Whatever the result on the pitch, supporters can now enjoy live music, star interviews and a seven-metre screen at the indoor Northam Fan Zone at St Mary’s stadium.
The 700-capacity facility has proven a hit with fans at the club’s first three home games and will next be used when Saints return to action against Leicester City on October 19.
Matches against Nottingham Forest, Manchester United and Ipswich, where rising star Tyler Dibling scored his first Premier League goal, have seen fans drinking at German Beer Keller style benches, watching other televised games, as well as dancing to big tunes from live artists.
And while the Fan Zone is competition for popular city pubs like The Painted Wagon, O’Neill’s and The Scholars Arms, it is a boost for local music acts.
Southampton singer Calum Lintott told The Daily Echo that ticket sales for his recent headline gig at The Joiners benefited after he played an acoustic set at the opening game.
He added: “A day at the football is an escape from the rest of the week, a chance to get together with your mates for a drink and a singsong, so music and football go hand in hand. The club has done a great job.”
Other local acts including The Moonrunners, Davey Jones Locker, Hattie Jacques Playlist and Adam Ede, plus DJ Ed Martin, have also entertained, while Southampton’s Artful Dodger teamed up with Saints Brass.
Saints’ legend Matt Le Tissier, members of the 1976 FA Cup winning team and Gordon Strachan have also been interviewed, with the former manager saying he would like to return after Saints had won a game as, even after the 3-0 loss to Manchester United, the atmosphere was still “amazing”.
Meanwhile, work is underway on ‘The Dell’, a new pub at the stadium’s former ticket office.
