Dissertation Research - Highfield Road / The Ricoh Arena (1 Viewer)

09361552 · Sep 4, 2012

Hi all,

I am looking to gather data for my university dissertation. The research I am carrying out is about ‘topophilia’ – the link between identity and place. The project is to determine whether the relocation of football stadiums changes the identity of fans and local residents. I’m using the case study of Coventry City’s move to the Ricoh Arena for the project and would be really grateful if you could take the time to answer the following questions. I will make my final report available and if you have any questions please email me at: 09361552@stu.mmu.ac.uk

1) What was your matchday routine at Highfield Road?
2) What is your matchday routine now at the Ricoh Arena?
3) Which parts of your routine did you prefer at Highfield Road and which parts do you prefer now at The Ricoh Arena?

I understand that some people on this forum may not have visited either Highfield Road or The Ricoh Arena, but even if you can answer one that would be great. Any feedback would be welcome as well.
Many Thanks.

smileycov · Sep 4, 2012

1) Drink in town then couple walking up far gosford st, back drinking down into town after the match.
2) Drive and park near Ricoh, have 1 or 2 in casino then drive home.
3) The luxury of drinking pre match and mingling in town, feel a bit isolated at the Ricoh. Would swap it back in an instance

fernandopartridge · Sep 4, 2012

Topophiles should be castrated mate. That's all I've got to say.

skybluesteve76 · Sep 4, 2012

1, Bus into town. Meet friends, round about 12 pm. Have a few beers in town at various pubs. Usually starting at the newt and cucumber and finishing at the brewer and baker. Walk to the ground. Soak up the atmosphere, especially in the premier league days.Watch the game. Walk back into town via the elastic inn, couple more pints. Bus home, great day out with mates.

2, jump in the car at two. Drive to the Ricoh. Park in Tesco, tell the goons on the barriers that I'm going shopping! Enter the plastic, souless arena. Watch us lose. Jump in the car, tell the goons that I've just been to the cash point. Drive home.

3, I loved highfield road and hate everything about the Ricoh Arena!
Especially what hard work it is to get there and get parked.

fernandopartridge · Sep 4, 2012

09361552 said:
Hi all,

I am looking to gather data for my university dissertation. The research I am carrying out is about ‘topophilia’ – the link between identity and place. The project is to determine whether the relocation of football stadiums changes the identity of fans and local residents. I’m using the case study of Coventry City’s move to the Ricoh Arena for the project and would be really grateful if you could take the time to answer the following questions. I will make my final report available and if you have any questions please email me at: 09361552@stu.mmu.ac.uk

1) What was your matchday routine at Highfield Road?
2) What is your matchday routine now at the Ricoh Arena?
3) Which parts of your routine did you prefer at Highfield Road and which parts do you prefer now at The Ricoh Arena?

I understand that some people on this forum may not have visited either Highfield Road or The Ricoh Arena, but even if you can answer one that would be great. Any feedback would be welcome as well.
Many Thanks.

1) Go to pub, decide whether or not to go the match, sometimes go, sometimes don't.

2) Go to pub, decide whether or not to go the match, sometimes go, sometimes don't.

3) The first part

fernandopartridge · Sep 4, 2012

skybluesteve76 said:
1, Bus into town. Meet friends, round about 12 pm. Have a few beers in town at various pubs. Usually starting at the newt and cucumber and finishing at the brewer and baker. Walk to the ground. Soak up the atmosphere, especially in the premier league days.Watch the game. Walk back into town via the elastic inn, couple more pints. Bus home, great day out with mates.

2, jump in the car at two. Drive to the Ricoh. Park in Tesco, tell the goons on the barriers that I'm going shopping! Enter the plastic, souless arena. Watch us lose. Jump in the car, tell the goons that I've just been to the cash point. Drive home.

3, I loved highfield road and hate everything about the Ricoh Arena!
Especially what hard work it is to get there and get parked.

Why can't you do something similar to what you did at Highfield Rd, just out of interest?

