By theimps.tk
September 21 2009

The Stadium of Light, or as I like to call it, Diet Old Trafford, is often proclaimed to be one of the best stadiums in the Premiership, that despite looking just like a smaller version of Manchester United's Old Trafford.

PLEASE NOTE THIS REVIEW IS BASED ON A FRIENDLY, THEREFORE SCORES DO NOT NECESSARILY INDICATE WHAT THE GROUND IS LIKE DURING A COMPETITIVE GAME. THIS REVIEW IS BASED ON MY EXPERIENCES DURING THE FRIENDLY AND WILL UPDATE THE ARTICLE IF I GET THE CHANCE TO VISIT THIS GROUND FOR A COMPETITIVE GAME.

DATES VISITED THIS GROUND  

4/8/2007 - Sunderland 1 Juventus 1  

There is this myth that fans in the North East are more passionate than any other football fan in the country. I have yet to see this justified at any of the clubs up in that area and the latest evidence of this was a trip to Sunderland. They seemed quite passionless, unless you count passion as acting like a complete nutter when a decision doesn't go your way.  

I had no plans to visit Sunderland at the time I did, infact I only decided to go 12 hours before kick off when I got a text from a friend who was going. So I took up the chance and looked forward to the trip as I had heard a lot of good things about this stadium.  

Parking around the ground was difficult for non-permit holders but once we were parked up we were greeted by a samba-band outside of the ground. A slightly unusual thing to see an English football ground, but I suppose it's better than having the chavs from Hull meeting you off of the coach.

There didn't appear to be a lot to do outside of the ground to be honest, other than your usual club shop, museum, etc. Then again, I didn't have a proper look around.

Once entering the ground I was kind of disappointed. Granted it was a decent ground but the reviews I had read lead me to leave this was one of, if not the best grounds in the country. It felt more to me like a smaller version of Old Trafford. The view from the stand we were in was fairly good and you could even see what was going on down the other end quite easily.  

Anyway, time for the famed atmosphere that Sunderland have. As I have said, this was only a friendly, but I can only base the rating on what I experience. It started well and the fans were quite loud, then Sunderland scored and it just went quite for the rest of the game. It was the first time I had ever heard fans be quieter after they started winning than before they scored.  

The game was decent with Juventus dominating, maybe this didn't help regarding the atmosphere. Despite some negative aspects to the day it was quite enjoyable and I will definitely go back if I get the chance, but maybe not for a random game.  

SCORES

Overall Ground Quality : 9

Ease of getting there : 6

Atmosphere : 4

Programme : 8

View of Action : 8

Leg Space : 7

The "football" feeling : 4

Friendliness of Home Supporters : 6

Quality of the game : 9

Chances of Coming Here For a Random Game : 3

Overall : 64/100

Sunderland's Stadium of Light

Discussion started by theimps.tk (IP Logged), 21/09/2009 18:27

theimps.tk
21/09/2009 18:27

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.

Reply Quote Report

Steve
22/09/2009 15:47

I must say it's a little harsh to judge the atmosphere of a friendly match.

Reply Quote Report

Kate Jackson
22/09/2009 15:51

I know, if I only go to a ground in a friendly then I'll automatically rejudge the review if I get the chance to go for an actual match.

Good Luck, Mr Gorsky

http://twitter.com/#!/katejackson84
http://www.katejackson84.blogspot.com

Reply Quote Report

Lorik
22/09/2009 15:56

Judging the atmosphere at a friendly? Clown

Reply Quote Report

Kate Jackson
22/09/2009 15:59

In all fairness, I've been to plenty of grounds for both friendlies and competitive games with the atmosphere being exactly the same.

Good Luck, Mr Gorsky

http://twitter.com/#!/katejackson84
http://www.katejackson84.blogspot.com

Reply Quote Report

themagicbus142
22/09/2009 16:18

so because other clubs friendlies have the same atmosphere a league match, its ok to assume its the same up here???

and how can u miss a giant building in the middle of the carpark that sells tickets??

so your judging us on friendlyness outside the ground?? did u go into town centre after the game n get a feel for us lot?? or was ther no point because ' u cant understand us'???

thick tw@t

Reply Quote Report

Kate Jackson
22/09/2009 16:23

No, the reason I didn't go out into the town afterwards was because I wasn't driving, so didn't have much choice.

Good Luck, Mr Gorsky

http://twitter.com/#!/katejackson84
http://www.katejackson84.blogspot.com

Reply Quote Report

Goto: Forum List•Message List•Search• Log In

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net