|
Post by mjg13x on Mar 29, 2024 12:54:46 GMT
After seven years on the other side of the Atlantic, falling in love with our club as we've fallen down the ladder, I'm finally going to be able to make it to my first game on Easter Monday. (I'm overseas for a period of time, and this is the weekend I'm best able to make it work). Iβve got my ticket for Block 22, but other than that I have no idea what to expect -- what does a typical matchday look like from the fan experience perspective? Any must do's/must not do's or general advice would be much appreciated.
Iβm staying at the Holiday Inn right by the stadium if thatβs at all relevant.
Apologies for the cross post from the travel board β one of the commenters recommended I do so.
|
|
|
Post by lordb on Mar 29, 2024 12:58:18 GMT
Where are you staying? Give yourself time to take in a pub and then a walk to the ground
Expect a nervous crowd
|
|
|
Post by middleoftheboothen on Mar 29, 2024 12:59:30 GMT
After seven years on the other side of the Atlantic, falling in love with our club as we've fallen down the ladder, I'm finally going to be able to make it to my first game on Easter Monday. (I'm overseas for a period of time, and this is the weekend I'm best able to make it work). Iβve got my ticket for Block 22, but other than that I have no idea what to expect -- what does a typical matchday look like from the fan experience perspective? Any must do's/must not do's or general advice would be much appreciated. Iβm staying at the Holiday Inn right by the stadium if thatβs at all relevant. Apologies for the cross post from the travel board β one of the commenters recommended I do so. The Boothen is not what it once was in terms of atmosphere but hopefully will be loud Monday as it's a huge game. Not sure what drinking is like by the ground mate but we drink in the loco at Heron cross and it's a sound pub. Roughly ten to fifteen minutes from the ground depending on how fast you walk. There's also a cricket club up that way which used to be good but not been there for a good while. Hope you are a lucky charm mate and most of all you enjoy it.
|
|
|
Post by y_oh_y_delilah on Mar 29, 2024 13:02:50 GMT
Welcome.
Youβll know all about our home form and lack of goals but like most games weβre all hoping for the best in that regard.
Expect a very tense game in a winner takes all atmosphere. Perhaps our most important game for a good few years.
|
|
|
Post by danceswithclams on Mar 29, 2024 13:15:23 GMT
what does a typical matchday look like from the fan experience perspective? Imagine the dullest, most grey and soporific thing you can. That.
|
|
|
Post by southcoaststokie on Mar 29, 2024 13:19:43 GMT
Get some oatcakes in you before the match
|
|
|
Post by generationex on Mar 29, 2024 13:51:08 GMT
Go into Stoke town before the game. Sample a few pubs and the pre-match atmosphere. Often better than the match.
|
|
|
Post by jesusmcmuffin on Mar 29, 2024 13:55:47 GMT
Is a bar in the Holiday Inn if you require one and a very short walk.
Have a wander around a couple of hours before the game if I was you and pop into the shop, check out the statues etc . Should be a decent crowd on Monday
I suggest a delicacy from any convenience store called Mini Rolls. A terrific pre match, during match and after match delight
Have a good day π
|
|
|
Post by Vadiation_Ribe on Mar 29, 2024 14:01:34 GMT
You could pop down to the canal (via the bridge on the side of the main entrance/Boothen End) for a drink and oatcake.
|
|
|
Post by nott1 on Mar 29, 2024 14:28:08 GMT
Please doff your cap when entering Gods own County!
|
|
olias
Academy Starlet
Posts: 188
|
Post by olias on Mar 29, 2024 14:31:54 GMT
Please doff your cap when entering Gods own County! Or a curtsy. We don't discriminate. Unless you're French.
|
|
|
Post by benjaminbiscuit on Mar 29, 2024 14:32:09 GMT
You could pop down to the canal (via the bridge on the side of the main entrance/Boothen End) for a drink and oatcake. Dont go anywhere near a canal after the match
|
|
|
Post by theonlooker on Mar 29, 2024 14:35:50 GMT
The normal matchday experience is a trudge to a stadium, normally raining. Go into the stadium and watch an insipid and mind numbing game of football before going home and getting pissed out of your skull to forget all about it.