Skybluechick · Sep 4, 2012

Highfield road matchday routine leave house about 1 and drive round trying to find a parking place the area was a shithole n tryin to avoid the prostitutes leerin through the car window when you stopped! Hated it but was my beloved sky blues. Ricoh arena a short walk straight off motorway enjoy walkin around the stadium area nice and clean with lots of nice shops parking has been uneventful up to now n will get better with the i rail link
I wud prefer nothing from highfield road only the league we were in, their was a lot of fighting town was a nightmare matchdays and felt very unsafe, I had my car almost tipped over in the 90s by leicester fans with a new born baby in car!
Tha ricoh is local brighter cleaner safer and looks good for coventry and if we were in the premier league everyone would prefer it when full to capacity n rail link

skybluesteve76 · Sep 4, 2012

Nobody goes anymore, where's the nearest pub? It's miles away from town, it costs as much on a bus as petrol. It's just always felt like bloody hard work.

fernandopartridge · Sep 4, 2012

Skybluechick said:
Highfield road matchday routine leave house about 1 and drive round trying to find a parking place the area was a shithole n tryin to avoid the prostitutes leerin through the car window when you stopped! Hated it but was my beloved sky blues. Ricoh arena a short walk straight off motorway enjoy walkin around the stadium area nice and clean with lots of nice shops parking has been uneventful up to now n will get better with the i rail link
I wud prefer nothing from highfield road only the league we were in, their was a lot of fighting town was a nightmare matchdays and felt very unsafe, I had my car almost tipped over in the 90s by leicester fans with a new born baby in car!
Tha ricoh is local brighter cleaner safer and looks good for coventry and if we were in the premier league everyone would prefer it when full to capacity n rail link

Tbf driving slowly along roads in Hillfields is a criminal offence.

The area around the stadium is nice and clean, sorry but Foleshill is a complete and utter dump.

their was a lot of fighting town was a nightmare matchdays and felt very unsafe, I had my car almost tipped over in the 90s by leicester fans with a new born baby in car!

The good old days

skybluesteve76 · Sep 4, 2012

Parking for highfield rd was easy! Massive car park by the baths. Anywhere on the road leading up to the ground.

sotv1987 · Sep 4, 2012

09361552 said:
Hi all,

I am looking to gather data for my university dissertation. The research I am carrying out is about ‘topophilia’ – the link between identity and place. The project is to determine whether the relocation of football stadiums changes the identity of fans and local residents. I’m using the case study of Coventry City’s move to the Ricoh Arena for the project and would be really grateful if you could take the time to answer the following questions. I will make my final report available and if you have any questions please email me at: 09361552@stu.mmu.ac.uk

1) What was your matchday routine at Highfield Road?
2) What is your matchday routine now at the Ricoh Arena?
3) Which parts of your routine did you prefer at Highfield Road and which parts do you prefer now at The Ricoh Arena?

I understand that some people on this forum may not have visited either Highfield Road or The Ricoh Arena, but even if you can answer one that would be great. Any feedback would be welcome as well.
Many Thanks.

exactly the same as smileycov.

1) Drink in town then couple walking up far gosford st, back drinking down into town after the match.
2) Drive and park near Ricoh, have 1 or 2 in casino then drive home.
3) The luxury of drinking pre match and mingling in town, feel a bit isolated at the Ricoh. Would swap it back in an instance

I feel as if i don’t want too much to drink as the atmosphere isn’t like it used to be!!!

Greggs · Sep 4, 2012

Southampton fans might be better fans to contact. They have experienced success since moving from The Dell. They might offer a different angle. Most city fans haven't warmed to The Ricoh due to the amount of shit we have seen there! Good luck and Peace

Nick · Sep 4, 2012

1. Get a lift and park somewhere on Swan Lane, walk to ground, grab a beer and take it out to my seat in the West Terrace by the lady with the bright pink hair and the young lad who carried a comb to comb his fresh oasis style mullet whenever he could. Grab a beer and pie at HT. Go in strikers for a beer after the game and be chuffed I got served.
2. Drive to park car, walk to ricoh, put a bet on, go to my seat, watch game, go home.
3. I like it where it is now as it is closer to my house and easier for me to get to. If I was 17 and wanted to make an all dayer out of it, it would be a nightmare compared to when it was near town.

