What went well and what didnt go well? : Sat Jan 21, 2012 12:15 am
This is not regard to the match itself but things like Journey to and from the ground, facilities in the ground etc.What went well
The programme was excellent.
Despite a large crowd, the queues at the bars were not huge and service was relatively quick
lots of signs directing traffic on were to park
Dry and relatively comfortable seat in the North stand
Large choice of food available in the bars
Well staffed bars, all in very smart looking outfits, calling people sir, and generally being polite.
The stadium can generate a good atmosphere.
The pitch stood up magnificently despite the heavy rain.
Big crowd. All the home stands were well populated with speccies.
What didnt go well.
Large queues of people both before and after the match walking directly down the side of Tesco's rather than using the wide Boulevard. This narrow path should be blocked off on matchday to force people to use the wide path. This would then aid pedestrian flows to and from the stadium.
The PA system was variable. You could hear Stu clear as a bell, but the other guy sounded like he had been gagged
Concourses soaking wet.
Couldnt hear the hooter either at half time or full time. Do we even have a hooter?
The home terrace was very quiet. lots of work needed on singing.
The flag positions were crap you could barely see them.
large queues at some turnstile blocks while others were virtually empty. This was because fans were advised to use specific turnstiles. Home fans tend to congregate on the western side of the ground so the North west and South west blocks had big queues while the North East and South East blocks were relatively sparsely filled. Certainly with the North stand there should be no problem going through either turnstile block.
Mega busy crossing the bridge post match, with IMO inadequate crowd control from the police in this area. Perhaps they should look how the Met control crowds down Wembley way. It certainly has that type of post match tide of people feel to it. Another 6000 people heading home that way after the Wigan/Wire games could be interesting. Especially if home and away fans are mixed in. All it needs are a few idiots and it could cause a very dangerous situation eg stampede/crush.
They ran out of Saints gold before the match and also had shortages of hot dogs etc due to demand probably being higher than anticipated. Hopefully this game will give Saints an idea on likely sales.
Not all the bars serve Ale, and its not very clear which do and which dont.