Rinse repeat for 6 years.
Safe trip and enjoy π
|
|
|
Post by whatsashig on Mar 29, 2024 14:43:50 GMT
Forget the pubs go for a noiyce cup of tea , smooth earl grey is my recommendation, but book first at the rabbit hole, a somewhat expensive butty can be had but is good , lovely soft bread and subtly delightful dressing.
|
|
|
Post by Scrotnig on Mar 29, 2024 14:53:39 GMT
The normal matchday experience is a trudge to a stadium, normally raining. Go into the stadium and watch an insipid and mind numbing game of football before going home and getting pissed out of your skull to forget all about it. Hmm...are you suggesting football is NOT meant to be like that? Over the years I've just assumed that's how it's supposed to be. Interesting.
|
|
|
Post by Scrotnig on Mar 29, 2024 14:54:46 GMT
Forget the pubs go for a noiyce cup of tea Of late, I would amend that slightly: "Forget the match go for a noiyce cup of tea"
|
|
olias
Academy Starlet
Posts: 188
|
Post by olias on Mar 29, 2024 14:56:04 GMT
After seven years on the other side of the Atlantic, falling in love with our club as we've fallen down the ladder, I'm finally going to be able to make it to my first game on Easter Monday. (I'm overseas for a period of time, and this is the weekend I'm best able to make it work). Iβve got my ticket for Block 22, but other than that I have no idea what to expect -- what does a typical matchday look like from the fan experience perspective? Any must do's/must not do's or general advice would be much appreciated. Iβm staying at the Holiday Inn right by the stadium if thatβs at all relevant. Apologies for the cross post from the travel board β one of the commenters recommended I do so. We, 3-4 of us drive from SE Staffs, so we always get to the ground about an hour prior to KO. After the struggle to find vacant car parking, which is always Β£5, we get to the ground, have a peek around the Stoke shop, to see if there's any bargains to be had. And then we go and get cheeseburgers from one of the vans outside. Usually hot, very tasty, but don't ask too many questions about them. Do a bit of people watching while we munch on burgers, maybe get a cup of tea, and wander through the turnstiles. If more food, or drinks, are required, the inside concourse has a bar for hot food and drinks. Be aware, they don't take cash at these counters, just card payments. I couldn't tell you about the availability regarding booze inside, none of us have ever bought booze, either inside, or on the way to the ground. Then it's a wander to our seats, watch whatever is going on on the pitch, whilst listening to the doom and gloom merchants surrounding our seats. And await kick-off. After the game, we then trudge to our car, drive home and decide that the doom and gloom merchants were right all along. Have a great day.
|
|
|
Post by SuperRickyFuller on Mar 29, 2024 14:56:10 GMT
Forget the pubs go for a noiyce cup of tea , smooth earl grey is my recommendation, but book first at the rabbit hole, a somewhat expensive butty can be had but is good , lovely soft bread and subtly delightful dressing. I refuse to believe anyone can watch a home game sober after the last few years.
|
|
|
Post by mickeythemaestro on Mar 29, 2024 15:10:49 GMT
You could pop down to the canal (via the bridge on the side of the main entrance/Boothen End) for a drink and oatcake. Good shout and hopefully some nice weather can make that a pleasant part of the day. Often better than the football anyway...
|
|
|
Post by mjg13x on Mar 29, 2024 16:37:51 GMT
Where are you staying? Give yourself time to take in a pub and then a walk to the ground Expect a nervous crowd The Holiday Inn right by the ground -- I assume I should get myself into town and then wander back?
|
|
|
Post by mjg13x on Mar 29, 2024 16:39:35 GMT
Reading through all your posts -- thank you all so much!! Looking forward to it!
