The facilities were of good quality and clean and the stewards fine. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the bet365 stadium? stoke city victoria ground seatsandre dickens daughter. And it is not the only old feature from Stoke HQs past and present to extend its life beyond the Potters. It was great to hear for us but left the locals even more enraged. Stoke were relegated last season but had up to this point retained many of their better players, Joe Allen, Ryan Shawcross etc, so it promised to be a good work out for Nunos Wolves team. Taken in April 1997a few days before the last Derby match with Vale. If arriving by train then Police are normally on hand giving out leaflets and directing fans to either the Terrace Bar on Leek Road, or the Venue Bar (at nearby Staffordshire University). Stoke fans have been delivering their favourite or most-abiding tales of the Potters' long-time old headquarters, the old Boothen End, the paddocks and the toilets. The Boothen and East stands hold 6,006 and 8,789 people respectively. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. It was rammed. Adults 47 (A 37) (B 32), Over 65s 33 (A 27) (B 25), Under 17s 27 (A 21) (B 19), Under 11s 21 (A 15) (B 13) Cost 3 return. Mark Hughes had named a strong Stoke team with the intention of seeing us off but Wolves deserved the win undoubtedly. But that night was without doubt the one where I feared most for personal safety. Explore. The all-seater stadium can hold 30,089 supporters in four cantilever stands. The rumours of an intimidating atmosphere were not true and the home fans only started singing at 3-1. 2017-2018: 29,280(Premier League). The first floor provides 3 bedroom living accommodation. Much like most modern, out of town grounds. I travelled by car and it took about 45 minutes from Manchester. The bet365 Stadium looks good when approaching along the A500 from the motorway. There are 28 seats in the main stand, If these are all used and you need to sit, please ask a high-viz safety rep for a chair. We decided to just eat in the stadium. B. Ken. The Stoke fans were surprisingly disappointing and 1,300 Sunderland fans outsang them the whole game. We have 1 possible answer in our database. There was a mix of home and away fans and the home fans where friendly and happy to chat football even if I got the feeling they thought we were an easy three points. Just off Sir Stanley Matthews Way is a Power League complex that allows parking at 4.50 per car. Tim Rigby a visiting Wolves fan adds there are some shuttle buses than run from Glebe Street in Stoke up to the Bet365 Stadium, which depart every 15 minutes before kick off. It was on show for the next few seasons in the Southern League Division One Central, with a surround sponsored by a local drive-thru McDonald's. Martin Armstrong wrote: "I loved the old Victoria Ground. Home Ground that they are, indeed, Home We wanted to bottle that feeling, the feeling as you settle yourself into your seat on a glorious Saturday afternoon, . They broke and got a goal. It has a big screen sport, showing the 12.30pm televised match, has relatively cheap beer and they serve basic hot food. "It's just like asking Liverpool fans if the Kop is the same as years ago, they will say no. The only issue was that I had to discard my bottle top of my 500cc emergency drink bottle. JAVI GRACIA will have instant success at Leeds, I really do believe that. My friend drove us for this as as he's a Stoke member and therefore knows the way to the Britannia Stadium, where to park and everything like that. It is a dedicated away pub so no home fans to speak of. Police escort all the way. Whether you are a small group planning a dream sports break, or seeking wonderful hospitality for your company clients, Nickes.Com has 20 years of experience in providing unforgettable sporting trips. Upon arriving at Stoke railway station we decided to jump in a taxi. The journey was simple as I drove up. When: 12pm-9pm (Mon), 12pm-12am (Tues to Fri), 11am-12am (Sat) and 10am to 8pm (Sun). Facilities were what you'd expect in a ground at this level. I have been to both the Victoria Ground and the Britannia Stadiums many times but have always driven up so this time I decided to go on the train. Shame to see it go. Responsibly, Book The Trip of a Lifetime To Watch The Madrid Derby, Stoke Hotels - Find and Book Yours And Help Support This Website, Map showing the location of the Bet365 Stadium and Pubs. I thought the stadium looked bigger on the outside than it actually was on the inside. The first match at the stadium, on the 28th of Match 1878, was played between Stoke and Talke Rangers (0-1). Other than the West Stand, the rest of the stadium looks the same all around. Dave Harold yes, that Dave Harold the snooker pro was happy to be nostalgic. The fabled Britannia home