Whats The Ground Like
| Whats
The Ground Like? |
Bramall Lane has to me been one of the
under-rated grounds in the country. The construction of three large new
stands in the past few years makes the ground one of the best in the first
division. Both sides of the ground are large single tiered stands, as is
the Spion Kop at one end. The only disappointment with the latter is
a couple of supporting pillars. At the other end, is the oldest stand, the
Bramall Lane Stand, where the away fans are housed. This stand is two
tiered and looks a little strange as it has two large supporting pillars
in the upper tier. It also has an electric scoreboard. During the close
season the corners at either side of the John Street Stand have been
filled. In between this stand & the Spion Kop a seated family area has
been created. The other end of the John Street Stand has been filled with
offices.
Dave Croft adds; 'a lot of Blades fans sentimentally call the ground
"down town Bramall Lane", as a match day announcer use to
welcome the away fans with this description'. Interestingly Bramall
Lane is the oldest ground of the 92 Clubs, with football first being
competitively played on the site in 1862. |
| Future
Developments |
| Carl Dean informs me; 'there are plans to
build a hotel at the corner of the Bramall Lane and Arnold Laver Stands.
The hotel would feature a viewing area, that would have uninterrupted
views of the ground'. |
| What
Is It Like For Visiting Supporters? |
Away fans are housed in the two tiered
Bramall Lane Stand at one end of the ground, where up to 4,500 supporters
can be accommodated. However the normal allocation is around half this
figure as only the lower tier is normally open. If demand requires it then
the upper tier can be allocated as well. Please note that the front of the
lower tier of this stand is uncovered, so if your team has a large away
following, then pray it doesn't rain! Chris Bax adds; 'if tickets are
still available for the away end, then they can be purchased from two
dedicated away ticket windows just up from the turnstile entrances'.
The United fans are particularly passionate and vocal about their club.
This makes for a great atmosphere at games, but also can make it somewhat
intimidating for the away supporter. It was one of those grounds that by
just listening to the crowd you could tell what was going on, on the
pitch. I found it quite amusing as having to go for a leak just before
half time, I could hear the home crowd shout Goo-on as a Sheffield attack
began. Then this got louder & louder as the United team got closer to
the goal, Goo-on, Goo-on, Goo-On! and then the air turned blue as whoever
it was missed the chance! |
| Where
To Drink? |
| George Donovan recommends the Golden Lion,
'its just across the road and up the hill from the big Sheaf House pub,
about 50 yards from the away fans entrance. Otherwise
somewhat further along the road from the away end (about 3/4's of a mile
past the B&Q on the left) is the Bridge pub which also has been
recommended to me. Nearer to the ground, Jon Kerley adds; 'I drink in the
Railway Hotel right next to the away end and the pub welcomes away fans in
- I've had some great crack with guys from around the country'. |
| How
To Get There By Car & Where To Park |
| Leave M1 at Junction 34 and head into
Sheffield City Centre. On reaching the inner ring road follow signs for
A621 Baslow, the ground is about a 1/4 of a mile out of the other side of
the city centre. It is located on the A621 (Bramall Lane). Street
Parking. |
| By
Train |
| The ground is walk able from Sheffield
mainline train station, (10-15mins). As you come out
of the station turn left at the island in front of the station and
continue straight on down this street, for the ground. |
www.steelcityderby.cjb.net
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