Mike.Butler Posted October 27, 2013 Report Share Posted October 27, 2013 Us regulars don't worry too much about state of stadium, but i've a feeling any potential newbies might do. One thing i've noticed is the variance in the level of track lighting..Watching 4 riders disappear into shadows isn't clever 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trophykid Posted October 27, 2013 Report Share Posted October 27, 2013 Take a look at football stadiums before and after the Taylor report on Hillsborough. Football has attracted more punters through the gates since then, and the new facilities are a big reason for this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macinter Posted October 27, 2013 Report Share Posted October 27, 2013 If stadium facilities are so important why did Arena Essex get packed to the rafters on both Saturday and Sunday last weekend for bangers, stock cars and such? So much so that people were parking in the motorway service station. This has never ever happened at any speedway meeting held there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panthers89 Posted October 27, 2013 Report Share Posted October 27, 2013 If the people who own our track, let us do what we could, EOES would be far superior to the rest IMO. But with the massive holes in the fixtures and other petty loopholes, we will always struggle. We definitely have one of the best tracks in the UK, but facilities wise, apart from that, its a struggle, the car parks probably 2nd best, and that's where you know your struggling. Foods over priced and no real choice, the bar is nothing to speak off, and pits are steady. The grandstand certainly gives you potential to improve things, but need more big meetings to pack it out, as just filling it with 600-700 gives you no atmosphere. I'd give us a solid 7/10. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 27, 2013 Report Share Posted October 27, 2013 If the people who own our track, let us do what we could, EOES would be far superior to the rest IMO. But with the massive holes in the fixtures and other petty loopholes, we will always struggle. We definitely have one of the best tracks in the UK, but facilities wise, apart from that, its a struggle, the car parks probably 2nd best, and that's where you know your struggling. Foods over priced and no real choice, the bar is nothing to speak off, and pits are steady. The grandstand certainly gives you potential to improve things, but need more big meetings to pack it out, as just filling it with 600-700 gives you no atmosphere. I'd give us a solid 7/10. Which is what track? If stadium facilities are so important why did Arena Essex get packed to the rafters on both Saturday and Sunday last weekend for bangers, stock cars and such? So much so that people were parking in the motorway service station. This has never ever happened at any speedway meeting held there. Perhaps because moire people are interested in all the varied elements that small oval car racing offers rather than a one formula sport. It's the same in Holland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa where there are the two types of track sport. And besides Arena Essex how do attendances compare at other UK stadiums where both forms of racing take place? Very large crowds for the cars at Eastbourne were mentioned on the BSF earlier in the year for example. For all that, I am a speedway diehard and have been since 1946! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemini Posted October 27, 2013 Report Share Posted October 27, 2013 Panthers89.......I suppose I'm more quick on the uptake because by your avatar I know which track you're referring to. I love everything about Peterborough, although must admit I don't often buy any food or go in the bar so can't comment on them. The track is brilliant and the car park the same, since we don't have to drive onto grass now and get stuck if it's muddy. Just build a motorway to the Showground instead of the horrible A47 and I'd be there every week. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panthers89 Posted October 27, 2013 Report Share Posted October 27, 2013 Panthers89.......I suppose I'm more quick on the uptake because by your avatar I know which track you're referring to. I love everything about Peterborough, although must admit I don't often buy any food or go in the bar so can't comment on them. The track is brilliant and the car park the same, since we don't have to drive onto grass now and get stuck if it's muddy. Just build a motorway to the Showground instead of the horrible A47 and I'd be there every week. Haha, I guess I could of made it more obvious Next season with: Leicester, Ippo, Coventry, Wolves, Birmingham and Lynn all within an hour for us.... should be good for Frosty. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The White Knight Posted October 27, 2013 Report Share Posted October 27, 2013 (edited) all the tracks ive been to in the last 2 years berwick speedway has the best FOOD. allways fresh well cooked and is pure dead brillant.if food is a big concerd for a lot of people how about a league next season for the top track food No point in a League - Berwick would ALWAYS win it.............................................. Those PIES - mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!! Panthers89.......I suppose I'm more quick on the uptake because by your avatar I know which track you're referring to. I love everything about Peterborough, although must admit I don't often buy any food or go in the bar so can't comment on them. The track is brilliant and the car park the same, since we don't have to drive onto grass now and get stuck if it's muddy. Just build a motorway to the Showground instead of the horrible A47 and I'd be there every week. Certainly agree with you there Gemini. After all - the Racing is what we go to watch. Edited October 27, 2013 by The White Knight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pvm Posted October 27, 2013 Report Share Posted October 27, 2013 For those who don't think facilities make a difference, I would refer back to Middlesbrough (Cleveland Park)in the mid 80's. The crowd levels in the seasons before and after the main stand burnt down(the stand burnt down mid 85)are a good example of the differences . The main stand provided cover, had a Bar, Café and toilet facilities that were of good(not great, just good) standard, The