On The Road - BEC Tero: 2012

On The Road - BEC Tero
21st July, 2012

Stadium
Thepasadin Stadium, Bangkok

Transport
Mini-bus from SriRacha

Cost
B200

Travelling Time (total journey) 
4 hours and 22 minutes

Total Distance Travelled
203kms

Match Ticket
B100.

Programme
A 32 page full colour magazine for B20. Lots of photos - including a double page poster of former Chonburi star Ekaphan Inthasen - and articles written by players and members of the staff. There was also a Q&A with leading scorer Cleiton Silva, in which he reveals that his favourite movie star is Denzil Washington and his favourite film is Training Day.

Club Shop
A well stocked modern shop right next to the ground. The staff were friendly and efficient. My only real (minor) complaint is that the small space does get rather crowded and the layout doesn't really help.

Away End
Half of the uncovered stand along the touchline. There were plastic seats in about two thirds of the stand but the rest was just concrete terracing. We sold out our allocation of tickets and I know of at least two people who were denied entry.

Staff
The ones I had dealings with were fine. But yet again, I didn't really understand the need for the numerous stewards stationed along the touchline and staring into the crowd. I wish clubs would use a little more common sense in these situations. There was no hint of trouble at all and the Men in Black could have kept a low profile.

Food
The ground is situated right in the heart of Bangkok so you could probably get pretty much any food you want within a ten minute walk or Skytrain ride. The stalls around the ground sold all the usual snacks and drinks.

Beer
A can of Leo cost B35. It was freely available outside the ground, either from the food stalls or the roaming vendors. All drinks were allowed inside the stadium, providing they were in plastic cups or bags.

Overall Experience
A good day out. BEC Tero are obviously trying really hard to promote the club and create a good matchday atmosphere. They have certainly made Thepasadin their own and so far seem to be getting things right both on and off the pitch.