PICTURES and VIDEO: Thousands of Baggies fans kick-off matchday at new Fan Zone

More than 3,000 West Bromwich Albion supporters joined TV personality Adrian Chiles and goalkeeper Ben Foster on Saturday.

The Fan Zone opened on the site of The Hawthorns pub, opposite the ground on Birmingham Road.

Ahead of the match against Southampton, fans enjoyed a licensed bar, food stalls and a big screen showing the Everton Vs Chelsea match.

For younger fans, there was face painting and an inflatable shoot out.

With a capacity for around 3,000 fans, supporters just have to show their ticket.

The official opening was marked with a balloon release, with five balloons holding tickets to the match against Everton later this season.

Keeper Ben told the crowd: "We live for Saturday afternoons and to see all the faces here today, we know you can't wait either."

Les James, 89, from Smethwick, is one of the oldest fans of the club and despite suffering a fall earlier in the week, he joined the stars on stage.

His first match was in 1948 and he said: "Most of the time the matches have made me happy."

Before kick off, Reggae band, Musical Youth, performed and were joined on stage by The Twang musician, Stuart Hartland.

Martin Swain, spokesman for the club said: "We are absolutely delighted. Fans are here in their masses and the sun is shining.

"We are asking for their ideas too and there is more we can do but as an opening launch we couldn't ask for more."

Life long fan Dave Cox from Wednesbury thought the zone was a great ideas.

The 51-year-old said: "It is a great idea, it is deal next to the ground and will improve match day for all the fans. It makes a good pre match build up.

"It is great to see the kids getting involved and the atmosphere is very family orientated."

But he laughed: "They need to change the colours of the gold and black inflatables."

Away fans were also welcome and ten year old Southampton fan, Oscar Binns enjoyed the activities.

His aunt, Wendy Stokes said: "It's a really friendly atmosphere, and a great way to keep fans occupied before the game."