FanZone

Big is better for the Centenary Pavilion

If you had to pick one word to describe the new Centenary Pavilion at , you would probably have to opt Rough for “huge”. OK, maybe one word isn’t enough: “absolutely Guide to huge” seems more appropriate. The previous Members Pavilion was a simple Elland concept that worked, it just needed to be bigger. That Road achieved, there is now an added freshness and a more The opening day of the professional outlook to the operation (front doors, entrance Centenary Pavilion saw lobby, toilets) plus many more subtle improvements. 3,350 Members pass Additional standing space is matched by a significant through its doors. amount of extra seats and tables – something that was Among the first in were Eric always an issue in the old building. And those sitting down Ware and Joan Plimbley now have no restricted view of the TV broadcasts because from Harrogate (right) and four huge projector screens have been erected from the the Fielding family from ceiling to show the live Sky matches. On the flip side, while Huddersfield (above). there are now two main bars and two small ones on each side, there may never be enough to hurriedly quench the reminds us, for the rest of the week this is a venue where “Additional thirst of around 3,000 fans in the run-up to kick-off! non-football activities could bring much-needed money The room was already buzzing when Allan Clarke into the club. standing and Mick Jones were introduced on stage by A contentious issue in the weeks leading up to the space is just after 1pm. “Sniffer” joked that the club was finally re-opening of the pavilion was the introduction of an recognising his achievements by naming something in the obligatory £3 entrance charge, redeemed with a voucher matched ground after him. To be fair, he was correct, and reminded against the cost of a drink or food when inside. Most who by a us that even Paul Reaney, “a mere right-back”, has his own went in specifically for a pint appeared to have no problem. suite in the West Stand! However, opinion was split among others. The Fieldings significant The concept of naming two separate suites in the from Huddersfield were happy to pay it as they always amount Centenary Pavilion after the architect and goalscorer in our bought something inside, conversely Eric and Joan from 1972 Centenary FA Cup final win is realised by a temporary Harrogate don’t drink but like to get to the ground early of extra partition that can be drawn across the middle of the room and sit in the warmth. Furthermore, Eric was disgruntled seats and to provide two identical suites. Nifty and shrewd. As the because he wanted to go back out and meet Lucas Radebe lack of Leeds United decoration anywhere on the walls in the Superstore but would have to pay again to get back tables – in. (Lucas actually came to the Pavilion just after 1.30pm.) something Certainly, you can’t please everyone – but the club introduced the admission price because some fans were that was using the licensed venue as a picnic area, taking in their always own food and drink. On the day of the grand re-opening of the Pavilion, it an issue was undoubtedly a success, another brick in the re-building in the old of Leeds United, and in terms of making money, it looks set to become an important one. LLL building” Jon Howe

LLL 6#