Croke Park last night

darkman2 · 07-02-2008 06:27PM #1

Anyone else last night find themselves having their attention taken off the match last night by the stunning site of Croke park in floodlights? It looked really really good. Like a canyon of supporters. I also got the impression that when the new Lansdowne is built the Irish team will be going back to very much the poorer cousin:( I hope the FAI can continue to rent Croker for the really big games. Any thoughts?

Mitch Connor · 07-02-2008 06:29PM

darkman2 wrote: »

Anyone else last night find themselves having there attention taken off the match last night by the stunning site of Croke park in floodlights. It looked really really good. Like a canyon of supporters. I also got the impression that when the new lansdowne is built the Irish team will be going back to the poorer cousin:( I hope the FAI can continue to rent Croker for the really big games.

no, but i was distracted by all the paddypower ads being upside-down.

OhNoYouDidn't · 07-02-2008 06:30PM

darkman2 wrote: »

Anyone else last night find themselves having their attention taken off the match last night by the stunning site of Croke park in floodlights. It looked really really good. Like a canyon of supporters. I also got the impression that when the new Lansdowne is built the Irish team will be going back to the poorer cousin:( I hope the FAI can continue to rent Croker for the really big games. Any toughts?

I hope we get out of CP as quick as possible so the FAI can stop funding evil.

the new LR will be streets ahead of the 10 year old CP in terms of spectator comfort.

Unearthly · 07-02-2008 06:33PM

Tauren wrote: »

no, but i was distracted by all the paddypower ads being upside-down.

Clearly done on purpose. I only remember paddypower advertisements from last night and I'm sure it's the same for everyone else

genius

Drag00n79 · 07-02-2008 06:33PM

No, I was distracted by the amount of knackers inside and outside the stadium. A fight broke out between two of them in the lower Cusack and it took security at least one minute to break it up. Simply not good enough.

darkman2 · 07-02-2008 06:37PM

Shamrok wrote: »

No, I was distracted by the amount of knackers inside and outside the stadium. A fight broke out between two of them in the lower Cusack and it took security at least one minute to break it up. Simply not good enough.

And that never happens at Lansdowne Road:rolleyes:

Drag00n79 · 07-02-2008 06:48PM

darkman2 wrote: »

And that never happens at Lansdowne Road:rolleyes:

I never mentioned Lansdowne but since you did, I thought "security" was far worse last night in Croke Park than Lansdowne. The vast majority of them don't a fcuk what's happening around them. If I'm on my own I wouldn't be worried but If you've kids with you it's a different ball game. Maybe afternoon games would not be so bad (like most of the GAA ones there). Croker is an awesome stadium but the surrounding infrastructure is a big letdown

Villain · 07-02-2008 06:52PM

Looked well if only they would finish the Stadium, i.e. do something with the Hill. Not near as impressive as the Millenium stadium in Cardiff though, and the seating at the Millenium is much better i.e. you don't have to stand up to let people walk past and there is a nice gap between seats.

mikemac · 07-02-2008 06:53PM

Shamrok wrote: »

Croker is an awesome stadium but the surrounding infrastructure is a big letdown

What do you mean? Are you talking about transport links?

darkman2 · 07-02-2008 06:55PM

Villain wrote: »

Looked well if only they would finish the Stadium, i.e. do something with the Hill. Not near as impressive as the Millenium stadium in Cardiff though, and the seating at the Millenium is much better i.e. you don't have to stand up to let people walk past and there is a nice gap between seats.

I dont think the Millenium stadium is as big as Croke Park? Granted it has all four sides of seating capacity but the stands in Croke Park look like much bigger then it. I agree about the hill though it too came across reasonably well last night.

OhNoYouDidn't · 07-02-2008 06:59PM

micmclo wrote: »

What do you mean? Are you talking about transport links?

compared to any other stadium of its size, there is nothing around it. there is nowhere to buy a scarf, have a beer and meet people outside like any other 80k stadium. compare it to the Olympico in Rome, a similar sized ground. there are parking spaces, stalls and loads of room for congregation and indeed even evacuation. CP is in the middle of houses.

Villain · 07-02-2008 07:02PM

darkman2 wrote: »

I dont think the Millenium stadium is as big as Croke Park? Granted it has all four sides of seating capacity but the stands in Croke Park look like much bigger then it. I agree about the hill though it too came across reasonably well last night.

