Ground Redevelopment Or Never? And Left Behind!

[Mother Brown]

Absolutely a no brainer.

The decaying County Ground wins every time.

+1

[Flashheart]

I think we're often a bit harsh on new stadia.

Old stadia do tend to have more character but then they would do, after all they have been well 'lived in'. Throughout a stadium's life various rules and regulations will come and go meaning alterations need to be made. Wear and tear will mean that parts need repairing or fixing and the occasional expansion or downgrade may also be required to maximise revenue or cut costs. Various famous events and individuals will also contribute to the 'soul' of the stadium as time passes. All of these things provide the quirks and foibles that help to give old stadia their character and these quirks and foibles make new constructions appear soulless and bland in comparison.

Usually though the designers of new stadiums do give it their best shot. While it may be all but impossible to achieve a genuine 'lived in' effect, new constructions do often show that their designers have tried to use some creativity and at least made an effort at adding a bit of character.

The same cannot be said about Stadium MK, however. It looks as though it's designers put a box on a bit of paper, drew a line around it said: "That'll do". It's exactly what that disgrace of a 'club' deserve really. Let them fucking have it.

[hobnob]

I like grounds with character. Look at the Millwall history website, cold blow lane looks great.

Grounds ok, not too sure about the inmates though!!!

[Tails]

I think we're often a bit harsh on new stadia.

Old stadia do tend to have more character but then they would do, after all they have been well 'lived in'. Throughout a stadium's life various rules and regulations will come and go meaning alterations need to be made. Wear and tear will mean that parts need repairing or fixing and the occasional expansion or downgrade may also be required to maximise revenue or cut costs. Various famous events and individuals will also contribute to the 'soul' of the stadium as time passes. All of these things provide the quirks and foibles that help to give old stadia their character and these quirks and foibles make new constructions appear soulless and bland in comparison.

Usually though the designers of new stadiums do give it their best shot. While it may be all but impossible to achieve a genuine 'lived in' effect, new constructions do often show that their designers have tried to use some creativity and at least made an effort at adding a bit of character.

The same cannot be said about Stadium MK, however. It looks as though it's designers put a box on a bit of paper, drew a line around it said: "That'll do". It's exactly what that disgrace of a 'club' deserve really. Let them fucking have it.

Doncasters is the worst new build I've been to. It is literally a round shed with seats bolted on to it. Zero atmosphere, horrible place.

[suttonred]

Grounds ok, not too sure about the inmates though!!!

The Old den was a crap hole of the highest order. Of the newer ones, they are hit and miss the ones I've been to. Leicester and Colchester are poor, whilst Reading and Coventry are good Imo.

[Pax Romana]

Yeah I think Reading is pretty good.  Biggest problem is the location, like most new grounds.  Not been but I've heard that Riverside is the worst.

Completely agree re Doncaster, I went there to watch them in their first championship season against Newcastle.  Big crowd, lot of enthusiasm and excitement but even then the soulless ground had a depressing effect.  God knows what it would have been like the next year when they were getting relegated.

[Cookie]

Following on from Flashheart post, there may well be a change in how stadiums are designed. In the US in the past 2 decades there has been a move towards designing and buiding 'retro' ballparks in baseball and I for one would welcome some modern designs using some Archibald Leith design principles.

[Costanza]

Following on from Flashheart post, there may well be a change in how stadiums are designed. In the US in the past 2 decades there has been a move towards designing and buiding 'retro' ballparks in baseball and I for one would welcome some modern designs using some Archibald Leith design principles.

Sans the restricted views of course.

I was in the Johnny Haynes Stand the other week and it was a nice experience.

[derbystfc]

I like the idea of the CG development rather then just a new build, I just hope if it ever come to that, we still have seats behind the floodlights in the corner of the townend, thats charachter just there

[Berniman]

I still say that Loftus Road is my favourite ground.  If we could develop the CG and find a way to fill in the corners (which would mean new stands at either end) I would prefer that.

[Bewster]

As stated in the other thread I went to the Amex last weekend and was really impressed. Yes it was all a bit clinical - no pissing in the turnstile or up against a wall - but it was definitely not a soulless bowl.

[Honkytonk]

As stated in the other thread I went to the Amex last weekend and was really impressed. Yes it was all a bit clinical - no pissing in the turnstile or up against a wall - but it was definitely not a soulless bowl.

What?!? The posh fuckers!

[Peter Venkman]

What?!? The posh fuckers!

This is Brighton, I am sure it was the norm back at the Goldstone ground.

[RedRag]

I like grounds with character. Look at the Millwall history website, cold blow lane looks great.

A uniquely intimidating and unsanitized atmosphere both inside and in the surrounds.

Perhaps if the County Ground were allowed to decay a decade or two more, it could achieve a little of the sense of danger about the (old) Den?

http://www.millwall-history.org.uk/_borders/top.ht9.jpg

[RedRag]

woops, the intended (old) Den link...

http://www.millwall-history.org.uk/the_den.htm