By Nicholas Rigg
August 29 2005
Hillsborough is over a hundred years old, and has seen countless new 'stadia-kit' design new grounds built around it, but is still seen by most as one of the greatest stadiums in the country. The traditional atmosphere and layout of the ground make it almost unique in todays age of football stadia.
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY - HILLSBOROUGH
Hillsborough is one of the most famous stadiums in the country, and has hosted many cup finals, including the World Cup of 1966, and more recently Euro 96 group games. It was also the selected venue for the 1997 League Cup final replay between Middlesbrough and Leicester City.
Cup finals aside, Hillsborough is one of the few remaining 'traditional' english grounds, which are rapidly being replaced by stadia-kit designs such as Pride Park and The Riverside stadium (apologies to derby and Boro' fans!). The stadium consists of four stands which are all seperated except the North and West stands which are connected with a rather shoddy corner stand! Fair enough, the facilities in these new stadia may be far superior to that of Hillsborough, but football isn't for the prawn sandwich eating brigade that gathers at Old Trafford week in week out, it's about standing on uncovered terraces, lucky to get a cup of tea during the half time queues.
We have a great stadium in Hillsborough, no question, and one which I would never replace for a new, run of the mill, stadia-kits which are forever cropping up. A Hillsborough full to capacity would certainly be one of the greatest moments in British football, and hopefully one which will carry on well into the future.
THE SOUTH STAND
The South Stand is the largest of the four stands, and is two tiered. The top tier houses the family stand, which was added as part of Euro 96' and is equipped with up to date facilities including playstations for those slighly bored with watching the match! The view from this stand is superb, and offers a 'Match Of The Day' type view of the action. The bottom tier of the stand is the most expensive area of the ground to sit, and is also home to the directors. The view from here is also superb, and is very close to the action. The facilites within this stand are also good but can get a little crammed on a big match occasion. Fans who sit in this stand are known as 'statues' from the other stands, as little atmosphere is generated here. The outer design of the stand is fantastic, with the Club crest illuminating on a night.
THE KOP
The Kop is, or at least was, the home of the East Bank Republican Army, who made all the atmosphere during match days at Hillsborough. The 'singers' now seem to have located elsewhere, but there is still a top atmosphere generated on the kop on big match occassions. Im sure fans will know of the 'Wednesday Band' which also follow the England team to matches. The Band has now stopped playing at Hillsborough to the joy of most, for a number of reasons, but were located at the back of the kop. The famous tango man also located himself in the kop, in a uncovered part which stretches out toward the North Stand. Unfortunately the stand has two large pillars obstructing the view, which seperates the fans and thus dulls down the atmosphere in my opinion.
THE NORTH STAND
The North stand was constructed in 1960, and was the first cantilever stand of it's kind to run the full length of the pitch. Since then it hasn't had much development, but is still a great stand to watch the match from. There are no viewing restrictions, and a great view can be had from anywhere in the stand. During the winter months it can be quite nippy for those who sit in the stand, as the refreshments area 'inside' the stand is actually outdoors. The North stand has recently had a new kind of fan sit within it, who sit at the far end near the away fans and sing throughout the match. This can make for a good atmosphere as it often intimidates the away fans and creates good banter.
THE WEST STAND (AWAY END)
The West stand houses the visiting supporters, where a great view of the action can be had, are you not situated behind a supporting pillar! Most teams support is housed in the upper tier of the stand, but if any teams require any more tickets then the bottom tier of the stand, and also the north west corner is also available. I've never been inside the stand myself, but have heard that the facilities inside the stand for visiting supporters are not great, and there are four pillars supporting the roof which can get in the way. Make sure you get tickets early for an away day at Hillsborough, and make sure you sit in the middle set of sets - where a great view can be had with no viewing restrictions!
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