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Just wanted to say how impressed I was with Salford’s new ground last night. After reading a comment on here a couple of days ago from a Salford fan saying something like ‘prepare to be underwhelmed’, I wasn’t expecting much.

However the stadium looked impressive on the approach and once inside, it continued to look very impressive.

The away end was brilliant! It was like it used to be at The Willows, or at the Shay stadium where we were all packed in and the noise was great.

The pitch held up brilliantly to 2 matches being played in awful conditions and the sound system was excellent too – which it certainly isn’t at Langtree Park!

We parked near Eccles RLFC and it was only a 10/15 minute walk to the ground.

I just hope that crowds continue to grow for Salford and home support gets better in a great new facility.

I was pleasantly surprised with it. I was being told how terrible it was beforehand, but it's a great little stadium for a club like Salford - no offence intended by that. The away end was great being small because it created a really good atmosphere.

The only problem is that the one road in and one road out was a bit ridiculous as we had pre-paid for parking, but in future I don't think we'd do that and go to the rugby club instead.

[bewareshadows]

I think Salford have had some cracking results the last few weeks, but I suppose turning around crowds will take more than a few weeks of results.

I liked Salford's new place. I enjoyed being in the away end. In spite of the awful wind blowing the rain about, those of us on the top few steps didn't get wet. We were snug in there and so there was a great atmosphere, and it was nice to get served by friendly people in a dry concourse. The pitch looked in very good condition. I thought it was a dinky stadium, just the right size for Salford's likely crowd if they can just get a consistently competitive side on the pitch.

It was also nice not to be bombarded by repeated messages over the tannoy ordering us to behave!

Coffee was cheaper than at Langtree Park but just as decent and the chocolate bars were cheaper too!

The location was strange because it was stuck in the middle of nowhere but I know that wasn't the original intention and hopefully other developments will grow up nearby to give it less of that 'in the middle of nowhere' feel.

Thumbs up from me.

What's their cladding like?

Carlos Alberto wrote:

What's their cladding like?

[Offside Monkey]

I liked it.
I sat in the main stand - the away end looked great, packed with saints species (who were in very good voice).
I parked at Eccles RL club and the access was easy getting there and getting away.

What is its location like? Coming over Barton bridge it looks like it is in the middle of flipping nowhere, with limited access.

Carlos Alberto wrote:

What is its location like? Coming over Barton bridge it looks like it is in the middle of flipping nowhere, with limited access.

That would be about right! There is one road to the stadium through what are mudflats really. Originally of course there was supposed to be a hotel and sports complex there but that all went belly up, so all that is left is mudflats with some construction machinery scattered about. It's a doddle to get to off the M62 though.

Well I was quite impressed we parked at the Airfiled across the road £5 not too bad I thought.

The Ground does seem in the middle of nowhere but is quite impressive when walking up. I like the Park & Ride idea we used this at Hull a few weeks ago.

When inside I thought it wasn't bad the away end was full which gave a great atmoshpere and the pitch was close you could walk right next to it.

Scoreboard wasn't too hot but the sound system was good.