Rate Stadiums you've been to

[Wedgie]

Wasn't quite sure which forum to throw this into but I'm interested in people's perspectives of stadium's they've attended at various sporting events interstate or overseas.
Especially if people have gone to places OS like Jimmy may have.
Mine:

Sydney Football Stadium.
I was there with over 30,000 people for a semi final in 1991, not a huge atmosphere, great viewing and good facilities though.

MCG:
Been there for 2 GFs, 1 sat in the bottom level of the Ponsford Stand, 2nd I sat at the top of the Southern Stand, always been overrated in my book, hate sitting up high, might be improved when its completed for the Commonwealth Games, never understood the Hoo Haa about it.

Waverley:
In my honest opinion, the most underrated stadium ever, a real footy atmosphere to it, went there twice and really enjoyed it, I loved the cauldron like atmosphere as it was built so far into the ground. RIP.

Telstra Dome:
Spent 1 quarter in the top level and hated it, spent the last 3/4s in the bottom and loved it, great atmosphere as long as you have a seat in the bottom or middle tier or stand up. Really enjoyed my night there and I was lucky tha I struck a top bame (when the Crows beat St Kildat there in 2005).

Bruce Stadium (Canberra):
Great Rugby League ground, bloody cold though, haven't been since its been redeveloped but good facilities, easy to get to and most importantly the mighty Canberra Raiders play there!

Kardinia Park:
Went there once and got a seat on the wing and loved it, great spot to watch footy as its such a skinny oval. Went there a 2nd time and stood up on a flank and thought it was OK. Last year I went with a few mates and stood up in the back bit and it sucked, although I love the Cats and we were about 5 goals up at 1/4 time I left and went back to Melbourne as it was hell (Cats beat Kangaroos by about 80 something points that day).

Also had a look at Suncorp, Carrara and the SCG when noone around but hard to rate when no event is on. Saw a few events at Olympic Park in Melbourne, it was a hole, but 2 great wins in GFs there by Adelaide City endeared it to my heart. Also had a quick look at the WACA when I was a kid but didn't really see it as my bus which contained my school band drove past it, all the kids were staring google eyed at the WACA while I was the sole kid on the other side of the bus staring at Gloucester Park, I suppose that's what happens when you have a dad like mine, you priorities Trotting tracks ahead of footy grounds.

PS For those not aware there's a site detailing most of Australia's biggest sporting grounds at: http://www.austadiums.com/index.php

[Magpiespower]

Homebush - too big, too sterile, too far away from the action.

SCG - electric atmosphere.

MCG - reeking with tradition when I was there, not so sure now.

Adelaide Oval - favourite ground but the enjoyment factor has dropped since it was vandalised.

Canberra Stadium - easy to get around because nobody goes to the Raiders, weather doesn't help.

North Sydney Oval - possibly the best ground in the land.

The Old Den (Millwall) - absolute nightmare, war zone.

The New Den (Millwall) - state of the art.

AIS Arena - glorified suburban basketball centre.

[am Bays]

Been to the G, twice love it great atmosphere especially when it is two Vic teams.

Went in 97 to Cats v North game Fri nite, the game where "Fanta Pants" McGrath ran down D Croker in the last minute to win the game for the Cats, sat with Cats fans as I was there with my cousin from Ocean Grove, they all went ballistic and were singing the song all the way back to the arts centre.

Wore my Bays scarf, and they still hung shit on me, ******* numb nut Cats fans don't they know a Glenelg scarf compared to a Richmond one, pfft

Seriously, wanted to jump down from the 1st level of the Ponsford stand, and play when the teams ran out, atmosphere absolutely sensational.

been past the SCG when a SOO game on, could feel the atmosphere,

Love Adelaide and Football pk - SA bias coming through, always joked during footy season that the "greens" were running at 17s on Adelaide as the surface is so good. win the tooss and bat April and August.

Traeger Pk is Alice springs is a shit hole and Marrara ain't too bad, sterile though compared to the old Gardens Oval.

Walked around the WACA when they were dismantling the old Farley stand, always hard to judge a stadium when it is empty.

[Rik E Boy]

A bit about the Gabba

A truly FANTASTIC venue, one that well and truly puts stadiums such as Football Park and Waverely in the shade. Very easy to obtain food and beverages...all right...beer and the viewing is Superb. It feels like you are sitting right on top of the action, has a very 'Adelaide Oval' feel about the viewing, perhaps even closer. The Gabba is also a good ground for shade coverage but alas, no grassy green hills like I have become accustomed to at the Oval.

regards,

REB

[Wedgie]

Went in 97 to Cats v North game Fri nite, the game where "Fanta Pants" McGrath ran down D Croker in the last minute to win the game for the Cats, sat with Cats fans as I was there with my cousin from Ocean Grove, they all went ballistic and were singing the song all the way back to the arts centre.