WeWillBeBack · Sep 4, 2012

Skybluechick said:
Highfield road matchday routine leave house about 1 and drive round trying to find a parking place the area was a shithole n tryin to avoid the prostitutes leerin through the car window when you stopped! Hated it but was my beloved sky blues. Ricoh arena a short walk straight off motorway enjoy walkin around the stadium area nice and clean with lots of nice shops parking has been uneventful up to now n will get better with the i rail link
I wud prefer nothing from highfield road only the league we were in, their was a lot of fighting town was a nightmare matchdays and felt very unsafe, I had my car almost tipped over in the 90s by leicester fans with a new born baby in car!
Tha ricoh is local brighter cleaner safer and looks good for coventry and if we were in the premier league everyone would prefer it when full to capacity n rail link

Most of this is complete and utter shite!

smileycov · Sep 4, 2012

SOTV 1987, you ever get chased across Gosford park? Ha - ha, some boro fan nicked my scarf then chased me up Swann st when i grabbed it back. I was 14 and attending first game without my Dad!! Shit myself, but realy do miss those match days.

Nick · Sep 4, 2012

I can remember waiting in the ticket office queue against Sheff Utd when a guy just ran over and completely lamped the guy behind me in the queue then ran off. Really random!

rob9872 · Sep 4, 2012

Weighted questions due to the fact that I'm now older and have different commitments as opposed to just the ground change. I think my routine woudl have changed now had we stayed at HR ... although I still wish that we had!

Astute · Sep 4, 2012

HR...pub crawl on way to game. Quite eventful sometimes. Leave ground and go for a drink. Quite eventful sometimes.

Ricoh....4 1/2 hr drive if roads are clear. Pubs til kickoff. Uneventful game most of the time. Go for beer. Get head down. Go visiting family and friends. Drive home.

I miss HR

Nick · Sep 4, 2012

rob9872 said:
Weighted questions due to the fact that I'm now older and have different commitments as opposed to just the ground change. I think my routine woudl have changed now had we stayed at HR ... although I still wish that we had!

I know what you mean. A lot of people will have changed since the move by moving out of home, having kids, changing jobs etc so hard to compare.

SBS · Sep 4, 2012

1) I only attended Highfield Road between the age of about 8 and 14 with my old man. We used to drive around looking for a parking space which could take forever, especially during the PL, or get a lift off someone else. Used to go in the Hastings before hand, I can still remember how you couldn't see the other side of the room through the cigarette smoke! Short walk to the ground, go in the East Stand, watch the game and usually run back to the car to avoid as much traffic as we could.

2) The Ricoh is a completely different experience for me. I now spend as little time around and in the ground as I can really. I turn up to car park A, park the car, walk in the ground, watch the football and then queue for half an hour to leave.

3) It's hard to explain what parts of the actual routine I prefer. A lot has changed since then which makes things different. For example, I'd probably have enjoyed the pub before if the smoking ban was in place, my eyes used to sting leaving the Hastings! I'm over 18 now as well, so thinking about it, I definitely would have enjoyed the pub more!! But whereas the football used to take up my saturday from about 12-6, I now leave at half 2 and I'm back by half 5.

I know which ground I prefer though, Highfield Road by a mile. As strange as it sounds, I'd rather us be in the conference and back at Highfield Road than where we are now. You said that your research is about identity and place. In my eyes, Highfield Road had an identity, The Ricoh doesn't. The names themselves, a road name in our city and a international business sums it up! The Ricoh is like a house, where as Highfield Road was a home.

oakey · Sep 4, 2012

smileycov said:
SOTV 1987, you ever get chased across Gosford park? Ha - ha, some boro fan nicked my scarf then chased me up Swann st when i grabbed it back. I was 14 and attending first game without my Dad!! Shit myself, but realy do miss those match days.

That must have been about 1977/78?
I got set upon by a big, ugly Boro fan who wanted the scarf. He punched me and my little sister in the face. When I lamped him back he kicked me in the back but ran off ... without either scarf...ointlaugh:

The Reverend Skyblue · Sep 4, 2012

answer to 1----Highfield Road timetable - leave village near Brackley around 1.30ish and travel to ground with my Dad and arrive 2.20 ish and park in NO PARKING area somewhere near ground-, walk down to chippy in King William street,i think it was down there,
smuggle said fish and chips into the ground via the door next to the turnstiles as my Dad knew the bloke on the door,-
take seat in ground, ( not our seats but my old man always sat in with the press ,as he hated to be told what to do),-
for the next 1hour 45 minutes my Dad would then try and fight the nearest opposition supporter while i cried and somehow tried to watch the match-
run back to car after match
travel home in silence with odd interupption when i threatened Dad that i was going to tell Mum,

answer to 2---- Drive to ground alaways arriving late
walk to seat and watch match with bated breath
walk to car after match and drive home, normally in a depressed mood

answer to 3--- i miss most about Highfield Road the atmosphere and the fact every team hated playing us there. I also miss my Dad
I don't prefer anything about the Ricoh, but one day with better surrounding bars/shops/things to do etc i can see it may be one day a better matchday experience

