| Cobbold Stand 18:58 - Jul 13 with 4019 views | dingus |
Sat in the Cobbold stand for the first time in about 30 years for the Sheeran gig. I didn't realise quite how much it is showing its age. Tiny seats. A maze behind the stand that's really difficult to get about when more than a few people are on the move. Women's toilets barely functional. No water in any hand baisin tap.
As a town fan it was a bit embarrassing listening to new comers to the stadium talk about their experience. Hope its replacement gets bumped up the list. |  | | |  |
| Cobbold Stand on 19:10 - Jul 13 with 3605 views | Swansea_Blue |
Yeah, a new stand is desperately needed. The women’s toilets can’t be as bad as the gents behind Churchman’s in the late 70s, but that’s a very low bar!
I wonder what impact relegation has had on the timetable for the new build. The palms look great and as it’s tied into redevelopment of the surrounding area with the Council, I assume it’s still going ahead. Maybe that’s got something to do with the call for new investors? |  |
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| Cobbold Stand on 19:29 - Jul 13 with 3475 views | Tampa_Florida_Blue |
| Cobbold Stand on 19:10 - Jul 13 by Swansea_Blue |
Yeah, a new stand is desperately needed. The women’s toilets can’t be as bad as the gents behind Churchman’s in the late 70s, but that’s a very low bar!
I wonder what impact relegation has had on the timetable for the new build. The palms look great and as it’s tied into redevelopment of the surrounding area with the Council, I assume it’s still going ahead. Maybe that’s got something to do with the call for new investors? |
I was thinking along those investers might be to help get the new stand project going. That needs to get started like now. Being in the engineering field, I know there is lots of ground work need to be done before the stadium being taken down. If I remember the blue print Portman road has to be re routed even before all the underground structure is driven deep into the ground. I can see a years work going on before the stand is erected. |  | | |
| Cobbold Stand on 19:31 - Jul 13 with 3459 views | OldFart71 |
I'm afraid that's the price we have paid for going into administration after the previous exploits into the Premier League under George and the building of the new Churchmans and North Stands and then being sold to Marcus Evans who ran the whole thing connected to PR into the ground. Where we are now compared to then in such a short space of time is miraculous and yes it's a bit of a let down to those visiting PR who have to put up with 1970's facilities but bigger clubs than us such as Everton and even Man Utd have had to put up with antiquated stadia.
It would be great if the update took place within the next three years but I suspect that may depend on what league we are plying our trade. | | | |
| Cobbold Stand on 19:32 - Jul 13 with 3452 views | Tampa_Florida_Blue |
I remember walking into the ground one of the first games played when it was built and how it felt like the North Stand and Churchman’s stand had been dwarfed in comparison to it. How time has changed. | | | |
| Cobbold Stand on 19:37 - Jul 13 with 3387 views | Swansea_Blue |
| Cobbold Stand on 19:29 - Jul 13 by Tampa_Florida_Blue |
I was thinking along those investers might be to help get the new stand project going. That needs to get started like now. Being in the engineering field, I know there is lots of ground work need to be done before the stadium being taken down. If I remember the blue print Portman road has to be re routed even before all the underground structure is driven deep into the ground. I can see a years work going on before the stand is erected. |
There’s never a good time is there. It’s a massive project and if you want to do it, you just have to crack on. It’s no good trying to time it with a period in the PL, as they can come and go quicker than it takes to build the stand. There was a published timeline I think; it wasn’t years, but it was significant. | |
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| Cobbold Stand on 21:18 - Jul 13 with 3067 views | Freddies_Ears |
| Cobbold Stand on 19:37 - Jul 13 by Swansea_Blue |
There’s never a good time is there. It’s a massive project and if you want to do it, you just have to crack on. It’s no good trying to time it with a period in the PL, as they can come and go quicker than it takes to build the stand. There was a published timeline I think; it wasn’t years, but it was significant. |
The asbestos removal isn't going to be quick, simple or cheap... | | | |
| Cobbold Stand on 21:19 - Jul 13 with 3048 views | Swansea_Blue |
| Cobbold Stand on 21:18 - Jul 13 by Freddies_Ears |
The asbestos removal isn't going to be quick, simple or cheap... |
That’s true, I’d forgotten about that. | |
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| Cobbold Stand on 21:26 - Jul 13 with 2990 views | NthQldITFC |
| Cobbold Stand on 19:29 - Jul 13 by Tampa_Florida_Blue |
I was thinking along those investers might be to help get the new stand project going. That needs to get started like now. Being in the engineering field, I know there is lots of ground work need to be done before the stadium being taken down. If I remember the blue print Portman road has to be re routed even before all the underground structure is driven deep into the ground. I can see a years work going on before the stand is erected. |
'...Portman road has to be re routed even before all the underground structure is driven deep into the ground.'
