LATEST NEWS
Golf Day
The Aston Villa Golf Day is always one of the highlights of the year - and you can book a place at the 2010 event for your team now.
This year's event takes place at the Belfry on Tuesday April 20. It costs £925 plus VAT for a team of four players to enter, with the price inclusive of the following:
- A current or former player as part of your team if required and subject to availability)
- Souvenir gift for each golfer
- Team photograph on first tee
- Stableford competition on the Brabazon Course
- Prizes for the longest drive and nearest the pin
- Hole-in-one wins a car courtesy of sponsors, SEAT UK.
- Four places at a celebratory four course dinner (including a player or former player if in your team)
- Prize ceremony
- Guest speaker for the evening
Call 0800 612 0960 for more details.
Festive Success
Christmas at Villa Park was a major success with a visitors getting into the festive spirit at a host of exciting events.
A total of 46 Christmas party events were held, with many including fine dining and top quality musical entertainment.
Visitors to Aston Hall By Candlelight enjoyed a buffet at the Holte Pub, with one happy diner, Emma Holsey, describing it as "first class service and food".
The Glitz and Glam party in the Trinity Road suites was hailed for its excellent atmosphere, great food and fine musical choice from the DJ.
Rona Power from Hall Green, attended the Christmas Family Fun Lunch, and said: "The food was superb, the service was excellent and we would book up again next Christmas."
This sentiment was echoed by Mary Kelly from Kings Heath, who has taken her family to the event for the past few years.
Another success story was the Stadium Tour and Lunch package, which Mrs L M Thomas Sheldon called: "An excellent tour and meal, tour guide brilliant."
Visitors got the chance to rock around the Christmas tree with the Cornerflag Party Night and Jingle Bell Rock in the Holte Suite.
The tribute nights also went down a storm. Mrs S Tonkin of Rowley Regis - a guest at the Grease Tribute night - commented: "Everything was great. We were made to feel at home and enjoyed it. Food was great and so was the disco."
Our 2010 Christmas parties brochure will be available soon, and also look out for an exciting calendar of events planned throughout 2010.
The winner of the VIP hospitality package for two at Villa Park was Iain Sterenberg.
Big Breakfast
Not only were the doors to Villa Park thrown open to supporters for our open training day, but local businesses took the chance to sample our award-winning hospitality.
The Prepared business breakfast was attended by 176 local companies, who were able to watch Villa's stars in training action, while networking with other like-minded guests.
It took place in the Trinity Road suites, with guests enjoying an excellent two-course breakfast buffet.
The breakfast marked the launch of the clubs Prepared half seasonal membership packages which are now on sale.
Half seasonal memberships start at £1,125 (inc VAT) per person and include the final 11 home games of the 2009-10 season - when Villa take on the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Man United, Blues and Wolves.
For more information on Trinity Road hospitality, and half seasonal memberships call 0800 612 0960 (option 1) or click here.
Suite Success
Villa's new-look Holte Suite proved a massive hit at a special event to celebrate its reopening.
Around 300 people - including club partners, representatives, corporate clients, community leaders and members of the media - attended the prestigious re-launch event on Thursday September 3.
Guests enjoyed a three-course gourmet menu prepared by Villa's award winning chefs, while there was live music from the 20-piece Birmingham All Stars band (pictured).
A raffle took place, with prizes presented by special guest Jennifer Bolt - mother of the world's fastest man and triple Olympic sprint gold medallist Usain Bolt.
The event, which was compered by AVTV's Jack Woodward, raised £2,300 for Villa's official partners, Acorns.
The historic Holte Suite was given a major facelift over the summer and recently reopened as a matchday facility for supporters.
With its versatility and state of the art facilities, it is also the perfect venue to accommodate major corporate conferences and banquets, private events and weddings.
For more information please call 0800 612 0960 (option 2)
Sensational Suite
Villa's fantastic Holte Suite has once again opened its doors.
The historic landmark venue has been renovated this summer and has now been relaunched to supporters.
Season ticket holders will be given admission - as always - on a first-come-first-served basis.
The extensive alterations follow on from the refurbishments of our Trinity Road Stand and the Holte Pub over the past few seasons.
It's not just a matchday facility, however. It is also perfect for conferences, banquets, exhibitions and private celebrations - so don't delay, book today.
For more information, contact 0800 612 0960 or email enquiries@avhe.co.uk
Fine Dining
Enjoy a unique match-day dining experience with our new 1874 restaurant. Located in the Trinity Road Stand, the restaurant offers single match hospitality for Barclays Premier league, European and domestic cup fixtures.
The suite offers full-length views of Villa Park and Aston parklands.
Suite Gets Revamp
Working is going well on upgrading the Holte Suite for the 2009-10 season.
