Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: UK Redsox on February 12, 2013, 03:02:02 PM
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I'm curious as to why people sit where they do at Villa Park.
I've sat behind the dugouts for all but a few matches since I started going to VP in the mid-90s.
On the odd occasion that I've sat in the Upper North, Lower Holte, Upper/Lower Witton (eg while the TR was being rebuilt), I wasn't too keen on the view.
Also, being tucked away in the corner or up in the rafters at away games is always leads to a disappointing view as far as I'm concerned.
I like being central, relatively low down and close to the action.
So, why do H&V'ers sit where they do ?
- Tradition
- Cheap seats
- Like the view
...... or do you move around ?
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Lower North. As i'm poor it's all I can afford. When I was Upper Trinity it was a great view but crap for atmosphere.
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Lower Holte when I manage to go down. Nice cheap seats, decent view and that all important atmosphere.
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I was a bit of a nomad until I bought my first season ticket in 2005. Since then I've stuck to Row HH in the Lower Holte. Good view.
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Over the years I've had seats in various different places - the old Trinity Enclosure, North Stand Upper, Lower Holte, and, for the last 10 years or so, the Upper Holte. The seat I have now is fantastic- near front and centre of the Upper Holte, great view (high enough to see the patterns of play, near enough not to tax my ageing eyesight!), good atmosphere, and sat with the same people for years who I only get to see on match days. Wouldn't consider changing now - when I've relocated for the odd match when my oldest son is home it just doesn't feel right.
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Left-sider in my youth, but on the rare occasion we'd have a couple of extra quid spare, we'd go upstairs in the Trinity. And that's where I am now, older but still none the wiser, behind what's now our dugout. I think it's because I've always thought of it as where Holte Enders go to see out their final years! Can count on one hand the number of times I've watched from anywhere other than that 'corner' of the ground. Never, ever sat in the Witton Lane
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Lower Holte good atmosphere really like the view can't complain.
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As I don't live in Brum anymore I'm not able to attend as often as I'd like and all seater stadia didn't fully exist when I left but, I'd always been a Witton Ender. Stood just to the right of the goal halfway between the six yard line and the edge of the penalty area. It's a territorial thing I think. Nowadays I go wherever the cheapest seats are sadly. I'm the same wherever I find myself watching sport at venues I've been to before. I think it's more territorial than we'd like to think, don't ask me why. I stop short of pissing up the crash barrier.
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I sit in L2 on the lower Holte with my nippers. I like the atmosphere and we are high enough up for a decent view and the facilities are better than some of the other cheaper areas in the ground. This is the first season we have sat there, and wont be the last as the people around us have become familiar faces to talk with on a match day. It would also be too expensive to sit anywhere else for the 5 of us, and with Mrsastonvilla working most weekends its take the kids or not go at all!
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Upper Holte. I'm really not a fan of being too close to the pitch as you lose so much perspective, and I much prefer sitting behind the goal.
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Currently in Witton Lane P8 due to the great price. Although I have to say the view is good and the banter with the away fans can be fun
Have had ST in upper and lower holte, upper North Stand and Upper Trinity
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Middle Trinity Road Stand, B1,towards the Holte, just under the boxes.
We used to sit in the Upper Doug, just level with the 6 yard box, but when the old Trinity stand got rebuilt, most of the season ticket holders there moved over to the trinity, leaving lots of empty spaces which needed to be filled.. by any fans possible, usually away.
I've sat next to Liverpool,Everton, Spurs, Southampton on a monday night when there was 300 of them in the north stand, and the 2 of us and 10 southampton directly begind us, West Ham, dogs abuse off a load of Leicester :-( .. the list goes on.
To cut a long story short, there was about 8 of us that moved at the same time, shortly before the first Villa /small heath match at Villa Park, because we all knew what would happen.
Sure enough when it all started kicking off, where we used to sit we could see a mass of bodies falling over the chairs trying to get at each other.
The seats we are in now are more or less the same height / distance away from the pitch, and the Holte End as the one we had in Upper Doug, so we get a good view, close enought to the action, but far enough to take in the whole pitch, and also get the atmos off the Holte when it's on fire.