I had been wondering whether they'd incorporate a new station. Makes sense. The one at the former roundabout site is a buggar to get out of since it became a traffic light junction. You either have to squirm up out of the drain cover next to the Buddhist Centre, or go over to the exit in the back of the Curve bar and then cross back over the road. Nightmare. Plus the barmaids in the Curve bar don't appreciate it like they used to. |  |
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| Cobbold Stand on 21:27 - Jul 13 with 2969 views | SuffolkPunchFC |
| Cobbold Stand on 19:37 - Jul 13 by Swansea_Blue |
There’s never a good time is there. It’s a massive project and if you want to do it, you just have to crack on. It’s no good trying to time it with a period in the PL, as they can come and go quicker than it takes to build the stand. There was a published timeline I think; it wasn’t years, but it was significant. |
Ashton’s most recent comments suggested the West stand would be expanded first (+4,000), before the redevelopment of the Cobbold. | | | |
| Cobbold Stand on 22:48 - Jul 13 with 2715 views | stonojnr |
| Cobbold Stand on 19:37 - Jul 13 by Swansea_Blue |
There’s never a good time is there. It’s a massive project and if you want to do it, you just have to crack on. It’s no good trying to time it with a period in the PL, as they can come and go quicker than it takes to build the stand. There was a published timeline I think; it wasn’t years, but it was significant. |
any money the club spend that isnt about making the on the pitch team better is a big risk, its going to be 200million at least for a new main stand, we dont have 200million spare. plus the whole council thing for that area, as I remember being told many years ago the only moment you believe something like that is going to be built, is when they start digging the foundations, till then its not happening.
plus I think we need a bit more stability in the clubs league position before we commit to doing major works on stands
in some ways its nice people are coming to Portman road and now expecting a top tier modern stadium experience, theyre disappointed things are a little old and not perfect, those of us whove been around a while and been to lots of stadiums across the world, know that actually there are very few places that offer that perfection. | | | |
| Cobbold Stand on 00:36 - Jul 14 with 2494 views | little_boy_blue |
We were in there tonight and the standards are sadly poor. To get decent tickets we had to pay for the hotel package. At £260 each it wasn’t great compared to other venues. I appreciate we can’t afford the development yet but I think visitors will be disappointed when they go to the ground. | | | |
| Cobbold Stand on 01:08 - Jul 14 with 2413 views | ArnoldMoorhen |
| Cobbold Stand on 21:26 - Jul 13 by NthQldITFC |
'...Portman road has to be re routed even before all the underground structure is driven deep into the ground.'
I had been wondering whether they'd incorporate a new station. Makes sense. The one at the former roundabout site is a buggar to get out of since it became a traffic light junction. You either have to squirm up out of the drain cover next to the Buddhist Centre, or go over to the exit in the back of the Curve bar and then cross back over the road. Nightmare. Plus the barmaids in the Curve bar don't appreciate it like they used to. |
You know damn well that what the barmaids in The Curve don't appreciate it you showing them your Ipswich Underground Ticket and asking "So can I use your back entry and then go down?" before you take that entrance.
You're right, though, the Underground is long overdue an expansion.
I'd be surprised if Mr Sheeran doesn't start lobbying for a route out Framingham way, although that would probably necessitate some overground routing.
