The Don Valley stadium, is primarily an athletics stadium that was built to host the World Student Games  1991. It is mostly an open bowl type stadium, with a large covered Main Stand on one side. This Main Stand has a capacity of 10,000 and it is unusual in two respects; firstly it has a unique looking roof, that resembles more of a material canopy that than a hard standing roof. Secondly, the Main Stand has a separate block of covered seating on each side of the main section, which almost look as a bit of an afterthought (although I am sure not) by the stadium designers. The rest of the stadium is comprised of open blocks of seating on all sides, with large access aisles (apparently these were incorporated for large concert crowds as the stadium is also used from time to time as a music venue). The playing area is surrounded by an athletics track and becomes only the second stadium in the Football League, after Brighton to feature one. The team dugouts are located on the opposite side of the pitch to the Main Stand, which results in quite a procession at half and full time. At one end there is a huge electric scoreboard but alas it was not in operation for the game. The stadium which is shared with Sheffield Eagles Rugby League Club, also features an unsual set of very tall, large floodlights.

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The Club are expected to make an announcement soon concerning the relocation of the Club back to Rotherham. However, it is unlikely to be back to Millmoor, but instead to a new 15,000 capacity stadium, to be built within the town boundaries. Further details will be released in due course.

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Stadium Sign

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Away fans are housed in a separate block of seating to one side the Main Stand. Away fans on arriving at the stadium main entrance, are directed to a walkway that goes along the back of the Main Stand car park, to the other end of the Main Stand, where there is a block of turnstiles. After the game away fans do not exit by the same route, but are directed around the inside of the stadium and leave via an exit gate across the end from where the away fans are located, bringing you back down onto the main Attercliffe Road.

As the stadium is sunken into the ground, then this means that you enter the stadium, half way up the Main Stand. The rear of the away section is covered, with open seating in the lower tier. Fans are set well back from the pitch because of the running track surrounding it, which is not great. Also apart from a few of of the most popular games, only the Main Stand and away section is open, meaning that you look out onto an empty looking stadium. The leg room is fine and the stewarding relaxed. Atmosphere, as to be expected really, with small crowds and a largely empty ground, isn't great, although the acoustics in the away end are not bad. Also noticeable at regular intervals was the sound of the tram passing behind the stadium. I was chuckled by a chant in the visiting supporters section, which was aimed at the Rotherham fans; 'Is that all you bring away? Is that all you bring away...'

The facilities inside the stadium are modern, clean and pretty good. The Club have put together a makeshift bar in an indoor area behind the stand. This was adequate on my visit, in terms of space and time to get served, but the away section was only around a third full, so it may be a different prospect if your team has a large following. A range of Pukka Pies were on offer (Steak & Kidney, Potatoe & Meat, Chicken Balti, Cheese & Onion) at £2.50. There were also Sausage Rolls at £1.50. Alcohol was also available on draught in the form of Strongbow (£2.90), Carlsberg (£2.80) and Tetley Bitter (£2.60) and Wine (£3.50).

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Don Valley Stadium

Thanks to Colin Peel for providing the photo above.

The area along Attercliffe Road towards the city centre, has a number of pubs and eating establishments, but is quite run down and isn't that welcoming. There are also, how shall I say; a number of 'establishments' dotted along this road, which probably sums up the mood of the area. One exception though is the Carlton at 563 Attercliffe Road, which is listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide, and is located not that far away from the Attercliffe tram stop, or around a 15 minute walk away from the stadium. The pub is a small two roomed pub, that has six hand pulled real ales on offer, that were in good condition and reasonably priced too. I noticed that outside the pub there were signs advertising it as an 'Away fans only' pub, however on my visit there seemed a fair mix of both sets of fans and locals and it was all very relaxed, even so the local constabulary visited just to make sure! To get to this pub, then on the main Attercliffe Road with the stadium behind you, turn left along this road (passing the handy 'Don Valley' chippy) and eventually near some shops you will reach the pub on your right. A lot closer to the stadium at 882 Attercliffe Road is the Greyhound which also has been recommended to me.

Going along Attercliffe Road heading away from the city centre (back towards the Motorway) are also a number of pubs in walking distance. There is the large Arena Park, which also does food. A little further on and set back on the left is the Wentworth, which is a small pub with a beer garden, that also shows Sky Sports. Further still is the interesting Carbrook Hall, which is reputedly haunted. Unfortunately this pub does not admit children Under 14 and doesn't open until 7pm on weekday evenings. You can find out more information on the Carbrook Hall website. Also in this area are KFC and McDonalds outlets. Otherwise alcohol is on sale inside the stadium.

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View From The Away Section

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A Closer Look At The Main Stand

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Ground Layout

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