support atmosphere was a bit of a let down, whereas the away support was vocal and very lively. The stadium looked very impressive as we got close. Didnt try the catering. I'd been to the old Victoria Ground years ago and was expecting a good atmosphere. Another ground ticked off and another night of what if's. It was a pleasure to meet so many Stoke fans before the match and it was a good match for neutrals. By this he meant the space next to the kerb! The VenueBar (or to give it its full name the Leek Road Venue Bar/Verve) can be accessed before reaching the Terrace Bar by turning right off Leek Road (opposite Boughey Road) and walking down the pedestrianisedpathway. The Riverside Stadium was like that originally when it was built but the corners were soon filled in. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. We passed a van selling fish & chips on the way back so decided a bit of late night snacking in order as we sat in the car waiting for traffic to get going. AFoxinWhippetCountry. He came in and replaced Marco Silva in January 2018 with a very quick turnaround. The Harvester is what you'd expect in terms of food and drink, nothing too exciting but did the job. [2] Stoke suffered financial difficulties and dropped out of the league in 1908 and attendances varied during their time out. Unlike many modern stadiums, the Bet365 Stadium is not . We decided to drive to Milton Keynes and then take a direct train to Stoke. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Britannia stadium? It's a typical identikit out of town ground, it reminded me of St Mary's but without all the corners done. I found the separate gated/fenced compound to the away end intimidating and not a very friendly welcome. Required fields are marked *. You Rs!!! One checks dipstick to get type of oil right. I only wanted to get about six seats, so I bought a catalogue for the auction and when I phoned up I was told there'd been no bids on the seats," he told the Sentinel 10 years later. We got searched on the way in which is normal in most away grounds.I did though have plastic bottle of tango on me and and the lid was taken off me which was rather inconvenient. Turn right at the top of the slip road and then right at the next roundabout for the stadium. Also, I was in a confident mood as Reading have picked up form of late. Picking ourselves up after the goal we played the same way again and Stoke didn't have two touches in a row, we scored to make it 1-1 huffed and puffed but it wasn't to be. After being met by Police motorcyclists on the A500 we were escorted up to the stadium and then led straight into the away fans compound behind one end of the ground. Obviously big Chris has taken plenty of stick for this and rightly so! Memorial Board. between the clubs in 26 days. Upon advice from the above mentioned Police officers, we headed to the Terrace Bar. Leave the driving to us and enjoy fantastic travel for less with return coaches taking you right to each stadium. This was at five minutes to five when the auction was about to close, so I offered seven pence. The away end is accessed through the away Coach park and has a burger van which is available pre match AND at half time which is unusual. The bet365 Stadiumis easily accessible from the M6 motorway. Explore. I make no further comment about the circumstances other than to say that neither party emerged well out of the episode. Once you pass this stretch of police/stewards there was nothing anywhere else. We parked about a mile away from the stadium, but I couldn't be any more specific than that, I much prefer getting the train to and from Stoke as it's not great going by car. Stoke City have announced expansion plans after agreeing a deal to rename their home ground the bet365 Stadium. No issues getting back to the station, although there was a bit of abuse getting thrown at us by some irate Stoke fans. Like lots of out of town stadiums, there is little sense of occasion as you approach. It was on reflection a frightening prospect we were sitting targets for whatever projectiles were available, and potentially with the advancing hordes seemingly hell-bent on engaging in hand to hand combat, the prospect of the local infirmary A+E department being more than occupied that evening looked to be a probability more than a possibility. If Stoke increase their charges next year I will happily give the Britannia Stadium a miss. In 1935 a new main stand, the Butler Street Stand, was built. I was in row 8 and a block left of the goal which gave me a fairly decent view of the pitch. The club moved to the Victoria Ground in 1883. Dave Duff: As a Liverpool fan I loved the old Victoria Ground. We drove past the ground and parked at Longton rugby club for 5 which had plenty of space. It was an absolute disgrace how bad the traffic was and the cause was a set of traffic lights at the South end of Stanley Matthews way only letting a handful of cars through each time onto a quiet main road. We hit the post and they got a lucky second from a rebound! The normal method of leaving was ignored by the more excitable of the Stoke contingent who vaulted the fence and charged down the pitch. It was good-looking with three stands of the same size and the Main Stand was slightly bigger. 