home supporters guide 2016/17

HOME
SUPPORTERS
GUIDE
2016/17
HOME SUPPORTERS GUIDE
Welcome to The Hawthorns, The Home of
West Bromwich Albion Football Club.
Your home supporter guide will help you with
many of your questions about your Football Club
and to ensure you enjoy your experience at The
Hawthorns.
The guide will help you with matchday
information, details about our Stadium Megastore
and who to contact should you have any other
queries.
We are always happy to receive feedback and
comments from our supporters and if you have
views on how we can improve your matchday
experience at The Hawthorns, please let us know.
Drop an email to [email protected].
We would like to take this opportunity to thank
you for your continued support over the seasons,
lets all continue to support WBA together.
WELCOME
01
WEST BROMWICH ALBION’S TICKET
OFFICE IS YOUR ‘ONE-STOP SHOP’
FOR ALL YOUR TICKETING NEEDS.
Whether it be Season Tickets, Memberships, Home Tickets,
Away Tickets, Home Travel or Away Travel; our friendly
Ticket Office staff are happy to help you.
Tickets for all West Bromwich Albion matches are served on
a priority basis, with Season Ticket Holders receiving priority
over Members, who in-turn receive priority over General
Sale. Ticket sales dates for all matches during the 2015/16
season can be found by visiting www.wba.co.uk/tickets.
Baggies’ home matches are categorised into two ticketing
bands - ‘A’ and ‘B’.
Prices for category ‘A’ games (e.g. Chelsea) are £39 for
Adults, £29 for Seniors (+60), £25 for Students and 22 and
Under with Disabled and Juniors available for £15.
Prices for Category ‘B’ games (e.g. Southampton) are as follows:
Adults from £25, Senior (+60) from £20, Students and 22 and
Under available from £15 and Disabled and Juniors both £10.
We are proud to offer some of the most affordable ticket
prices in the entire Premier League. If you don’t have a
Season Ticket, we recommend a 2016/17 Membership
available for just £5 providing you with priority ticketing
among other benefits.
The Ticket Office opening hours are as follows:
Monday: 9am to 5pm
Tuesday: 9am to 5pm
Wednesday:10am to 5pm
Thursday: 9am to 5pm
Friday: 9am to 5pm
Saturday: 9am to 12pm (non-matchdays and away game days)
Saturday: 9am to half-time & 4.45pm to 5.15pm
(matchdays)
Sunday: CLOSED
All other matchdays: 9am to half-time
TICKETING
INFORMATION
02
THE HAWTHORNS IS A FULLY
ACCESSIBLE STADIUM WITH
DESIGNATED ENTRANCES AROUND
THE GROUND.
Supporters with disabilities wishing to purchase tickets
should contact our Disability Liaison Officer
Liz Massey on: 0121 227 2227,
or email: [email protected]
The Club embraces all persons with any form of disability
and employs designated Disability Liaison Stewards
on a matchday to ensure that everyone has a positive
experience. Three of the four stands have designated
wheelchair spaces.
The Club reserve the right to check a person’s eligibility
under the Equality Act 2010. All supporters with disabilities
purchasing tickets at The Hawthorns will be requested to
provide an original copy of any of the following prior to
purchasing tickets.
A hearing loop is available in the Ticket Office and a
portable system at reception. The Club also broadcasts
live in house match commentary for all first team matches
within the stadium for visually impaired supporters. The
commentary can be picked up on either the supporters own
FM radio or one provided by the Club.
• Confirmation of Middle or Higher rate of Disability Living
Allowance
• Confirmation Of Middle to Higher rate of Personal
Independence Payment
• Confirmation of Middle to Higher rate of Attendance
allowance
• Certificate of being Registered Blind or Partially Sighted
Eligibility
Please Note; Receipt of a Blue Badge will not be considered
sufficient to enable you to purchase tickets at the disability
rate.
DISABILITY
INFORMATION
03
WELCOME TO THE HAWTHORNS
HOME OF WEST BROMWICH ALBION
FOOTBALL CLUB.
Here at The Hawthorns, we pride ourselves in ensuring
that quality on the field is matched by similarly high
standards off it. The 2016/17 season will be Albion’s
seventh successive season in the Premier League and The
Hawthorns is the ideal venue to witness the ‘most exciting
league in the world’ at an affordable price.
Our hospitality department provides the highest levels of
customer care and value for money across the range of our
packages. The customer feedback we receive continues to
be fantastic, but we will not be resting on our laurels as we
strive to ensure that our customers enjoy their best ever
hospitality experience during the 2016/17 season.