The Rev

smileycov · Sep 4, 2012

oakey said:
That must have been about 1977/78?
I got set upon by a big, ugly Boro fan who wanted the scarf. He punched me and my little sister in the face. When I lamped him back he kicked me in the back but ran off ... without either scarf...ointlaugh:

yea thats it, we won 2-1 they ran out at 2-0 and trashed gulson rd on way to station. they set fire to all scarfs on the kop lol!!

Houchens Head · Sep 4, 2012

I was a steward at Highfield Rd so my matchday routine was:
1. Arrive at ground. Security briefing. Search your area. Go to your turnstile entrance by 1.45pm. Start random searches of fans. Find beer cans on fans. Confiscate cans. Turn away any away fans we didn't like the look of. Once match had started, turnstiles closed. Drink confiscated cans. Watch game for free.

2. Only been to the Ricoh on a few occasions. Can't say I was impressed.

3. "Handing in" the confiscated cans of booze!

skyblue_syy · Sep 5, 2012

Just reading your reponses to the OP made me feel like I had to add my views. I did my knee in years ago after falling off my bike and can't walk too far without it hurtin. I loved HR, but I find it a lot easier watchin games at the ricoh. Parking, access, legroom amongst other things is so much better at the modern grounds. I think in general, minority groups feel more welcome at the ricoh than on the old terraces. Society is much more inclusive nowadays, and these new grounds are built for everyone, not just the traditional working class football fan. I do miss the atmosphere though.

09361552 · Sep 5, 2012

Thanks for all the replies so far, got some really good stuff for my work. I will be keeping an eye on this thread so feel free to contribute or add anymore. As I said, I'll put a copy on here when it's all finished so you can have a read if you're interested. Thanks once again

singers_pore · Sep 5, 2012

I used to go to HR while living in the UK. Now I am in Singapore I don't go to the RA very much. But my experiences are as follows:

1) What was your matchday routine at Highfield Road?
Go down the Elastic Inn about 12.30pm. Drink until 2.30pm. Walk up to the ground with the added attraction of random fights breaking out around Brewer and Baker pub. Enter West End and stand for most of the game. No one stares if you shout or swear. Decent atmosphere. Pick up a copy of the pink on the way home.

2) What is your matchday routine now at the Ricoh Arena?
Check into hotel day before game. Play in casino and drink on Friday night. Meet a friend on Saturday afternoon before game. Watch really shit match, and wonder why on earth I travelled half way round the world to see such crap. No effort from the players or fans. Stewards generally unfriendly. 2/3 of the ground is empty. Friend makes early exit due to family commitments. Shit!

3) Which parts of your routine did you prefer at Highfield Road and which parts do you prefer now at The Ricoh Arena?
Erm, should be obvious from the answers to the above.

Jack Griffin · Sep 5, 2012

You are researching the wrong place. Now if you wanted to talk about Highfield Road ......

shmmeee · Sep 5, 2012

09361552 said:
Hi all,

I am looking to gather data for my university dissertation. The research I am carrying out is about ‘topophilia’ – the link between identity and place. The project is to determine whether the relocation of football stadiums changes the identity of fans and local residents. I’m using the case study of Coventry City’s move to the Ricoh Arena for the project and would be really grateful if you could take the time to answer the following questions. I will make my final report available and if you have any questions please email me at: 09361552@stu.mmu.ac.uk

1) What was your matchday routine at Highfield Road?
2) What is your matchday routine now at the Ricoh Arena?
3) Which parts of your routine did you prefer at Highfield Road and which parts do you prefer now at The Ricoh Arena?

I understand that some people on this forum may not have visited either Highfield Road or The Ricoh Arena, but even if you can answer one that would be great. Any feedback would be welcome as well.
Many Thanks.

Firstly, I hope your dissertation has some more rigorous research than a post on a forum with some badly constructed questions. What exactly do you hope to be able to prove from this thread? How are you accounting for bias such as age, status of the team, etc.

