Old Trafford

...place to play than Old Trafford”. Whether it be for the atmosphere, the magnificent structure of the ground or even the friendly staff, it truly is a place that to so many is known as The Theatre Of Dreams. I value every match-day experience as equally as the last because you never know if it will be the last, as well as the fact that it never gets boring to be sat in the stand watching the worlds greatest players put their talent on show. Over the ...
...success of winning a trophy, Old Trafford, home of Manchester United, is truly the experience of a lifetime…..…

The ground
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In the past Old Trafford has, at times, been classed as not being the most picturesque stadium in England, let alone Europe. But these days, with the extensions to both the East and West stands, as well is the planned quadrant fill-ins between those stands and the North stand, ... more

It has been said many times over the years upon the arrival of each new player that “there’s no better place to play than Old Trafford”. Whether it be for the atmosphere, the magnificent structure of the ground or even the friendly staff, it truly is a place that to so many is known as The Theatre Of Dreams. I value every match-day experience as equally as the last because you never know if it will be the last, as well as the fact that it never gets boring to be sat in the stand watching the worlds greatest players put their talent on show. Over the years players such as Best, Charlton, Cantona, Keane, and Beckham, have strode from the tunnel on countless occasions, yet you can see on their face the pure delight that comes with each and every single game. These days its Ferdinand, Giggs, Scholes, Van Nistelrooy and Rooney who share their delight with 67,000 other people, as well as giving back all their talents in turn. Whether it be the pure ecstasy of seeing a goal scored, or the success of winning a trophy, Old Trafford, home of Manchester United, is truly the experience of a lifetime…..…

The ground
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In the past Old Trafford has, at times, been classed as not being the most picturesque stadium in England, let alone Europe. But these days, with the extensions to both the East and West stands, as well is the planned quadrant fill-ins between those stands and the North stand, Old Trafford is truly a sight to behold. On countless occasions visiting fans, even Arsenal, have had their very own fans praise OT for the view, the organisation and security levels, which is of great testament to the work that United put in. For me personally, Old Trafford is like a second home, getting me up when I’m down and delivering wonderful moments on a weekly basis along with the worlds finest players being on view. As far as ground construction goes, it is reported that United will not be able to expand the South stand due to a railway line which runs in close proximity to the stand, and any hope of expansion rests on whether the board are prepared to come up with a large amount of cash, although with the recent financial results, that looks very unlikely for the near future.

The atmosphere
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Something that has always been a let down for the club. Regardless of what some United fans say, the atmosphere at the majority of games borders on tedious. The noise levels are nothing like reported and with the exception of European games, a lot of fans seem to find it hard to get themselves up for Saturday games (particularly at midday). Of course there is an obvious incentive to spill your guts in a Champions League game, as you are playing opposition that you don’t generally meet every week, and after last night’s game, I would not only like to compliment the United fans, but give great praise to the Fenerbache fans for the constant volume that they kept up even when loosing 6-2. That’s why I find European games more uplifting, as the away fans always benefit the atmosphere as well as the home fans gaining in volume. But all in all, the atmosphere, for league games in particular, could definitely be better, but where Champions League games are concerned ….. Its something special. The size of the crowd obviously benefit’s the volume, but id give half the Rooney fee to see how loud Chelsea could go on a European night, let alone Arsenal.

Safety
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A very important side to any clubs efforts to promote themselves, security is paramount to pleasing fans and keeping trouble to a minimum. The security at Old Trafford is exceptional, with a member of staff on top of a potential problem almost immediately. Scuffles between sets of fans are sorted in impeccable time, and the fans kept apart by rows of security staff at every game, regardless of the competition. I obviously don’t know of any other clubs level of security, but I would say that United are right up there with the best, if not above them. It’s a place that you would happily take a young child (as long as you can blank out certain chants) and feel happy that you, and they, are in complete safety and are well looked after. I am yet, in all the times that I have been there, experienced personally, nor seen, any major security problems that cant be instantly sorted, and I believe that to be of huge satisfaction to the club that they can boast that, and hopefully will be able to for some time to come. Whether it happens at other grounds or not I’m not sure, but United personally have a great organisation system when it comes to releasing both sets of fans at the end of the game. They never release both sets of fans at the same time, allowing the majority of home fans to leave first, before letting the away fans funnel out of there section. Again, as with security inside the ground, I have yet to experience any problems outside the ground between sets of opposing fans, never mind scuffles within groups.

Accessibility + Disability
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As far as getting into the ground goes, United are an example of efficiency. The turnstiles are simple and very effective with minimal to no hold-ups on nearly all occasions (of course this depends solely on whether you take up your seat early or choose to wait for the mad rush as kick-off approaches). Personally, I choose to make it easier on myself and take up my seat 30-45 minutes prior to the action, but know from experience that roughly 70% of fans leave it till 5-10 minutes before kick-off to take their seat at nearly every match. Entrances to various areas of the ground as well as each stand are clearly marked and very easy to understand, so if you are someone who is worried that your first visit will be tough, believe me, United do everything to help you and to ensure that you enjoy your experience at The Theatre Of Dreams. Now something crucial to every sports stadia, disability and the disabled seating area. As far as Old Trafford is concerned, the disabled seating section is located across the front of the East Stand allowing for numerous seating with very good views as well as having all possible areas of disability covered. Of course not being someone who has had the experience of using such areas, it is hard to comment on a persons perspective of the area, but I believe that the majority of disabled fans find the area to be of great benefit and that all their needs and requirements are covered. For example, fans who either have partial sight or are totally blind, have the use of headphones so that they can hear the match as well as take in the atmosphere as part of the crowd.

Catering
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The food available within the ground is fairly variable, but does tend to have rather high costs. Personally, if I do eat anything before or after the game, I tend to fins something outside the ground. If however you plan on eating during the game, I would recommend either bringing something with you, or be prepared to pay, shall I say, over the odds prices. I'm sure that most clubs charge relatively similair prices, but to me the options available are not worth the price here. Of course you have the general areas such as drinks, crisps etc, each giving a desent choice to the customer which will probably be acceptable to the majority of fans within the ground. As I say, if you eat during the game, your only option generally would be to buy from these areas, as it would not favour many people to actually bring their own food due to the minimal foot room around the majority of seats.

Stewarding
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Something that I praise above anything else at Old Trafford, the work of the stewards is both very beneficial and extremely polite with it. If for example, you were not entirely sure where your seat was, all you would have to do is enquire to a steward and they will efficiently and gratefully, point you on your way. United also ensure that the number of stewards at any given match are of the correct amount so that the fans can be catered for to reasonable standard. Again, as with the disabled seating area, something that I haven’t personally experienced is loosing touch with the person that I am with. If, by chance this does happen to you, again all you must do is go to the nearest steward and they will take you to the lost relative, or they will get a message read out to that person to come and meet you.

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Manchester United Football Club
Sir Matt Busby Way
Old Trafford
Manchester
M16 ORA

www.manutd.com

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Having been to numerous football ground throughout my life, it is safe to say that in terms of comfort, customer satisfaction, safety etc, there are not many places that meet the grade. Manchester United however, ensure that a trip to The Theatre Of Dreams, is made as enjoyable as it can, and ensure that your safety and needs are paramount to their job and they ensure that they can make your trip as comfortable as possible. I will admit that the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff does offer superior seating to Old Trafford, in that the seats are slightly more sparse, allowing more space to each supporter. But in terms of stewarding, satisfaction etc …… Old Trafford is the place to be. Not only is it an enjoyable experience, but you also get to see some of the worlds finest players at work …… cant be bad can it !

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Next game personally …Arsenal (24th October)

 

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