Wanderers’ brand new Fan Zone, sponsored by Leasing Options, will officially open at this Saturday’s first home game of the 2022/23 season!
Situated outside the West Stand near the Nat Lofthouse Statue, the Fan Zone will be a place for Wanderers’ supporters to get together both pre and post-match in a friendly, relaxed environment to grab a bite of locally-sourced food and to enjoy a drink.
With a capacity of 1,000, the outdoor space will open three hours prior to kick off (from 12pm – 3pm) and one hour after the final whistle on Saturdays (5pm – 6pm). For mid-week games, the Fan Zone will be open from 5pm and close at 7.45pm (kick-off time).
The Fan Zone hosts a new bar, which has been named in memory of Wanderers’ legendary commentator Dave Higson, whose immortal strapline “What a Ding-Dong–Do!” has gone down in the Whites’ history books.
The Dave Higson bar will stock Staropramen Lager, Atlantic Pale Ale, Madri and Carling, and local casks beers will be supplied by Blackedge Brewery, Horwich.
In addition, fans will have a variety of delicious local food options to try with Nam Ploy Thai Street Food, Sushma’Snacks India Street Food, Fratelli’s Pizza and The Cakery all taking up a permanent spot in the Fan Zone. Carrs Pasties will be available over the counter at the Dave Higson Bar.
Fans will be entertained throughout their stay by Bolton FM, who will work with the club to provide live music performed by local artists and Bolton Wanderers in the Community will have the inflatable football dartboard up and running for our junior Whites.
The Fan Zone is an ongoing project and will continue to be enhanced over the coming months. From the Sheffield Wednesday fixture on Saturday 20th August, a prosecco and gin bar, ice cream and candy floss vendors and a Bolton Wanderers’ official merchandise shop will also be in place.
Neil Hart, Chief Executive Officer of Bolton Wanderers, said: “We are thrilled to be opening our fantastic new Fan Zone this weekend!
“This has been a project almost a year in the making and I’d like to thank the in-house team who have worked tirelessly to ensure the space is ready for this Saturday.
“I’d also like to thank our funding partners who have made it possible for us to deliver this for our fans, including official sponsor, Leasing Options, Bolton Wanderers’ Development Association and Bolton Wanderers Supporters’ Trust.
“Discussions began last summer between the club and Bolton Wanderers Supporters’ Trust around the feasibility of a Fan Zone and throughout the process, we have worked in close consultation with them to ensure the area is a reflection of what our fans really want.
“We would encourage every supporter who is visiting the stadium in the coming months to pay the Fan Zone a visit and enjoy the experience.”
The Fan Zone will open from 12pm on Saturday 6th August ahead of Wanderers’ home game against Wycombe Wanderers and the Fulham v Liverpool Premier League fixture will be broadcast live from 12.30pm.
The club anticipates large numbers and if necessary, will activate a one-in one-out policy if the area reaches capacity. Entrance and exit signs will be clearly denoted to avoid congestion.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Bolton Wanderers would like to thank the following sponsors, partners and suppliers who have helped us to create the Fan Zone and ensure its readiness for the start of the season: Leasing Options; Bolton Wanderers’ Development Association; Bolton Wanderers Supporters’ Trust; Aquila Shelters Ltd; CS Civils & Groundworks Ltd; Advance Satellite Services; Rapid Retail; Fabriplas Ltd; Nam Ploy Thai Restaurant, Middlebrook; Carrs Pasties; The Crofters, Bolton; Bolton FM and Bolton Wanderers in the Community.