First Impressions -- Around the ground -- Facilities -- The Stand -- Overall -- Pictures

First Impressions

This was my third trip to Pride Park and my second in 11 days. I did intend on writing a review but I thought it was better to write about the play-off semi-final since the nightmare journey completely ruined the last match (only arrived 5 minutes after kick off!).

Anyway as said this was my third trip to Pride Park. I already knew what to expect so there isn't a great deal to write about regarding first impressions!

I arrived at the ground a good 2 hours before kick off, although it took the coach driver (and a few others) at least 10 minutes to get to the right car park as we had entered the wrong one!

Upon getting off the coach it was a very nice day and very warm - great conditions for an away day experience. I had 2 hours 'to kill' and had no idea what to do since it was a long time since the turnstiles would open. I stood around outside the away end, I had bought a programme so I read that for a while.

Around the ground

After hanging around like a lost person for a while I decided to take a stroll around. I made my way past the away end and round to the West Stand. There was more 'hustle and bustle' round here as fans waited a good half hour for the players and coaching staff to arrive. During this time I took the perfect opportunity to take some pics before it got really busy. The West Stand looked fantastic with the sunlight shining on the glass frontage - this is one of my favourite areas of the ground. Not only did it look impressive close look but even more so when glanced at from a distance.

I stayed around this area until after the players had gone in and made my way back round to the East Stand. I went round the North end of the ground this time - I hadn't been round this area on my first visit. A grass verge at the back of this stand seemed a good place for people to 'doss around' before the turnstiles opened.

I carried on, after taking a pic, back to the away end and by this time the turnstiles had opened. I opted to just go straight in despite there still being just over an hour till kick off.

Facilities

After entering the stand I was surprised to see everyone else had the same idea - the concourse was completely packed. I struggled to get through as I made my way to the toilets.

There isn't much I can expand on what I said in my first review. The toilets were still well-maintained and there were plenty so I didn't have to queue for very long.

The Stand

On my second visit to the ground, I sat much lower than last time - Row DD to be exact. It wasn't a very good view from there due to the nets being in the way and I also got drenched when the heavens decided to open! This time though I was sat a bit higher up on Row KK. This was a better view although I would have preferred to have been sat more or less where I was on my first visit.

In terms of creating an atmosphere, this stand is excellent. Although the roof wasn't low, a great deal of noise was created - possibly with the help of the ground being completely enclosed.

The legroom and comfort were fine, although I badly hurt the back of my leg after the final whistle celebrating!

Overall

The last two trips were ones to forget! This trip more than made up for them. This time I really enjoyed it although I was very nervous!

Again its hard to expand on what I said in my first review, but it is an excellent ground although I probably won't visit it again for a long while now since 3 trips have made me 'tired' of it!

Ratings

Appearance: 9/10
Facilities: 8/10
Enjoyment: 8/10
Fans: 9/10
Away Stand: 9/10

Overall: 9/10

Pictures

*Unfortunately the full-sized pictures have been lost*

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