Gets 4 out of 10 from me,middle of a trading estate miles from pubs etc and £5 to park up.

The typical 4 stands left it feeling empty and seems to need finishing.

Maybe the recent visist to MK Stadium spoiled it a bit for expectations but I hope we never have one like the U's new place.

I couldn't make it on Saturday, but I went to MK Dons, and I despair at these soulless places, that seemed to have any kind of atmosphere designed out of them.

Although Hereford's ground is a bit run down, I would far rather watch a match there with some kind of character and atmosphere than what is like an open air cinema.

As time goes on, grounds like the Vic, London Road, Edgar Street and Sincil Bank will become listed buildings (and quite right too) ie traditional long-established grounds in central locations.

In years to come, architects and town planners will be pilloried for knocking up these identikit stadiums in inaccessible areas, much as they have been for developing out-of-town retail parks which have caused damage to town/city centres (like Meadowhall in Sheffield).

Give me a ground like the Vic any day.

I couldn't be more in concurrence poolieinnottingham.

Yes I kind of agree with all your points there poolymad. Colchester is the nearest of the league grounds to where I live around 45 miles each way. We parked (£2) at the station and took the park and ride (free). We had to wait about 15 minutes for the bus going and over half an hour on the way back, can't say I was impressed with that - cars leaving the car park were held up to avoid pedestrians leaving the place and they were still queuing to get out when the I got on the park and ride. As there is no segregation whilst waiting for the park and ride I wonder how long it will be, after a contentious game when trouble kicks off?
The MK Dons stadium is much better and you can park for free near the stadium or pay for the official parking by the ground.
Both grounds suffer a lack of atmosphere as there is so much empty space in the ground, both must be banking on promotions in the near future, I cannot see Colchester getting this soon.
Call me a traditionalist but I still prefer the older grounds with their character and atmosphere.

You're a traditionalist.




Well you did ask!

Colchester do not have a home end worthy of the name. A smattering of a few hundred in a stand which holds a couple of thousand is not going to inspire their team.
The Town End is small but it there are always 1200 -1500 people stood behind the goal and there is something to spur the Pools team on
Give me the Vic anyday, and like PoolieinNottingham has said, visiting a ground like ours will become more than just a day out, it could be a once a season experience visiting a proper football ground

The Keepmoat is a prime example of it. Bang in the middle of a retail park....why?! Whats the point!?

At least the Keepmoat is near Donny town centre, even though it is another soulless concrete bowl, I swear I've been to Milton Keynes following Pools twice (both grounds) and I'm yet to see either of these two fairly regular things 1)A house 2) A Pub. Seriously what a shithole, the full city is like the ground!!

Its not that near the town centre like..... drove past it the other week when i was with my mate, and it was a fair few miles away from town..... (i was drunk so, every 100 feet may have felt like a mile)

Aye it's a fair way out but Belle Vue wasn't that central either.
Footy grounds can be designed with imagination but it requires architects and stuff. Not many clubs can afford more than a flat pack. But you'd imagine a few more would prefer to upgrade what they've got.
Having said that, Fitness First or worrever Dean Court is called now isn't exactly a shining example of refurbishment.

I'd love to see the Vic developed, but properly.

If your reading this, Mr Hovercraft, please submit any plans to me before going ahead. I might be able to help you avoid a big mistake.