Our CEO Ivan Gazidis was quoted as saying the following at last night’s Arsenal Supporters Trust Q&A
“The club’s level of service and responsiveness to supporters was a major area for him.”
Well, approach the magnificent façade of the Emirates and you will see the restaurants on Club level with chic presentation Ice Sculptures and juicy roasts being served to the hungry diners pre-match. The Emirates boasts world renown two Michelin star Raymond Blanc as the Consulting Chef for the well heeled patrons of the Diamond Club. I feel certain that their quality of fare and level of service is in keeping with the proud almost elitist “Arsenal way”
Contrast this with the experience of the also rans…
They say that an army marches on it’s stomach, well as far as the Red Army of North London is concerned, our stomachs are not only scraping on the ground, they are red raw from the abuse delivered in the form of the catering service at our Stadium for us ordinary fans.
I stress ORDINARY fans, yes the 50,000 faithful who guarantee Arsenal Football club’s survival. But one would think that these fans would be appreciated and receive quality catering in return for the premium prices paid for our season tickets and the disappointing results on the field. NOT ONE BIT… I’m afraid.
Who ever is responsible for te catering at the Stadium needs to up their game and I suggest that if you feel that the level of service has deteriorated then drop him a line and let me know what response you get. Ranting aside, am I really alone in experiencing poor quality service of the catering available? OK I know that contract/seasonal staff have to be used, but here are some of the examples that I have personally experienced this season.
After standing in a long queue on Sunday (final game) I reached the front only to be told… The only Beer is bottled Fosters at £3.30 a pop which is equivalent to £5 a pint They had RUN OUT!
I asked for Bovril at one evening game in the winter only to be given Coffee!!! Then the Bovril machine failed and no-one was able to refill it…
Early lunchtime kickoffs regularly have less pies on sale (WHY?)
Chicken Balti pies at even at £4 each used to be edible, now they appear dry and stale (pastry wise)
Watch for the lack of attention to personal hygiene when seeing some of the servers get your Nachos or pizzas…, I witnessed one guy sneeze then wipe his hands down his tunic, at which point I walked away from the station in disgust, ARE THERE NO HAND WASHING FACILITIES? Should they be wearing gloves perhaps????
Anyway, I have had enough and I REFUSE to spend any more money at the Stadium on refreshments until I can see some improvement.
Am I alone in this experience?, please list your personal encounters below in the comments and if there are enough of them then I’ll send this blog to Mr Gazidis for his feedback…
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
