Don't judge until you have experienced the atmosphere (GPW Recruitment Stadium)

Member Name: giwildgo

Product:	GPW Recruitment Stadium
Date:	17/06/09 (43 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Super pitch, great atmosphere.

Disadvantages: Poor facilities although they are better than they used to be.

The GPW Recruitment stadium is home to St Helens Rugby League Football Club (the 'Saints') since 1890 and was previous known as Knowsley Road until part way through the 2008 season. It is one of the oldest grounds for a Super League club, although there are plans to move to a new stadium at the derelict United Glass site in St Helens. The club has faced a lot of problems trying to locate potential sites but the planning permission for the new stadium was eventually granted in May 2008, much to the relief of the club's Board of Directors, the sponsors and the fans.

The club shop is located at the front of the ground next to the ticket office and 'Touchlines' - the club bar and restaurant / corporate hospitality area.

Visiting the GPW stadium is an experience - the stands are falling to bits, the food isn't up to much and the toilets.....well you can imagine! But there is just something about the ground that makes it a great place to watch rugby. The pitch is always in tiptop condition no matter what the weather has been like; it is a real credit to the ground staff. There is one stand - the family stand - with seating and the rest of the ground is terraced. I think this adds to the appeal as I often find that grounds that are all-seater just don't have the same atmosphere; the fans tend to mix well and often swap ends at half time.

It may not be a palace but I have seen some fantastic games played at the ground and when we move, I will have some great memories - Saints beating Wigan Warriors 75-0 has to be a highlight!

Summary: I would rather watch a good team with a poor stadium than a bad team with a super ground!