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P8 cheap seats deal.
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Towards the back of the Lower Holte, in any of the middle blocks from L4-L6. The main reason I go to football is for the atmosphere and to sing songs so I often found I'm bored out of my tree if it's dead. Being where I am gives me a great view of the pitch, a good atmosphere, and I still feel close to the action.
That's my only qualm with the Upper Holte really, it's fantastic to be a part of but I often feel really far away from what's going on.
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Back row of the Upper Holte! Great banter and singing. Decent people all around, too.
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Love the view from the front of upper Ellis, half way line. That's where I've sat most often. Atmosphere wise nothing beats the Holte. Times are hard financially, so I haven't been able to go recently, but I imagine now I'd get whatever is cheapest due to mentioned financial issues.
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A3 Upper Trinity. Row G, so not far from the front, and not too far from the halfway line.
I didn't renew this year, though. I like it up there because the view is absolutley fantastic. I see lots of people talk about the view from the Upper Holte, but I fail to see how it can be better than the view in the UT.
Although I am happy to admit I haven't been in the upper (sections of the) Holte since about 1989
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Always been an upper trinity man, much prefer to pay extra for a great view and not keen on behind the goals view.
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Lower Holte, left side.
Like watching the game from behind the goal, don't particularly mind any of the people sat near me (apart from that trouble-maker Frank) and can't tolerate the right side scum.
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Lower Holte, L2, Row Z - sat there since 1994 - Ian Taylor's home debut against Chelsea.
Relocated from the Upper North with my dad while the Holte was being rennovated.
We've sat with the same crowd for nearly 20 years now,including steward Dave who has become a good friend. Close to the bar and facilities. it's very convenient.
Only downside is the atmosphere is crap apart from the banter. I'm tempted to relocate next year to the first row of the Upper. The only snag is I'd be leaving my dad and people that have become friends.
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P8. There are some right characters up there.
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P8 cheap seats deal.
Same here. Had sat in the middle Trinity for years.
Much prefer upper Witton. Equal view as Trinity but much better atmosphere.
Also, we go in the Lions Club before the game and walk the couple of yards to the turnstile. Can go down to the Lions Club at half time direct from the stand.
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I've sat in the Lower Trinity, Lower North and Lower Holte over the years but i'm currently in the Upper Holte K6 next to my best mate.
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Upper Holte left hand side.when I started going down by myself its where I stood. Still go there now. Not too far back now, though.
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Going to see if I can grab the spare seat next season in the Directors Box (The one with RL on the back) - its always empty
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Not a season ticket holder, but have always preferred the Lower Trinity, nice and close to the action and I don't like being behind the goals. I don't even mind the lack of atmosphere there that much.
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R3 Lower North.
Its cheap and cheerful, I don't care about the facilities or the leg room as we always stand, Good atmosphere and close to the action.
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C5 Lower Trinity - behind what is now the away dugout.
We bought season tickets there "off plan" when the Trinity Road was being rebuilt. We sit with a good crowd (who we only see on match days) but its good to see familiar faces and we have a laugh.
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Not a season ticket holder, but have always preferred the Lower Trinity, nice and close to the action and I don't like being behind the goals. I don't even mind the lack of atmosphere there that much.
I know what you mean.
Let's be honest, it's hardly the Maracana on derby day anywhere in the ground these days.
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The view from my seat in the Lower North is gash. Very difficult to tell what is happening once the ball is into the Holte half, and it's rely on the Holte time as soon as it gets near the penalty box. It's also cramped but I did get an aisle seat so it's okay. Although a lot of the time we're stood up all game anyway. Does have a decent atmosphere there which is in its favour.
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It is good to see another stand singing which is something to thank O'Neill for, and with great coverage by the TV cameras you normally see them singing which looks like its creating an atmosphere. So I do like the Lower North. Never been in it though.
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Back row of the Upper Holte! Great banter and singing. Decent people all around, too.
