"Large and neat stadium"

Built in 1950, this stadium was planned to be the Wembley of the North at the time, but the finances would not stretch to the vision. Therefore, the legacy is a well planned and spacious stadium that appears to have had good upkeep since its construction. There is a large stand for away supporters, but as this is generally less than 10% full it lacks atmosphere despite the enthusiasm of the visitors support. One criticism is that the latest stand to be constructed, The Lorne Street Stand, has half the seating section missing and gives the impression of the stand being incomplete.

Location

Located in Burslam - one of the five Potteries towns. There is plenty of side street parking available within a short distance of the stadium, but unless you know the area, the traffic before and after the game is a nightmare as all the roads surrounding the ground get clogged up with slow moving traffic.
A local "delicacy" is Oatcakes with various fillings such as cheese, eggs, sausage, bacon, onions etc. There is a small shop just up the main road from the visitors stand that serves such delectable delights.

View

Unfortunately I was positioned fairly low down (row 3) in the Lorne Street Stand. From where I sat I was on a level with the playing area and one of the views of the goal areas was obliterated by the coaching staff and the linesman getting in the way!

Facilities

Plenty of room to get to the kiosks on the concourse which have well planned barriers signed in and out for queueing purposes. A couple of TVs positioned high up on the walls giving good viewing of Sky Sports News. Toilets large and clean. Programmes seller and lottery ticket stand well positioned on entrance into the stand.

Food & Drink

Reasonably priced alcohol (500ml bottles - no draught). Burgers and Hot Dogs for £3. Pies for £2.30. Chocs £1.

Police & Stewards

Low key. Not really noticeable. Stewards knowledgeable on seating arrangements.

Atmosphere

This is quite an expansive ground for the status of the club and the proportion of the crowd to the empty seats spoils the atmosphere a little, although the home supporters are very much behind their team and individually can get quite vociferous.

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