Thursday 18 January 2007

Stadium Review #11 - Carrow Road

Ground Information: Carrow Road (Norwich City FC) Capacity 26,034

Appearance: A mish mash of different styles ranging from 50s multi-storey carpark to construction site from the outside, and a low single storey, high single storey and two two-tiered each end stands. And there's currently a new hotel being built in between the Jarrold and Barclay stands. 6/10

View: Sat quite low down due to the need to take photos, but none the less good. 6/10

Getting there: In the back and beyond from Plymouth really, but the ground is next to the city centre, meaning good access from the train/bus station, plus the ground was sign posted from the outskirts (if you come off at the right junction). The coach park is a bit of a trek away though. 6/10

Facilities (toilets, TVs etc): Good use of space in the concourse meant ample toilets and no queuing for the bars, a betting stand and TVs also available, although strangely these are turned off 5 minutes into each half . 6/10

Food and Drink: Delia's tried to bring football food up a class, from serving wine to beef and red wine pies which were a pleasant and surprising change, and what's better is that the prices are no higher than normal. 8/10

Stewarding/Police: Remaining seated at the front was imperative, but those near the back stood most of the match. The local bobbies were helpful in directing us to a pub. 6/10

Surrounding area (what's there to do outside the ground): The city centre is across the road, with a retail park and pubs, although you are limited to which public houses you're allowed in. If you like cheap and cheerful, try the Lloyds bar (Wetherspoons). 7/10

Home fans (their contribution to the atmosphere etc): Lots of singing from the Barclay stand. 5/10

Total score: 50/80

Stadium League Table:
Pride Park (Derby): 65
Poltair Park (St Austell): 57 [non league]
Stadium of Light (Sunderland): 55
Ricoh Arena (Coventry):51
= Carrow Road (Norwich): 50
= Walkers Stadium (Leicester): 50

St Andrews (Birmingham): 48
Deepdale (Preston): 43
Ninian Park (Cardiff): 42
Roots Hall (Southend): 41
London Road (Peterbrough): 36

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