3 parts are better than 2, but not as good as 4 (Kassam Stadium (Oxford United FC))

Member Name: LisaW82

Product:	Kassam Stadium (Oxford United FC)
Date:	29/05/09 (27 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Well priced food and drink and easy to get too

Disadvantages: No 4th stand to keep out the elements

My experience of the Kassam Stadium, home of Oxford United was a mixed one really. I last went there around 5 years ago when Oxford and my Doncaster Rovers were in League 2 together and, back then, the Kassam was regarded as a good newly developed stadium, despite only having 3 completed stands. Ordinarily I wouldn't see that as a problem but the day I went there was beyond windy and boy did we pay for that. The corners are open anyway without all the wind having an easy way in behind the goal. I believe the club had ran out of money to finish the ground, which was a real shame as the three stands that are there are excellent, particularly for that level, at the time. Nowadays there are a number of better, new and complete grounds at that level but this was classed as an upper class away ground at the time.

Getting to the stadium was easy and so was finding somewhere to park. However, this was behind the goal and your car could easily get hit if the strikers got things horribly wrong out there. Luckily that never happened to us but it did to a fan sat not too far away from me. The outer stadium is impressive and the turnstile system worked really well and efficiently. I had no problems getting around the concourse type area too as there was plenty of room and plenty of places to get some food and a drink. These were at reasonable prices too.

Once in the actual seat, you begin to realise that they had tried to boost the capacity without a 4th stand by limiting the room between seats. This might make financial sense but it certainly made for an uncomfortable afternoon for my legs and I am not exactly the biggest if people.

The PA system and other amenities within the ground were of a good standard too, just a shame the match was a dire 0-0, although that wasn't helped by the wind not being blocked out by the absent 4th stand.

Overall this is a good stadium for the level it is at but did have its annoying issues.

Summary: A good ground at the time