01782 367 598 Fax: The . Probably, on the back of four straight wins they had expected to roll Watford over. And a decent keeper by the looks of it too. Victoria Ground The Victoria Ground was the home ground of Stoke City from 1878 until 1997, when the club relocated to the Britannia Stadium after 119 years. Both towns had a strong affiliation with the art of pottery back in the day hence the tag the Potteries derby. Stoke v Albion is a fixture that has existed since the inauguration of the Football League and has developed over recent years as a needle game between the two sides. Then took the number 20 bus to Burslem. Den sista matchen som spelades p stadion spelades den 4 maj 1997 mot West Bromwich Albion FC och sgs av 22 500 skdare. You can park across the road for the same price but can you get beer, TV sport and sit down to a hot meal there? It was not. APC Express Delivery - 6.95 (Please allow 1-2 working days for delivery from the date of dispatch) APC Standard Delivery- 4.95 (Please allow 3-5 working days for delivery from the date of dispatch) EU Delivery - Prices & Delivery times vary per country and service selected. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH ASHVILLE 4 STAFFORD TOWN 0 Groundhoppers know the feeling; you get within touching distance of finishing off [] We put our name down for table for 3 and were told to wait 20 minutes and to go to the bar which we did (wearing our QPR colours). Select Post; Deselect Post . This would give us a chance to visit Stoke centre for the first time. Alcohol was available at 2.90 for a pint of lager. 1960), H. Cholmondeley-Pennell Modern Fishing Salmon & Trout Book 1901, Illustrated Catalogue Of Electrical Materials, James A. Henshall Black Bass Angling & Fly Fishing Tools Tackle & Implem, Wright And Ditson's Catalogue Of Fine Athletic Goods, Modern Fishing Lure Collectibles Volume II, 2023 - WorthPoint Corporation | 5 Concourse Parkway NE, Suite 2900. A great away day with Wolves performing so well, and a cracking atmosphere in the away end. The police and stewards were all very friendly and as usual we filled our allocation. However leaving afterwards takes a very long time. He then had the cheek to say he called 5 more times over a microphone (which didnt exist) so I had a few choice words with him and then the security staff stepped in. Away fans were at one end of the ground behind the goal. We were driven onto a big coach park behind the away end which was sealed around us. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out: Game attended: My overall thoughts for the day were very good. The ground is signposted, and visible, once you get close, so I cant imagine people getting lost. On our left was the Butler Street Stand, much like its counterpart, the Boothen Stand, (the Main Stand), on the other side, with seating at the rear and terracing at the front. He left EP to move to Rochdale and subsequently Bury, but is still fondly remembered by County fans. (opens in a new tab). We were back there in no time and jumped straight on a train. The return league game Childhood Memories. The stadium is quite high up in an exposed position and the open corners can mean that a cold wind can whip through the stadium, so bear this in mind, especially in the winter months. We arrived at the Britannia Stadium at 1pm and took the advice of the guide and headed for the Harvester next to the stadium (there was very little else to choose from!!). In the second half Stoke scored first taking the lead, but Schurrle had another great goal, but late on in the 90th minute Stoke won the game with a fantastic strike. The Britannia Stadium is only an hour down the motorway. The record attendance of the ground was set in a league match against Arsenal in 1937. The dpdStand (Centre): Ground floor office suite Stoke-on-Trent (0.4 miles) Longton (2.2 miles) . The whole place could hold around 25,000 at that time although in the pre H&S days it had been as high as 50,000. What you did before the game pub/chippy. It was then about 10.30 and with only 35 miles or so to home a midnight arrival at worst looked to be on the cards. Nothing much really. Free delivery on your first order. The strong winds blew a section of the roof off the Butler Street Stand leaving only the west corner intact. After Sunderland dominated the first half hour playing Poyet's slick passing football but Stoke scored a well taken