For information on our Hospitality Packages, please visit
www.wbacommercial.co.uk or call our Hospitality Team
on 0871 271 9800.
Calls to 0871 phone numbers will cost 2p per minute, plus your providers access charge.
HOSPITALITY
INFORMATION
04
Parking for Away coaches
on Middlemore Road
Hawthorns House Car Park
500 metres down Halfords
Lane, on the right
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EAST STAND
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Pedestrian Access
(restrictions apply
see website for details)
SANDWELL ACADEMY
SCHOOL CAR PARK
EPPP
CAR PARK
This stretch of Halfords Lane
is closed from 90 minutes
before kick-off until 1 hour
ACCESSIBLE
ENTRANCES
FAN ONE
BIRMINGHAM RD
M5 JUNCTION 1
WBAFC
BIRMINGHAM RD
CAR PARK
THE HAWTHORNS HAS BEEN THE
HOME OF WEST BROMWICH ALBION
SINCE 1900 AND CURRENTLY HAS A
CAPACITY OF 26,850.
The Hawthorns is located just 500m from Junction 1 of the
M5 and can be accessed easily via public transport. The
Hawthorns is serviced by a variety of bus routes on the
Birmingham Road and also via the Metro / Rail system at the
Hawthorns station on Halfords Lane. There are a number of
privately run car parks in close proximity of the stadium.
The stadium consists of four individual stands, the newest
of which is the East Stand built in 2001, with the West Stand
extensively refurbished in 2008. Home supporters can
purchase tickets in each of the four stands, however there
are no concessions in the West Stand. Corporate hospitality
is available in both the East Stand and West Stand.
Access to the stadium on a matchday is via either a match
day barcoded ticket or a stilecard. Either form of ticket
should be presented at the relevant turnstile for the stand
and entry then gained. Stewards are on hand outside of the
stadium to deal with any queries supporters may have.
STADIUM
05
THE HAWTHORNS IS EASILY
ACCESSED BY CAR WITH JUNCTION 1
OF THE M5 JUST 500M FROM THE
STADIUM.
There are a number of private car parks in close vicinity to
the stadium with home supporters encouraged to use one
of these.
A comprehensive matchday travel plan is in place which
results in a single lane of the A41 directly outside of the
stadium and Halfords Lane being closed off to all traffic 95
minutes prior to kick-off. These closures remain in place for
up to one hour after final whistle.
TRAVEL
BY CAR
06
TRAVEL BY
BUS & RAIL
WEST BROMWICH ALBION IS WELL
SERVICED BY A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT
PUBLIC TRANSPORT MEANS AND IS BY
FAR THE EASIEST AND QUICKEST WAY
TO VISIT THE HAWTHORNS.
There are a variety of different bus routes that run along the
A41 stopping adjacent to The Hawthorns. The heavy rail
and Metro services both stop at The Hawthorns station on
Halfords Lane / Middlemore Road.
Further details on all forms of public transport can be
found at http://www.networkwestmidlands.com/
07
THE HAWTHORNS EXPRESS
BAGGIES BARGE
The Hawthorns Express has three pick-up routes available.
Coaches run from Worcester, Tamworth, and Stafford (see
table below for full details).
AHOY ALBION FANS!
Return journeys on the Hawthorns Express cost £5.
Coaches arrive 45 minutes before the game and park a
short distance from The Hawthorns, at East End Foods,
adjacent to junction one of the M5, for easy exit from and
access to the motorway.
To book a seat, contact the ticket office on 0121 227 2227.
Please note: The Hawthorns Express operates for home league games
only and is not in service for cup matches.
Pick-up points/kick-off 12.0012.4513.3015.0016.0017.30 20.00
WORCESTER
Croft Road, Croft Road, 9.30 10.15 11 .00 12.30 13.30 15.00 17.30
Coach Park
Worcester
Worcester Road, 9.55 10.40 11.25 12.55 13.55 15.25 17.55
(Opp Lido car park),
Droitwich
Bus station, Bromsgrove 10.05 10.50 11.35 13.05 14.05 15.35 18.05
Marlbrook
10.15 11.00 11.45 13.15 14.15 15.45 18.15
TAMWORTH
Birmingham Road 9.30 10.15 11.00 12.30 13.30 15.00 17.30
Bus Station,
Lichfield
Coach stop, 10.00 10.45 11.30 13.00 14.00 15.30 18.00
Corporation Street,
Tamworth
STAFFORD
Opposite railway station, 9.30 10.15 11.00 12.30 13.30 15.00 17.30
Stafford
Bus Station, 10.00 10.45 11.30 13.00 14.00 15.30 18.00
Cannock Town Centre
Games when the Baggies Barge is in use will be announced
at wba.co.uk throughout the season.
