4th best stadium outside the Prem

[Porto Red]

Apparently 

[pommers65]

Ours is clearly the best..Including the prem

[pillred]

16 minutes ago, Percy Pig said:

To be fair, I do love AG. As rebuilds go, it's hard to think of many better. The concourse is brilliant and the Lansdown looks amazing on the skyline. 

Our stadium reminds me of that old song nice legs shame about the face the face being the Atyeo stand, I'm sorry but it just lets the side down for me and is now looking pretty sorry for itself compared to the rest of the ground, what we could do about it? who knows. 

Edited February 9, 2023 by pillred

[Rocking Red Cyril]

Yes Atyeo is a job not finished.

[beaverface]

I think the rebuild of the Atyeo will be the ultimate challenge between making Ashton Gate look like an identi-kit stadium, or having an amazing feature\end that other clubs can be envious of.

IMO, and I've banged the drum a lot for this over the years, the Atyeo would be absolutely amazing as a huge single tiered stand, but would be reliant on removing the houses behind.

If we have a similar stand to the South Stand, it will just make Ashton too much of a flat pack stadium.

[beaverface]

1 minute ago, Percy Pig said:

Precisely my worry, and the only solution really available to us at thus point would be a mirror of the Dolman and SS. 

A "Kop" end would be really cool in the future, but we are never likely to have crowds big enough to justify that level of expense. 

...unless the rumour is true about a new consortium is looking to buy out SL but it's all dependent on how the stadium can be increased in capacity going forwards.

(note: that was a rumour on another thread on OTIB - so nothing concrete)

[slartibartfast]

29 minutes ago, pillred said:

Our stadium reminds me of that old song nice legs shame about the face the face being the Atyeo stand, I'm sorry but it just lets the side down for me and is now looking pretty sorry for itself compared to the rest of the ground, what we could do about it? who knows. 

You could say the same about Valley Parade. three superb sides then that godawful double decker away "stand" !

[AppyDAZE]

Probably best put as best stadium never to have hosted Premier League football. 

Then they might have a point. 

[Dredd]

Having been to both Valley Parade and Hillsborough, give me AG any day. 

[The Bard]

58 minutes ago, beaverface said:

I think the rebuild of the Atyeo will be the ultimate challenge between making Ashton Gate look like an identi-kit stadium, or having an amazing feature\end that other clubs can be envious of.

IMO, and I've banged the drum a lot for this over the years, the Atyeo would be absolutely amazing as a huge single tiered stand, but would be reliant on removing the houses behind.

If we have a similar stand to the South Stand, it will just make Ashton too much of a flat pack stadium.

Just drop the idea of a large stand there.

 

Unless there is a catastrophic collapse in house prices, it would cost far too much time and money to buy that lot up. In time it is most likely that it is knocked down and a replacement put in place that connects to the rest of the ground. I suspect that will happen when the Dolman needs to be replaced. The top of it has a shelf life for certain.

[Super]

Will take 4th. What position was The Mem?

[Simon bristol]

1 hour ago, pillred said:

Our stadium reminds me of that old song nice legs shame about the face the face being the Atyeo stand, I'm sorry but it just lets the side down for me and is now looking pretty sorry for itself compared to the rest of the ground, what we could do about it? who knows. 

I kinda agree, but as a temporary measure it would be easy to steam clean all the white roof metalwork that has got 30 years of dirt on it, and replace the seating with new red seats to match the other stands? Maybe fill the tunnel in as well? Why we didnt do this when we did all the other work im not quite sure?! We could also cover the “bristol” in the dolman stand, it might be left like that to placate the rugby team but as the home stadium of bristol city it looks unfinished?

[Simon bristol]

Just now, Simon bristol said:

I kinda agree, but as a temporary measure it would be easy to steam clean all the white roof metalwork that has got 30 years of dirt on it, and replace the seating with new red seats to match the other stands? Maybe fill the tunnel in as well? Why we didnt do this when we did all the other work im not quite sure?! We could also cover the “bristol” in the dolman stand, it might be left like that to placate the rugby team but as the home stadium of bristol city it looks unfinished?

Actually its not that big compared to the dolman, it could have the outer brick work covered over with cladding to match the other stands as well?

[42nite]

1 hour ago, beaverface said:

 

(note: that was a rumour on another thread on OTIB - so nothing concrete)

 

Tents then!    ?

 

[Robbored]

2 hours ago, Percy Pig said:

To be fair, I do love AG. As rebuilds go, it's hard to think of many better. The concourse is brilliant and the Lansdown looks amazing on the skyline. 

