When you take a glance around London Stadium on a matchday, it immediately becomes clear how inclusive West Ham United’s new home is for family groups.
From £99 Season Tickets for youngsters, to the £5 tickets on offer for the Club’s European ties, the Hammers’ commitment to affordable family football has been longstanding.
The results of the Hammers’ efforts to make Premier League football accessible to families have borne fruit, with thousands of Under-16s Season Ticket holders now able to watch their heroes in the flesh.
One family who have made the most of the Hammers’ move to London Stadium is the Whybrows from Grays in Essex.
As attenders to the odd game at the Boleyn Ground, Danny Whybrow jumped at the chance to bring his seven-year-old son Freddie to watch the Hammers regularly at London Stadium by becoming Season Ticket Holders.
Danny said: “We sit in the East Stand and this is our first season as Season Ticket Holders.
“Freddie’s first ever match was the 4-1 win over Southampton in October 2012, so that was a great way to introduce him to West Ham!
“I’ve noticed more and more children around the Stadium now, which is great to see – the ticket pricing for young fans is brilliant and has played a big part in this.”
SPINE-TINGLING
Danny’s story is echoed by Somerset-based supporter and Claret Member Rob Mann. Rob is on the Season Ticket Priority List with his 11-year-old son James and they attended the recent games against Juventus and Astra Giurgiu.
Rob said: “My whole family’s first visit to the new stadium was the game against Astra Giurgiu, I wanted to experience a fixture under the lights so I could really compare it to Upton Park.
“The atmosphere was good with Bubbles sending a shiver down my spine. The family really enjoyed themselves and my daughter Leah and my wife were very impressed with the new stadium.
“I have been bringing the kids to watch West Ham since my son was six years old and definitely believe that this stadium is a great experience for my family although I am glad my children also experienced Upton Park.”
GENERATIONS
The Clark family’s support for the Hammers spans three generations, with the move to London Stadium proving to be a bonus for Grays-based Johnny, his eight-year-old son Alfie and his parents John Snr and Mary.
With Johnny’s daughter Cassie also attending Hammers games, Johnny is delighted at the Club’s efforts to make the matchday experience inclusive for families.
He explained: “We have been season ticket holders for three seasons now as a family. For the price of one Season Ticket at Upton Park we now can take a family of four, and if you know my dad you will know he loves a bargain so that made him very happy!
“It’s a top, top, top stadium, built to be one of the best in the country. So that’s what our team needs to be now and it looks like we are heading that way.”
ACCESS
As the father of three young boys, Burton-upon-Trent-based Hammer Dan Piggott says the ease of access to the Hammers’ new home has made a huge difference to their matchday experience.
He said: “Like it was for the majority of fans, leaving Upton Park was difficult, but we have been so impressed with the new stadium and we are really glad to be here now.
“Getting to and from the stadium is very easy which makes a big difference with three small boys in tow. And the views of the pitch are excellent which again makes for a great matchday experience for my kids.
“There is so much to do in and around the stadium it makes for a great day out. West Ham winning of course always helps!
“I am certain that the new stadium is family friendly and my kids have really enjoyed attending the first few games of the season. The facilities and amazing views really are first class and that makes a big difference when bringing young children to the games.
“I have to believe people will be more inclined to bring their children to the games now.”