Up on the moon! (St James' Park (Newcastle United FC))

Member Name: LisaW82

Product:	St James' Park (Newcastle United FC)
Date:	17/05/09 (44 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great atmosphere, inside and out

Disadvantages: Maybe needs to be even bigger

My one and only visit to St James Park, home of Newcastle United Football Club, came around 6 years ago and the match was a Premier League encounter between Newcastle and West Bromwich Albion. There was little riding on the game but the atmosphere was just electric and i'll get to that more later.

Firstly, the outer stadium and build up. The first thing you notice is the enormous structure that forms half of the stadium. You begin to imagine what it would be like at the top of that and I very nearly found out as my ticket was about 20 rows from the back. It is such an impressive sight and, added to that is the general mood around the place on match days, you couldn't help be inspired by it all. This was a time when local heroes Bobby Robson and Alan Shearer were the main men and everywhere I went outside there were little reminders of that.

Once entering the stadium you are greeted by a fantastic concourse area, full of vibrancy and energy. The fans are so friendly, but a lot of that comes from the comfortable surroundings, the wide concourse walkway and the well priced food and drink. As good as all that was, I just wanted to get to my seat and sample the moment I had been waiting for.

The feeling walking through the tunnel and out into the stadium was amazing. Such passion, such enthusiasm and such a view. It was high enough already, but as I looked at my row number, I began to realise that I was going to be going quite a bit higher yet. Still, even all the way up there, the players looked clear and you could make out who they were no problem at all.

The seats were well though out in the respect that they offered plenty of leg room and were set at such a level that you could always see, even when a 6ft Geordie would stand up and shout h'way every two minutes. The pitch was in terrific condition and the overall experience, helped along by the enthusiastic PA announcer, was just splendid.

As a Doncaster Rovers fan, I am looking forward to maybe going there in the Championship next season.

Summary: One of the top 3 stadiums in the Premier League