Oh I don't know Darkman2 I was up the top of the Hogan stand last night and it didn't look much bigger than when I sat in a simalar position in the Millenium stadium.

The Millenium holds 74,500 so it has a smaller capacity but as I said there is much more room at the the Millenium between seats and in front of seats.

OhNoYouDidn't · 07-02-2008 07:03PM

darkman2 wrote: »

I dont think the Millenium stadium is as big as Croke Park? Granted it has all four sides of seating capacity but the stands in Croke Park look like much bigger then it. I agree about the hill though it too came across reasonably well last night.

CP is actually not a very well designed stadium. its very steep as its on a very restricted site and when it rains everyone is at risk. it looks great, and most seats have a good view, but in comparison to other 80k stadia in Europe its not very fan friendly.

redzerdrog · 07-02-2008 07:07PM

I cant believe you guys all the whining and moaning that the GAA would not let soccer into one of the best stadiums in europe and now soccer is being played there ye are whining and moaning it is not good enough for ye:rolleyes:

Villain · 07-02-2008 07:09PM

redzerdrog wrote: »

I cant believe you guys all the whining and moaning that the GAA would not let soccer into one of the best stadiums in europe and now soccer is being played there ye are whining and moaning it is not good enough for ye:rolleyes:

Who said it wasn't good enough?? Quotes please?

I said it was great in the past and simply said they should finish the hill which I know many non DUB GAA fans think too. Comparing it to other stadiums isn't saying it isn't good enough.

God some people are touchy

OhNoYouDidn't · 07-02-2008 07:10PM

redzerdrog wrote: »

I cant believe you guys all the whining and moaning that the GAA would not let soccer into one of the best stadiums in europe and now soccer is being played there ye are whining and moaning it is not good enough for ye:rolleyes:

You most certainly didnt hear me call it one of the best stadiums in Europe. And no one is having a go at the place.

Its designed to be big, not comfortable due to the size of the site. Its not a moan, its a fact.

Nunu · 07-02-2008 07:11PM

darkman2 wrote: »

Anyone else last night find themselves having their attention taken off the match last night by the stunning site of Croke park in floodlights? It looked really really good. Like a canyon of supporters. I also got the impression that when the new Lansdowne is built the Irish team will be going back to very much the poorer cousin:( I hope the FAI can continue to rent Croker for the really big games. Any thoughts?

I have been to every Ireland game at Croke Park and to be honest I cannot wait to get back to the new and improved Lansdowne Road.

At Croke Pk you're too far away from the action so it's not a good soccer stadium...and despite the huge leap in attendence the proportion of apathetic supporters, who just don't seem to give a **** about the action taking place before their eyes, seems to have drastically increased.

On a slightly off topic note something seriously has to be done about the stadium DJ(or whatever you'd call him?) The pre match build up is truly pathetic. The last three songs played before the players came out we're 'Big girls you are beautiful', Take Thats 'Rule the World' and I forgot the 3rd but it was equally crap...and what is with all the Eircom Ads on the screen during the game

If I was in charge of pre match build up I'd have a litany of the greatest international goals ever scored on the big screens, obviously with the odd sprinkling of important Ireland goals to get the crowd going, all accompanied by a kick ass soundtrack - simple really.

redzerdrog · 07-02-2008 07:14PM

Villain wrote: »

Who said it wasn't good enough?? Quotes please?

I said it was great in the past and simply said they should finish the hill which I know many non DUB GAA fans think too. Comparing it to other stadiums isn't saying it isn't good enough.

God some people are touchy

it has nothing to do with dub GAA fans that the hill isnt all seated like the rest of it, it is because it is not possible. Something to do with the train tracks behind it afaik

mikemac · 07-02-2008 07:15PM

OhNoYouDidn't wrote: »

compared to any other stadium of its size, there is nothing around it. there is nowhere to buy a scarf, have a beer and meet people outside like any other 80k stadium. compare it to the Olympico in Rome, a similar sized ground. there are parking spaces, stalls and loads of room for congregation and indeed even evacuation. CP is in the middle of houses.

