Popular Post ChicagoBristolFan Posted March 23, 2023 Popular Post Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 Hello! The Wife and I (American Bristol City fans) will be attending our first match vs Rotherham! We are looking at W15 in Landsdown, or E31 in Dolman. Would the experience be much different between the two? Or are there any other recommendations? Appreciate any help that can be provided! 5 2 17 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dollymarie Posted March 23, 2023 Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 I’d say Lansdown because that side of the stadium is newer. (no offence to anyone in the Dolman, don’t all jump on my head! ) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BCFC-Tom Posted March 23, 2023 Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 FYI if you choose the Dolman stand you have to leave your seat at the 80th minute. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unan Posted March 23, 2023 Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 I’d say E31, far more authentic and less sanitised, you can walk from the Dolman to the Lansdown pre game / half time to experience the whole stadium. Whilst the games on, in my opinion, being with the older/‘dedicated’ fans is a better bet. Although, if it’s a poor game there’ll be far more moaning in the Dolmsn, massively generalising but they ‘care more’. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hertsexile Posted March 23, 2023 Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 1 hour ago, ChicagoBristolFan said: Hello! The Wife and I (American Bristol City fans) will be attending our first match vs Rotherham! We are looking at W15 in Landsdown, or E31 in Dolman. Would the experience be much different between the two? Or are there any other recommendations? Appreciate any help that can be provided! I sit in W15 in the Lansdown stand we have a good view. The atmosphere is also good I recently took an American to watch the Norwich game he described the experience as awesome. Hopefully your visit to Ashtongate is as awesome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Army 75 Posted March 23, 2023 Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 1 hour ago, ChicagoBristolFan said: Hello! The Wife and I (American Bristol City fans) will be attending our first match vs Rotherham! We are looking at W15 in Landsdown, or E31 in Dolman. Would the experience be much different between the two? Or are there any other recommendations? Appreciate any help that can be provided! I would recommend the Dolman stand. In amongst it a bit more and IMO it would make it a bit more memorable. Either way enjoy your day at Ashton Gate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leveller Posted March 23, 2023 Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 53 minutes ago, Marcus Aurelius said: I’d say E31, far more authentic and less sanitised, you can walk from the Dolman to the Lansdown pre game / half time to experience the whole stadium. Whilst the games on, in my opinion, being with the older/‘dedicated’ fans is a better bet. Although, if it’s a poor game there’ll be far more moaning in the Dolmsn, massively generalising but they ‘care more’. It’s a bit odd to consider fans in one stand to be older or more dedicated than in another. I moved from the Dolman to the Lansdown after the rebuild, for the better view (no sun in your eyes) better legroom and newer facilities. I’m sure that is true of many others. It’s a better experience in the new stand, that’s for sure. 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1960maaan Posted March 23, 2023 Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 I go along with @Leveller said. For comfort, slightly more leg room , I'd say Lansdown. TBH there's not a lot in it otherwise, unless it's sunny , then that can be a factor in the Dolman. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
italian dave Posted March 23, 2023 Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 My brother, 35 years in DC and latterly Richmond, VA, will tell you Dolman - that's where he sits every time he comes over. As has been said, the Dolman can be slightly more cramped - so if you're tall/large/long legs you may find more legroom in the Dolman. The sun can be an issue (if its out), but easy - just wear a cap - I assume you wear one night and day anyway as Americans!! But, I have to say.....Rotherham: you certainly know how to pick them!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Packman Posted March 23, 2023 Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 Will you still be in Bristol the week after for the Burnley game? Burnley will have already won the league by then and will probably sale all of their allocated tickets as it will be their last away game of the season. Think the atmosphere for that game will be excellent and it will probably be a much better game to go to if you can make it. Hope you have a great trip anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unan Posted March 23, 2023 Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 (edited) 24 minutes ago, Leveller said: It’s a bit odd to consider fans in one stand to be older or more dedicated than in another. I moved from the Dolman to the Lansdown after the rebuild, for the better view (no sun in your eyes) better legroom and newer facilities. I’m sure that is true of many others. It’s a better experience in the new stand, that’s for sure. I am, of course, massively generalising as has to be done when talking about n thousand people. I don’t think it can be questioned that the Lansdown has specifically been catered to family’s, at least, at a minimum, considerably more so than the Dolman(?) Edited March 23, 2023 by Marcus Aurelius Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post bert tann Posted March 23, 2023 Popular Post Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 May I suggest you consider the Memorial Stadium instead. Our grandstands are adapted from the traditional American covered wagon design so you'll feel more at home. 1 33 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pongo88 Posted March 23, 2023 Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 (edited) The Dolman stand was opened in 1970 and, though the concourse has been modified and new seats fitted, it shows. The legroom is nowhere near modern standards. Although I sit in the Dolman, I’d always recommend the Lansdown, which has more comfortable seats and proper legroom. When you come, to get the feel of the ground, make sure you walk around the outside and have a visit to the fans village. Then, when you enter, walk through the entire concourse which runs under the Dolman, South and Dolman stands. PS - if you speak to anyone during the match don’t call it soccer. It’s football Edited March 23, 2023 by pongo88 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cidercity1987 Posted March 23, 2023 Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 2 hours ago, ChicagoBristolFan said: Hello! The Wife and I (American Bristol City fans) will be attending our first match vs Rotherham! We are looking at W15 in Landsdown, or E31 in Dolman. Would the experience be much different between the two? Or are there any other recommendations? Appreciate any help that can be provided! Fair play but why Bristol City? