Around 150 Boro supporters enjoyed an afternoon to remember as they met first team stars Darren Randolph, Patrick Bamford and Jack Harrison on one of our popular VIP Tours of the Riverside Stadium.
Our VIP Tours run in select school holidays, and are regularly in high demand. The interactive tour allows supporters to visit different areas of the stadium, and meet industry professionals who would typically work in each room on a match day.
The trio of players were situated in the home dressing room, and spent time answering questions from each of the group, before signing autographs and posing for photos.
“It was really good, you can tell it means a lot, especially to the kids,” said Bamford.
“You can tell it means a lot to them.
“They all want to know stuff that might not seem much to us but it makes their day, and they go home and tell all their friends. It’s nice to give something back.”
Jack Harrison, who has recently joined the club from Manchester City on loan, having played his entire professional career in New York, added: “The fans are important part of the club, and they help us on the pitch as well so it’s really good to get to know them a bit more here.”
Middlesbrough FC senior journalist Gordon Cox and Assistant Academy Manager Peter Hood spoke to supporters about media/academy topics in the state-of-the-art Media Suite, while North Riding FA referee George Roberts answered all questions on officiating in the ref’s room.
Our security control box at the top of the South Stand, the Generation Red Zone, and the pitch side area were also packed full of special guests.
“Our VIP Tours have been a great success over the past few years, and we were delighted to hear so many supporters giving positive feedback and the end of the tour,” said Diane O’Connell, MFC Foundation’s Fundraising & Event Officer.
“The players were fantastic as always with the fans, happy to answer their questions and giving them an experience that they’ll never forget.
“I also must thank all of our special guests from across both the club, the tour guides, and those who came externally to help make the event the success it was.”
