[Archived] Ewood For World Cup Venue

[Kandevil]

It is just not going to happen..

http://www.2018england.co.uk/2018-stadiums/

[Eddie]

It would be great for the club and the town, but it is simply never going to happen. As has been pointed out, the proximity of other more suitable grounds will mean that we'll probably be overlooked while there will be several other clubs thinking exactly the same thing as us.

[SAS]

It is just not going to happen..

http://www.2018england.co.uk/2018-stadiums/

im pretty sure you cant have

arsenal, wemberly, and chelsea in the same city??

Plus i very much doubt stamford bridge would fit the bill due to safety,

i know champions league games have reduced capacity because of exit times in emergency, ( i only noticed this when they played barca last season)

[Kandevil]

im pretty sure you cant have arsenal, wemberly, and chelsea in the same city??

Plus i very much doubt stamford bridge would fit the bill due to safety

That is right FIFA has a two stadia per city rule

[stuwilky]

That is right FIFA has a two stadia per city rule

The rule is currently that you can only have one city with 2 stadia, the rest must only have one - which effectively rules out Goodison and COMS

[ABBEY]

Theno is quite right in most things he says. Transport links to the ground aren't of the best - if you have to use public transport- the M65 is good. There are no hotels of the class to attract people to stay, except Northcote Manor, which is tiny. The Dunkenhalch is grubby and in need of a total refit.

There are no nice restaurants that I've found (apart from Heathcotes and Northcote and neither are in Blackburn themselves). Anyone with other information let me know.

The ground's facilities are excellent, as is parking, but it's as if the club has been parachuted into somewhere that can't sustain it.

as has been said..algerho at abbey village is fantastic,as is the auberge in rishton,sukis in darwen,hospital in at hoghton..

YES WE HAVE RESTRAUNTS AND THERE A DAMNED SIGHT BETTER VALUE THAN 4 POUND A FRIGGIN PIE.

[gbax]

why cant we do what the olympics are doing and resizing the stadium after use??

and blackburn will be a different place in 11 years time

look at the town centre now with the redevelopments;

the new flats where never never land was

cathederal plans for flats

boulevard redevlopment

new part to the shopping centre

market being replaced with something

freckleton street bridge being made 4times bigger

and like ewood spark originally said, you get even more redevelopments coming through

train station on line behind riverside

double track being laid (is already a plan anyway)

What we lack big time is a tram system like most european cities. BUT shuttle buses from car parks on outside of town can make up for that, tempory car parks on fields at the M65 junction with FREE buses making the journeys instead

You said it yourself "What we lack big time is a tram system like most european cities." We're not a city where a small town. It's not going to happen. Manchester have been struggling to get their tram system extended to Man City's ground. If they can't do it, what hope for us? There will never be any major spending or investment within Blakburn other than minor moderisation and repair as you listed.

Any new, BIG money investment will always be spent on areas which surround Blackburn eg Walker Park or the new cinema complex and big B&Q store is an example. If Blackburn hoped to be considered for the World Cup, they may have to think about relocating to a purpose build retail/leisure complex like (I hate to say it) Bolton Wanderers. I hate the actual ground, but this has cracking rail and road network links (parkings expensive), but it's always busy regardles of matches being played. Plenty of money being spent. Hotels. Places to eat/shop. And it's clean. I'm a Blackburn lad and unfortunately this is not the picture that you see in the area around Ewood. There isn't anywhere else to build onto the existing stadia. Maybe move the existing ground to somewhere over near Witton Park. Near Houghton M65 junction/ Cherry Tree line. Plenty of room for a decent club shop. Lovely views. Nearer my house.

[SAS]

Theno is quite right in most things he says. Transport links to the ground aren't of the best - if you have to use public transport- the M65 is good. There are no hotels of the class to attract people to stay, except Northcote Manor, which is tiny. The Dunkenhalch is grubby and in need of a total refit.

There are no nice restaurants that I've found (apart from Heathcotes and Northcote and neither are in Blackburn themselves). Anyone with other information let me know.

The ground's facilities are excellent, as is parking, but it's as if the club has been parachuted into somewhere that can't sustain it.

when i was at the world cup i didnt speak to anyone in 4,5 star hotels

in fact most were in hostels like myself

[Fife Rover]

So you have literally nothing posiitive to say about the area? I am not from Blackburn and will bow to the judgement of those who live and work there, but it boggles me to think there is absolutely nothing attractive about the area at all. When I have been down for games I have always enjoyed myself. There must be some things you like?

The countryside? The people? The history? The football club?

All of those are second to none Joey, but alas Blackburn itself that was once such a happy and prosperous little industrial town has become nothing less than a dirty run-down neglected ruin. I know some will say that is very harsh and exaggerated, but it is none the less true. It pains me greatly to say so and in spite of it all I still regard Blackburn as my spiritual home and always will do. But the thought of moving back there away from my physical home in Fife is a complete non-starter. Where I live now has so much going for it that I honestly would not swap it for anywhere else in the world, and I have travelled extensively. I do still however love the visits to Blackburn with all the memories they bring and the pull of the Rovers is and will remain everlasting.

I have been in Scotland for 28 years now, and love the whole country and the people, but at heart I am still a Lancashire lad.

[mike at picture]

I love Blackburn with all my heart but it is a sh1t tip and an embarassment. Would rather not draw attention to it.

[joey_big_nose]

All of those are second to none Joey, but alas Blackburn itself that was once such a happy and prosperous little industrial town has become nothing less than a dirty run-down neglected ruin. I know some will say that is very harsh and exaggerated, but it is none the less true. It pains me greatly to say so and in spite of it all I still regard Blackburn as my spiritual home and always will do. But the thought of moving back there away from my physical home in Fife is a complete non-starter. Where I live now has so much going for it that I honestly would not swap it for anywhere else in the world, and I have travelled extensively. I do still however love the visits to Blackburn with all the memories they bring and the pull of the Rovers is and will remain everlasting.