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Shadow Posted March 23, 2023 Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 And don't call us Bristol. It's City Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanterne Rouge Posted March 23, 2023 Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 29 minutes ago, bert tann said: May I suggest you consider the Memorial Stadium instead. Our grandstands are adapted from the traditional American covered wagon design so you'll feel more at home. `Gipsies, tramps and thieves. We`d hear it from the people of the town they`d call us` 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unan Posted March 23, 2023 Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 A major point to add, you can probably sit wherever you want, as long as it looks free a few minutes before kick off then it should be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sleepy1968 Posted March 23, 2023 Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 (edited) Lansdown for comfort/space. For the Dolman: If you're over about 5'9'' you'll need to avoid putting your knee into the back of the seat/person in front. Also if you're over about 16 stone you better hope your left/right seat seatmates aren't similarly built otherwise it will be, erm, a bit cosy. If you can choose a seat towards the right hand side of W15 (as you look at the plan on the website) (higher seat numbers) you will be closer to half way line than a lower number, but not as central as in E31 as it's the centre block of the Dolman. You will also be able to chose a seat higher up in E31 than W15. Personally: I woudn't sit in the bottom 10/12 rows of either stand (but some like this), and would avoid entry/exit areas. Anyway, have a great time, and let us know how it goes. Edited March 23, 2023 by Sleepy1968 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ralphindevon Posted March 23, 2023 Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 (edited) 53 minutes ago, Marcus Aurelius said: I am, of course, massively generalising as has to be done when talking about n thousand people. I don’t think it can be questioned that the Lansdown has specifically been catered to family’s, at least, at a minimum, considerably more so than the Dolman(?) The lower Lansdown must be the least family like stand in the ground. The seats are expensive there for kids and you rarely see any in there. I sit in W16 and to the left of me the central blocks can be a bit corporate but still many regulars but W15 to the right has a very similar fans to the Dolman just with fewer kids I’d imagine. Edited March 23, 2023 by ralphindevon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRock Posted March 23, 2023 Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 For an ‘American sports watching experience’ definitely The Lansdown. For football ‘Olde English style’ The Dolman. When I take my partner it’s The Lansdown. With ‘the lads’ it’s The Dolman. However, if you’re a trillionaire, Mr Lansdown will invite you into his box and would like to talk with you about a very good investment opportunity. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cidered abroad Posted March 23, 2023 Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 (edited) Lansdown is best IMO. No sun in your eyes and with most of our rain coming from the west, less chance of a soaking in the front rows. Try to spend time before the match to see all the displays in the concourse. West of England sports persons, Bristol Rugby history both of the club but also local amateur clubs in the Bristol area. And finally but by no means the least are several displays about the history of our football club. Also displays of City players in an upstairs bar in the bar at the South- West corner of the stadium. In that area outside the stadium, there are two displays about the fans who bought shares to keep us going in 1982. Of course you must see the the statue of John Atyeo, the greatest City player of my lifetime and according to my father who saw City when Billy Wedlock and later Atyeo were in the team. Edited March 23, 2023 by cidered abroad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Geoff Posted March 23, 2023 Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 Don't sit in the Dolman if you have long legs. You will have numb knees by half time where they are squashed up against the seat in front. Wear a hat if its sunny as you will be blinded by it or else the wind will whip across and you'll be frozen....just some of my Dolman experiences, oh and its known locally as the Dolmoan stand for a reason. Apologies to all the season card holders that love it there....it's just not for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slartibartfast Posted March 23, 2023 Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 1 hour ago, bert tann said: May I suggest you consider the Memorial Stadium instead. Our grandstands are adapted from the traditional American covered wagon design so you'll feel more at home. Not to mention the native American style of wigwams and tepees ! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bristol Oil Services Posted March 23, 2023 Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 1 hour ago, Sir Geoff said: Don't sit in the Dolman if you have long legs. You will have numb knees by half time A lot of Americans are big leggy - John Wayne, for example. 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChicagoBristolFan Posted March 23, 2023 Author Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 I thoroughly enjoyed reading all of these responses, and thank you so much for all of the insider tips/info/well wishes! @cidercity1987 Originally picked City due to ancestry! Championship games are shown on ESPN+ in the states, so the league is pretty accessible. 3 8 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pongo88 Posted March 23, 2023 Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 Why not treat your wife to a hospitality package? Before the match, treat her to a Clarks pie from the pie van by the park 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Topper 123 Posted March 23, 2023 Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 If you want 2 free tickets for south stand ( old east end ) I can provide behind goal free , 2 1 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
italian dave Posted March 23, 2023 Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 1 hour ago, Sir Geoff said: Don't sit in the Dolman if you have long legs. You will have numb knees by half time where they are squashed up against the seat in front. Wear a hat if its sunny as you will be blinded by it or else the wind will whip across and you'll be frozen....just some of my Dolman experiences, oh and its known locally as the Dolmoan stand for a reason. Apologies to all the season card holders that love it there....it's just not for me. As a season ticket holder in the Dolman, can I just say that the standard of moaning there isn’t a patch on the matchday thread on OTIB 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocking Red Cyril Posted March 23, 2023 Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 Generally sit W16 in Lansdown when I get to go . Good view but Dolman be more proper fans I would say . I had season tickets in the Dolman. Great view but what ever the weather is on the day. It blows right in your face Enjoy the game 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
City_USA Posted March 23, 2023 Report Share Posted March 23, 2023 Wherever you end up sitting for the match, make sure you make some time for pre and/or post match pints for some of the best cider in the world. I'm sure that some of our fellow Reds would be happy to point you in the right direction. The camaraderie is a big part of the match day experience. Wish I was able to get over there and show you around our wonderful city! COYR 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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