'From the subtle to the obvious' - changes West Brom fans can expect at The Hawthorns
A spruce-up of The Hawthorns was high on the agenda when it came to how Albion can improve the experience at their historic home.
It is a notable year for the famous old stadium as it marks its 125th anniversary since the 1900 inception.
Club staff spent a portion of the early months of the off-season giving tired looking sections of the stadium a make-over and supporters passing by have since noted a brighter look.
In a letter to fans, chairman Shilen Patel wrote 'the best way to honour a proud history is with a proud future'. A big change at The Hawthorns this summer came with the instillation of almost 4,000 safe standing areas - known as rail seating - in the upper Smethwick End and the Millennium Corner. The club hope this can boost the atmosphere.
Other changes have been more subtle but just as important, such as external paintwork and refreshes.
The club recently confirmed the planting of 20 hawthorns trees - home to the throstle birds - on the east side of the stadium's footprint. Such trees existed on site prior to the stadium's existence and led to its name. Managing director Mark Miles said it was a perfect time to bring the wildlife back for generations to come.
Patel's letter also revealed improvements to The Hawthorns' concourses, updates to fan zone areas on matchday and an upgraded hospitality area at the Millichip Suite.
A call from supporters in recent years has been to make the stadium a more desirable place to visit aside from the football on a matchday and that is something, the club say, remains on their agenda.
"We are actively planning ways to make the Hawthorns a destination for fans and the public beyond matchdays through amenities and experiences, as well as looking to expand our retail footprint offsite," Patel wrote.
"For our fans further away from The Shrine we’re broadening our storytelling, reimagining our membership and rewards programmes, as well as looking to build better bridges with international supporters.
"These mark just a step in a continuous plan to refine experience and facilities for the long-term goal of bringing Baggies fans closer to the club.
"At the core of our vision is the belief that West Bromwich Albion is more than just a football club, it is an institution capable of creating great connection and great impact."
