Morning everyone. Last night I went to the Jungle,Castleford to watch the Tigers v Leeds. It was my first ever live match experience and I have to say that from a supporter/customer viewpoint it was a great experience. The age range of people there was young children to pensioners,lots of families. All the supporters of both teams mingled and stood together. Lots of Bars and food outlets,people are free to smoke as well. They also have 2 pint sized glasses,which were very popular. The toilets were fine in case you were wondering. To say it was a local Derby,no trouble ,not even any Police in the vicinity of the stadium. The game itself was one sided in the first half,Leeds were poor but in the second half they made changes and improved. Rugby league is a exciting game to watch live,constant action very few fouls. I shall be going back as it's a good experience. Again I don't want to create a argument but I do think that Football clubs could possibly learn something from Rugby clubs. The similarities between Castleford and Barnsley are many, I do feel our model should be based on being a Community club and focus on shared identity and values. I would recommend it for a one off,to see what it's like,plus being able to stand up safely and chat with strangers around you,is so refreshing. For old timers like me,Football stadiums and match atmospheres deteriorated with All seater grounds. Have a great weekend.
Quite a few from Castleford works in my office in Tarn. They're all Tigers fans, fiercely proud and all females.
I've been to a handful of games and a few Grand Finals through work tickets, and can honestly say that if Barnsley had a decent team, it could possibly lure me away from football. Imagine being sat at Old Trafford, unsegregated crowds, not a hint of trouble despite being surrounded by folk built like brick **** houses WITH a pint in hand. And, as a spectator, not being treat like cattle by police and stewards. Same atmosphere in pubs before and after too.
Sounds great Kettlewell. Never done a rugby game myself. Might have to give it a try. Ooops! see what I done there? I have recently taken an interest in Ice Hockey. Going to see the Dundee Stars. Fast and furious and a great family night out. At £18 a ticket a little over priced imo but a good couple of hours entertainment all the same. Sometimes there is more than football.
£18 doesn't seem bad Ian,someone at work goes to watch Sheffield Steelers and it seems to cost a bomb for him and his son. They just go in standard seats.
Aye perhaps mate. Possibly just me. Just didn't think it would have been as much. But looking back it possibly was better value for money than the £20 DUFC charge to watch utter garbage these days. One thing, I was better entertained at the Ice Arena.
Yeah a colleague of mine lives in Cas, she's 26 has been going years,loves them madly. Lots of teenagers and their mums as well , it was such a safe pleasant atmosphere.
Dundee Stars? Surely there is a prime opportunity there to call themselves the Dundee Cakes? Plus think of the ignominy for any team defeated by confectionery based opponents. Not to mention the headline writers' feeding frenzy.
That's what surprised me,I got there early to pick up tickets and loads were at the ground having a beer and a chat with friends like they were on holiday. I'm used to Barnsley fans all turning up at 10 minutes to kick-off. Also after the game the bars stayed open and some relaxed there for a while.
Hmm so you are suggesting that the FA/FL & Police are against fans behaving in a responsible and civilised manner and would prefer the mayhem which accompanies lots of football matches?
No. But the way fans are viewed in this country makes it very difficult. You can't look at a football pitch with a beer in your hand. How draconian is that? Sounds like summat dreamt up by Islamic state.
I'd say some fans are viewed that way is because of their previous bad behaviour. As for having a beer at a game. Well that also goes along with the clowns who cannot take a drink and behave like a responsible human being. Rugby fans show it can be done. Really don't know why you wanted to bring up Islamic State into this debate.Has no relevence.
Never been to a league game but have attended a couple of union games. It is very gentile compared to football and it is good to have a beer in your hand while you watch the game. There is a temptation to stand up and wave your hands and shout at the kicker when they are taking a conversion kick but noooooo.
But fans are only viewed like that because of the behaviour of a large minority. The rules that are in place are there to minimise the risk. It's a case of (quite) a few spoiling it for the rest.