Footymadalex

Rodney Parade, the home of Newport County is not your average football ground. Traditionally it was always the home of Newport RFC and more recently Newport Gwent Dragons with County moving in only a few seasons ago. So from that perspective it is predominately a rugby ground. You Arrive at the ground through some big old gates situated in front of a large open piece of land with the ground behind. The ground is odd as its a mixture of old stands, new stands, porta cabins, buildings and what seems to remind me of a cricket pavilion where the changing rooms are housed in one of the corners. As you make your way through the gates you notice a big old clubhouse that reminds me of a traditional rugby club house which houses the Newport County shop, ticket office and bar. I am guessing that this was once Newport RFC's clubhouse. The ground is situated in the middle of a housing estate and so is very hemmed in on three sides with one side of the ground being very close to the docks.

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We were situated is the Hazel stand that runs alongside the pitch and is the oldest stand at the ground. It comprises two tiers, the lower of which is terracing and the upper of which is seating. The Team dugouts are situated in front of this stand and to be honest It took me a while to realise what they were. Just over 2000 turned up for the match but from where I was standing it felt as if there were about 6000 as the atmosphere was electric and at times very heated.