I only get to VP a few times a season and have sat all over the place but Sunday was the first time I'd sat near the back of the Upper Holte.
I'll definitely be sitting there from now on. Not quite as much fun as an away day but it was the first time in a few years that I haven't had to suffer some miserable bugger moaning all game or until we score.
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Started in the Holte (just below where the police used to make their "box"; about '79 did 2 seasons in the Witton End; then Upper Trinity (Witton side) a few times, Lower Holte a few times; only once in the Witton Lane Upper about 4 years ago near the Holte (which was awful).
Now ST in A2 Upper Trinity. Fantastic view; can hear the Holte, Lower Witton and opposition. Plenty of room (unfortunately) but little atmosphere. Suits us as my lad can't take the really packed vociferous matches due to his autism.
If he wants to go again next season will renew; if just me will go back to the Holte - possibly up by the Brigada fellas for the craic
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One thing I used to like about my seat in A3 was the array of moaning bastards who sat in that block.
I'm partial to a moan myself, but it was like sitting with 100 Gregs. Some of it was very, very funny, mind.
It's really about the people around you as much as it is where you are, I think.
When we went to the CCC final, we saw loads of people from our block in A3 around us at Wembley - it must have been to do with releasing the tickets in blocks according to ST position at Villa Park.
It was nice. The match, not so nice, mind.
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Trinity behind the dugout, maybe a little bit low down, but you really feel part of the action and the general p*sstaking has kept us sane during the last couple of years.
Made some good mates sat there too.
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Currently in Witton Lane P8 due to the great price. Although I have to say the view is good and the banter with the away fans can be fun
Have had ST in upper and lower holte, upper North Stand and Upper Trinity
What are the stewards like up there, do they let have the banter or are you always being told to to chill out, I've always fancied it up there.
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Witton Lane Upper when I plan to go (1-6 per season) as my mate and his extended family sit there and can always have a chin wa before (occsionally during) and at half time. Great view not cheap though.
Upper Holte went 2 years ago - great view but outgrown the youthful exuberance / industrial nature
If it a spur of the moment then wherever - nowhere I haven't sat / stood since I first went down.
Still a great great ground just wish the atmosphere was better. No fault of the fans mind. The place rocked to the nights we played Arsenal in Dec 07 and Dec 08 (Boxing Day).
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One thing I used to like about my seat in A3 was the array of moaning bastards who sat in that block.
I'm partial to a moan myself, but it was like sitting with 100 Gregs.
Confirmed my suspicion that the Trinity was negativity central. I thought it was B5 but sounds like A3 is the confirmed epicentre.
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Cheap seats! My boys were a we bit scared on back of holte for bradford semi. I loved it. Behind goal for whu in lower north (first time) crap view but screens help and seeing that 95 min corner up close and brads reaction after the wwhisstle was priceless. Despite being pissed wet through 3 young boys all crying at one stage, I loved it. Banter with barrell boys and singing. Don't care really I love going just wish I could more often
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C5 Lower Trinity. Moved from Upper Holte 6-7 years ago, one of our mates is on crutches and couldn't manage all the stairs to the Holte.
Great view behind the dugouts and enjoy a laugh with a lot of good people round there.
Can't see us ever moving, which might disappoint a few!! ;)
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Happy enough in most of the stands. Tend to wind up
in a different one every game. Although, the upper Doug Ellis
can be just too quiet.
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Witton Lane Upper when I plan to go (1-6 per season) as my mate and his extended family sit there and can always have a chin wa before (occsionally during) and at half time. Great view not cheap though.
Upper Holte went 2 years ago - great view but outgrown the youthful exuberance / industrial nature
If it a spur of the moment then wherever - nowhere I haven't sat / stood since I first went down.
Still a great great ground just wish the atmosphere was better. No fault of the fans mind. The place rocked to the nights we played Arsenal in Dec 07 and Dec 08 (Boxing Day).
This season the atmosphere for the first hour of the Man United game and the first half of the Bradford game are some of the best atmosphere's I've ever been in.
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One thing I used to like about my seat in A3 was the array of moaning bastards who sat in that block.