The new-look suite will be able to accommodate private conferences for up to 800 delegates and banqueting for up to 650 guests.
It will boast state-of-the-art facilities and contemporary design and will include a private foyer and mezzanine bar.
The Holte Suite will remain a fans venue on matchday.
Taste of Birmingham
This summer will see Aston Villa taking part in the 'Taste of Birmingham' event for the first time.
Having just won the 'Matchday Hospitality Experience' award at the recent Football Hospitality Awards at Stamford Bridge, Villa's hospitality and events team are keen to prove that there is so much more to enjoy at Villa Park, than just 90 minutes of football.
"It makes perfect sense to us to participate this year," said Alison Plant, Villa's Head of Hospitality and Events.
"We're already won a number of awards for our culinary provision and we want to show the people of Birmingham what we can do. Our dedicated team at Villa Park are ready to 'wow' you with stylish surroundings, contemporary cuisine and knowledgeable, efficient staff; the 'Taste of Birmingham' event is our perfect showcase."
Running from July 9 to 12 in Cannon Hill Park, the 'Taste of Birmingham' event is a fine dining experience and a chance for food lovers to sample the fare of the best restaurants around, in an informal, accessible setting.
With advance tickets starting at only £10, this is a fantastic opportunity to treat yourself to great food and drink, speciality produce to take home and to take it all on board at your own pace, in one of the city's finest parks.
Don't miss out. Book your tickets now at www.visitbirmingham.com/taste
Super Service
Villa were the big winners at the Football Hospitality Awards 2009, taking home the prestigious Matchday Hospitality Experience award.
The club walked away from the ceremony - hosted by The Stadium Experience at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge - with the top prize.
The award had a strict point scoring criteria, with judges experiencing hospitality at 20 clubs over a period of six months, assessing attributes such as parking access, signage and welcome to food quality and standards of service.
Clubs from the Premier League to Coca Cola League Two attended the ceremony, with nine awards being handed out in total.
Villa were delighted to have fought off some tough competition to secure the top gong.
Star Man Stan
Stiliyan Petrov was voted the top star of the season after walking off with the two main awards at Villa's Annual Dinner.
Petrov scooped gongs for both the Players and the Supporters Player of the Year.
Nathan Delfouneso, meanwhile, was also a double winner after he went home with the Young Player equivalents.
John Carew's incredible volleyed effort against Stoke won Goal of the Season while Mark Kinsella was named Former Players Player of the Year.
Golfing Joy
The fairways were perfect, the sun was shining, the claret and blue heroes were out on the course and the scores were impressive - the Villa Golf Day 2009 was a rip-roaring success.
The annual event, sponsored by the club's official car supplier SEAT UK, saw several teams compete in a stableford competition at the Belfry's world-famous Brabazon course.
The team from Zircom Data Communications, including midfield marauder Craig Gardner, Ron Linforth, Phil Watson and Graham Smith emerged victorious over the Ryder Cup venue of 1985, 1989, 1993 and 2002.
Coming in second was Seat Exchange - led by skipper Gareth Barry - and supported by Mark Richardson, Howard Kennerley and Gary Notcott.
Completing the podium positions was manager Martin O Neill's Villa team, featuring goalkeeping coach Seamus McDonagh, performance analyst Paddy Riley and physio Alan Smith.
And in further great news, the event raised a total of £3,730 for Acorns after a terrific raffle and heads and tails game.
We would like to thanks SEAT UK for their invaluable backing. New Patron Link
Birmingham Forward, the lobbying and networking organisation, has just completed the signing of a major new patron - Aston Villa Football Club.
The Premier League Club has signed a deal to become a Patron of Birmingham Forward in 2009.
Aston Villa joins a range of other patrons who include Barclays Wealth, Deloitte and West Bromwich Building Society.
As a patron, Aston Villa will receive branding on all Birmingham Forward corporate promotions, the website, as well as access to a range of events including regular patron's dinners.
Aston Villa's Alison Plant Head of Hospitality and Events said: "As a major business in our own right it is important that we engage with the corporate community and so becoming a patron of Birmingham Forward is an important step for us.
"It will ensure that we can sustain regular contact and involvement with the city's professional and financial services community."
Graham Nichol, Birmingham Forward Board director and patron champion, added: "I am delighted to welcome Aston Villa as a patron.
"Randy Lerner's ownership of the club has seen significant investment both on the pitch and in the wider community.
"I think this patronage of Birmingham Forward is a very clear sign that the club is serious about its commitment to playing a major part - not only in the sporting life of the city but the corporate one too."
Alison's Audience
It was a global gathering when far-flung football chiefs got together to compare notes in London - and we were there to fly the Villa flag.
