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1. Why you
were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may
be):
I
(and my son) always look forward to new grounds. As Ipswich Town fans,
who live in the North, it's been a great experience to travel a one
hundred mile radius to follow the team. Oakwell was no exception and we set
off on a beautiful day over the Pennines and down into "Kes"
territory.
2. How easy
was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
The journey, by car, was very easy and
the signposts must be the best in the UK! Very well signposted from
the M1 all the way to the stadium. It was a little bit confusing once we got
there, regarding where the Visitors' Car Park was located, so we ended up in
Home Supporters' Car Park. Cost three pounds, which I thought was very
reasonable.
3. What you
did before the game pub/chippy.... home fans friendly?
We walked around the ground, through the home supporters to the
away fans end with no problems. Warm, friendly atmosphere. We ate at the stadium, which
was nice food and well priced. I agree with previous comments about the grilles
giving it a prison-type feel, but it was nothing really, we hardly
noticed.
4. What you
thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other
sides of the ground?
I really liked the ground. The away end
is one of those that can be split, but there was no need as the capacity
was miles from being reached. We had excellent seats and the ground was
both impressive (the new stands) and quaint (the old Main Stand).
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies,
toilets etc..
We were
approached by a man who asked if my son would take
part in a shooting competition at half time. Naturally, he was thrilled and we
set off to the half way line at the interval. We were looked after
superbly and my son was given a signed ball (signed by both teams)
for taking part. The stewards were friendly, the toilets clean, but I don't
eat pies! (Despite coming from the North!) so can't comment there. The game was
exciting, if scrappy in parts. Ipswich scored in the eighty second minute only to
have it cancelled out in the ninety third, but the result was
fair.
6. Comment
on getting away from the ground after the game:
It took a while. We weren't fussed. Probably about half an
hour.
7. Summary
of overall thoughts of the day out:
A superb day, obviously made special by the shooting competition, but I
love clubs like Barnsley,whose supporters shun the big Clubs and support their
locals. |
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