The Hawthorns, West Browmich Albion FC
By Paul Holland
June 13 2002
Baggies fan Tom Armfield gives Ground Hopper his views on The Hawthorns, home of West Bromich Albion Football Club.
By Paul Holland
June 13 2002
Baggies fan Tom Armfield gives Ground Hopper his views on The Hawthorns, home of West Bromich Albion Football Club.
| The Hawthorns | ||||||||
| West Bromwich Albion Football Club | ||||||||
| By Tom Armfield (13 June 2002) | ||||||||
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all information is correct up to 13 June 2002 |
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| What is the ground like? | ||||||||
| The
much needed new East Stand has been completed as of late, which has modernized
the Hawthorns. The whole ground now looks very modern and is
completely enclosed, with all the corners filled in. The East Stand,
which is just one tier, stands out from the rest of the ground, as it
looks quite impressive with a row of executive boxes. The stand has
been constructed so that if needed a second tier can be built on top
of it. The Halfords lane stand now looks out of place now, as it is
smaller than the rest of the ground. Plans are to be drawn up for the
reconstruction of the stand but this will not take place for another
three years till the Albion know if they can make steady progress in
the Premiership. In between the new East Stand is two congregated
corners but video screens are soon to be put in the corners; or at
least one of them for the new season. Surrounding the East Stand is
the Apollo 2000 Stand, known to the fans as the Birmingham road end
and the Travel West Midlands Stand, known as the Smethwick end.
Both stands are similar looking and are quite new. The views from all these stands are good. To keep the ground traditional in the corner between the Halfords lane and the Smethwick end there is a large throstle. An interesting fact about the Hawthorns is that the ground is the highest ground above sea level. |
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| What is it like for away fans? | ||||||||
| Away fans either share or all have the whole of the Smethwick end, depending on the demand for tickets. The stand as a whole holds 5,200 people but if only half the stand is being used then the allocation is 3,000. The fans are friendly and trouble before or after a game is very rare. There is a friendly atmosphere there. The view from the Smethwick end is also very good. The atmosphere isn’t intimidating as it is at some grounds round the country. It is safe to walk round the ground also in your team colours. The team mascots, there Baggie Birds are very friendly with the away fans as well as home. | ||||||||
| Where is their for away fans to drink? | ||||||||
| Away fans are most welcome in the pubs where the home fans drink as it is a family club and very friendly. Next to the ground is the pub, aptly named ‘The Hawthorns’. Further down the Birmingham road, on the other side of the Birmingham road end is the Woodman pub. For food there is a McDonalds on the opposite side of the Birmingham road end and there are many burger bars dotted round the streets leading to the Hawthorns. Also, inside there are many bars, which sell food, drink and alcohol. Alcohol has only recently been introduced to the Hawthorns. It may only be drunk in the concourses though. | ||||||||
| How to get their and where to park? | ||||||||
| The
Hawthorns is located in the outskirts of Birmingham and is about half
a mile from junction 1 of the M5. The A41, which is the road, which
runs from Birmingham to West Bromwich, goes runs adjacent to the
ground. Parking in the area is not advised, especially on busy match
days. You have to park on streets and round industrial estates, which
is where the majority of the Albion fans park.
Alternatively
there are some private car parks but a pass |
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| Where is the nearest train station? | ||||||||
| The nearest train station is The Hawthorns, which is also on the Metro line. The Hawthorns train station is served by trains from the surrounding area including Birmingham New Street and the Metro line goes to Birmingham Snow Hill. |
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