As part of the ongoing installation of Havant and Waterlooville FC’s new 3G pitch, the Club have been working closely with the Football Foundation to further improve the match day facilities, along with our licensing officer and Heineken representatives.

We are living in very uncertain and difficult times, but as a Club we have to look to the future and plan. Part of the proposals for discussion from the Safety Advisory Group, is the possibility that fans will not be allowed out of the ground during half time to restrict the movement of people for the safety of the public and staff. To aid the match day experience, and in line with our current licensing, we have decided to install an outside bar within the ground where people will be able to purchase beer tokens in the main bar before the game to utilise within the ground. 

Mark Pope stated, “As a fan, who doesn’t like beer tokens? After consulting our licensing officer we are confident that we are in a position to offer this service in a safe environment. As a temporary measure the facility will be located in the former tea bar where you can collect pre-purchased beers, moving forwards it will be relocated to a permanent feature.”

“Even prior to COVID this was always on the table and in light of the potential restrictions this will help the match day experience along with much needed revenue for the Club. Heineken have been fantastic in supporting the scheme and will continue to do so as we further improve and grow”.

Furthermore the Club are currently awaiting planning consent to replace the old club shop and former office. Mark continued, “We have been working with the Football Foundation to get plans approved to replace the existing ageing facilities. This will be replaced with a new two storey building allowing additional facilities including stewards, safety room, wc’s, office and commercial sponsors lounge bar”.

Once this new building is complete we will be utilising part of the old construction units to form a permanent external bar and improved food unit at the far end of the ground. 

It’s an exciting time to be part of the Club as we continue work to make it a community hub and destination.