In fact I'd say City is probably the worst case study you could have chosen. We moved grounds shortly after our first relegation in a lifetime and have suffered the worst decade on the pitch for unrelated reasons (please don't listen to the "income streams" argument, it's financial nonsense). There are way too many variables for any type of meaningful study. Pick a club that's been relatively stable apart from the stadium move.

Anyway, to answer your questions (and some you don't ask but should have)

Gender: M
Age: 31
Been going to CCFC since age 9, ST holder at both.

In terms of matchday routine:

At HR I'd get a lift if I could due to the nightmare of parking anywhere near the ground though occasionally would drive or be driven. I'd go in, watch the game stay in my seat at HT and leave and go home.

At the Ricoh I drive in, park a couple of mins away and walk To the ground. I sometimes get food/drink as the queues are far better and the facilities better. I then leave, get a coffee or do some shopping and drive home.

Things I preferred about HR:
- The way the narrow streets around the ground made walking up feel more communal if that makes sense.
- the proximity of the away fans

Things I prefer about the Ricoh:
- easier to get to/away
- things to do near ground
- FAR better view/seat
- confident of getting served at HT before the game restarts
- the way you can see the ground from a distance which builds excitement.

Hope that helps.

pusbccfc · Sep 5, 2012

Take me home Highfield road, to a place, where I belong, the West terrace to see the City take me home, Highfield Road!

antineorevolutionery · Sep 6, 2012

Male, 30, never had a season ticket, lived in Yorkshire since 2000.

Highfield Road - train from Sheffield to Coventry (arrive 1ish), beers in town, watch game, few beers, train back (home 9ish).
Ricoh - usually drive down (get there for 2:30), one beer max, watch game, drive back. Home before 7.

Prefer HR. Main reason - lack of train station at Ricoh = realistically have to drive = no beer = takes away from match day experience (IMO)

Get a train station built, get crowds of above 20,000 (via promotion or even maybe just winning a few games in a row), and it would be a better day out.

09361552 · Sep 6, 2012

Again, thanks for all your responses so far. In response to Shmmeee, yes my dissertation does involve more rigorous research methods. I have been interviewing residents local to the both the Ricoh and Highfield Road, and also plan to interview some Coventry fans at a later date. The reason I have posted on the forum it can provide a large amount of data from supporters, who may be difficult to access. If you look through the responses, I've had responses from people who travel miles to go to the odd game. Without using this forum, I doubt I would've got anything like that. It would have been almost impossible to get some of these responses from a more traditional method of research. If you want an example of how this sort of data will be used in my work, I have attached a link to a piece of work from one of my tutors, who used internet forums to gather the views of football supporters. Thanks for providing me with your routine though.

http://mmu.academia.edu/SteveMillin...ay_routine_in_English_Premier_League_Football

jimmyhillsfanclub · Sep 6, 2012

Reading through these answers so far....its interesting (and IMHO entirely predictable) that the only real pro-ricoh move response is from a female fan.....says it all really!

My personal response:

Male. Age 41. Followed City since the late 1970's.

HR....Great....visit several boozers before the game, stand-up, smoke, swear & jump around in the WT during the game.....cheeky post game pint....go home.

Ricoh....its simple...I no longer go to home games!
Hate the place & the whole sour matchday experience. Now I only go to about 8-10 away games per season.

Harry Krishner · Sep 6, 2012

1. Used to walk to the ground which took 20 mins max, possibly stopping at pub such as The Hastings where I could be guaranteed to meet a lot of familiar faces.
2. Get bus or lift in car, and often don't stop anywhere.
3. I basically don't like going to the Ricoh (I don't even like the name), and find the experience akin to "going to the mall" in the USA as I have to drive there-possibly along the M6. As a football experience, it's vastly inferior, although the stadium is nice.

Regarding your thesis, I feel the "centre of the universe" was ripped out with the demolition of HR, and I feel saddened when I go past the former site now. My perception of my home town has altered quite radically (it doesn't quite feel the same), and I very much resent having to drive to the new stadium and having to walk across vast car parks and retail zones to get there. HR- as the home ground when we won the FA Cup in '87- had a shrine-like status: I feel very much that a club that demolishes an historical ground in the name of "progress" is destroying a very strong link to it's footballing and local heritage.

Dissertation Research - Highfield Road / The Ricoh Arena (1 Viewer)

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