I'm partial to a moan myself, but it was like sitting with 100 Gregs.
Confirmed my suspicion that the Trinity was negativity central. I thought it was B5 but sounds like A3 is the confirmed epicentre.
A couple of years ago when I was Upper Trinity it was great. The Wigan game (we drew 1-1) VP was it's usual not exactly rocking atmosphere at the time and there were a bunch of kids at the back of the Trinity. They just sang non stop for the last 15 minutes. From where I was sat you could see people in the other stands staring at the Trinity trying to work why it was the only stand singing. The club should have given those kids free ST up there.
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Used to sit in the lower Holte ,L4 a group of 8 of us from 94-95, now down to 3, & one of those comes up from Brighton.
I,m just grateful for whatever I can get from Viagogo this season,.....
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Used to sit in the lower Holte ,L4 a group of 8 of us from 94-95, now down to 3, & one of those comes up from Brighton.
I,m just grateful for whatever I can get from Viagogo this season,.....
Sounds a bit like my group. Mid 90's we had about 10 ST in a row in the Lower Holte. Midweek cup games those that worked Saturdays would turn up and we'd drink in the Sacred Heart before a game. Anything up to 20 of us even for the likes of Peterborough, Chester etc in the LC. Most games this season me and my sister are the only ones of that group in the ground.
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Generally prefer being behind the goal but for last 18 months been in the upper trinity for most games due to someone generously putting cheap tickets up on viagogo in that section.
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I tend to go wherever they cut me a deal, its a bit hit and miss its a good view from the Upper North but there are always problems with kids and away fans if we're playing a top 4 side. I do enjoy the lower north these days reminds me of the good times on the right side of the Holte where I spent most of my teens. As a rule I try and avoid the left side of the Holte End, it stinks and the people are riddled with fleas. :P
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Lower Holte. L7. Just over half way up. The atmosphere is alright and I get on well with those that sit near me.
I also have the added bonus of a big concrete barrier to my left meaning I never have to get up if someone goes for a piss.
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Not a season ticket holder, but have always preferred the Lower Trinity, nice and close to the action and I don't like being behind the goals. I don't even mind the lack of atmosphere there that much.
The lack of what most people consider "atmosphere" is one of the reasons that I sit in the LTR.
As I've mentioned before on this forum, I'm not a fan of most of the singing/chanting that comes from the Holte. I don't see the point in abusing opposition/rival fans or teams in such a manner and I think that the "On the piss......" song is an embarrassment.
Therefore I'm very happy to be in an area where sarcastic comments take the place of singing/chanting.
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Lower Holte due to family having STs there. Would prob be my choice anyway although cheaper prices Lower North may tempt me. Sat in Trinity when I first went as a 7 yr old, stood on Holte a couple of seasons before demolition, then back to Trinity Lower (old stand) as it was only place my brother could get a student discount, Upper Holte for several years after that then Lower Holte for last 6 or 7. I have sat everywhere at least once. Except away end!
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I had a perfect seat, halfway line Upper Trinity.
Gave it up as we were supposed to be moving to Cornwall, when we didn't I could have still got it back but got persuaded by a mate to sit in the Upper North Stand, after two seasons I knocked it on the head and now just get tickets ad hoc for the Middle or Upper Trinity.
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Upper Holte in K3, towards the front.
The people around me have been season ticket holders for years and its a good craic.
There is one new addition, a few rows behind who has the most drony and irritating Brummie drawl going and cannot stop moaning at the top of his voice every 30 seconds. He may find himself in the lower Holte before too long.
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Used to sit in the Upper Holte which has the best volume of noise, but also found quite a few knobs sit there, so moved to the Lower Holte. Have been in the same seat for several seasons now and we get on well with everyone around us.
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I almost always sit in K4 now, pretty close to the middle of the upper Holte so I don't feel bad for standing up and shouting but not quite in the mix with the teenage contingent of noise a few rows back. I have sat in the other three stands and I still can't see my self moving permanently for a long time, I genuinely wouldn't enjoy football if it felt awkward for standing and shouting/singing and definitely don't want to annoy people who prefer to watch rather than get too involved. There is something very special for me about being in the Holte and the feeling it generates form the very core of my being, I've never felt it elsewhere in Villa Park.
