I’d wager that the fans who label it as the worst away day in the country haven’t visited the ground in the last 15 years (if at all)
Might apply to some, but I've spoken to some who hate it. What's to like? A six mile taxi ride to and from the city centre before and after the game? Worst away days I can think of are Reading and Colchester, middle of nowhere, no pubs, utterly devoid of soul. Those places could be absolutely bouncing atmosphere wise, but they would still be shit away days.
Don't get me wrong, CBS for a home fan, especially as I can walk to the ground, is a decent matchday experience now. Love Dhillons and atmosphere is great. Would still take a city centre ground though everyday of the week.
Yes, so true, I've been there many times when there was only 10k for premier league games (when it was called Division 1 for all you youngsters)There was also a rose tinted view of Highfield Road (often by people who were too young to have actually been there).
The soulless bowl vs the atmospheric old stadium.
I remember being in HR at times and you could hear a pin drop
Most fans these days travel to away games by either car or coach. For that the CBS is in an ideal location. I'd actually argue that location wise its better for away fans than home ones
Why is it an ideal location for those travelling by coach? The people on it are not driving, and you'd surely much prefer to get off in a town centre than a windswept car park with nowhere to get a beer or kill a few hours before kick off.
Genuinely surprised to be having this debate to be honest, never encountered anyone who has argued for edge of town over a town centre for a football ground.
Was it one of the Bruce gigs?They all said when they visited the Ricoh it was like going into a music festival.
We should be grateful the stadium is out of town, the city centre main routes are permanently gridlocked, and sooner or later some twat will start charging us £12 per day to drive there!!!Yes it has improved massively..... but its still an identikit out-of-town stadium...
If i was an away fan coming to Coventry, the one plus point would be the generally large allocation.... i'm not personally a fan of stadiums out-of-town.
Its strange, i realised that i've now supported City for longer while we've been at the Ricoh than at Highfield Road, but it'll never feel "home" like Highfield Road did for me..... no doubt the next generation will feel very differently.
Completely agree about the atmosphere. Its just a building. What's happening on the pitch and the general feel of the place is what makes an atmosphere.
Quick getaway after the game.
Its hardly the middle of nowhere. Longford Road isn't exactly a remote country lane!
I think the location is changing already in the 18 years since construction. It really did feel a bit remote in 2005 but since then house building has meant Coventry is extending all around it now. Could do with a more few decent pubs within walking distance…..however we do now have the Byatts facility, Dhillons, the Anecdote and the train stop, all were non existent in the early days
It's worth remembering that when HR was built in 1899 it would have been much closer to the edge of the city boundary than when we all remember it. There was a lot of expansion around the city during the 20th century.Fair enough, people have different priorities I suppose and not everyone wants a load of beer before the game!
Just prefer the buzz a city centre ground creates. As for transport, they are much easier to get to for those not traveling by car (they are accessible via literally every bus and train route into the city), are walkable by far more people and also there are much more parking options for those driving.
Still, the CBS is where it is and it's not moving. It does feel more like home now and the atmosphere is as good as you get in the league.
Yes, so true, I've been there many times when there was only 10k for premier league games (when it was called Division 1 for all you youngsters)
I Remember sitting in those few rows of seats when the cop was done away with and we went all seater, and getting absolutely pissed on every time it rained.
I remember the stewards walked us all round the pitch to the covered areas once because it was raining so hard. That's all I remember from that game, can't even recall the opposition.
This for me…although I can’t really complain as I no longer live in Cov.Location is terrible. On a list of priorities for a football ground 'easy access to the motorway' would be bottom.
The matchday experience has massively improved for sure, but it's a shit location and no surprise it's often ranked as one of the country's worst away days.
It's worth remembering that when HR was built in 1899 it would have been much closer to the edge of the city boundary than when we all remember it. There was a lot of expansion around the city during the 20th century.
He was 45 thenCrikey, I didn't know you were that old.
Approx 1900... edge of Cov
I was in the same end - started with the stewards walking around, but then from the far side we ran across the pitch into the main stand . All seater with an uncovered stand - Jimmy hill was not a popular guy at the timeYes, so true, I've been there many times when there was only 10k for premier league games (when it was called Division 1 for all you youngsters)
I Remember sitting in those few rows of seats when the cop was done away with and we went all seater, and getting absolutely pissed on every time it rained.
I remember the stewards walked us all round the pitch to the covered areas once because it was raining so hard. That's all I remember from that game, can't even recall the opposition.
Can't see Thackhall street on that map but Highfield road is there, which is why they called it Highfield road.
No way you would be able to park near Highfield Rd if the ground was still there. Times have changed and car ownership has rocketed.And Highfield road was a parking paradise? I don’t see how poor pub facilities is a Stadium issue but fair enough. I go to the Anecdote or Dhillons or have a drink at one of the many very good trucks outside the stadium with my friends. Perhaps I am easily pleased.
No way you would be able to park near Highfield Rd if the ground was still there. Times have changed and car ownership has rocketed.
It was a foot path at that point by the look of the mapCan't see Thackhall street on that map but Highfield road is there, which is why they called it Highfield road.
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