Ground Review

By Peegs
December 15 2003

Whaddon Road has a capacity of 7,407 of which 3,139 are seats however when taking into account segregation policies the real figure is closer to 7,300. The ground had to undergo a number of changes to match League regulations but is at present of Division 2 standard.

The C and G Stand

This stand is situated behind the goal and is for home fans only. 1980 fans can stand in this section of the ground. Situated behind the stand are two mobile refreshment vans which sell hot foods, cold and hot drinks. Be warned that the burgers do tend to sell out so get in there quick! This section of the ground is where the best atmosphere can be found.

There are 2 refreshment vans behind the C and G Stand:

In sale in these vans are (click on link to see image): 1/2 pounder with cheese Tango

In2Print Stand

To meet the League's ground regulations Cheltenham had to build a 2000 seater stand and this they did. The stand is sponsored by local printing company In2Print hence the "In2Print Stand" name. The stand cost over £1million, it was funded by a football league grant and local businesses entered a raffle to earn the right to sponsor the stand. It was nearly called "The Blue Sheep Stand!" The stand is shared between home and away fans, the green segregation mesh is used to segregate fans and this is placed a certain length along the stand depending on the size of the away following. The stand offers good leg room and an un obstructed view, hot refreshments including chips (not sold in the C and G stand at present) can be brought underneath the stand.

The Whaddon Road End

The worst part of the ground, the part of the ground that still looks non-league standard, so this is where we stick the away fans! This section of the ground has a capacity of 1,162. There is a catering outlet situated to the left of this area as you look at the pitch. There is a small amount of cover for fans if the weather is wet but a majority of fans will get wet if it rains so you have been warned! When funds become available this end will be covered with a stand similar to the C and G design, this work could possibly be done in the Summer of 2003.

The UCAS Stand

This is the oldest part of the ground and was built in 1963. There is seats for 1068 people, it contains 3 blocks A,B and C of which C is the family stand so no swearing in there! It is advisable if you are over 6ft tall and looking to sit to go in the In2Print as leg room in the Ucas is at a premium. This stand is where all the Conference areas and press boxes for the Radio people are, players who are not in the first 16 watch the match from Block B of the Ucas Stand.

The Paddock and Canteen areas

The Paddock is situated infront of the Ucas Stand and either side of the tunnel that the players come out of. Many of the longer term supporters of the club stand here to watch the game. This section has a capacity of 554.

The Canteen is basically just an area where more people can be fitted in. It hasn't got a terrace structure to it and is just flat concrete, so if you find yourself at the back your view may be obstructed. 202 people can stand in this area of the ground.

My personal favourite place in the ground is the C and G Stand, mainly because of the atmosphere, but it also offers a good view and has decent refreshments.