West Brom fans to toast Premier League kick off with free drink

Albion kick off their season against Bournemouth this weekend - and Baggies fans heading to The Hawthorns will be given a free drink voucher on arrival in a repear of last season's opening home game offer.

A voucher will be available at the turnstiles offering a choice between a bottle of lager, cider or soft drink.

The vouchers are available from designated distribution points in home concourses when the gates open at 1.30pm. They will stop serving at 2.45pm.

It mirrors the offer owner Guochuan Lai made at Albion's first home game of last season and comes after dedicated fans who travelled to see the side play in Hong Kong this summer were treated to free drinks and free shirts by the Baggies board.

The Baggies have also made a few changes to The Hawthorns over the summer, adding a few aesthetic touches to the concourse, while meeting accessibility standards at the same time.

The club have increased the number of wheelchair bays from 145 to 171 in order to meet their recommended quota by this season's deadline.

There is also a new sensory area for fans on the autism spectrum to enjoy that serves the Smethwick End and Halford's Lane.

The area features a bubble tube, soft seating and wall projectors so that visitors to the room can enjoy matches in a relaxed and peaceful space.

Kevin Candon, chairman of the disabled supporters' club said: "Looking at the finished product, it is absolutely superb. You couldn't wish for anything more. Absolutely first class.

"This is the welcome you want when you come into your club. This club has gone beyond what they had to do for us."

Chief executive Martin Goodman added: “This is a huge step forward in creating facilities for all supporters and a great opportunity for providing accessible facilities for both present and future fans.

“We consider ourselves a welcoming and inclusive club and look forward to new supporters enjoying these facilities.”