I’m sure many of us can remember AG prior to the rebuild - two of the four stands had become tired and worn out, including the old EE where many stood, sang and chanted for decades. 

However, times change and the redevelopment was long overdue. Now AG is a really decent stadium.

One negative tho is the difficulty in creating a decent atmosphere despite the efforts of the singing section, poorly situated in the corner of the SS - but that’s a different topic.

 

[Red DNA]

Not reference to stands, but when the concourse approach(through the Wickes area)  finally gets done the impression for fans coming into the ground will be awesome. I’m guessing the existing entrance for pedestrians past KFC will become obsolete?

Edited February 9, 2023 by Red DNA

[Tinmans Love Child]

2 hours ago, pillred said:

Our stadium reminds me of that old song nice legs shame about the face the face being the Atyeo stand, I'm sorry but it just lets the side down for me and is now looking pretty sorry for itself compared to the rest of the ground, what we could do about it? who knows. 

The Atyeo has always looked pretty rubbish, from the back and the front IMO, and it stands out even more now when the rest looks great!

[Tinmans Love Child]

3 minutes ago, Robbored said:

I’m sure many of us can remember AG prior to the rebuild - two of the four stands had become tired and worn out, including the old EE where many stood, sang and chanted for decades. 

However, times change and the redevelopment was long overdue. Now AG is a really decent stadium.

One negative tho is the difficulty in creating a decent atmosphere despite the efforts of the singing section, poorly situated in the corner of the SS - but that’s a different topic.

 

When 24 odd thousand City fans are all singing (aka the Man Utd game) there were no people saying the atmosphere was rubbish because of the stadium design etc etc. If more people sing then the atmosphere will be better, it's nothing to do with the design or the acoustics or where a small band of singers are sat.

[Robbored]

5 minutes ago, Tinmans Love Child said:

When 24 odd thousand City fans are all singing (aka the Man Utd game) there were no people saying the atmosphere was rubbish because of the stadium design etc etc. If more people sing then the atmosphere will be better, it's nothing to do with the design or the acoustics or where a small band of singers are sat.

As I said - that’s a different topic.

[Kodjias Wrist]

4 minutes ago, Robbored said:

As I said - that’s a different topic.

But you still made a comment about the topic to which @Tinmans Love Child responded. 

[downendcity]

1 hour ago, Super said:

Will take 4th. What position was The Mem?

They didn't include camp sites.

[Open End Numb Legs]

Happy for an upgrade to the Atyeo stand provided the name remains and Ashton Gate as a name never changes.

The idea of having something called, for example The Acme Tool Supplies Stand in the Acme Building Society Arena sends shudders in places you don't want to know about.

[Bristol Oil Services]

4th best stadium outside the Prem, Second Toughest (Fans) In the Infants Championship *

[GTFABM]

54 minutes ago, Robbored said:

I’m sure many of us can remember AG prior to the rebuild - two of the four stands had become tired and worn out, including the old EE where many stood, sang and chanted for decades. 

However, times change and the redevelopment was long overdue. Now AG is a really decent stadium.

One negative tho is the difficulty in creating a decent atmosphere despite the efforts of the singing section, poorly situated in the corner of the SS - but that’s a different topic.

 

Reading your post i was 100% expecting a PA system comment. 

[Redandproud]

1 hour ago, Super said:

Will take 4th. What position was The Mem

No position available, too low, ,

[NOTBLUE]

40 minutes ago, downendcity said:

They didn't include camp sites.

It’s included in the best camp site league table,finishing just below the one in ‘Carry on Camping.

[Porto Red]

54 minutes ago, Bristol Oil Services said:

4th best stadium outside the Prem, Second Toughest (Fans) In the Infants Championship *

Dubnobasswithmyheadman far superior, of course 

[Merrick's Marvels]

24 minutes ago, Porto Red said:

Dubnobasswithmyheadman far superior, of course 

Released on 24 Jan 1994. Had it on the walkman for our away game the very next day.

Liverpool 0 City 1.

What a journey home that was - Brian Tinnion + Underworld = just about the best legal high you can get. Who needs drugs!

Edited February 9, 2023 by Merrick's Marvels

[Leveller]

Strange list. Has somebody rebuilt Hillsborough since I was last there? I mean it was great in 1966 when it was used for the World Cup, but all I’ve read recently suggests it is a big but crumbling liability for the club. Their fans seem to feel it needs an absolute fortune spent on it to update it.

[RoystonFoote'snephew]

10 minutes ago, TomF said:

It's a really odd list.  The likes of Huddersfield's ground is far superior to either of the top two.  Also the likes of Norwich, Derby and Swansea might have something to say.

