Blackpool Football Club Stadium hotel guests are in for a surprise - literally - when booking a room with a pitch view that doesn't come with it. While the idea of watching the match unfold from the comfort of your own hotel room sounds appealing, a hefty £2,500 fine awaits those who fail to keep their curtains closed during a game. It's all down to EFL rules and regulations, which dictate that anyone in view of the pitch must have a ticket. This unusual regulation has been in place for 40 years, since hooliganism was rife in English football.
For journalists like myself, who are trying to get up close and personal with the action on the pitch, it's a major headache. Imagine writing a match report or analyzing player performances without being able to see what's happening on the field. The solution? Smuggling out of your room for a quick glimpse of the game in progress - or relying on the hotel's radio broadcasts.
But there's another issue at play here - one that has fans and journalists scratching their heads. The Sporting Events Act 1985 prohibits the consumption of alcohol within view of the pitch, but it seems Blackpool has found a way to circumvent this rule by banning booze from its hotel rooms altogether. The result? A darkened room with no way to watch the match - or enjoy a cold beer.
This arbitrary ban on alcohol in hotel rooms is being taken seriously by fans and journalists alike. Some argue that it's disproportionate, especially for low-risk matches where supporters might feel entitled to be treated like they would at any other sports event or leisure activity. There have been calls to reform the 40-year-old legislation, with some even suggesting a trial period.
For now, though, Blackpool's hotel guests are stuck in a unique situation - watching the match from behind closed curtains and missing out on a beer (or two). It's not all bad, though: there's complimentary soap to wash away the disappointment.
For journalists like myself, who are trying to get up close and personal with the action on the pitch, it's a major headache. Imagine writing a match report or analyzing player performances without being able to see what's happening on the field. The solution? Smuggling out of your room for a quick glimpse of the game in progress - or relying on the hotel's radio broadcasts.
But there's another issue at play here - one that has fans and journalists scratching their heads. The Sporting Events Act 1985 prohibits the consumption of alcohol within view of the pitch, but it seems Blackpool has found a way to circumvent this rule by banning booze from its hotel rooms altogether. The result? A darkened room with no way to watch the match - or enjoy a cold beer.
This arbitrary ban on alcohol in hotel rooms is being taken seriously by fans and journalists alike. Some argue that it's disproportionate, especially for low-risk matches where supporters might feel entitled to be treated like they would at any other sports event or leisure activity. There have been calls to reform the 40-year-old legislation, with some even suggesting a trial period.
For now, though, Blackpool's hotel guests are stuck in a unique situation - watching the match from behind closed curtains and missing out on a beer (or two). It's not all bad, though: there's complimentary soap to wash away the disappointment.
So like, imagine you're booking a hotel room with a view of the pitch and you wanna watch the game while you're chillin' in your room? Sounds cool, right? 
But nope! The fine is like £2,500 if you don't keep your curtains closed during a match. That's crazy talk! I mean, what even is the point of booking a room with a pitch view if you can't watch the game? 
It's not like you're gonna sneak out or anything... that's just a hassle.
I mean, it's not like everyone's gonna be binge drinking all day. And for journalists who wanna get the scoop on the game, this is like a total nightmare. No radio broadcasts either! That's just ridiculous. Can't they find a way to make this work that doesn't feel so draconian? 
I mean, can you believe they're fining people £2,500 just for looking at a football game from their hotel room? That's like saying don't even look out the window in your own home without permission! And what's with the booze ban in the rooms? Like, come on Blackpool, you can't have it both ways. Either you let people enjoy a cold beer while watching the match or not at all. It's just so... unreasonable 
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... i mean, why would they make it so hard for people to watch the game if they're paying good money to stay at the hotel? it seems like a way to keep the crowds from getting too rowdy, but what about all the journalists and fans who want to be close to the action? it's just another example of the powers that be trying to control every aspect of our lives 
...
! I mean, come on, £2,500 fine? That's like, a decent used car price! Can't they just relax the rules a bit for the fans who are actually trying to enjoy the match? And what's with the booze ban in hotel rooms? It's not like people are gonna get rowdy and ruin the game... unless it's a derby or something. I'd be totally down for a beer (or two) while watching the match, but nope, gotta hide behind curtains. Get some common sense, Blackpool! 
EFL rules can be annoying, but coming up with new ones that make life even harder for guests doesn't seem right. And honestly, what's next - banning Wi-Fi because you don't want people looking at the pitch during a game 
Blackpool needs to rethink their approach here. A trial period or something would be a good start. Let's not make things harder for people just because of outdated laws... 
But maybe Blackpool should reconsider their stance and find a more reasonable solution? 
And what's with the hotel ban on booze? Like, I get that some people might get rowdy, but it's just a chill atmosphere, you know? 
It's like they're trying to ruin the experience for fans. 
Anyway, I think the law should be reformed or at least have some exceptions for low-risk matches. It's just not fair to the fans and journalists trying to get their job done. 
no wonder u gotta smuggle out 2 watch the game or rely on the hotel radio broadcasts. this whole Sporting Events Act is whack lol, needs a reform ASAP 