back straight had a stand that provided cover, there was a Bar, Café and toilets though not of the same standard as the Main stand. The team was relatively the same, and successful, top three each year, yet the crowd levels still dropped because of the poorer standard of facilities after the stand burnt down. Losing the main stand cost 1000-1500+ on the gate. To lose so many off the gate was down to the loss of facilities, not much else changed in that time. So I would say facilities do make a difference, experience tells me that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dontforgetthefueltapsbruv Posted October 27, 2013 Report Share Posted October 27, 2013 No point in a League - Berwick would ALWAYS win it.............................................. Those PIES - mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!! . But of course TWK there would be a play off and the Berwick representative could drop his pie and lose out to a thrice reheated Poole burger!! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The White Knight Posted October 27, 2013 Report Share Posted October 27, 2013 But of course TWK there would be a play off and the Berwick representative could drop his pie and lose out to a thrice reheated Poole burger!! I have had a GREAT idea for Speedway at Berwick - do away with the dreadful 'Double Points' and we could have 'Double Pies' instead. Now THAT would do for me............................ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickthemuppet Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 Take a look at football stadiums before and after the Taylor report on Hillsborough. Football has attracted more punters through the gates since then, and the new facilities are a big reason for this. you have no evidence of this.as it is simply not tr/ue. 90% of football clubs had bigger attendances in the 1950-60's than they get today. This applies to all levels of football. Gates are well lower. today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conkers in Gravy Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 you have no evidence of this.as it is simply not tr/ue. 90% of football clubs had bigger attendances in the 1950-60's than they get today. This applies to all levels of football. Gates are well lower. today. I think you're misunderstanding burrito's point. Football gates have been rising for 20 years. In the few seasons before Hillsborough and the Taylor Report, football crowds were in serious decline at the majority of clubs - the stats are out there on the web and in Rothmans/Sky Football Yearbooks. Almost all clubs moving to new stadia or making major improvements to existing grounds have reported an increase in crowds. Take Middlesbrough as an example. At Ayresome Park (one of the tattiest grounds in English football) they averaged 16,500 in the Premier League in 1993. Three years later at the Riverside, a similar quality side was attracting nearly 30,000. More recently Shrewsbury Town were watched by an average of 3,500 at the ramshackle old Gay Meadow. Last season at their smart New Meadow ground on the outskirts of town they averaged 5,700. As far as speedway is concerned, I'd be happy to stand in a field to watch a meeting on a properly prepared track and I suspect most of the few remaining fans feel the same. However, new "customers" are unlikely to be impressed by the facilities at some tracks. It's good to hear that improvements are being made at Plymouth - I went in 2012 and the toilets were like something out of Trainspotting. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob tatum Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 I am happy to stand on a muddy bank ,stand in a field or use s*** toilets if I am paying less than £10. .upwards of £15 for that privilege is unacceptable IMO 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The White Knight Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 I am happy to stand on a muddy bank ,stand in a field or use s*** toilets if I am paying less than £10. .upwards of £15 for that privilege is unacceptable IMO You do have a point - and I agree with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 Panthers89.......I suppose I'm more quick on the uptake because by your avatar I know which track you're referring to. I love everything about Peterborough, although must admit I don't often buy any food or go in the bar so can't comment on them. The track is brilliant and the car park the same, since we don't have to drive onto grass now and get stuck if it's muddy. Just build a motorway to the Showground instead of the horrible A47 and I'd be there every week. That's interesting about the Avatar. All I get is the standard "in house" BSF one that adorns many of the messages. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemini Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 Do you not get to see the name Panthers89? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dontforgetthefueltapsbruv Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 Do you not get to see the name Panthers89?or the fact EOES was quoted (East of England Showground) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 Do you not get to see the name Panthers89? The reference was to the poster's Avatar not her/his forum name. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halifaxtiger Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 all the tracks ive been to in the last 2 years berwick speedway has the best FOOD. allways fresh well cooked and is pure dead brillant.if food is a big concerd for a lot of people how about a league next season for the top track food I don't do speedway food, but Berwick is the exception that proves the rule. The burgers are excellent. . It's good to hear that improvements are being made at Plymouth - I went in 2012 and the toilets were like something out of Trainspotting. They're still not good but the plans are in place. I haven't got over sitting on one of the portaloos at Weymouth when a couple of young kids forced the door open. I am happy to stand on a muddy bank ,stand in a field or use s*** toilets if I am paying less than £10. .upwards of £15 for that privilege is unacceptable IMO I'd pay more than £15 if the speedway is top quality..... but I am a diehard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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