I would disagree about Huddersfield which looks decent from the outside or from an aerial shot but is a major disappointment once you're inside. Derby is a clone of Middlesbrough's Riverside and everytime I look at the roof I see Wolf from Gladiators crawling upside down on it. Although the family stand side is a little disappointing I rather like Deepdale especially the floodlight pylons at each corner

. 

[CiderJar]

So many nice stadia missing from that list.

To put Bradford first is missing this

and, as has been said, putting us fourth is missing this

 

But that BookFace page do like old grounds and probably think Kennilworth Road is "quaint" even though it is a boil on the arsehole of the world

 

[Bristol Oil Services]

1 hour ago, Porto Red said:

Dubnobasswithmyheadman far superior, of course 

Yep, 1st Best Including the Premiership 

[ExiledAjax]

Personally I absolute love Charlton's The Valley. Far from luxurious but it's a great away end and unusual in that you enter half way up. 

[pongo88]

6 hours ago, pillred said:

Our stadium reminds me of that old song nice legs shame about the face the face being the Atyeo stand, I'm sorry but it just lets the side down for me and is now looking pretty sorry for itself compared to the rest of the ground, what we could do about it? who knows. 

There are quite a few clubs that have lopsided grounds - eg WBA, Burnley, Forrest. With these sort of grounds, often, the TV cameras are placed in the oldest, worst, stand so it doesn’t show on television. Unfortunately with City that’s not the case. Nothing is going to change, at least in the near future, as SL has made it clear that buying the houses behind the Atyeo to enable expansion isn’t going to happen. 

Edited February 9, 2023 by pongo88

[pongo88]

5 hours ago, beaverface said:

I think the rebuild of the Atyeo will be the ultimate challenge between making Ashton Gate look like an identi-kit stadium, or having an amazing feature\end that other clubs can be envious of.

IMO, and I've banged the drum a lot for this over the years, the Atyeo would be absolutely amazing as a huge single tiered stand, but would be reliant on removing the houses behind.

If we have a similar stand to the South Stand, it will just make Ashton too much of a flat pack stadium.

Has Steve Lansdown had his ear plugs in during your drumming? 

[Winterstoke toad]

1 hour ago, CiderJar said:

So many nice stadia missing from that list.

To put Bradford first is missing this

and, as has been said, putting us fourth is missing this

 

But that BookFace page do like old grounds and probably think Kennilworth Road is "quaint" even though it is a boil on the arsehole of the world

 

Good post but am I the only person who doesn’t get the hype about the stadium of light . I’ve always seen it as a bland bowl .

[Yellow&Blue&Red]

It's not just the  stadium itself that's great. It's the area around the stadium, the view FROM the stadium and the approach. Great bars and places to eat on North Street, North Street itself, the bridge, the gorge, the suspension bridge. Ashton Court. Ashton Gate is the best located stadium I know - and not just because I can walk to it!

Edited February 9, 2023 by Yellow&Blue&Red

[southside]

3 hours ago, NOTBLUE said:

It’s included in the best camp site league table,finishing just below the one in ‘Carry on Camping.

"All  asses must be shown

[maxjak]

How's about the worst stadium currently in the Prem?   I can think of a few grounds that are better than some of the current Prem stadiums?

[Guest]

I am hoping one day the Atyeo will be replaced to mirror the south stand. I think this can be achieved looking at the aerial footprint. Issue is high cost for little commercial gain. Jon Lansdown did say that this stand was not the end product but gave no more information as to if a future refurbishment or replacement was the aim. Unfortunately there appears to be no scope to replace the stand with anything bigger than the south stand which is a shame.

 

I am sure I read that the Dolman had a lifespan of 15 years when it was redeveloped. This was published at the time but never repeated that I am aware of. Would be amazing to replace this with a carbon copy of the lower Lansdown stand with the boxes, with the scope to add a second tier in the future if the flats behind ever were demolished. Again this is something previously discussed however no one seems to know if such blocks have an end of life date or not.

I am looking forward to the next phase getting underway. Ashton Gate will be something really impressive and unique.

 

[pillred]

18 minutes ago, maxjak said:

How's about the worst stadium currently in the Prem?   I can think of a few grounds that are better than some of the current Prem stadiums?

Well that's an easy one the home of just 11,000 fans Dean court there are bigger and better stadiums in league two. 

[Merrick's Marvels]

Any chance we could have the 4th best team, 17th best ground - not the other way round? 

Just sums us up - great place, shame about the team. Twas ever thus, by and large. 

Next! 

[22A]

It was pointed out in "Fighting Talk" last Saturday that Premiership Bournemouth have a smaller stadium than Yeovil & Scunthorpe from the Natonal League.

