24th June, 2017
Stadium
80th Birthday Stadium, Nakhon Ratchasima
Transport
Car from SriRacha
Cost
B870 - petrol
B1,300 Hotel (one night)
Travelling Time (total journey)
4 hours 40 minutes outward
4 hours 50 minutes return
9 hours 30 minutes total
A long trek that necessitates an overnight stay in one of my favourite cities. No real problems on the way up, other than the roadworks in Khao Yai, but lots of heavy rain on the homeward journey. Thankfully, we had a couple of old John Peel tapes, Danny Baker shows and the new Blondie lp to help pass the time.
Total Distance Travelled
620kms
Match Ticket
B200 - which seems to be the going price for most away ends these days, regardless of quality, view or facilities.
Programme
A complete lap of the outside of the stadium failed to produce one, despite being constantly told by club employees that they were available. It wasn't just on the pitch they were taking the pee!
Club Shop
The permanent, well stocked club store I visited last season seems to have disappeared and replaced by a series of pop up shops at various locations outside the ground. All the usual stuff was on sale.
Away End
A third of the uncovered stand behind the goal. We had plastic seats and reasonable enough leg room. However, the view wasn't the best, as we were so far away from the pitch. Which wasn't necessarily a bad thing on Saturday!
Staff
Friendly enough, but didn't really seem to know that much when asked a direct question (see above). The ticket collectors in the away end enjoyed a laugh, however the security guards were very stoney faced.
Food
All the usual fayre was available at many outlets situated all around the outside of the ground - I past them all when on my programme search. I didn't actually buy anything, because we'd already eaten before going to the match.
Beer
Yes. Everywhere. A big bottle of Chang poured into a plastic cup, so you could take it inside (Hello, Chonburi!!) cost B80.
Highlight of the Day
It certainly wasn't our performance! Therefore, it has to be meeting up with Russ and Peter pre match. Two lovely blokes and great people to have a heated debate with, over a few cold drinks.
Overall Experience
There's no doubting that the 80th Birthday Stadium is a great facility and well maintained. However, the distance from the pitch, and the sparse crowd, meant that the atmosphere felt very flat, even with the home team romping to victory. It would be nice to experience the ground under floodlights when it's full.
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