I remember seeing a couple of GI Joe types on it once. They had come for an evening out in Ipswich from Lakenheath, and were spending it riding round the Ipswich Underground. With round being the operative word! They were from Texas, and treated every bend as if it was Pleasurewood Hills' latest thrill ride because:
"Where we're from, trucks and trains just drive straight. For hours..." | | | |
| Cobbold Stand on 06:54 - Jul 14 with 2224 views | Churchman |
| Cobbold Stand on 19:32 - Jul 13 by Tampa_Florida_Blue |
I remember walking into the ground one of the first games played when it was built and how it felt like the North Stand and Churchman’s stand had been dwarfed in comparison to it. How time has changed. |
I had the same experience. It looked smart and uber modern in the early 70s, even before the extensions were completed in 1975. Big too!
I last watched a game from there about 2019 and I was surprised about how much it had aged. Narrow staircases, hopeless toilets, dingy interior. Like another poster I’m only just over 5ft 9ins and my shins were right up against the seat in front. The seats are not the biggest, but I guess in 1971 neither were the people.
It desperately needs replacing. As for the West Stand, as has been pointed out, it is a bit of a tumbling mish mash. The top section was of course the 1982 addition that over sailed the original stand. The seating isn’t as bad as the Cobbold, but some of the views are poor. I have heard the plan is to redevelop and re-roof it adding capacity, before the East Stand (Portman, Cobbold, Whatever).
Probably just rumours and hope because I can’t see how the owners could ever get their money back, unless it added significant value to the club in some way. I guess the Boxing and Sheeran events show the potential that the space can be used for more than just 23 games a season. |  | | |
| Cobbold Stand on 09:25 - Jul 14 with 1950 views | Meadowlark |
| Cobbold Stand on 01:08 - Jul 14 by ArnoldMoorhen |
You know damn well that what the barmaids in The Curve don't appreciate it you showing them your Ipswich Underground Ticket and asking "So can I use your back entry and then go down?" before you take that entrance.
You're right, though, the Underground is long overdue an expansion.
I'd be surprised if Mr Sheeran doesn't start lobbying for a route out Framingham way, although that would probably necessitate some overground routing.
I remember seeing a couple of GI Joe types on it once. They had come for an evening out in Ipswich from Lakenheath, and were spending it riding round the Ipswich Underground. With round being the operative word! They were from Texas, and treated every bend as if it was Pleasurewood Hills' latest thrill ride because:
"Where we're from, trucks and trains just drive straight. For hours..." |
You sure they weren't from Woodbridge or Bentwaters? |  | | |
| Cobbold Stand on 11:44 - Jul 14 with 1678 views | OldFart71 |
| Cobbold Stand on 19:32 - Jul 13 by Tampa_Florida_Blue |
I remember walking into the ground one of the first games played when it was built and how it felt like the North Stand and Churchman’s stand had been dwarfed in comparison to it. How time has changed. |
On the day season 70/71 started I was up at PR in the morning and spoke to Bobby Robson. Said to him " Nice stand, now all you have to do is fill it"
I also remember sitting in the Sir Alf stand and looking at the development of the North (Sir Bobby} stand going up.
Both fabulous developments
I keenly look forward to the Cobbold being replaced, maybe I might just get a ticket to watch a match then.
I remember the times where on sell out games people would be brought in a sat around the outside of the pitch.
38,000 against Leeds in the Cup. Being in the North stand where crash barriers were broken off and passed down to the front of the stand. | | | |
| Cobbold Stand on 13:17 - Jul 14 with 1496 views | Churchman |
| Cobbold Stand on 11:44 - Jul 14 by OldFart71 |
On the day season 70/71 started I was up at PR in the morning and spoke to Bobby Robson. Said to him " Nice stand, now all you have to do is fill it"
I also remember sitting in the Sir Alf stand and looking at the development of the North (Sir Bobby} stand going up.
Both fabulous developments
I keenly look forward to the Cobbold being replaced, maybe I might just get a ticket to watch a match then.
I remember the times where on sell out games people would be brought in a sat around the outside of the pitch.