Wore my Bays scarf, and they still hung shit on me, ******* numb nut Cats fans don't they know a Glenelg scarf compared to a Richmond one, pfft

I was at the G for the 1994 Prelim when Ablett kicked the winning goal after the siren, I was at that end (Ponsford Stand) behind the Cats cheersquad, absolutely awesome that was.

PS The Cats fans just hung shit on you as you were a nuffy, doesn't matter if it was a Richmond or Glenelg scarf as they knew they'd be on the mark either way.

[am Bays]

Went in 97 to Cats v North game Fri nite, the game where "Fanta Pants" McGrath ran down D Croker in the last minute to win the game for the Cats, sat with Cats fans as I was there with my cousin from Ocean Grove, they all went ballistic and were singing the song all the way back to the arts centre.

Wore my Bays scarf, and they still hung shit on me, ******* numb nut Cats fans don't they know a Glenelg scarf compared to a Richmond one, pfft

I was at the G for the 1994 Prelim when Ablett kicked the winning goal after the siren, I was at that end (Ponsford Stand) behind the Cats cheersquad, absolutely awesome that was.

PS The Cats fans just hung shit on you as you were a nuffy, doesn't matter if it was a Richmond or Glenelg scarf as they knew they'd be on the mark either way.

Can't argue against logic!!! Is it that obvious from my posts!!!

Love the banter and repartee on this site, best of all we all love our clubs and SANFL

Long live SA footy

[JK]

MCG: Been there a few times, agree with Wedgie, the nose-bleeds are Shizenhouse, but similar to the Dome if you head down below to the standing room only there's a much better feel to the place ... Saw the 81' GF (awesome game, an experience Ill never forget), 99' GF (crap game, great pissup though, trying to remember the day/night is difficult), 02 GF (Great game & atmosphere), 03 (Crap game, nosebleeds, was forced to drink to endure), 04' (Great game and atmosphere)

Telstra: Nosebleeds suck, standing on lower levels is great, grog easy to procure, doesn't feel right watching the footy in such luxury though.

Norwood Oval: My Mecca, has Pale

[Rushby Hinds]

MCG - been there a few times, including an AFL Grand Final, good atmosphere but not as great as everyone pretends it is.

AAMI stadium - dead set hole.

WACA - seen an AFL game there, amazingly similar and shape, facilities etc to AAMI. Also a hole.

Optus Oval - seen a few games there. The place is(was) falling down.

Telstra Dome - 3 0r 4 times, absolutely love it!

Never got to Waverley, but everyone says it was a shocker.

[MagicKiwi]

In order of excellence:-

1. Eden Park, Auckland (Rugby Union)
2. Yankee Stadium, New York (Baseball)
3. Stadium Australia, Sydney (Rugby Union)
4. Madison Square Garden, New York (NBA Playoff, Stanley Cup Ice Hockey Final)
5. Englishtown, New Jersey (NHRA Winston SuperNational Drag Racing)
6. Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Indy Car)
7. Adelaide Oval (Rugby Union, Cricket)
8. Giants Stadium, New York (Gridiron)
9. SCG (AFL)
10. Magny Coors, France (Formula 1)
11. Dover International Speedway, Delaware (NASCAR)
12. MCG (AFL)
13. Edgebaston, Birmingham (Cricket)
14. Calder Park Thunderdome, Melbourne (AUSCAR, NASCAR)
15. Hindmarsh Stadium (International Rugby 7s)
16. Adelaide International Raceway (V8, Drag Racing, AUSCAR, NASCAR)
17. Football Park (AFL)
18. Athletic Park, Wellington (Rugby Union)
19. Phillip Island Circuit, Melbourne (Moto GP)

[Wedgie]

Crikey, you've been around MK!
My sort of woman with an interest in so much sport!

[Interceptor]

Footy Park/AAMI Stadium -better with new seats, dead though without big, pumped crowd
Adelaide Oval -always a great sporting arena
Optus Oval-been once back in '91, was surprised how small the ground actually was (like Norwood/Glenelg)

Up in Qld:

Suncorp Stadium -saw Adelaide United vs Qld Roar a couple of months back with a crowd of around 15,000; pretty impressed with the place (except for dive bombing moths and $5 for light beer)
Gabba -haven't been there yet
Carrara -will probably check it out when the Crows play Melbourne there in April

[Rik E Boy]

Footy Park/AAMI Stadium -better with new seats, dead though without big, pumped crowd
Adelaide Oval -always a great sporting arena
Optus Oval-been once back in '91, was surprised how small the ground actually was (like Norwood/Glenelg)

Up in Qld:

Suncorp Stadium -saw Adelaide United vs Qld Roar a couple of months back with a crowd of around 15,000; pretty impressed with the place (except for dive bombing moths and $5 for light beer)
Gabba -haven't been there yet
Carrara -will probably check it out when the Crows play Melbourne there in April

I'm going to that Carrara game as well Interceptor..I'll be on the lookout for the Mad Max vehicle in the carpark LOL. BTW, wasn't Craptus Oval a piece of 5hite??

regards,

REB

[Interceptor]

I'm going to that Carrara game as well Interceptor..I'll be on the lookout for the Mad Max vehicle in the carpark LOL. BTW, wasn't Craptus Oval a piece of 5hite??

