Quins Bingo: What We Miss About The Stoop

By MG
March 26 2021

It feels like it’s been some time since we got to watch rugby union live in person, but hope is on the horizon. Yes, before the end of the season the Gallagher Premiership fans could well make their way back onto the terraces, and for Harlequins fans that means a return to Twickenham Stoop.

It’s been over a year since we walked through the turnstiles at the Stoop and in that time the world has changed greatly, not least in how we keep ourselves entertained. The likes of bingo have really come to the fore, with brands such as Robin Hood Bingo welcoming thousands of new players over the past six months especially, including many rugby fans.

 So to play into the hands of the on trend bingo, and the fact that Quins fans may be able to return to the Stoop soon, we decided to have a think of what would make a bingo card when it comes to all the things we miss out the Stoop...

The History

The club has a long history at the Stoop after moving their from Twickenham Stadium in the early 60s and despite the redevelopment you can’t help but sense the glory that has been tasted in the venue down the years.

 The Stoop itself only makes up for a small portion of Harlequins 155 year history, but the memories are great with the likes of the 2012 Premiership win, the three Challenge Cup wins and the Anglo-Welsh Cup win all creating a real buzz about the place.

The Smells

Of course, a stadium isn’t defined by the glory enjoyed within it. It’s much more than that and the things we miss most are often the sights and smells. That’s no different at the Stoop.

 

On a cold evening, nothing beats the smell of Bovril drifting across a stand or the inescapable whiff of meat pies and stale lager. While it doesn’t sound all too pleasant in isolation, it’s the smell of live rugby not just at the Stoop but grounds across the country.

The People

It’s been too long since we’ve been able to discuss tactics and celebrate with fellow fans and it’s one element of sport that is truly missed. There’s naturally the Come All Within forum and social media but it isn’t quite the same as face to face interactions and healthy debate on in-form, out-of-form players, as well as everything and anything Quins related. The rugby union community has always been a friendly one and that’s certainly the case at The Stoop.

The Glory

Then there’s the glory. A Harlequins win is always worth celebrating, but there’s something a little more hollow about it watching on TV for both fans and players.

 

It’s all a little meaningless without fans to celebrate a win, or even applaud a team off following a hard-caught defeat and it’s what fans are most looking forward to not just at the Quins but at clubs from the Premiership right down to the amateur divisions.