Why move to have a new ground ? There's enough room to build a new stadium on the training pitches and it would still be Oakwell.
So are the training facility's no good at oakwell then? I think most premier clubs would be jealous of the set up and closeness to the ground.
East stand must be reaching the end of its life, West Stand definitely not fit for purpose, at that point seems almost silly not to contemplate entire new ground. Would have to be in the correct location though
Careful , there’s some things on this board that will arouse a response . The new ground is one of those . You see if you support Barnsley F.C. you have to have a small unambitious mindset . If I had a quid for every time I’ve heard “ we’ll we’re only a small club “ I’d be a rich man . The usual response will be , soulless bowls , idetikit stadia .sterile atmosphere , Lego stands etc . I like Oakwell but it’s well past it’s sell by date and a shiny new stadium fit for the 21st century would do me . Folk go on about it but I’d much rather watch my team in a stadium like MK Dons than a three sided windy oakwell anyday . I know I’ll get hammered for having an opinion opposite to the popular but that’s what healthy debate should be all about .
Let’s walk before we can run eh? Absolutely no point in any new stadium unless we get a successful team competing on the pitch and challenging for the top flight imho. That has to be the only priority for the foreseeable. Get that right and everything else can occur as a matter of course.
Brighton in particular one of the major policies was no one should arrive by car. The Park and ride and Trains are a real pain after a game and it can take an hour after the game to get on a bus/train. In fact they suggest getting a drink at the ground after the game whilst the queues die down - good for club revenue but a real pain - especially if you are driving so cant drink anyway. Local transport is included in your match ticket so if you do live within walking distance or have some private parking available you still pay for transport you dont use. If we did something similar I would be seriously unhappy
East stand is only 25 years old and is concrete, therefore isn't rotting. It needs minor refurbishment ground side but major thought to develop the concourse areas.
Middlesbrough was an interesting case. Although the town is larger than Barnsley, it was only pulling in just over 12,000 spectators at Ayresome Park the year prior to moving. The new stadium sold out the next season (25,000 season tickets). They had to increase it from the original design to accommodate away fans. The new stadium certainly benefited the Boro’
Exactly. Needs better drainage because anytime it rains it's full of puddles. If they fancy the cheaper option just give the gangway stewards a sweeping brush each to sweep access water through the gaps in the wall, onto the gravel track. Seats could be clean of bird **** more often. Doesn't have to be every game but just have someone walk down the rows and if they see white, wipe it off. We don't need a new ground at all. We need a new West Stand and to get back to being allowed to sell all our seats.
No from me. It’s a very shot walk to the towns bus station and train station. I wouldn’t attend another game if we moved. Just my own preference. My parents were always season ticket holders and they never set foot in oakwell again once they removed the option of standing. Must be a morngy family.
I’m not being funny but anyone who says they would not attend another game if we moved needs to have a serious look at themselves. We can all have an opinion about it but that’s just madness. Might as well say I’m not coming until they upgrade the West stand.
Yeah but they stadium tied in with them being promoted to the Premiership and the Brian Robson effect
We should not consider anything which involves sharing with the rugby club. The Reverend fell out with them in 1887 and resolved “to start an association team the Rugbyites will not crush”. No sell out. Oh, and Chesterfield built a new stadium which initially saw a significant increase in attendances. The new place will serve them well next year.
I can’t see a reason to move, 3 stands are modern & the location is great. Traffic flow isn’t great but it’s 23 times a year & maybe the odd cup game, go to any live sport / music & traffic is horrendous. Sheffield Arena for example is dreadful & that holds less than Oakwell gets. I’ve been to lots of these modern grounds & whilst the actual stadium is nice the location is awful. The worst thing we can do is move out of the town centre, I’m certain attendances would go down in an out of town location. I know loads of people who go for beers pre & post match in the town centre & many of these go as much for the day out drinking as the football. They aren’t getting on buses to Cortonwood, Haigh, Dodworth etc, it just isn’t happening. 3 sides of the ground are modern, spend a bit on sorting the West Stand out & go with what we’ve got
I disagree. I have a 40 year history of travelling to oakwell and sharing some brilliant memories there with some of my closest friends and family. We reminisce about the good and bad times and all that comes with them. If we moved it would be a place I’ve no affiliation with to watch a team I don’t know yet and I fail to see the appeal. Like I said pal, just my own personal opinion.
Chesterfield is a bit of a different kettle of fish though. Oakwell in the medium term requires one new stand and a bit of sprucing up. Saltergate was a relic from times gone by. Absolutely great ground, but in no way viable for the 21st century.