goal through Charlie Adam. Over the years Stoke City have played their home games at four permanent homes. Train up from Euston was fine. Six police motorbikes, two riot vans and two police cars! After home wins against Newcastle and Man City I thought that Stoke was a winnable game judging by the confidence under Poyet (in the end I was to be wrong about the result). Last year we drew 2-2 and this year we won 2-1 on the opening day. What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly? "It was a great atmosphere and you were so close to the action. The post code for SatNavs is ST4 8GR. Whilst Andrew Catmur adds; There is also car parking south of the stadium on Stanley Matthews Way between Screwfix and the Stadium opposite Pets at Home (Sat Nav ST4 8GR ). The photographs of grounds on this site have been included to try and reflect how they looked when I first visited with County. I did think the West Stand was also too far away from the edge of the pitch but was the nicest looking side of the ground. Full Time: Stoke City 3-1 Norwich City Getting out was easy and the police were directing fans who travelled by train to their shuttle buses, There was no trouble outside at all as we trudged back to the Harvester to drown our sorrows. They became Stoke Football Club in 1878 and before becoming Stoke City in 1920. Turn left at the island and then continue straight up this road for about three miles. The game was a bad one for Swansea. Facilities were also very good in the ground. They called for reinforcements, and as a group of around 10 were within reach suddenly a gap appeared in the traffic. It was a good day, not a lot to do around the Britannia which was a shame, so it wasn't really a day out, more of travel, football, travel. Handsome devil. The Victoria Ground is no more. From behind I could a commotion and a speedy glance in the rear view mirror saw an phalanx approaching, clad in the red and white of our hosts that evening. A magnificent day that will live long in the memory of those who were in that away end. There were even two Police on the train to Manchester, which seemed well over the top. I was a mascot v Wolves in November 1979 two weeks before my eighth birthday. The game from our point of view was terrible. Alternatively park in Stoke City Centre and take the Bet365 Stadium Shuttle Bus: Robert Hardy a visiting Norwich City supporter informs me; Weve been to watch the Canaries play at the Britannia Stadium on numerous occasions, and have tried parking at several places in the vicinity of the ground. Very easy, special buses are laid on for visiting fans that run from right outside the train station direct to the Britannia. More development was planned but instead they opted for a relocation. Dave Harley: I remember back in 95 we managed to get in the Boothen against Vale. Overall it was very easy to park and find the stadium. Not been by train before. If I went again I'd probably have a wander around Hanley beforehand and get a bus to the ground. . After that we gave it a few minutes for the traffic to clear and then were swiftly out of Stoke via the A50. Which upset the City fans!). . The final whistle blew and Wembley beckoned, but of more immediate concern was the exodus from the Boothen End. It was crumbling in places but it was a second home to many and it is clearly still a huge part of a lot. [2], The final improvements to the ground were made during the 1980s with the Stanley Matthews suite being opened as well as a new club shop and offices.[2]. The away concourse is subdivided into sectors corresponding to the seat block number. You just seem to get stuck in never ending queues of traffic trying to get away, and it takes an eternity to get anywhere. Buses drop you off and pick up from right outside the away end. I didn't see any trouble in the pub, or outside the ground. taking the honours with a superb free-kick from Peter Ward. The concourse seemed a bit small and not really adequate for the 2,900 away fans. Support for the County faithful came from our right as the strains of Were all going to Wembley came from the window of the away team dressing room, which opened up onto the paddock in front of the main stand. I have never been to Stoke before and curiosity got the better of me. We spent a couple of hours at a couple of pubs (White Star, Bull and Bush and London Road Ale House). As the ground was originally an athletics venue it had an oval shape and a running track circling the pitch. It is around a 20 minute walk to the away turnstiles from the Club. Parking cost 5. The Stoke fans then proceeded to get on his back and Geoff Cameron came in late on him and Rose reacted by shoving Cameron. Absolutely unbelievable, simply loaded with meat and well worth the 3.20. Victoria ground stoke seats No offers posted. The stadium will appear over