Craven Cottage (Craven Cottage (Fulham FC))

Member Name: Beanie8844

Product:	Craven Cottage (Fulham FC)
Date:	08/09/08 (357 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: unique stadium

Disadvantages: small capacity, poor atmosphere

Craven Cottage is the home ground of Fulham Football Club who play in the English Premier League. The stadium actually opened in 1894 and until recently had not changed much from its original design. With a capacity of 26,400 it is one of the smallest grounds in the division. Nowadays it is an all seated stadium, but for a long time it wasn't. A couple of years ago Fulham decided to redevelop Craven Cottage, but this involved a lot of work and so they had to grounshare with Queens Park Rangers FC for a while. On their return to the newly refurbished stadium it was fitted with seating in all areas as opposed to some previous terracing in certain parts, all stands were fully covered and the capacity was enhanced slightly.

The stadium has a four stand design similar to grounds like Fratton Park and Vicarage Road. The stands are, Hammersmith End, Putney End, Riverside Stand (sits on the bank of the River Thames) and the Johnny Haynes Stand (previously the Stevenage Road Stand). All stands are one tiered with black seating.

What's it like for away supporters?
Fans of the away team are housed at one side of the new Putney End with space for approximately 3000 fans, although this is not always the case. To be honest the view is quite poor from here. There is also a neural zone in operation for some games, meaning that supporters who follow neither side in particular but are just interested in seeing a game can sit near by - this is rather odd and makes the atmosphere poorer.

What did I think of the stadium?
I have been to Craven Cottage twice, once to see Millwall about ten years ago before the redevelopment occurred and again last season with friends of mine who are Reading fans. Obviously when I went recently the ground had changed somewhat and definitely for the better - it looks more modern now and the addition of seating and covered stands has improved the stadium greatly; it now looks worthy of premiership football.
One thing I did notice though that has changed for the worse is the atmosphere. I believe this has happened for 2 reasons. Firstly, the new seating and removal of the terracing has been shown to effect atmosphere at stadiums badly with many people talking of a return to terraces to regain this. Secondly, the fact that Fulham are back in the premiership means that you get different types of supporters going to there games, especially the home ones. I feel that the hardcore, diehard fans don't go to Fulham as much as they used to an as a consequence the atmosphere has suffered.
I do like the cottage though; there is something quite charming about it. You can definitely say that as premiership grounds go it is a one off and for this reason I you kind of forget the negative aspects. I'm sure I'll be returning at some point in the future.

What does the future hold for Craven Cottage?
The club has actually received planning permission to build a new 30,000 seater stadium at the present Craven Cottage site, but at a cost of £100,000,000. Fulham have therefore decided that it would be in the best interest of the club to increase the capacity of the current ground in stages, including modernisation. This will include filling in the corners between the four existing stands.

Interesting facts about the stadium
Craven Cottage has actually held international fixtures although the capacity is under 25,000 - quite remarkable really; although England have never played here. The Republic of Ireland have played friendlies here though.
The players changing rooms are actually inside 'the cottage' in the corner of the stadium. This is where the stadium gets its name. I think I'm correct in saying that the club cannot knock it down as it's a listed building and anyways it adds character.

Thanks for reading.

Summary: worth visiting