More than 1,000 guests attended the inaugural Leaders in Football conference, which was held at Stamford Bridge, the home of Chelsea FC.
Among them were club representatives from Germany, Italy, America, South Africa, Russia and many other foreign climes.
There were also delegates from top firms keen to share their expertise with the powerhouse worldwide football teams.
And our very own head of hospitality and events, Alison Plant, led a seminar about the use of technology to enhance the corporate matchday experience - something she's pretty familiar with after 12 years at the club.
Alison was wired up with a microphone and fielded questions from the audience - but there wasn't even a hint of stage fright.
She said: "I did feel a bit daunted beforehand but I know the subject well, so it was fine.
"It's fitting for Aston Villa to have a presence at events like this. If we're going to be a top-four club we need to think like one - and it's important to operate on international networks too."
Funky Fundraisers
Villa Park revellers raised more than just a smile when they held their annual dinner dance - because they also scooped more than £32,000 for Birmingham Children's Hospital.
Long-term North Stand boxholders Granlyn Autopaints throw a charity fundraising bash each year - and there's always a good party to be had along the way.
This time was no different, with live music including an Amy Winehouse tribute singer and a mouth-watering meal cooked up by Villa's award-winning hospitality and events team.
More than 300 guests enjoyed the top-notch evening in the classy Holte Suite, just one of the many spectacular settings Villa Park boasts.
Granlyn director Craig McDonald said: "We were really impressed with the amount raised, particularly given the current economic downturn.
"It was a fantastic evening, and it's great to know you're making a difference."
Something To Shout About
Our hospitality and events team proudly showed off what Villa Park has to offer when they set up a stall at a top national conference.
More than 350 firms from across the country had a stand at Event UK, a two-day exhibition at the NEC here in Birmingham.
Every aspect of putting on an event was covered - from finding a venue to customising the furniture - and it was a chance to highlight the benefits of choosing Villa's top-notch hospitality services for matchdays and the rest of the year.
And organisers confirmed that the crowds totalled 4,041 - so here's to many more H&E gigs at Villa Park.
Villa Get Down To Business
Villa sponsored an exclusive members-only networking event organised and hosted by Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Over 200 delegates and 12 exhibitors attended the event which took place in the multi-million pound refurbished Trinity Stand in the 82 Lounge and Trinity on August 22.
The event was one of a series of high-profile networking events that the Chamber organises as part of its annual events programme.
The events programme enables member companies of all sizes and business sectors to meet new and existing business contacts with the opportunity to discuss business experiences, issues of the day and best practice.
To find out how Birmingham Chamber membership can benefit your business, simply call 0121 607 1874 or visit www.birmingham-chamber.com.
Terrific Trinity
Villa held an 'open evening' to show off the multi-million pound Trinity Road hospitality project.
And it was a massive hit with clients, customers and supporters.
The classy new facility- which contains a suite of four sparkling executive lounges - has been described as "among the very best in the country."
The club were determined to enhance the packages available to supporters in order to help Villa compete in the upper echelons of the Premier League off the field as well as on it.
Three exciting packages have been completed - McGregors, Trinity and 82 Lounge while Directors will be finished in time for the Villa v Manchester City Premier League opener on Sunday.
With Directors, you have the chance to dine with club officials and invited guests in our most exclusive suite.
McGregors is a chic and modern restaurant which overlooks both Villa Park and Aston Park. The package affords you fine cuisine and VIP seating.
Trinity is a new and unique restaurant on the first floor of the refurbished stand and offers you relaxed dining and VIP seating on the half-way line.
82 Lounge is a relaxed and contemporary bar located on the first floor. Again, you can enjoy new premium seating.
There is still some availability for seasonal memberships in the new and impressive areas. Interest has been extremely high, so call us today for more details on 0800 612 0960 or email prepared@avfc.co.uk. You can also view the fantastic new Trinity Road Project website at www.trinityroadhospitality.co.uk.
AVHE Goes Live
Villa's Hospitality and Events department has launched its new website - www.avhe.co.uk.
The new-look website coincides with the corporate department's new identity, as Aston Villa Hospitality and Events has replaced Business Villa.
The new site includes information and contact details on everything the department looks after, from matchday hospitality through to booking your wedding.
Discussing her department's new identity, Alison Plant, Head of AVHE, said: "By developing a closer association with the Aston Villa brand, it means we are clearly recognisable, which will enable us to not only create a solid platform for success but also to reach new audiences.
"We have a dedicated and committed team who are focused on delivering a quality business experience."
As well as corporate work on a matchday and throughout the week, Aston Villa Hospitality and Events also looks after stadium tours, weddings, childrens' birthdays, Christmas parties as well as the newly renovated Holte pub.
