My point though JD, is wouldn't you swap the frequently benign atmosphere at Deepdale now for what we had back in the 90's? Win, lose or draw - it was a great place to be back then.It's a bit unfair blaming the club for various pubs shutting down.
Away days will ALWAYS generate a better "match day experience" as it starts, London trips especially, from the early hours of the morning (6am).
Regards a FanZone - which I presume will be outdoors - in decent weather, like this week, it will do well but come late October - March, I cannot see it doing well at all due to the weather.
People will either remain at home until it's time to leave for the game or remain inside their town pub of choice in the warmth.
Nowadays, most of the time, there's only the result which renders it a good day. The quality of performance on the pitch has been stomach churningly dreadful for a long time.
Away days are the nearest thing we'll get to a good atmosphere (barring the visits of local rivals).