Langtree Park : Sat Feb 11, 2012 8:34 am
For some (like me), last night's game was the first experience of Langtree Park. I didn't want to bring up the old thread from after the Widnes game, so thought I would start a new thread to see what people's thoughts were, and for those that went to the Widnes game, if any of the "snags" had been resolved.There's no doubting that the approach to the stadium is fantastic - it's is a pretty impressive frontage.
Pre match was spent in the founders bar, drinking the very fine tipple of Saints Gold. Service was excellent, and £2.80 a pint is good value.
I have a season ticket in North Stand B (unallocated). We got through our turnstiles pretty quick - no more than 5 mins. The queues for the West Stand looked pretty long around 7.30 - had to walk on the grass to get around the back of the queues.
Managed to get 4 seats more or less where we wanted (back), although we had friends on the very back row keeping them for us. View is spectacular - the South Stand looks really impressive. Pitch looked immaculate too - credit to all those that worked on it during the week. It was absolutely freezing, partly due to the wind, so when the ends gets cladded, it may become a bit more sheltered. Also, aesthetically, it looks kind of unfiinshed without the cladding (I know this has been talked to death).
Got a drink before kick off from one of the North stand bars. No issues with the concourses, although it wasn't raining of course. Service wasn't particulary great (or quick), but they sold Saints Gold for the same price. It looked like the hold ups where with the till operators, as they had pre-poured drinks on the back counter. Hopefully, they will improve over time.
All this Saints Gold meant I had to frequent the toilet, and what a nice change having a roof and not urinating up against a brick wall!! Plenty of room, didn't have to queue.
Managed to hear all the announcements over the PA system fine, including Eamon's speech using the pitch side microphone.
Thought the ceremonial stuff was very good - liked Eamonn's speech (which echoed his comments in the very good programme), nice touch having Murphy, Cunningham and Koslett with the ribbon cutting, guard of honour by past players was excellent, and Tom Van Vollenhoven bringing out the match ball was the icing on a very good cake.
Getting out of the stadium after the game was easy enough - we walked south along the linkway, away from Tescos, and there were no issues with crowd. No hold ups with traffic either once in the car.
Summary - a great night, and extremely impressed by our fabulous new stadium. It's a real credit to all involved, especially Eamonn. Can't wait for 2 weeks time, and some more Saints Gold!