DATES VISITED THIS GROUND
4/8/2007 - Sunderland 1 Juventus 1
There is this myth that fans in the North East are more passionate than any
other football fan in the country. I have yet to see this justified at any of the clubs up in that area and the latest evidence
of this was a trip to Sunderland. They seemed quite passionless, unless you count passion as acting like a complete nutter
when a decision doesn't go your way.
I had no plans to visit Sunderland at the time I did, infact I only decided
to go 12 hours before kick off when I got a text from a friend who was going. So I took up the chance and looked forward to
the trip as I had heard a lot of good things about this stadium.
Parking around the ground was difficult for non-permit holders but once we were
parked up we were greeted by a samba-band outside of the ground. Having eventually found the ticket office after several minutes
wandering around with no signs to indicate where it was. We tried asking the locals but there was as much point in doing that
as there is in a broken pencil, couldn't understand a single word they said.
Once entering the ground I was quite disappointed. Granted it was a decent ground
but the reviews I had read lead me to leave this was one of the best grounds in the country. It felt more to me like a smaller
version of Old Trafford.
The view from the stand we were in was fairly good and you could even see what
was going on down the other end quite easily.
Anyway, time for the famed atmosphere that Sunderland have. It started well
and they were loud, then Sunderland scored and it just went quite for the rest of the game. It was the first time I had ever
heard fans be quieter after they started winning than before they scored.
The game was decent with Juventus dominating, maybe this didn't help regarding
the atmosphere.
Despite some negative aspects to the day it was quite enjoyable and I will definitely
go back if I get the chance, but maybe not for a random game.
SCORES
Overall Ground Quality : 9
Ease of getting there : 6
Atmosphere : 2
Programme : 8
View of Action : 8
Leg Space : 7
The "football" feeling : 4
Friendliness of Home Supporters : 6
Quality of the game : 9
Chances of Coming Here For a Random Game : 3
Overall : 62/100