[MarcusX]

Obviously I’m bias but I can’t remember many times I’ve been to a ground and thought I prefer it to ours. Especially when you factor in the sports bar and “village” bit outside.

Hillsborough is steeped in history, Norwich is decent for what’s around it. The lookalike stadiums lose their magic a little bit. 
 

I love what we did at AG and so glad we stayed

[pillred]

15 minutes ago, Merrick's Marvels said:

Any chance we could have the 4th best team, 17th best ground - not the other way round? 

Just sums us up - great place, shame about the team. Twas ever thus, by and large. 

Next! 

If having the best ground was any criteria Spurs would surely be the best team in the country, but a bit like us having a decent ground that is unfortunately no guarantee of success.

Edited February 9, 2023 by pillred

[Open End Numb Legs]

When as a couch potato TV spectator it is good to have something with a bit of character about it so that you recognise the ground the moment you see the action.

What is Craven Cottage like? It looks quirky and has the history but might be horrible to be inside?

[Yellow&Blue&Red]

1 minute ago, Open End Numb Legs said:

When as a couch potato TV spectator it is good to have something with a bit of character about it so that you recognise the ground the moment you see the action.

What is Craven Cottage like? It looks quirky and has the history but might be horrible to be inside?

I love Craven Cottage. My second favourite. Loved it when it was still terraces for away fans, with a walk down the river and the cottage in the corner. Building the stands still hasn't spoilled that - it's still great.

[Jim Davey]

9 hours ago, Porto Red said:

Apparently 

Been to all of those grounds ,city and Rangers the best by a mile.

Edited February 9, 2023 by Jim Davey

[Jim Davey]

8 hours ago, slartibartfast said:

You could say the same about Valley Parade. three superb sides then that godawful double decker away "stand" !

Got some great memories in that stand from a few years back .

[eardun]

57 minutes ago, Yellow&Blue&Red said:

I love Craven Cottage. My second favourite. Loved it when it was still terraces for away fans, with a walk down the river and the cottage in the corner. Building the stands still hasn't spoilled that - it's still great.

I love going to Craven cottage as well. Lovely walk down the river from Putney and a sit on the park next to the ground before kick off. Full away end. Of course we’ve had some great results there in recent years which also helps! Late Tomlin free kick winner being one of them. 

[southside]

6 hours ago, Porto Red said:

Dubnobasswithmyheadman far superior, of course 

Skyscraper I love you, what a tune! 

[slartibartfast]

1 hour ago, Jim Davey said:

Got some great memories in that stand from a few years back .

And me........................but point still stands .

[Port Said Red]

9 hours ago, Tinmans Love Child said:

The Atyeo has always looked pretty rubbish, from the back and the front IMO, and it stands out even more now when the rest looks great!

What's it like inside? Did it get a makeover that matches the home areas? Has anybody been in there since it became an away section?

[redkev]

2 hours ago, Jim Davey said:

Got some great memories in that stand from a few years back .

Me too , very lively night of the cup game all those years back when Bradford were decent on & off the field . 
remember being in there equivalent of the 3 lions before kick off with other city fans , not a good idea

they were not happy 

[nickolas]

11 hours ago, pillred said:

Our stadium reminds me of that old song nice legs shame about the face the face being the Atyeo stand, I'm sorry but it just lets the side down for me and is now looking pretty sorry for itself compared to the rest of the ground, what we could do about it? who knows. 

Ah you mean BOBFOC!

[pillred]

37 minutes ago, nickolas said:

Ah you mean BOBFOC!

That's one of the quotes that I bet whoever came up with it punched the air and said yes!!, it's brilliant. And yes it sums up the Atyeo perfectly. 

Edited February 9, 2023 by pillred

[Tinmans Love Child]

13 hours ago, Robbored said:

As I said - that’s a different topic.

You brought it up!  

[CiderJar]

15 hours ago, Winterstoke toad said:

Good post but am I the only person who doesn’t get the hype about the stadium of light . I’ve always seen it as a bland bowl .

Yes, good point. It was not the best example but one of many that are way better than Valley Parade, one of the most lop-sided stadiums in the country.

[Sir Colby-Tit]

19 hours ago, Merrick's Marvels said:

Who needs drugs?

Yes please 

[pillred]

20 hours ago, eardun said:

I love going to Craven cottage as well. Lovely walk down the river from Putney and a sit on the park next to the ground before kick off. Full away end. Of course we’ve had some great results there in recent years which also helps! Late Tomlin free kick winner being one of them. 

I watched a vlog uploaded to you tube from a Fulham fan after the game when that winner went in, well let's just say it did not go down well made me laugh though.