered areas erected along with the provision of top-class food and drink outlets, a stage and big screens to show live early kick-offs and highlights of Wanderers’ games.
The fan zone – potentially to be sited around Bolton Central on the north and eastern sides of the ground – would also stage community activities and a range of other entertainment to allow supporters to get together before the game and enjoy the build-up to all Wanderers’ home fixtures.
The move – designed to benefit all fans – comes after Wanderers signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding with the Supporters’ Trust (BWFCST) at the start of last month and follows on-going talks between the two bodies.
Welcoming the proposal to re-instate a new-look fan zone, a statement from the Trust said: “The full return of crowds to the UoB this season has been welcomed by all BWFC supporters.
“However, as evidenced by comments received from many supporters, the pre-match experience is currently missing something for a variety of reasons and establishing a permanent home for the fan zone has always been a priority for the Supporters’ Trust.
“This is why we are delighted to be now working in partnership with the club – and local council – to try and establish a fantastic and more permanent new space for fans to enjoy on every home match day.
“The proposals being worked on will, if approved, provide a home for all BWFC fans, with something for all ages to enhance the match-day experience.
“This is a rapidly developing scheme and shows that once a relationship has been established, supporters’ trusts can work with their clubs in a positive way that places fans’ needs to the fore.
“Supporters’ trusts aren’t just for the bad times and working in a positive partnership with the club has always been the aim of the BWFCST.”
Neil Hart, Wanderers’ Chief Executive Officer, said: “We have been meeting regularly with the Trust and this is one of the first projects the fans wanted to see happen.
“There has been a fan zone before and it’s something the supporters wanted to see come back.
“We have had plans drawn up, which we are discussing with Bolton Council and other key partners, and are actively working towards creating a first-class facility which will allow fans to enjoy their match-day experience even more.
“With fans coming back in fantastic numbers we want to reward that support with the best welcome and pre-match build-up we can.”
NOTE: The images shown are not a finalised of version of any of the planned facilties