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Whats all this about t'Reebok then?
Well, what can you say about it – easily the best of the recent spate of new grounds (although it is 4 years old now). It has more character than the likes of the Riverside, Pride Park and the recently built St. Mary’s as rather than go for the one tiered rectangular shaped stands it opts for a two tiered design with the top tiers being curved and and oval shaped exterior that looks to be held together by four floodlights. All in all, a very pleasing venue on the eye – but what about the important stuff….
Where is it?
When the move from Burnden Park was announced, many were miffed that the club were relocating to Horwich, 5 miles from the town centre. This though, was the best place for us to go – unlike many old grounds, it’s incredibly easy to get to. Situated 500 yards from Junction 6 of the M61 (which joins onto the M60, M6 and M62) as well as having a purpose-built station (Horwich Parkway) with regular links from Bolton and Manchester, makes the ground easy to get to.
Can my mates come?
Well, it holds around 27,500 supporters – around 3,000 are given to away fans. The away fans are kept in the South Stand – just opposite the Reebok’s more vocal fans in the East Stand Lower which allows for plenty of banter and post-match threats of personal safety. Careful though, the Old Bill are camped between the two so anyone who is too threatening will be evicted. Also watch out for the stewards, they’ll chuck you out for farting if they get the chance. And if your team does score, don’t go over the fence at the bottom – this gives the stewards the opportunity to have a 10 on 1 wrestling match, which they seem to enjoy.
How much does it cost?
Now we’re back in the Premier League, ticket prices have risen by 40%. The lower tiers down the side (East and West Stands) are priced £24, but if you want a better view the upper tier will set you back £27. Behind the goals will set you back £24 in Upper Tiers and £21 in the lower. For some reason, you can smoke in the stands behind the goal but not down the side. Each stand also has a bookies and a bar as well as all the usual pies, Bovril etc.
When purchasing tickets by phone, the chances of you getting through to the ticket office and then finding the whole transaction a smooth process are slim, very slim.
So where do I park?
There are car parks around the ground that will set you back £5. On busy match days you will find yourself sat in them for a good hour if you’re not out quick enough. There is free parking on the MiddleBrook retail park, which supposedly isn’t for football parking – obviously everyone does but it makes for a mad scramble if you get there late. There are also blokes in yellow coats patrolling the area, so if they ask, you always shop in Asda on match days wearing a football top (and if you’re an away fan it’s because they don’t have an Asda in your area).
Where can I drink?
There are a number of pubs on the retail park. Old Orleans, The Mill House and one at the bowling alley are all ok for a pint, if a little busy. If you wear away colours you may not get in, though Old Orleans seems more relaxed this season (except maybe for the local derbies). Further away from the ground you will find the BeeHive, the Greenwood, Barnstormers and the Bromilow Arms. As they were all around before the ground was built they’re not like your usual native-only pubs found close to many football grounds and providing your well behaved, away fans can get in (again though, a Boro’ fan stands more chance of getting a pint than a Man Utd fan). If you like drinking piss you can try the bars within the ground, who also adopt a “happy hour” on match days from 1.30pm to 2.30pm – I’d be happy if they served better ale but I believe it’s something to do with saving money. If you’re feeling peckish, there are a Burger King, McDonalds, KFC and Pizza Hut all on the retail park.
Is there anything else to provide me with entertainment within the ground?
Funny you should ask that, though it depends on your tastes. Except for the football itself (although this can’t be guaranteed) there is a large screen between the East and South stands that show replays and half time highlights as well as a barrage of some great Bolton goals before the games. There are also pom-pom girls who dance and the “Reebok Rhythm” (an African percussion outfit, although the members look more Boltonian than African) who have been introduced to get the crowd going! They’re not very effective though. Lofty the Lion does his bit for the home fans as well – definitely one of the more articulate of the furry mascot genre. The club also go for the fireworks option before matches, which serves nothing more than to cloud the pitch prior to kick off, so if you like to see your heroes warming up – forget it.
Anything else?
My only real tip for coming to the Reebok is get there early for a pint to avoid sitting in you car trying to find a parking spot at 2.45pm, and have a pint or two after the game to avoid sitting in your car a prolonged period of time. Of course if you’re the driver that’ll be a pint of coke.
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10 May 08 
Bristol City Football Club