The Riverside (Riverside Stadium (Middlesborough FC))

Member Name: Beanie8844

Product:	Riverside Stadium (Middlesborough FC)
Date:	12/01/09 (279 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: modern, moderate capacity, good views of pitch

Disadvantages: lacks character and crowds quite low

The Riverside Stadium is the home ground of Middlesbrough Football Club, who currently play their football in the English Premier League. It is a relatively new ground, opened in August 1995 and has an all seated capacity of 31,500. Originally, the complex was enclosed on three sides, with the two corners of the west stand open, these were subsequently filled in meaning that the ground is now fully enclosed and in the process boosting the capacity by 5000 seats.

It is quite a strange ground really as it appears to lack character, as a lot of these new stadiums do. The ground actually looks more spectacular from outside, its large and the steelwork above the roof makes it look very impressive. Apparently, at night they light up the stadium and it can be seen from miles away! Inside the ground its nice, spacious and colourful, but somewhat bland at the same time. There isn't much writhing on the seats and no emblems or slogans other than 'MFC' on the east stand. Don't get me wrong though it is a nice arena in which to watch live football and the playing surface is lovely. They have encompassed clear Perspex in the roofing structure to allow more light to get to the pitch, a problem when you completely enclose a stadium in the way that the Riverside is now.

Away supporters are housed in the south stand, behind the goal; a stand shared with the home supporters. It's a decent view, adequate leg room between seats and there's quite a good atmosphere, although Middlesbrough don't attract the crowds that they used to which is somewhat disappointing. In terms of refreshments the complex is excellent, they sell a large variety of food and drink and it is reasonably priced too which can only be a good thing, pies, burgers, hotdogs, pizza, chips etc. The only negative thing to mention is that the concourse below the stand is quite narrow and so gets very busy before the game and during halftime. If you're going to get food or a drink, make sure you do it early otherwise you'll be queuing all day!

Overall, a good stadium, well worth a visit.

Summary: a nice stadium, worth a visit