There are loads of nearby pubs and plenty of people are selling hats, flags and scarves. How could you miss their stalls with all the shouting they do.
Sure Mountjoy Square is 500 metres away if want a large public area to congregate and meet people.
Regarding evacuation, I'd imagine there is a comprehensive safety plan in place.

darkman2 · 07-02-2008 07:16PM

redzerdrog wrote: »

it has nothing to do with dub GAA fans that the hill isnt all seated like the rest of it, it is because it is not possible. Something to do with the train tracks behind it afaik

I read somewhere that in the future they will build over tracks to finish the stadium but its too expensive atm. Something to do with the land. Engineering wise its easily possible. Also speculation about a roof aswell on wiki.

Villain · 07-02-2008 07:18PM

redzerdrog wrote: »

it has nothing to do with dub GAA fans that the hill isnt all seated like the rest of it, it is because it is not possible. Something to do with the train tracks behind it afaik

No quotes about people saying its not good enough so?

It is possible to improve the Hill not to the same extent as the opposite end but it is possible.

mikemac · 07-02-2008 07:26PM

darkman2 wrote: »

I read somewhere that in the future they will build over tracks to finish the stadium but its too expensive atm. Something to do with the land. Engineering wise its easily possible. Also speculation about a roof aswell on wiki.

Even if you build over the tracks, there is very little room.
Beside the tracks there is a 3 metre wide lane and then you meet private property.
And if you build over the rail then you end up overshadowing houses that are less than 10 metres away and directly to the north. I know as I rent beside Hill 16.

Oh, I can see the objections already.
Don't forget the residents committee tried to invoke the European Convention of Human Rights as these soccer matches retrict their right to travel. It's going to be great craic

DaveH · 07-02-2008 07:26PM

When they announced Croke Park redevelopment, the GAA president said under some act that the hill cant be covered. I have the plans here somewere i must look them up.

I have noticed that the amount of irish fans who dont have a clue about football has dratistically increased in CP. At the Wales match most ppl werent even watching the game. Then all this Mexican wave crap started. Its the one thing i hate about ireland in Croke park.

_blank_ · 07-02-2008 07:51PM

OhNoYouDidn't wrote: »

I hope we get out of CP as quick as possible so the FAI can stop funding evil.

:)

ironictoaster · 07-02-2008 07:58PM

I saw that fight myself at the cusack. Terrible stuff.

grames_bond · 07-02-2008 09:14PM

Shamrok wrote: »

I never mentioned Lansdowne but since you did, I thought "security" was far worse last night in Croke Park than Lansdowne

just so ya know mate, its the same security for all fai and irfu matches!

grames_bond · 07-02-2008 09:18PM

darkman2 wrote: »

I read somewhere that in the future they will build over tracks to finish the stadium but its too expensive atm. Something to do with the land. Engineering wise its easily possible. Also speculation about a roof aswell on wiki.

the hill will never be filled in/resized/or closed off, it is part of the historic building act (yes just that side of the stadium) because under the stand is the actual bricks from the gpo at the 1916 rising!

An Citeog · 07-02-2008 09:20PM

As has already been mentioned, it's not possible to expand the Hill because of the houses behind. Afaik, the GAA tried to buy the residents there out but they wouldn't sell. Pretty much the same problem that Shels had with Tolka but on a much larger scale.

OhNoYouDidn't wrote: »

CP is actually not a very well designed stadium. its very steep as its on a very restricted site and when it rains everyone is at risk. it looks great, and most seats have a good view, but in comparison to other 80k stadia in Europe its not very fan friendly.

I'd argue that it is a very well designed stadium on a restricted site. There's nothing the GAA can do about that, bar buying all the houses around the stadium and that just isn't feasible.

Maybe they should have upped sticks and moved out to Tallaght instead of redeveloping Croke Park. I hear they're giving away stadiums out there!

OPENROAD · 07-02-2008 09:22PM

Villain wrote: »

Looked well if only they would finish the Stadium, i.e. do something with the Hill. Not near as impressive as the Millenium stadium in Cardiff though, and the seating at the Millenium is much better i.e. you don't have to stand up to let people walk past and there is a nice gap between seats.

Best seating is without doubt at The Emirates,really really comfortable and great stadium. Millenium is good also but not as comfortable as The Emirates.

cson · 07-02-2008 09:26PM

Granted the seats in the Emirates are massive and comfy, its an absolute pain in the hole to get out of.

Villain · 07-02-2008 09:28PM

Grames bond hill 16 can be redevloped, no historic building act prevents that, the issue is the cost as the row of houses behind the hill adjacent to the rail line would have be purchased.

Croke Park last night

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