38,000 against Leeds in the Cup. Being in the North stand where crash barriers were broken off and passed down to the front of the stand. |
That Leeds game was so tight. Being not the biggest teenager on the planet, I didn’t see a lot but the teams pretty much cancelled each other out that day. I’ve kept very few football programmes but I do have that one and those from the two Leicester replays, not that there’s much to the second one. | | | |
| Cobbold Stand on 16:21 - Jul 14 with 1310 views | bournemouthblue |
| Cobbold Stand on 21:27 - Jul 13 by SuffolkPunchFC |
Ashton’s most recent comments suggested the West stand would be expanded first (+4,000), before the redevelopment of the Cobbold. |
Crikey, how would they do that, literally redoing the whole top tier with a new roof? [Post edited 14 Jul 16:21]
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| Cobbold Stand on 16:30 - Jul 14 with 1276 views | BseaBlue |
| Cobbold Stand on 16:21 - Jul 14 by bournemouthblue |
Crikey, how would they do that, literally redoing the whole top tier with a new roof? [Post edited 14 Jul 16:21]
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Someone told me that might be the case. Easier access because of all the room behind it so they'd increase it to make relocating people easier when rebuilding the Cobbold. |  | | |
| Cobbold Stand on 16:43 - Jul 14 with 1240 views | Che |
Time for a new stadium |  | | |
| Cobbold Stand on 17:26 - Jul 14 with 1140 views | Deano69 |
| Cobbold Stand on 22:48 - Jul 13 by stonojnr |
any money the club spend that isnt about making the on the pitch team better is a big risk, its going to be 200million at least for a new main stand, we dont have 200million spare. plus the whole council thing for that area, as I remember being told many years ago the only moment you believe something like that is going to be built, is when they start digging the foundations, till then its not happening.
plus I think we need a bit more stability in the clubs league position before we commit to doing major works on stands
in some ways its nice people are coming to Portman road and now expecting a top tier modern stadium experience, theyre disappointed things are a little old and not perfect, those of us whove been around a while and been to lots of stadiums across the world, know that actually there are very few places that offer that perfection. |
We have already spent well over £150m, the current projects are in excess of £50m, but these are investments over long periods (the new Car Park is close to £3m) . |  |
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| Cobbold Stand on 18:30 - Jul 14 with 1070 views | Churchman |
| Cobbold Stand on 16:21 - Jul 14 by bournemouthblue |
Crikey, how would they do that, literally redoing the whole top tier with a new roof? [Post edited 14 Jul 16:21]
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That was what somebody told me (made up? No idea), but I cannot see it happening or the East Stand being redeveloped in the foreseeable tbh. | | | |
| Cobbold Stand on 19:00 - Jul 14 with 1008 views | football |
| Cobbold Stand on 16:21 - Jul 14 by bournemouthblue |
Crikey, how would they do that, literally redoing the whole top tier with a new roof? [Post edited 14 Jul 16:21]
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That was what a friend was said at one of the stadium tours - to relocate those from the Cobbold Stand before they re-do it | | | |
| Cobbold Stand on 19:18 - Jul 14 with 979 views | SuffolkPunchFC |
| Cobbold Stand on 18:30 - Jul 14 by Churchman |
That was what somebody told me (made up? No idea), but I cannot see it happening or the East Stand being redeveloped in the foreseeable tbh. |
This is the quote from the Mark Ashton interview last November.
”If the existing Cobbold Stand is demolished, 750 season ticket holders and 3,000 away fans would temporarily be without a seat - but the club has a potential solution.”
Ashton continued: "The next development there is the West Stand, which sees an increase in capacity of surprise, surprise, circa 4,000 people.
"So, when you take down the Cobbold Stand down, people don't lose their season tickets and they could move across."
It does make a lot of sense, and I tend to think this is the next planned step. | | | |
| Cobbold Stand on 19:44 - Jul 14 with 921 views | flykickingbybgunn |
I have a season ticket in the Cobbold. As we were thrown out for the Maidstone game we went over to the other side where we found the best seats crampt with little leg room.
I guess it depends on where you sit in the stand but certainly Block B in the Cobbold has much more room than the awful seats we had on the other side. Best seats too. |  | | |
| Cobbold Stand on 22:00 - Jul 14 with 780 views | SuffolkPunchFC |
| Cobbold Stand on 19:44 - Jul 14 by flykickingbybgunn |
I have a season ticket in the Cobbold. As we were thrown out for the Maidstone game we went over to the other side where we found the best seats crampt with little leg room.
I guess it depends on where you sit in the stand but certainly Block B in the Cobbold has much more room than the awful seats we had on the other side. Best seats too. |
For Maidstone we took some block Y seats to see what they were like - nice view, but very cramped. | | | |
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