Blackpool Stadium Hotel's Pitch-View Room: A Bizarre Experience Without a View of the Game
If you book a 'Superior Room with Pitch View' at Blackpool Football Club Stadium hotel, it seems reasonable to expect a room with a view of the pitch. However, those expectations are swiftly dashed due to an obscure rule that requires guests to keep their bedroom curtains drawn throughout any match being played.
The rules are clear: "Due to the EFL rules and regulations, bedroom curtains have to be kept drawn throughout a match." Failure to do so can result in a hefty fine of £2,500. It's not hard to imagine why hotel management might want to avoid such fines, especially considering that fans could potentially be tempted to open their curtains during an exciting match.
As I settled into my room, the atmosphere outside grew more electric by the minute, with chants and cheers from the stadium growing louder as kick-off approached. But in my room, it was just silence. The panoramic window facing the pitch offered a spectacular view of Blackpool Tower but also meant I had to endure the sounds of the match without any visual entertainment.
To pass the time, I checked my phone for updates on the game score, listened to radio commentary, and even indulged in some Escape to the Country on TV. But despite the best efforts of my editors, this was more an experiment on human endurance than a traditional sports journalism assignment.
It seems there are two main reasons for this rule: EFL regulations that require everyone in view of the pitch to have a ticket, and the Sporting Events Act 1985, which bans alcohol consumption within view of the pitch. The latter law has been particularly problematic for hotel guests like me, who couldn't even enjoy a cold drink without risking a fine.
The lack of flexibility around this rule is not only inconvenient but also seems disproportionate to modern times. Many see it as an outdated measure that could be revisited in light of changing attitudes towards sports and entertainment.
For now, I'm stuck with my darkened room, forced to rely on radio updates and the occasional glimpse of a goal being scored through the window. It's not exactly the high-octane experience sold by Blackpool Football Club, but it is an eye-opening look at one of English football's quirkiest rules.
If you book a 'Superior Room with Pitch View' at Blackpool Football Club Stadium hotel, it seems reasonable to expect a room with a view of the pitch. However, those expectations are swiftly dashed due to an obscure rule that requires guests to keep their bedroom curtains drawn throughout any match being played.
The rules are clear: "Due to the EFL rules and regulations, bedroom curtains have to be kept drawn throughout a match." Failure to do so can result in a hefty fine of £2,500. It's not hard to imagine why hotel management might want to avoid such fines, especially considering that fans could potentially be tempted to open their curtains during an exciting match.
As I settled into my room, the atmosphere outside grew more electric by the minute, with chants and cheers from the stadium growing louder as kick-off approached. But in my room, it was just silence. The panoramic window facing the pitch offered a spectacular view of Blackpool Tower but also meant I had to endure the sounds of the match without any visual entertainment.
To pass the time, I checked my phone for updates on the game score, listened to radio commentary, and even indulged in some Escape to the Country on TV. But despite the best efforts of my editors, this was more an experiment on human endurance than a traditional sports journalism assignment.
It seems there are two main reasons for this rule: EFL regulations that require everyone in view of the pitch to have a ticket, and the Sporting Events Act 1985, which bans alcohol consumption within view of the pitch. The latter law has been particularly problematic for hotel guests like me, who couldn't even enjoy a cold drink without risking a fine.
The lack of flexibility around this rule is not only inconvenient but also seems disproportionate to modern times. Many see it as an outdated measure that could be revisited in light of changing attitudes towards sports and entertainment.
For now, I'm stuck with my darkened room, forced to rely on radio updates and the occasional glimpse of a goal being scored through the window. It's not exactly the high-octane experience sold by Blackpool Football Club, but it is an eye-opening look at one of English football's quirkiest rules.
anywayz, its kinda cool that they banned alcohol cuz thats definitely a distraction lol but seriously, who thought this rule was a good idea? 
they just fine you 2k50 for having a curtain up?!? its just hotel policy, right? like what happens if theres a natural disaster or something and the power goes out and ur stuck in the dark with no way to see whats going on?!? its like they forgot that hotels have people staying in them who actually want to watch the game too 
A hotel room with pitch view and you're stuck in the dark? It's like they're trying to create a sense of deprivation or something. I get it, EFL regulations and all that jazz, but can't they just make an exception for customers who actually pay top dollar for a view? And what about the Sporting Events Act 1985? Like, is there really anyone out there who's gonna try to sneak in a beer during a match? 
. It's just common sense to want to be able to open your curtains and enjoy the match with some visual entertainment, you know? And what about fans who are staying in rooms right next to the pitch? They must be going mental! 
. It's not exactly what I'd call a 'sports journalism assignment' more like an endurance test, lol! 