What gives a stadium a good atmosphere?

[wilts rover]

Design, acoustics, ticket prices, attitude of the fans?

interesting piece on the BBC website today
 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22110898

[jonnydog]

Winning IMO

[River Don]

Interesting article.

Being close to the pitch is a good point. The best stadiums tend to have stands that come right up to the pitch. I also think a steep stand is better and a low dark roof. Standing also helps a lot.

This all goes against the standards of modern stadiums which are designed to be open and light. The stands are now kept well back from the pitch too. Look how far away we are at the Keepmoat.

[normal rules]

terraces, no question.

[pubteam]

Certainly not chuffing vuvuzelas, curly red wigs and face paint as they seem to suggest in that photo!

[Northants Nomad]

Interesting article.

Being close to the pitch is a good point. The best stadiums tend to have stands that come right up to the pitch. I also think a steep stand is better and a low dark roof. Standing also helps a lot.

This all goes against the standards of modern stadiums which are designed to be open and light. The stands are now kept well back from the pitch too. Look how far away we are at the Keepmoat.

Agree about the new stadiums. You cite the Keepmoat but that's nowhere near the worst. I hate, loathe and despise Coventry. It's half empty and you are MILES from the pitch. Such distance makes you feel detached from the action. The game is no bigger than watching it on a wide-screen TV!

[BobG]

Like that horrible place up in Newcastle? It's not worth going there for me. The players ARE bigger on the tv screen.

BobG

[DonnyBazR0ver]

"Happy hour" in South Stand before the game = Full South Stand + loosened tonsils/reduced inhibitions = atmosphere.

[1879Rovers]

"Happy hour" in South Stand before the game = Full South Stand + loosened tonsils/reduced inhibitions = atmosphere.

Good idea

[FuzzyDuck]

Having been around Swiss stadiums for a while evaluating such things, I'd say...

1. Noisy, passionate fans.  If the fans aren't bothered everything else is "für die Katze" as they say here.

2.  Close to the pitch.  Athletics tracks round the pitch don't help

3.  The efforts of the club. When the Club Play good intro music, use cheerleaders effectively, half-time shows etc it helps

4.  Standing is better (thanks Millwall morons for putting that back another 5 years)

5.  Good football.  You will note I haven't said winning.  It needs to be exciting.  Incidents help as do goals.

Acoustics?  If you don't have the above 5 - forget it.