We were there on the first night at around 5:50pm and the place was more or less empty. All the decent seats around the stage area had reserved signs on them and despite the room being empty we had to pull seats together and sit in a corner around an old oil drum . I don't really mind the price of a pint as long as its decent as the club benefits . I do mind the the fact that decent tables are reserved and the rest have to make do. We are all Wigan fans , first come first served should be the rule .

Regards EW

I was thinking about going pre-match tomorrow, but think I'll swerve it after reading all of this.

It sounds like the south stand bar, with all the bad bits brought over, in a sports hall with more expensive drinks.

I knew the riversiders would wreck it.

To be honest pre-match is good. Defo worth a trip. Live music and busy so has a good vibe. It's only post match where it goes a bit 'Riversidey' it doesn't help as only around half as full, might be more in this weekend as its Sunday afternoon still.

Who's putting out the 'Reserved' signs on tables? The Riversiders? I knew they'd strangle the idea at birth. Biggest set of rockets going

The first week of this was really promising, with the acoustic act and the set up being a bit less plastic than the stadium bars. Beer choice of Just lager or John Smiths Bitter was poor though, plenty of keg lines to put an IPA on. This lured me back the 2nd week and what a sea change. Some well meaning but mis-guided Riversiders woman interviewing a bladdered Andy Greg who couldn't follow the questions and just gave generic answers. After that some toe-curling scenes of grown adults moidering the two unfortunate players who had been made to come over was anough for me to leave.

If they can separate this and the Riversiders kling ons it has real promise but unfortunately I think they don't quite have the imagination to break away from the player 'meet and greet' formula that attracts folk with 'Loyal 18' on the back of their replica shirts.

Sunday pre match was the busiest of the lot so far, quite a few Hull FC fans in there which was good to see. I stood more towards the rear bar away from the stage but the live music was good again. I can see the rear bar being pushed right back to the side wall which will get a couple hundred more in soon.

It then went downhill after that when Riversiders woman wheeled out Andy Greg (third time running). It was then I decided enough was enough and headed into the ground.

For the first time I didn't bother with post-match cause I was cold and wanted my tea. Photos from Marshall look like it was a busy one. I think they are 85% there we with what they want to achieve.

I agree with questioning the reserved Riversiders tables... what's that about? First come first served for me.

A better interviewer and some different voices need to be heard as well. Summer should be good when the doors are open onto the arena.

Better fans than the rest of us.

I’m sure I heard the women asking if anybody was still with her or listening at one point in the interview The sound system is awful so probably not. It felt a bit like an interview would if my Nan did it. I’d have thought they’d look to get the guy from Wigan fan tv involved.

Things to work on but happy enough so far. I think the feel about the place will be better once the weather is better, U18’s games are on and you can mooch in and out with a pint in your hand.

At least we get to find out what the players favourite foods are though

I’ll echo what other people have said about it feeling just like the south stand bar did... to much influence of the riversiders kills it for me. The reserved tables, cringeworthy interviews and raffle makes it feel like the south stand bar did. This should have a different feel and attract a younger crowd.

The bar is great, the atmosphere is decent, the music is good but they need someone with a fresh face doing the interviews instead of that lady from the south stand bar. One minute it feels like a cool supporters bar and the next minute it feels like a shambles.

Let the riversiders sell raffle tickets on the door and I’d say that should be about it from them.

they raise a fortune for the academy and do loads for them and the club the riversiders, but yeah lets bag them for reserving some tables....(im not one by the way)

They can still raise money for the academy

The table reserving isn’t an issue IMO. I’d like to think anyone who ‘needs’ a seat gets one and then having most people stood up and able to move round and chat to their mates or other supporters makes the atmosphere better. I thought if anything they’d put too many tables in on Sunday.

what, by selling some tickets as you walk in?