With Coventry City finding themselves in League One for the first time since 1964, struggling financially and fans unhappy with the “money men” it’s safe to say it’s going to be an interesting season for the Sky Blues.
After a 1-1 draw on the opening day with Yeovil, Andy Thorne will be wanting to start their home campaign strongly and will be looking to get a confidence boosting first win in the division as soon as possible.
About the ground
Like the majority of new builds in the UK, the Ricoh arena is functional but a bland, “bowl” like stadium. Large single tier stands make up three sides of the ground, with a slight difference to the West side, with hospitality boxes and a small upper tier adding at least a differing view and a more conventional look to the stand.
The outside of the ground is as plain as the inner, surrounded by car parks and dual carriageways, the only thing of any note is the statue of Jimmy Hill outside the club shop which was unveiled a couple of years ago.
Having looked half empty during our previous visits, usually combined with a poor performance from the Blades, it often has me wondering just why they had to leave Highfield Road especially with the rumored £1.2million in rent they are said to have to pay the grounds owners per year.
Away fans are usually accommodated to the left hand side (as you face the pitch) of the South Stand with an allocation of up to 3000. Being a new stadium, it’s not a bad view, but despite a steep rake to the stand, you always feel quite far from the action.
We usually drink in the Black Horse Pub, which is a 15 minute walk away from the stadium just off a roundabout between Longford and Exhall. This usually has a burger van outside and you can often get a lift most of the way to the ground by a bloke at the pub who regularly ferries a car full of fans every few minutes for a few quid.
The pub has limited free parking, and is also just up the road from the Leisure Island Parking area, which can be booked online at: http://www.walktrot.com
This year, it looks like it might be easier than ever to park a little bit closer to the ground though, with a low crowd expected:
[quote ]Due to a gate of 7,500 being expected for Coventry City’s home game against Sheffield United on Tuesday night, the 2km parking exclusion zone around the Ricoh Arena, is unlikely to be enforced.
The club, Ricoh Arena, Safety Advisory Group and other agencies involved have said that an update will be made on Monday.
But unless, there is a sudden increase in ticket sales big enough to enforce the exclusion zone restrictions, currently set at 10,000, is likely that there will be no parking restrictions around the stadium other than roads with double yellow lines etc.[/quote]
Official Website: http://www.ccfc.co.uk
Fans Forums: http://www.skybluestalk.co.uk/forum.php
Contact Details:
Coventry City Football Club
The Ricoh Arena
Phoenix Way
Foleshill
Coventry
CV6 6GE
Phone: 0844 873 1883
Email: [email protected]