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Upper Holte in K3, towards the front.
The people around me have been season ticket holders for years and its a good craic.
There is one new addition, a few rows behind who has the most drony and irritating Brummie drawl going and cannot stop moaning at the top of his voice every 30 seconds. He may find himself in the lower Holte before too long.
Throw him over the next home game, the miserable git.
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I used to be a left side - half way up - Holte ender when it was standing, great view great atmosphere and good people. I then sat in a similar place for a couple of seasons, it was ok, but not the same. I then moved to sit with a pal on the front row of the Doug Ellis in P1. Great view, and you get the atmospher from the Holte end as well, as well as seeing it in all of it's glory when it gets going. I gave up my season ticket when we had TSM, as I hated modern foo£ba££.
I've been back a few times with the nipper, and sat in the family enclosure, but the view in the corner, close to the pitch is shocking for a 6 year old, especially when the ball is up the other end.
I bought me and the lad half season tickets the day before the Chelsea humiliation, back up in P1 - It's better as he can see and the reduced price made it affordable. I doubt I could afford a full ticket price season ticket in that area next season.
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I get over for four or five games a season, so I'm especially pleased to have seen two home wins so far, this time round! I like to sit in the upper North, specifically an aisle seat with leg room and my own railing. There's too much standing up then sitting down in the Holte - I'm a creature of comfort!
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Used to stand left of the Holte when it was still terracing. Above midway, but not right at the back. About two thirds of the way up.
Now, when I get to go, I tend to head for the upper Trinity, as near the halfway line as possible.
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Upper holte is my prefered (see name) I like it behind the goal and not be too close to the pitch, I also like to sit behind the goal, My mate does not like the upper holte so we seem to sit in the upper north when I go with him, It's behind the goal so im ok with it, I just worry that I'm going to go on a swear outburst and there are kids about
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Almost always in the North Stand upper these days due to the family ticket deals they due. Decent view but you are a little cramped for leg room!
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I'm in the lower Holte, L4, row Y. Decent view, atmosphere is okay and I like being closer to the pitch.
I went in the upper tier for the Bradford game and enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. I stood all game, the atmosphere was class and the view was excellent too - Although being that high up I felt a bit removed from it.
One of the major drawbacks about the lower Holte is the way it's always up and down, especially when we shoot that way. I'd rather stand all game or sit all game, can't be doing with the constant changing.
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I've stood/sat in all parts of the ground - but I always come back to saying that my favourite place is trinty road - front of the top tear - 20 yards to the right of the half way line - so we get the benefit of the boys kicking towards the Holte End - 2nd half as is tradition.
When did that start exactly ? I've been going since 1967 and that's been the case as long as i can remember.
Aston Villa 26 league wins in 1980/1981 - 60 pts
Ipswich 21 " " " " " - i think 56
Apparently they "lost" the league that season.
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I've seen at least one match from every tier of every stand at VP- like a few posters on here, I tend to migrate according to ticket deals, the people I'm going with etc. I was impressed with the view from Upper North a couple of years ago, when my mate brought his (then) six year old a couple of years ago- I suppose it's the double-decker executive boxes giving more height but at no distance penalty. Last time we went was for the Ipswich cup game, and my mate insisted on the Holte End (where we both used to go since we started watching regularly in 1995)- we avoided it the previous occasion because he was concerned about his lad picking up bad language, or having his view obscured by people standing. We needn't have worried, the atmosphere and view from K2 row 2 were both excellent, and a new Holte Ender was born.
...we should take him to every match, too. He's got a 100% record from his two visits to Villa Park.
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L8 - Best place for atmosphere in the ground imo
or R2 if L8 is full as it's probably second best block for atmosphere.
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L8 - Best place for atmosphere in the ground imo
or R2 if L8 is full as it's probably second best block for atmosphere.
Here Here
L8 = BRIGADA1874