on the right and then leave the A500 at the next junction and turn left to go down to this area. The home fans friendly but maybe because we were with one of their own. We had a few drinks and food in Hanley centre before the game plenty of pubs to choose from. Stoke seemed as any a pretty modern ground, covered around three corners, except the away end and with it being a bitterly cold November evening and with plenty of wind blowing against us. So making your way back to the car park or around the ground you were really exposed to the home fans where anything could kick-off but I didnt see any trouble. Adults 45 (A 35) (B 30), Over 65s 31 (A 25) (B 23), Under 17s 24 (A 18) (B 16), Under 11s 21 (A 15) (B 13) It was a really good day out for my first visit I'd go back again when we play them next season. The atmosphere in the first half was pretty flat and all us Chelsea fans were making the majority of the noise, but in the second half from about 60 minutes the Stoke fans started to sing and they got louder and louder, by far and away the best home fans I have ever seen despite there not being a lot of them in an open stadium! Matt Goldstraw adds; If you have a ticket for the official south car park, then after going onto the A500 towards Stoke from junction 15 of the M6, leave the A500 at the first junction and turn right at the large roundabout and onto the A34 towards Stafford. It was 25 years ago today that Stoke City played their final league game at the Victoria Ground - but the memories don't seem to be fading. Adults 40 (A 30) (B 25), Over 65s 27 (A 21) (B 19), Under 17s 23 (A 17) (B 15), Under 11s 20 (A 14) (B 12) Paying 40 plus your travel to watch your team not even trying is a kick in the teeth. Rival fans in this stand are separated by a sterile area in the seats, but there were no problems. FFG: Stoke City Victoria Ground inspired Football Ground Mug By Foley Pottery | Home, Furniture & DIY, Cookware, Dining & Bar, Tableware & Serving | eBay! As there is only one way out it was a bit of a wait, but when you get going it flies by! Stoke City was to be one of these new ones for us. By the time we got back to the car, most of the crowd had dispersed. Getting away from the ground was okay. It wasnt following me, and without the help of the breakdown people was never likely to. If you want to try something a little different then on the canal located behind the Main Stand (look for the semi-circular looking bridge beyond the car park) are two moored barges, one which sells the traditional locally produced Oatcake, whilst the other sells beer. The stressful journey to the ground and lack of a shuttle bus going back to the station was more than compensated by the one nil victory, which might have been the first time I have seen us win at Stoke, especially as it was the first points and goal I had seen us secure away from home this season (at the fourth attempt!). Fans tried to get their hands on few too although when David Beresford went to buy six he ended up splashing out 7p for 2,896 after auctioneers told him the only ones left were for sale as a job lot. I was looking forward to visiting Stoke as a Liverpool fan who attends away games very rarely due to not being able to get tickets freely. The home fans were friendly and did not receive any stick on my way to the ground. Big bonus was the two barges moored next to the bridges to the ground selling beer and delicious oatcakes. After leaving the pub we headed straight to the ground. One thing I did find a bit poor was the policing on leaving the ground. Complete Line (ca. We were charged 7 for the privilege. The atmosphere in the away end was absolutely superb, we out-sung the Stoke fans for the entire game. It was the opening day of the season. As it was a 19:00 kick off we didn't have time for anything else and sadly the club shop was closed. The game was filled with more controversy than goals but Danny Rose scored a great header in the first half to give Spurs a 1-0 win. I heard that Stoke was pretty bleak but found it okay and visited a couple of places before meeting with my nephew who lives not far away. It is 4 return. We even had an incognito drink in a Wolves pub in Wolverhampton while waiting for our connection home. 9.5/10. I read some comments saying it took a while to get back onto the A50 from the car parking near the stadium, however, we found it very easy, we were back on the M6 within 15 minutes of leaving the car park. The massive old Stoke shield went to the Victoria Hotel. Looking forward to our trips to Anfield and the Emirates coming up! There was a police presence outside of the pub but overall it was fine. Q-railing West Stand (Lower Centre): We saw plenty of locals making the same journey and I must say they were a decent bunch, encountered no hostility even though we had club colours on.