A-League teams have a stadium crisis

 
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By Football Person, 6 Dec 2009 Football Person is a Roar Rookie

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Although calling it a crisis may be out there, there is little doubt that some grounds pose a problem for A-League teams. It may not and should not be a top priority for the FFA, but finding true homes for our teams must be somewhere on the to-do list.

There are several advantages that good football stadia gives a team, and ultimately a league. The first is the atmosphere created by a packed stadium of passionate fans.

This was highlighted by the recent matches at Etihad Stadium, including the Gold Coast match and Adelaide clash earlier this year.

The next point is viewer pleasure. I myself wonder what it would be like if the behind the goal seats at Suncorp could move in, closer to the pitch. There may also be a connection with Adelaide’s promising crowds and Hindmarsh’s configuration.

Lastly, the effect it has on the home team. We see this all over the world but not necessarily in Australia; home teams dominating. It must give the players a huge boost to walk out into all the sights and sounds of a true football arena. Although, there must also be a negative affect on players walking into an empty rugby league stadium to play football. There is little doubt in my mind that this is the reason behind the Suncorp curse.

Here are my views on the teams and there stadiums:

- Adelaide United – Excellent ground, perfect for them and capacity can be increased if need be.

- Brisbane Roar – Need to experiment with Ballymore or an upgraded Perry Park, or if possible a nice new ground.

- Central Coast Mariners – I quite like it, the only thing going against Blue Tongue is that the seats spell Bears.

- Gold Coast United – I don’t like it, not even with more people there, sorry Robina – just doesn’t look good to me.

- Melbourne Victory – Docklands (Etihad) is terrible, but Melbourne will soon have their very own piece of Europe.

- Newcastle United Jets – Energy Australia looks all right at night, but still too big and terrible colour scheme.

- North Queensland Fury – don’t like the stadium in general, but I do like the hills.

- Perth Glory – Personally, I love ME Bank Stadium, even if the behind goal stands are well back.

- Sydney FC – The only good thing about the SFS is the seat colours.

- Wellington Phoenix – I quite like Westpac, but there own fans may not agree.

So there are my opinions, and I am interested in reading yours.

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