"The atmosphere was not bad" - How West Brom stadium the Hawthorns is rated on Tripadvisor | OneFootball

Football League World looks at how supporters have rated the Hawthorns on TripAdvisor

West Bromwich Albion's home stadium, the Hawthorns, is generally a well-liked stadium across the Championship.

Naturally, the Baggies faithful take great pride in a ground that the club has called its own since 1900. It often proves to be a tough place to go for visiting sides too, with the Albion home supporters more than capable of creating a rocking atmosphere when they're in the mood.

But it's perhaps more interesting to gauge how neutral and visiting supporters view the ground. Away teams are often handed a fair allocation and supporters who make the trip can rest assured with the easy transport links around the stadium, while there's also a good selection of pubs and restaurants nearby.

When you speak to supporters who've attended the Hawthorns, either as a home or visiting supporter, you're likely to hear good things. Here, though, we've decided to dive into Tripadvisor reviews and measure just how the Hawthorns is ranked.

The Hawthorns' rating on Tripadvisor

The Hawthorns has an average rating of 4.0 from 113 reviews on Tripadvisor.

Of these reviews, 60 of them are "excellent", which boosts the venue's overall ranking on Tripadvisor. Meanwhile, a further 30 are "very good", 17 are "average" and only six reviews fall beneath those categories.

There have been two "poor" and four "terrible" reviews made about the Hawthorns, but the overwhelming majority of supporters have seemingly enjoyed a positive experience when visiting the Albion's home ground.

One of the most glowing endorsements of the Hawthorns is courtesy of Tripadvisor user Ben, who visited the Hawthorns as a travelling Plymouth Argyle supporter for last season's 0-0 stalemate.

Ben wrote: "Plymouth -> West Bromwich! Started the day by finding some street parking within a 5-minute walk from the ground which was a great start to the day. When we approached the ground the stadium looked fresh and modern from the outside.

"We asked a steward outside the ground who said there was not a lot around the ground but found a pub in a 20-minute walk away which was very nice. We got into the ground very quickly and found our seats easily.

"The away end is placed behind the goal on the righthand side. The quality of the ground was very good and quite big which they filled it. The atmosphere was not bad. Recommend this ground, will be going again!"

The Hawthorns is disability friendly

Another review well-worth pointing out was posted by Tripadvisor user Bethann S, who praised the Hawthorns' disabled access facilities and the helpfulness of the stewards on the day after attending last season's Boxing Day fixture between the Baggies and Norwich City with her husband.

This review, which was titled "What a great Disability friendly day at the Match!" read: "First, getting accessible tickets was simple. Getting a free accessible parking space (with proof of blue badge) is also simple.

"The match programme was only £4.

"Getting into the grounds- easy. The Accessible entrance is easy to get to, well-marked, and you are immediately met by a "Disability Liaison Steward" who processes your tickets and gets you to your seat.

"First, though, as I had not been there before, I was shown the location of the "Accessible concourse" with accessible loos, changing rooms toilet, sensory room, and the accessible food stand that was designed for all kinds of access needs. Stunning! And it was around the corner from our seats!

"Our seats were great! Right on the corner, and it felt like we were in the action. Well, for the first half as in the second half the away team never really went to close to our goal... but we didn't mind!

"I wanted a scarf, so the Disability Steward cheerfully went to get it for me... he was so happy just to help! Rick, you are a gem!

"Food and drink prices were what you would expect, but the queues weren't bad at all.

"Everything was immaculate, plenty of room, the seating was good, the access was perfect, the lady from the accessible ticket office was friendly and helpful, the stewards and security couldn't do enough to help... everywhere there were signs reminding us that not all disabilities were visible. Mine is, but my husband's isn't... it made him a lot more comfortable using the accessible loos.

"And we won. How much better could the day be? Of course, football fans can shout a few naughty words, but, everyone was friendly and well behaved. Saw a Baggies fan helping a lady in Canary colours by pushing her wheelchair down to her stand. How lovely!

"A great day out, no obstacles to a good time!"

The food and drink options at the Hawthorns are "basic"

If you're ever attending a match at the Hawthorns and find yourself feeling peckish or wanting a drink, you may be better-served by exploring the alternative pubs and restaurants in the area.

That's because Tripadvisor user Sean Noone, who was a season ticket at the Hawthorns as of April 2023, has criticised the food and drink options on offer at his club on matchday.

Sean's review is particularly critical of the Carling lager that can be purchased at the Hawthorns, which is "horrible" in his view.

His review stated: "I'm a season ticket holder. I attended Hawthorns for many times. The match was fun and worth going to if you're a Baggies fan.

"The staff at the venue was OK. I didn't really speak to them that much as some of them seemed not approachable.

"One staff member at the gate was a nice chap. He always smiles and makes us feel welcome.

"The food and drinks were just basic. I'd advise avoiding getting a Carling bottle as it tastes horrible. The price for a pint was £4.70. I'm not sure if it will remain same or increase in the new season."

Hospitality at the Hawthorns is "disappointing"

A rather different matchday experience at the Hawthorns can be obtained in the Richardson Suite, where hospitality packages are available to be purchased by supporters.

This season, a matchday hospitality package at the Hawthorns starts at the price of £120 + VAT, while more premium packages can cost up to £200.

Back in 2021, though, Tripadvisor user 'johnandmel123' was left somewhat disappointed after attending West Brom v Bristol City in the Richardson Suite.

The review read: "Visited to watch the Albion v Bristol City. We have been several times before but feel the standards are not as good as they used to be. The food portions were small and a bit dry.

"The service was very slow and we had to keep asking for stuff. We never even got offered our coffee course. We were on a table of ten people and it was elbow room only.

"The people we met on the day were the nicest people to ever have a meal with and we had such a good time with them. Overall a nice day out as an Albion fan but overpriced with mediocre service at best. It seems more like quantity than quality. Disappointed but a good result on the day."