REB

Well then, should look at meeting up at the game perhaps, you being a Legs man as well
I should be there in the beast.

As for Optus, my memories are a little vague, but yeah it seemed rundown!
I was there when the Crows beat Carlton on a mudheap.
Back when Michael Murphy was playing (got reported, kicked great torp goal out of the mud).

[MagicKiwi]

Crikey, you've been around MK!
My sort of woman with an interest in so much sport!

Have to keep cramming in the sport, we've only got one life (sigh), so little time...

(Wink acknowledged .... )

[SANFLsponge]

Been to a few over the years -

- Seen two world cup qualifiers at the MCG ,Great atmosphere for both except last 10 mins of Iran game !
- Saw 2nd division playoff final at Wembley ,doesn`t sound like much but the attd was 65,000, but Wembley itself at the time was on its last legs and a shithole.
- Saw Leeds play Spurs at Elland Road, came out of the ground and had the shit kicked out of us.( Memory a bit sketchy on stadium.)

- Oldham Vs Sheffiled Utd at Boundary Pk ,enjoyed the pre-match pints,nuff said.
- Followed Celtic for a season, Celtic Park awesome, especially old firm games.
- Best atmos ,saw Celtic V Rangers at Ibrox ,shook like a leaf for 90 mins, brilliant stadium (That hurts).
- Suncorp for Qtrs of Rugby World cup, brilliant stadium.
- Eden Park, Auckland for All Blacks V Wallabies, stadium a bit tired, but they bring you beer to your seat (Full Strength too)
- All locals covered, not a big fan of AAMI, love going to Adelaide Oval apart from 1945 stlye catering and bar service.

[ORDoubleBlues]

Crikey, you've been around MK!
My sort of woman with an interest in so much sport!

Have to keep cramming in the sport, we've only got one life (sigh), so little time...

(Wink acknowledged .... )

As well as so little money for some of us

[Dogsbody]

Been to all the current SANFL club grounds, AAMI Stadium and Adelaide Oval. The latter being the best. Hindmarsh Stadium is the best purpose-built soccer venue in the country.

Other than that, the only other ground I've been to in SA is in Clare, where Centrals played Sturt in 1995.

VICTORIA
MCG -- only once, for the Second Test of the 2003 International Rules Series. Even though most of the ground was under construction and therefore not populated with spectators, the atmosphere was killer.

TEAC Oval, Port Melbourne -- nice little suburban VFL ground. Went there for the 2005 State match, a few others here went too.
Olympic (Limp-d**k) Park -- went twice for Adelaide United games against the Melbourne Victory. No good for soccer, don't think its that much better for rugby either.


NEW SOUTH WALES
Aussie Stadium -- great place to watch soccer. A shame there wasn't anything to cheer about there.

SCG -- walked through there with security as us AUFC supporters were escorted out to our bus after the Bling Bling FC crowd dispersed.

Parramatta Stadium -- bugger that this place isn't used for national league soccer now, fond memories of this place. Liked the fact that the Leagues club was right across the car park. Good view of the place from the top floor bar too.


QUEENSLAND
Perry Park -- why the hell was this place ever used for national league soccer? Looks like a place amateur league clubs would use. One good point, the hill on the city side is good for getting the picnic rug out.


WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Subiaco Oval -- its OK as an AFL/WAFL venue, but it sucks as a place for rugby and soccer. Not because of that debacle in the last ever NSL finals series, but its just not good enough for the world game. Better off at MembersEquity Stadium which I haven't been to yet.

Fremantle Oval -- not too bad, this place. Has features reminiscent of several SANFL venues. I like the sheltered areas at the Fremantle town-end goals, would be a great idea for some of our grounds to have. Went there in 2003 for State match.

[Gilly]

Waverley:
In my honest opinion, the most underrated stadium ever, a real footy atmosphere to it, went there twice and really enjoyed it, I loved the cauldron like atmosphere as it was built so far into the ground. RIP.

There's a special on Fox Footy on Wednesday night at 8:30pm about this stadium. From memory, there was a promise from the Vic government when it was built that they would extend the train line out to the ground but it never happened which, without private transport, made it a pain to get to the ground from the city, but it was a good ground to watch footy at and the surface was exceptional. Saw many a Hawthorn win at this ground so it has fond memories.

[Dogsbody]

Have a look at some of these places from above...

Perry Park

TEAC Oval

Olympic Park

Parramatta Stadium

Fremantle Oval

[Gilly]

Not sure if this is the right place to post this but does anyone know when and more importantly, why, it was decided that alcohol must be consumed within the bar areas at footy park? Is it the only ground in Australia where you can't have a beer and watch the game at the same time? Seems to encourage binge drinking (i.e. you have to skull your drinks at the breaks rather than take them back to your seats).