Racing Club Mechelen - Oscar Vankesbeeck Stadion
Flats, Garages and friends. All in all a good night out.
About a mile from the top league KV Mechelen you find third division Racing Mechelen. A nice old ground with a great main stand. At one end an appartment block over shadows the open terrace, and houses probably the best view of the ground. Several fans watch from the balconies, together with a green and white flag, and at times lead the chanting. Where there are flats, there needs to be parking, so why not build the garages into the terrace. Very unique!
Racing are supported than a higher than average number of fans for this level (they were only promoted last season). The atmosphere is good, even though, unusually, the away fans are afforded the only covered terrace.
I've been aware of Racing for some time now as their fans travel to the GN Bouw to support the home team, and v.v. This 'friendship' amongst club across borders is nothing new (nowhere was it more in evidence that at the Vise MVV game we attended), but still something I struggle to understand. But I guess if it means more revenue for the clubs involved it is ultimately a good thing.
One for the list, and dare I say, the better of the city's two grounds.
Featured game Racing 5-0 Patro Eisden (14-9-11). Patro only had themselves to blame as they were well on top before a stupid red card in the 30th minute opened the flood gates.
Racing are supported than a higher than average number of fans for this level (they were only promoted last season). The atmosphere is good, even though, unusually, the away fans are afforded the only covered terrace.
I've been aware of Racing for some time now as their fans travel to the GN Bouw to support the home team, and v.v. This 'friendship' amongst club across borders is nothing new (nowhere was it more in evidence that at the Vise MVV game we attended), but still something I struggle to understand. But I guess if it means more revenue for the clubs involved it is ultimately a good thing.
One for the list, and dare I say, the better of the city's two grounds.
Featured game Racing 5-0 Patro Eisden (14-9-11). Patro only had themselves to blame as they were well on top before a stupid red card in the 30th minute opened the flood gates.