Clubcall Carlisle
Sparta Rotterdam
Wembley Torch
Destination Berwick
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STADE NEWS
OLD FIRM TO STAGE SCOTTISH FA CUP TIES
The Scottish FA have confirmed Celtic Park will host the 2014 Scottish FA Cup Final, with Ibrox scheduled to host both of the competition's semi-finals.
With the traditional venue of Hampden Park being unavailable due to redevelopment work and preparations for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the Final on Saturday 17th May will be held at the 60,355 capacity home of Celtic for the first time since the Hearts v Rangers Final in 1998.
Rangers Ibrox stadium with a capacity of 51,082, will host both semi-finals over the weekend of the 12th and 13th April.
The 6,085 capacity stadium, home since 1910, has been secured for the club on a new 34-year lease with Trafford Borough Council.
Plans include a new sports hall alongside the main stand, in a bid to involve more of the local community with the club.
BRENTFORD URGE FANS TO SUPPORT RE-LOCATION
The site, close to the M4 and Kew Bridge railway station, would see a new 20,000 all-seater stadium and residential development.
The club's current Griffin Park stadium would also be re-developed for housing.
FURTHER DELAY TO NEW YORK CITY STADIUM
Whilst work on the flagship John Lewis store, anchor tenant for the scheme which was scheduled to open in 2014 continues apace, there is still no definitive timescale for the new 6,000-seater stadium's opening.
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CLUBCALL Carlisle United
Founded - 1904
League - Football League One
Capacity - 18,202
Record Attendance - 27,500
Nearest Railway Station - Carlisle Citadel
Club Website - www.carlisleunited.co.uk
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EUROSTADE REPORT Sparta Rotterdam
Sparta Stadion home of Sparta Rotterdam, boasts one of the most iconic facades in European football, Het Kasteel (The Castle).
Originally named Stadion Spangen, the district where the club are located, the ground has greatly evolved over the years and is now an 11,026 all-seater stadium.
Sparta, formed in 1988 and currently celebrating their 125th anniversary, moved to the ground in 1916.The castle was originally behind the goal at the south end of the stadium, but as part of a major re-devlopment in 1999 when the pitch was turned 90 degrees, now runs along the south side of the ground opposite the main Tony van Ede stand.
Its like being transported back in time - a large inland harbour lined with townhouses, quaint bars and restaurants, also home to the excellent De Pelgrim brewery.
Forever in the shadow of huge near neighbours Feyenoord, Sparta are a homely club with a fine tradition, and with The Castle as part of its architecture the ground will always be of interest to the followers of stadium history and design.
Het Kasteel Info
Spartapark Noord 1, 3027 VVV Rotterdam.
Nearest Metro Station - Marconiplein
Rotterdam 1 day travel card for metro/buses costs 7 euros.
Club website - www.sparta-rotterdam.nl
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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
The Torch Wembley
Situated at the junction of Bridge Road and Forty Lane almost in the shadow of the National Stadium,the pub has an impressive gallery of old photographs showcasing both the stadium and the surrounding Wembley area.
Extensive food menu and usually two cask ales available.
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DESTINATION Berwick upon Tweed
One of the most fought over Border towns in the UK and possibly Europe, evidence of the military history of the area is very prominent, from the fortified medieval town walls to the historic Barrracks which date from 1721.
Attractions include the Town Hall on the main street of Marygate, where most of the shopping is also to be found, the historic Quayside which offers fantastic views of the Tweed with its famous three bridges, and you can follow the LS Lowry trail - there are several famous Lowry paintings of the town.
Berwick is an ideal base for visiting the Northumberland National Park and coastline, where you can take a boat trip out to the Farne Islands or buy fresh kippers from Craster, and a must see is the beautiful island of Lindisfarne - be sure to check the causeway tide times though !
Travel - from North/South by road via A1,by rail East Coast trains.
Accomodation - many B&B's in town, lots of caravan parks in the wider area.
Pubs - many varied pubs in the town most serving food and real ale.
Brown Bear on Hide Hill and Pilot Inn on High Greens are particularly welcoming.
Tourism Website-www.visitnorthumberland.com
Shielfield Park, Tweedmouth,
Berwick upon Tweed TD15 2EF.
Founded - 1881
League - Scottish League Two
Capacity - 4,131
Record Attendance - 13,365
Nearest Railway - Berwick upon Tweed
Club Website - www.berwickrangersfc.co.uk
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STADE IMAGES
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| Classic Scottish stadium design at Firhill ______________________________________________________ Many thanks for your interest in the blog All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog 2013 Any comments/feedback welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com Next issue published Sunday 2nd February 2014 footballstadeblog.blogspot.com _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ |