Union Saint-Gilloise 1-3 Rupel Boom
Stade Joseph Mariën
26 February 2012
Where the modern world meets the past
In south west Brussles on the edge of Forest Vorst lies the famous home of one of the grand old ladies of Belgian football. It may come as a surprise to those who thought football started in 1992, but Union Saint-Gilloise are 11 times champions of the Belgian league; although the last was in 1935. Stade Joseph Marien was opened in 1919 and at one point held over 33k.
You will do well to find a groundhopping site that doesn't feature this ground, and general opinion is that it is a must visit and one of the best grounds (if not the best) in Belgium. And there is no doubt it is a football tourist magnet. When I visited I counted 5 other people taking photos and there were at least 6 english speakers around me!
I'm not going to argue with any of my fellow hoppers (football, and in particular stadiums, are a matter of opinion) but a word of caution, don't set your sights too high. The modern world has not been kind to this museum piece. The end terraces have all but disappeared behind trees and overgrowth (Cathkin Park this is not) and the newly added perimeter fencing sits uncomfortably with the historic surrounds (advertising boards render the first dozen or so steps unusable). The main stand, whilst impresive from the outside, is a little bland inside.
But there is no doubt that, from the moment you first see the facade, you are somewhere historic, somewhere that is unlike any other stadium. And isn't that what it is about?
The club themselves are struggling off the pitch. Web rumours have the situation so serious that it could spell the end. But in a world where billions are pumped into non descript clubs the world over, I would hope there is a future for clubs such as Union.
The game was easily won by Rupel Boom and was memorable only for the unfortunate departure of the (lady) ref after an hour that prompted a 15 minute delay whilst another official was found. Not for the first time have I left a stadium thinking the events on the pitch are second to the more serious events off it.
Bon chance Union....the footballing and groundhopping world needs you and your unique ground.
You will do well to find a groundhopping site that doesn't feature this ground, and general opinion is that it is a must visit and one of the best grounds (if not the best) in Belgium. And there is no doubt it is a football tourist magnet. When I visited I counted 5 other people taking photos and there were at least 6 english speakers around me!
I'm not going to argue with any of my fellow hoppers (football, and in particular stadiums, are a matter of opinion) but a word of caution, don't set your sights too high. The modern world has not been kind to this museum piece. The end terraces have all but disappeared behind trees and overgrowth (Cathkin Park this is not) and the newly added perimeter fencing sits uncomfortably with the historic surrounds (advertising boards render the first dozen or so steps unusable). The main stand, whilst impresive from the outside, is a little bland inside.
But there is no doubt that, from the moment you first see the facade, you are somewhere historic, somewhere that is unlike any other stadium. And isn't that what it is about?
The club themselves are struggling off the pitch. Web rumours have the situation so serious that it could spell the end. But in a world where billions are pumped into non descript clubs the world over, I would hope there is a future for clubs such as Union.
The game was easily won by Rupel Boom and was memorable only for the unfortunate departure of the (lady) ref after an hour that prompted a 15 minute delay whilst another official was found. Not for the first time have I left a stadium thinking the events on the pitch are second to the more serious events off it.
Bon chance Union....the footballing and groundhopping world needs you and your unique ground.