So, listen up. I finally did it. For years, I’ve been saying I wanted to splash out and do the full-on, fancy hospitality package at Elland Road. I usually just fight for a cheap ticket, stand up, and freeze my backside off. But my 50th birthday rolled around, and my kids actually clubbed together and bought me a couple of tickets for the Leeds vs. Aston Villa game. Not just standard tickets, mind you. They went for the whole shebang. We’re talking proper hospitality.
I wasn’t the one picking the package, they were. They chose the ‘The Executive Box’ experience, and when I looked up the cost afterwards, my jaw practically hit the floor. It was absurd money. So, what did we actually get for that ridiculous outlay? I’m going to walk you through the entire afternoon, from the moment we pulled up to the moment we stumbled out post-match.
The Entry and Initial Setup: Flashing the Credentials
We arrived about three hours before the game, as advised on the email confirmation. Immediately, the experience felt different. We didn’t use the regular turnstiles. We were directed to a specific entrance near the West Stand. We showed our special passes – they were lanyard credentials that looked way too important for me. We were ushered past two security checks and took a lift up to the executive box level. Honestly, it was like stepping into a different universe from the general admission areas I’m used to.
The box itself was tiny, just enough room for ten people, and it had its own dedicated host. A bloke named Gary, who immediately shoved a glass of prosecco into my hand, which I then swapped for a pint of lager because, well, it’s Leeds. Gary explained the timeline and handed over the official match programmes and team sheets. Everything was laid out perfectly.
The Food and Drink Experience: Seriously Filling
This is where I was most interested, because I’d heard stories about tiny, poncy meals. Not here. They brought out the food in two stages. Pre-match, we were served a serious three-course buffet, and at half-time, they wheeled in the cheese and biscuits, plus some hot pies.
I snapped a few pictures of the menu details so I wouldn’t forget what they served us. It was way more than just finger food. It was proper eating.
- Starter: A smoked salmon and prawn cocktail – classic, nothing fancy, but really fresh.
- Main Course (Buffet Style): Slow-roasted beef joint carved right there, served with Yorkshire puddings, mash, and seasonal veg. This was the highlight. I went back for seconds.
- Dessert: Sticky toffee pudding with vanilla custard. Heavy, satisfying, exactly what you need before a cold game.
The drinks package was unlimited from three hours before kick-off until kick-off itself, and then again for an hour after the final whistle. This included house wines, bottled beers, and soft drinks. You didn’t have to pay anything extra during those times. Once the game started, you had to pay for drinks, but Gary, our host, kept the pre-match drinks flowing right up until the whistle blew.
The Seating and Extras: Right on Top of the Action
The seats were the next big thing. They were right outside the box, padded, and on the halfway line. We were positioned in the upper tier of the West Stand, which gave us a fantastic, elevated view of the entire pitch. I could see every pass, every mistake. It was the best view I’ve ever had at a football match, hands down.
But the real unexpected perk? They brought a club legend into the box before the game. It was Tony Dorigo. He spent about fifteen minutes with us, answering daft questions, signing the match programmes, and talking about the current squad. That was genuinely brilliant. I got a photo with him, which my mate Dave insisted on immediately posting on social media.
The Post-Match Verdict: Was It Worth the Cash?
After the game (which we thankfully won 2-1!), we retreated back into the warm box. They immediately restocked the bar and brought out the final round of food—those hot pies I mentioned earlier, plus sandwiches. We stayed for almost an hour after the final whistle, discussing the game and sipping beers while the crowds outside dissipated.
So, the big question: Is Leeds United hospitality worth the huge price tag? Honestly? If I were paying myself, probably not, unless it was for a once-in-a-lifetime game. It is extremely expensive. But my experience was flawless. The level of service that Gary provided was second to none. The food was fantastic, the seats were perfect, and the exclusive access, especially meeting a legend, made the whole thing feel incredibly special.
It’s a massive indulgence, but if you have the budget, or if you are looking for an unforgettable gift for a proper Leeds fan, it delivers exactly what it promises. I walked out feeling pampered, full, and completely satisfied. Now, back to queuing for those cheap North Stand tickets for the rest of the season!