Fans interested in using the service can book online
at www.wbatickets.co.uk, by emailing [email protected]
or calling 0121 227 2227.
Baggies Barge tickets are sold on a first come, first served
basis.
For 3pm kick-offs, the narrowboat leaves the Gas Street
Basin, Birmingham, at 1pm and arrives at the Navigation Pub,
Middlemore Road, West Bromwich, at approximately 2.15pm.
The return journey departs around 30 minutes after the
full-time whistle.
Return tickets cost only £7.
Bathams Beer and other real ales are available on board.
The Ticket Office opening hours are as follows:
Monday: 9am to 5pm
Tuesday: 9am to 5pm
Wednesday:10am to 5pm
Thursday: 9am to 5pm
Friday: 9am to 5pm
Saturday: 9am to 12pm (non-matchdays and away game days)
Saturday: 9am to half-time & 4.45pm to 5.15pm (matchdays)
Sunday: CLOSED
All other matchdays: 9am to half-time
For more information on tickets and travel for
West Bromwich Albion fixtures call 0121 227 2227,
visit www.wbatickets.co.uk or email [email protected]
TRAVEL BY
COACH
OR BARGE
08
FAN ONE
THE NEWLY OPENED FANZONE
IS SITUATED ON THE CORNER OF
HALFORDS LANE AND BIRMINGHAM
ROAD OPENED IN SEPTEMBER 2015.
The site contains food and drink outlets, entertainment,
an Albion retail outlet and seating as a place to socialise
pre match at The Hawthorns. Over the course of the
season, the FanZone will host a variety of features – the
opening saw a Q&A session with famous Albion fan
Adrian Chiles and Albion shot stopper, Ben Foster.
The FanZone will also show the majority of televised fixtures
on a home matchday, such as the lunchtime kick-off on
a Saturday. The FanZone is also home to a Greggs, the
popular high-street bakery chain, which will also be open
throughout the week and also on a home matchday.
Both Home and Away supporters will have access
to the FanZone but will be asked to show a valid
matchday ticket to gain entry, with gates opening
approximately three hours before a 3pm kickoff and two hours before evening kick-off’s.
The FanZone is also home to the former Hawthorns
public house that holds a Grade II listed status.
FANZONE
09
WEST BROMWICH ALBION NOW
HAS AN INNOVATIVE NEW LOOK
MEGASTORE TO ENHANCE YOUR
SHOPPING EXPERIENCE.
Opening Times:
Monday to Saturday 9am – 5pm
Sunday 10am – 2pm
Matchdays: 9am - Kick-off
(open for 30 minutes after the final whistle)
Situated at The Hawthorns, we invite you to pop in and have
a look at our comprehensive choice of official adidas Replica
Kits, Trainingwear, Equipment, Fashion, Homeware, Souvenirs
and Gifts. We also offer a ‘while you wait’ shirt personalisation
service.
Merry Hill Club Shop
Opening Times:
Monday to Friday 9am – 9pm
Saturday 9am – 7pm
Sunday 11am – 5pm
Free ‘Click & Collect’ Available
Members discount available
Our experienced and knowledgeable Retail Team are here
to offer you the very best service and look forward to seeing
you soon.
Both the Stadium Megastore and Merry Hill Club Shop offer
a free ‘click & collect’ services and both offer discount to our
Season Ticket Holders and Members.
Alternatively you can make a purchase via:
Online @ wbashop.co.uk or Phone 0871 271 9795
Calls will cost 2p per minute plus your telephone company’s Access Charge.
RETAIL
STORE
10
THE ULTIMATE MATCHDAY PACKAGE
FOR ALL YOUNG ALBION FANS.
Watch as your youngster walks out with our First Team and
experience the atmosphere of matchday.
As a mascot your child will get to meet the Albion team,
play on the pitch and lead the team out at the start of the
game.
Please contact the Hospitality team on 0871 271 9800
or email [email protected]
Calls will cost 2p per minute plus your telephone company’s Access Charge
MASCOT
INFORMATION
11
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ALBION’S AWARD WINNING
MATCHDAY PROGRAMME IS THE
ESSENTIAL COMPANION FOR ANY
SEASON IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE
AND THE UNQUESTIONED BOOK
OF RECORD OF THE THROSTLES’
HISTORY.
Treating the past and the present with equal reverence,
Albion News includes columns from Tony Pulis and Darren
Fletcher, regular in depth interviews with the current
squad, comprehensive match reports, the lowdown on the
opposition and all the stats you need to know.