|
|
|
Post by mickeythemaestro on Mar 29, 2024 16:53:48 GMT
Where are you staying? Give yourself time to take in a pub and then a walk to the ground Expect a nervous crowd The Holiday Inn right by the ground -- I assume I should get myself into town and then wander back? Yeah not much going on around the ground after. Get a taxi/uber over to Newcastle and have a few scoops and a curry would be my suggestion. Used to be a good night out and im sure its still okay but haven't been for a while.. Newcastle-under-Lyme not upon tyne as they could get expensive π
|
|
|
Post by fca47 on Mar 29, 2024 17:25:54 GMT
The Holiday Inn right by the ground -- I assume I should get myself into town and then wander back? Yeah not much going on around the ground after. Get a taxi/uber over to Newcastle and have a few scoops and a curry would be my suggestion. Used to be a good night out and im sure its still okay but haven't been for a while.. Newcastle-under-Lyme not upon tyne as they could get expensive π Father in laws first time in the country, wanted to get to Newcastle. You can guess which train they put him on.
|
|
|
Post by thehartshillbadger on Mar 29, 2024 17:28:49 GMT
Yeah not much going on around the ground after. Get a taxi/uber over to Newcastle and have a few scoops and a curry would be my suggestion. Used to be a good night out and im sure its still okay but haven't been for a while.. Newcastle-under-Lyme not upon tyne as they could get expensive π Father in laws first time in the country, wanted to get to Newcastle. You can guess which train they put him on. The one with the train station?
|
|
|
Post by NassauDave on Mar 29, 2024 17:36:00 GMT
After seven years on the other side of the Atlantic, falling in love with our club as we've fallen down the ladder, I'm finally going to be able to make it to my first game on Easter Monday. (I'm overseas for a period of time, and this is the weekend I'm best able to make it work). Iβve got my ticket for Block 22, but other than that I have no idea what to expect -- what does a typical matchday look like from the fan experience perspective? Any must do's/must not do's or general advice would be much appreciated. Iβm staying at the Holiday Inn right by the stadium if thatβs at all relevant. Apologies for the cross post from the travel board β one of the commenters recommended I do so. Where are you from? Definitely do the pubs before and afterwards. Enjoy the game. Welcome!
|
|
|
Post by raythesailor on Mar 29, 2024 17:39:21 GMT
It's a pity that some one like yourselves can not get into Ricardo's which would be a ideal experience for you.
If you are about maybe try and appeal to the ticket office. Early as possible on Sat morning I would suggest.
Having said that good old fashioned English pubs nearby are an experience worth having for visitors from the USA.π
ENJOY.
|
|
|
Post by mickeythemaestro on Mar 29, 2024 18:04:57 GMT
Yeah not much going on around the ground after. Get a taxi/uber over to Newcastle and have a few scoops and a curry would be my suggestion. Used to be a good night out and im sure its still okay but haven't been for a while.. Newcastle-under-Lyme not upon tyne as they could get expensive π Father in laws first time in the country, wanted to get to Newcastle. You can guess which train they put him on. Ffs π π€£
|
|
|
Post by lordb on Mar 29, 2024 18:13:26 GMT
Where are you staying? Give yourself time to take in a pub and then a walk to the ground Expect a nervous crowd The Holiday Inn right by the ground -- I assume I should get myself into town and then wander back? Yiy could but Stoke town is one of the worst places on Earth Google a walk down to The Gardener's pub, then walk back and get an Oatcake from the Oatcake canal barge Wear Stoke colours and let it be known its your first game and you should get a good welcome
|
|
|
Post by raythesailor on Mar 29, 2024 18:15:45 GMT
A mate of mine got a taxi from Birmingham to Stafford after a boozy night and ended up in Stratford π
|
|
|
Post by thehartshillbadger on Mar 29, 2024 18:21:57 GMT
The Holiday Inn right by the ground -- I assume I should get myself into town and then wander back? Yiy could but Stoke town is one of the worst places on Earth Google a walk down to The Gardener's pub, then walk back and get an Oatcake from the Oatcake canal barge Wear Stoke colours and let it be known its your first game and you should get a good welcome Is not even one of the worst places in Stoke on Trent, you can easily have a good few hours in Stoke town for drinks
|
|