Hannover 96 2-1 FC Bruges
AWD arena
16/02/12
att 42,000
Happy 600th ground!
Before starting this review I would just like to say well done to Phil, this would be his 600th ground for a game. Yes, the boy that started at Eastville all those years ago has worked his way up the Ground hopping ladder to reach this landmark. The question is where will his 750th ground be? A new Aldershot stadium?
But until that time we must stay in the present. This game saw us in Hannover for the Europa League tie against Brugge. The Journey here was rather un-eventful. We did stop to see Rot-Wiess Essen's new ground. Two things about that particular ground. It's big and it's in the corner of the old ground (well current) but more on that when we visit there.
The AWD arena (Hannover if i've confused you) started life as the Neidersaschenstadion, replacing the Eilenreidstadion in 1954. An interesting thing to note, when this was being built (AWD) it was made out of the debris from houses destroyed during world war two. At this time it had a capacity of 86,000 and cost 4 million euros to build. Fast forward 58 years, two world cups and 82.8 million euro renovation you get to this. A 49,000 capacity arena built within the slopes of the former ground. And my word didn't they do it well. The end result is a removal of a running track, two sweeping tiers and a large executive area, while keeping the charm so many grounds have lost. Maybe it's the noise. It could possibly be the quirks of entry and exit, it might even be the roof. But a soulless bowl it is not. Barely a 15 minute walk from the station as well!
The other positive is that we were able to get a close up of the "safe standing" areas that have been rumoured to be making an impact on our shores in the next few years. What do we at PDM have to say about them? Bring 'em over! You won't see anything with others stood up, but what they do enable, is cheaper seats and some passion to remain. This is without affecting rituals, as you could leave it as late as you want to get to the ground as everyone has their own designated places. Oh and the away fans got them!
The game itself was the right result. The only thing that can be argued was that it wasn't a penalty. Not that it would matter. Club took a surprise lead, but the overall quality of Hannover proved the edge. But as it's a cup game it all goes down to who ever scores the first goal at the Jan Breydal.
But until that time we must stay in the present. This game saw us in Hannover for the Europa League tie against Brugge. The Journey here was rather un-eventful. We did stop to see Rot-Wiess Essen's new ground. Two things about that particular ground. It's big and it's in the corner of the old ground (well current) but more on that when we visit there.
The AWD arena (Hannover if i've confused you) started life as the Neidersaschenstadion, replacing the Eilenreidstadion in 1954. An interesting thing to note, when this was being built (AWD) it was made out of the debris from houses destroyed during world war two. At this time it had a capacity of 86,000 and cost 4 million euros to build. Fast forward 58 years, two world cups and 82.8 million euro renovation you get to this. A 49,000 capacity arena built within the slopes of the former ground. And my word didn't they do it well. The end result is a removal of a running track, two sweeping tiers and a large executive area, while keeping the charm so many grounds have lost. Maybe it's the noise. It could possibly be the quirks of entry and exit, it might even be the roof. But a soulless bowl it is not. Barely a 15 minute walk from the station as well!
The other positive is that we were able to get a close up of the "safe standing" areas that have been rumoured to be making an impact on our shores in the next few years. What do we at PDM have to say about them? Bring 'em over! You won't see anything with others stood up, but what they do enable, is cheaper seats and some passion to remain. This is without affecting rituals, as you could leave it as late as you want to get to the ground as everyone has their own designated places. Oh and the away fans got them!
The game itself was the right result. The only thing that can be argued was that it wasn't a penalty. Not that it would matter. Club took a surprise lead, but the overall quality of Hannover proved the edge. But as it's a cup game it all goes down to who ever scores the first goal at the Jan Breydal.