Reaching into the past, Tony Brown continues to pen his
regular column, we talk to former stars in stripes, look at the
best – and worst – of 50 years of substitutes and give you a
history of the Albion in 100 objects.
Continuing our record of breaking the mould in programme
design, the new season’s Albion News will be a joy to behold.
Follow us on twitter @wbafcprogramme and pick up a copy
at our increased number of sales outlets in and around the
ground. It’ll turn your world upside down.
On sale around the stadium priced at £3.50.
MATCHDAY
PROGRAMME
12
SINCE BRINGING IT ’IN HOUSE’ IN
2013 THE CONCOURSE CATERING AT
THE HAWTHORNS HAS UNDERGONE
A MAJOR OVERHAUL.
We pride ourselves on offering the same high standard of
service on the concourse as you will find in any other part of
the catering operation at West Bromwich Albion.
You will find the areas clean and spacious, the staff most
friendly and welcoming and the menu offers something for
all. This ranges from the traditional Pasty and a Bovril, or Pie
and a Pint, to the more modern favourites of Burgers, Pizza,
Sports Drinks, Wine and Fruit Cider to name but a few.
Look out for posters advertising ‘specials of the day’ like
Roast Pork baps with stuffing and apple sauce, Jacket
Potatoes or Hot Cider.
Early kick-off? Missed breakfast? Don’t worry….try our pre
kick off brunch special… sausage bap with hash brown…that
should keep you going till half-time.
As an added value to our fans we have now introduced deals
to our range where you can save money with offers on food,
drinks and even snacks.
So next time you visit why not check out the menu boards
or ask our friendly staff about upgrading to a meal deal and
grab yourself a bargain buy!!
CONCOURSE
INFORMATION
13
COUNTDOWN TO KICK-OFF
(Please be advised the times are based on
a 3.00pm Kick-Off – times will adjust accordingly
for other Kick-Off’s)
9.00am East Stand Reception open
9.00am Ticket Office opens (closes at half-time) – for up to
date details on all Ticket Office
Opening hours, please visit www.wba.co.uk or call
0121 227 2227
11.00am Hospitality lounges open
COUNTDOWN
TO KICK-OFF
1.30pm Turnstiles open for entry into stadium
1.30pm Pre-match entertainment commences
2.15pm Players pre-match warm up
2.55pm Teams emerge from tunnel
3.00pm Kick-off
14
West Bromwich Albion
wbafc_official
@WBA @WBA
AT THE HEART OF THE MODERN
WORLD, SOCIAL MEDIA LEADS
THE WAY WHEN IT COMES TO
INTERACTING WITH SUPPORTERS AND
THE WIDER FOOTBALL COMMUNITY
AS WELL AS EXTENDING THE CLUB’S
PROFILE ACROSS THE GLOBE.
Albion embrace the opportunity and operate across several
social media channels with the aim of informing, engaging
and entertaining our followers with a host of varied and
unique content relating to all things Baggies.
Whether it be Facebook or Twitter, YouTube, Instagram or
Snapchat, we are connecting with our collective followers on
a daily basis.
So why not look us up and follow Albion today?
Getting in touch and interacting with our Premier League
journey has never been easier – it’s just a click away!
SOCIAL
MEDIA
15
TAKE THE HASSLE OUT OF GOING
TO ALBION’S AWAY FIXTURES AND
TRAVEL WITH THE CLUB’S OFFICIAL
TRAVEL SERVICE, BAGGIES TRAVEL.
For the 2016/17 season Leons Coaches will be providing
luxury 52-seater coaches for travel to our away games,
taking you to and from the game in a safe and comfortable
environment.
Regular pick up points include: Blackheath,
Halesowen, Kidderminster, Lye, Quinton,
Stourbridge and The Hawthorns.
Pre-booking of away coach travel is essential and
can be done by calling the Ticket Office on 0121 227
2227 or by booking online at new ticketing website
www.wbatickets.co.uk. Alternatively email Dave Holloway
for further information on [email protected]
We look forward to welcoming you on-board
Baggies Travel soon.
AWAY TRAVEL
INFORMATION
16
CHRIS ELLIOTT - CHILDREN’S SERVICES MANAGER,
SAFEGUARDING. (CHILD PROTECTION)
I am the Children’s Services Manager at West Bromwich Albion
Football Club and have a responsibility for Safeguarding
children (u18 years ) whether it be at our academy, The
Hawthorns, the training ground or anywhere where we have a
duty of care to children attending our premises.
