Southampton Women's Games To Pilot Alcohol In-Bowl Programme
Southampton Football Club is set to take part in a new pilot programme trialling alcohol in-bowl at women’s games.
The club announced that it has been selected to take part in a new pilot programme that will give fans the choice to drink alcohol in the stadium bowl at selected Barclays Women’s Championship games this season.
The trial is being led by the newly set up and independent Women’s Professional League Limited (WPLL). Since taking over responsibility of the top two tiers of women’s football in the UK, WPLL are actively looking at different way to improve the matchday experience for fans.
In this groundbreaking trial, fans will be offered the choice of alcohol at four selected Southampton FC Women’s home games as follows:
Sunday 19th January (Sunderland Women)
Sunday 2nd February (Newcastle Women)
Friday 18th April (London City Lionesses)
Sunday 4th May (Charlton Athletic Women)
Currently, football fans cannot drink alcohol in view of the pitch at matches in the BWSL and BWC due to the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985 – it applies to matches in the top five tiers of men’s football and has since been reflected in the Football Association (FA) regulations and adopted during the rise of women’s football.
However, as the WPLL is now fully independent of the Football Association (the FA), it can make changes to the structure of the league, invest in new technology and implement rule changes without FA oversight.
The trial seeks to understand whether giving fans the choice to drink alcohol in the bowl adds to the fan experience, whilst maintaining safety and being responsible.
Three other clubs have been selected to be involved alongside Southampton, with Bristol City, Newcastle United and Birmingham City also involved in the pilot.
Marieanne Spacey-Cale, Director of Women’s Football for Southampton FC, said: “This new trial marks an exciting step in enhancing the matchday experience for our fans. By allowing alcohol to be consumed responsibly in the bowl, we aim to create an inclusive, enjoyable atmosphere that mirrors the vibrant energy of the sport itself.
“Whilst we know it might not be everyone; this trial is about offering fans the choice to have a drink whilst watching the game if they’d like to. As always, fan safety and respect for all attendees remain our top priority.”
This trial will be a test and learn approach, with research being undertaken through the process and the club would appreciate fan feedback throughout the trial.
