Old Trafford
Few would argue that the 68,000-capacity Old Trafford is the finest club stadium in the country, and some would even say Europe. Just like the team, The ‘Theatre of Dreams’ has undergone a whole host of changes over the years, from the bombing of 1946 to the super-stadium we see before us now.
The latest phase of redevelopment of the ground involved the restructure of the East Stand, or K-Stand as it is more commonly known. The two-tiered stand has three sections – lower, upper and the second tier, and since the introduction of all seating stadiums, has become a favourite with a hardcore of home fans. K Stand also generates the best atmosphere in the stadium, mainly due to the fact that the away fans are located in the corner of the East and South Stands.
The view of the East Stand from outside is simply outstanding, with its metal and glass infrastructure towering high into the sky visible for miles across Salford. It is commonly known as the forecourt, and is a popular meeting place with fans. Since the redevelopment, the club has also managed to house the Megastore into the East Stand, the biggest souvenir shop in Europe and a must for all day-trippers and anoraks.
The bronze statue of Sir Matt Busby is also located at the East Stand, as is the Munich Clock and a plaque remembering those who lost their lives in the crash has been built into the glass front of the stand.
Moving clockwise round the stadium, we come across the giant North Stand, also known as the United Road. By far the biggest stand of the stadium, it has three tiers, and if you are unlucky enough to get a ticket for the top tier, make sure you also get a recording of the match so you can see all the action when you get home.
The Museum is now located in the North Stand, something that is a genuine must-see for all fans. It contains many references and personal belongings to a host of players from Duncan Edwards through to George Best and Eric Cantona. There are countless numbers of shirts that the players have worn over the years, and more than the odd trophy to cast your eyes over as well.
The most poignant features of the museum, undoubtedly, are the Munich air crash and Sir Matt Busby. Original newspapers from the crash are on display along with items relating to the disaster. The Sir Matt section includes many scarves, hats and other items of memorabilia that were left by fans on the forecourt for a fortnight following his death in 1994. Incidentally, all the memorabilia that has not been included in the shrine to Sir Matt that were left on the forecourt, are planted in the base of his bronze statue outside the East Stand.
The North Stand is where the beginning of the Stadium Tour takes place. You begin in the Museum, and go on to the corporate hospitality areas, press conference room, directors box, managers dugout, home dressing room and the players lounge.
Also included in the North Stand is the Red Café, which is great if you ten years old or less, but not quite the ticket for anyone older than that.
Moving round the ground, we come to the heart and soul of Old Trafford – the Stretford End, or the West Stand as it is no known. The structure is identical to the South Stand, with its two tiers and three sections. The second tier was added prior to last season, and was introduced as a ‘singing section’. Although most mocked the idea, it improved the atmosphere last year no end. Tier two is also home to the popular banners spread across the top of the stand.
Finally, the South Stand, formally the Main Stand. This stand looks outdated somewhat compared to the other three redeveloped stands, but chances of following suit with the South Stand is a little difficult due to the train line running alongside it. More away fans are situated in the top corner, joining those visitors in the North Stand. The dugouts are also located in the South Stand, and the players tunnel is in the corner with the Stretford End.
Around the ground, you will encounter numerous souvenir stalls, fanzine sellers and programme cabins. The souvenir stalls sell anything from photographs, tee-shirts, badges, scarves and hats, most of which are pro-United but you can get a good selection of anti-City/Liverpool/Leeds as well. The fanzines currently doing the round include the excellent United We Stand, which is in A4 format and costs £1.50, Red Issue (A5, £1) and Red News (A5, £1). Programmes can be bought either inside the ground or outside in one of the red cabins scattered around the ground. The price has gone up this season to a rather steep £2.50, but has continued in its A5 format, which makes it handy to slip into your pocket. As is the case with most programmes, it is mainly full of advertisements but still has the odd article worth reading.
Once inside the ground, you can order a pint for a round £2.50, a whiskey for roughly the same, and a pie, burger or pasty for around £2 each from one of the concourses. Soft drinks range from £1.50 to £2, and you can also buy chocolate and crisps for a presumably similar amount.
The Stadium Tour takes place daily from 9.40am to 4.30pm excluding matchday, and includes a visit to the Museum. Prices are £8.50 for adults, £5.75 for kids and OAP’s, or £23.50 for a family ticket of two adults and two kids. For booking information, contact #0161 868 8631.
The Museum is open every day from 9.30am to 5.00pm, but closes half-an-hour before kick-off on matchday. Prices are £5.50 for adults, £3.50 for kids and OAP’s, and £15.10 for a family ticket of two adults and two kids.
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9 May 08 
Liverpool Football Club