Season Ticket holder Phil West was the lucky winner of MK Dons’ recent Facebook competition, which saw him win three clubPlatinum tickets for the Sky Bet League One clash with Blackburn Rovers – all thanks to Utilita.
Phil, who came closest to guessing the total distance covered by the Dons in their last three home matches in March, watched the Easter Monday match with Blackburn from the Directors’ Balcony along with his son Chris and brother Steve.
The day also included a three-course meal in the Pitchside Restaurant, a tour of Stadium MK and the opportunity to be included in the official team photograph prior to kick-off.
The competition was made possible by Utilita, one of the Britain’s fastest growing energy suppliers, who kindly donated the three clubPlatinum tickets.
mkdons.com caught up with Phil to reflect on his experience....
What is your MK Dons supporting history?
“My Son and I attended the first game at the National Hockey Stadium and have been Season Ticket holders ever since.”
You entered the Utilita competition on the MK Dons Facebook page – what were your first thoughts when you got the message to say you’d won?
“Delighted would be an understatement. Considering, I entered late on as well as the amount of guesses already submitted, there was also an element of disbelief.”
No doubt you had a few people volunteer to join you – who did you bring with you?
“My son Chris was obviously first choice and my second guest was my brother Steve – a keen football enthusiast. Having bought him along on numerous occasions before, including the Manchester United game as that’s the team, I thought he'd have the chance to enjoy this one.”
How was your meal and experience in the Pitchside restaurant?
“The meal was exceptional, from service to presentation and taste. I started with the Chicken & Duck salad, followed by the Roasted Sirloin of Beef and for dessert I had the Lemon Meringue. The Restaurant is a very spacious area, with well-drilled and very attentive staff serving and looking after you.”
How did the seats on the Directors’ Balcony compare to where you sit week in, week out?
“My Season Ticket seat is in the corner to the right-hand side of the cowshed as you face pitch. Seating position is a real personal preference – I normally prefer to look across the whole pitch, rather than what I would call ‘the tennis view’ turning you head from side to side. Saying that, the elevated view from a central position was very enjoyable. The atmosphere in the Directors box is also a little more subdued and a more relaxed way of watching the game.
What would you say to other Dons fans who haven’t yet given clubPlatinum a try?
“It’s definitely worth giving it a try, using the upgrade vouchers in your Season Ticket pack.”
Finally, Utilita really looked after you on the day, giving you access to some of the benefits they were enjoying as the Matchball Sponsor – including the stadium tour, photo with the captains and match officials before kick-off. What were your highlights of the day?
“I must say a massive thank you to our host Jem from Utilita – all three of us thoroughly enjoyed our day. Having received the itinerary beforehand and knowing what was coming, there was a lot to look forward to. Receiving the matchball after the game as an unexpected added bonus but the highlight for me was the football in the second half – to see us take the game head-on to the league leaders. Had it not been for a Man of the Match performance from their keeper, it could very well have been a different result but it gives me hope and encouragement for the remaining games that we can stay in the division.”
MK Dons fans who switch to Utilita will receive an exclusive, limited edition Dons in-home display cover plus a £25 voucher to spend in the Club Superstore.
Those who switch will also receive Smart Meters at no extra cost, excellent customer service and all the other benefits including exclusive access to festival and music tickets through its partnership with the world’s leading entertainment promoter, Live Nation.