West Bromwich Albion Football Club Academy complies with
the Football Association guidelines and rules of the Premier
League in safeguarding and liaises regularly with the local
safeguarding boards for Sandwell, Walsall and Birmingham.
The club seeks to comply with National safeguarding
standards and to meet the requirements of ‘Working Together
2013’. The club safeguarding Policy is available on request
at the academy building or through contact with any staff
member. Our safeguarding statement can be found on the
club web site www.wbafc.co.uk/club/safegaurding
The club safeguarding policy covers such areas as bullying,
transport of children, staff conduct, management of referrals
and complaints and expectations regarding equality and
diversity.
Although sexual offending against children is particularly
topical it is in fact the issues of bullying either face to face, by
phone or through the abuse of social media that are more
frequent. It is as a result of this that both staff and children
receive guidance and training in this sensitive issue. Through
the ongoing commitment to training it is hoped that together
all participants at the academy can create an atmosphere
where our children can learn and flourish and feel safe and
where they will achieve their potential.
Three of the key areas of safeguarding at the academy are
the safe recruitment of staff and volunteers and the provision
of continual professional development in safeguarding and
by providing a confidential contact point for advice, concerns
and referrals for children, parents and staff. All of our staff are
recruited through interview, reference and the completion of
enhanced Criminal Record Check through the Disclosure and
Barring Service.
As the Children’s Services manager I can be contacted in
person at the academy, by phone or by e mail on the details
below. Please be assured that all contact can be made in
complete confidence. It is hoped that through our policies
and practice and a commitment to safeguarding all our
participants will be safe and free from harm. It is hoped that
through the establishment of parents surgeries and creating
the opportunity for our children to give their views, opinions
and express their concerns that we can all feel that we have a
part to play in safeguarding at our club.
Chris Elliott Children’s Services Manager (Safeguarding)
MB 07976 660953 E mail [email protected]
SAFEGUARDING
INFORMATION
17
THE ALBION FOUNDATION IS A
REGISTERED CHARITY THAT WORKS
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
WEST BROMWICH ALBION
FOOTBALL CLUB.
Our motto is ‘Inspire to Achieve’ and through sporting and
educational activities we:
•Make a difference and raise aspirations in our local
community
• Add value to West Bromwich Albion Football Club
By the end of 2015, we have delivered programmes to more
than 35,000 people in our community!
Below is our football development pathway:
Premier League School Sport: delivering PE curriculum,
leadership and lifestyle courses, fundraisers, roadshows, and
tournaments in our local schools introducing children to high
quality coaching.
Future Baggies: Aimed at 3-4 year old children to encourage
team work, social skills and confidence whilst learning
fundamental skills.
Baggies Soccer Centres: Football training combined with fun
activities to help player’s development from 5 to 12 years old.
Player Development Centres: Talented players are given
more advanced, technical coaching and compete against
other clubs as the next step towards the WBA Academy.
Holiday Camps: Fun football camps running in venues across
the West Midlands.
Matchday Packages: For schools and local clubs we include a
training session in the WBA Academy Dome, a ground tour of
The Hawthorns and tickets for the game.
We have a similar pathway for girl’s football, disability and
basketball.
To find out more visit www.thealbionfoundation.co.uk
THE ALBION
FOUNDATION
18
HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH US…
STADIUM ADDRESS:
WEST BROMWICH ALBION FOOTBALL CLUB,
THE HAWTHORNS, WEST BROMWICH,
WEST MIDLANDS, B71 4LF.
ACADEMY:
WEST BROMWICH ALBION ACADEMY
WEST BROMWICH ALBION FOOTBALL CLUB,
HALFORDS LANE, WEST BROMWICH,
WEST MIDLANDS, B71 4LG.
Main Club Telephone:
Main Club Fax:
0871 271 1100
0871 271 9821
Calls will cost 2p per minute plus your telephone company’s Access Charge.
Ticket Sales Hotline:
Ticket Sales Email:
Ticket Sales Website:
0121 227 2227
[email protected]
www.wbatickets.co.uk
Stadium Megastore Telephone:
0121 524 3473
Merry Hill Store Telephone:
01384 76919
Retail Mail Order Hotline:
Retail Mail Order Website:
Hospitality Telephone:
Hospitality Email:
0871 271 9795
www.wbashop.co.uk
0871 271 9800
[email protected]
Conference & Events Telephone:
Conference & Events Email:
0871 271 9820
[email protected]
Weddings Telephone:
Weddings Email:
0871 271 9820
[email protected]
Corporate Website:
The Albion Foundation:
General Enquiries: www.wbacommercial.co.uk
0871 271 9840
Email: [email protected]
CLUB
CONTACTS
19