I have been in Scotland for 28 years now, and love the whole country and the people, but at heart I am still a Lancashire lad.

Thanks for the answer. I suppose the question is how can the town be reinvigorated? Are there any attempts to attact new jobs and mony into the area?

[mike at picture]

Dont know if this is the correct forum or thread for this but the state of Blackburn saddens and angers me. Bolton and Preston are light years ahead. Even Bury where I work, much smaller than Blackburn, closer to Central Manchester, Bolton and the Trafford Centre has more and better shops and is just a nicer place to visit. What is more it is just about to undergo a multi million pound redevelopment. Blackburn and it's citizens have been terribly let down by a succession of lazy incompetants in the Town Hall. Sadly I believe that the State of Blackburn has been allowed to deteriorate beyond rejuvenation and the staging of world cup games at Ewood would only invite a sharp focus on our shabby, neglected, once proud town.

[Damage]

TND - its not the factual accuracy of your statements that I question but your constant belittling of the town, the people that live there and everything about the place - which I presume inlcude your work colleagues, business partners, customers/suppliers and employees. You have not a positive word to say about anything! I would expect better from someone who's business is "immovable". I presume you are resigned to the gradual decline of your business also? I pity your employees and acquaintances as they must be thoroughly depressed listening to your opinions all the time. You know you could always flog it and move away? or just close it down if it is such an albatross!

As much as east lancs needs to broaden the horizons of its people, it can also do without the tiresome snobbery and ridicule of the self-styled intelligentia. What is needed is some positive input and vision. Many of us are not blind but we don't appreciate being constantly told that we are scum living in a sh!thole! I don't advocate burying heads in the sand but at least be bloody constructive when you criticise!

[Hannah]

It's not just the ground but the other facilities that will decide. For example the Ricoh at Coventry contains a hotel and far better transport facilities than Ewood.

I know it is probably irrelevant but what makes you think that Coventry's Ricoh arena has better transport facilities than Ewood - I have to say I am not an expert on what the transport to Rover's is like but I do know what Coventry offer and it isn't good! We have tried and failed on many occasions to make it to the Ricoh Arena to watch Coventry. Some might say fortunately.

There is no parking within at least a one mile radius even if you are prepared to pay - permits only. Park and ride that is on offer is not only expensive but not particularly reliable or quick. Buses appear to be few and far between on a match day.

You are right there is a hotel and there is also a casino and lots of regeneration is taking place in Coventry but I find it hard to believe that transport is better here than it is in Blackburn - especially getting to North Coventry/ Nuneaton like the ground is in!

[thenodrog]

All of those are second to none Joey, but alas Blackburn itself that was once such a happy and prosperous little industrial town has become nothing less than a dirty run-down neglected ruin. I know some will say that is very harsh and exaggerated, but it is none the less true. It pains me greatly to say so and in spite of it all I still regard Blackburn as my spiritual home and always will do. But the thought of moving back there away from my physical home in Fife is a complete non-starter. Where I live now has so much going for it that I honestly would not swap it for anywhere else in the world, and I have travelled extensively. I do still however love the visits to Blackburn with all the memories they bring and the pull of the Rovers is and will remain everlasting.

I have been in Scotland for 28 years now, and love the whole country and the people, but at heart I am still a Lancashire lad.

Difference is that we remember better times Fife. These younger members dont and have become acclimatised to the squalour.

[bluebruce]

What is more it is just about to undergo a multi million pound redevelopment. Blackburn and it's citizens have been terribly let down by a succession of lazy incompetants in the Town Hall.

You say this, but frankly I'm fed up of Blackburn GETTING multi million pound developments that achieve very little, whilst Darwen gets squat (except your old christmas trees of course). However, I'd be fine with that if it was in the name of a world cup bid (which if successful would obviously help Darwen too). On the Darwen front, someone mentioned sukhi's, but we have a whole raft of quality indian restaurants in Darwen. And Astley Bank seems a decent hotel, if a bit small. Anyway, I doubt we would get it, but it's still worth giving it a shot isn't it? someone at the start of the thread said we should try to push it- perhaps we should. Plenty of Roverites extolling the virtues of this idea might get them to at least think about it. As others have said, the town would undergo regeneration anyway before the World Cup (And by gum it needs it!)

If we did make any kind of bid, perhaps the Ewood Hotel idea would be resurrected. Dunno what the original plans were, but I wonder if the Council might get in on that...As for the stand, don't stadia get some funding if they need to rebuild for it? Otherwise I dunno how on earth some of the crapper stadia being proposed (like Bristol's) intend to manage. So with some funding, it'd maybe be worth thinking about rebuilding the stand. Think about it this way- if it comes down to choosing somewhere in Lancashire, our ground is the easiest one to make a 40k seater. All we would have to do is knock down one stand and build another- hey presto, 40k capacity. Blackpool, Preston, Bolton...these clubs would need to rebuild their whole grounds. The bloke talking about how Preston might manage mentioned something about how close they are to Manchester and Blackpool. So are we. Near to Preston too. Rebuild the train lines and I shouldn't think it matters too much how naff Blackburn and Darwen are anyway. Certainly won't happen if we don't put pressure on the relevant authorities though, it's clear already we're being ignored as an option. So, where do I email?

[bluebruce]

I know it is probably irrelevant but what makes you think that Coventry's Ricoh arena has better transport facilities than Ewood - I have to say I am not an expert on what the transport to Rover's is like but I do know what Coventry offer and it isn't good! We have tried and failed on many occasions to make it to the Ricoh Arena to watch Coventry. Some might say fortunately.

There is no parking within at least a one mile radius even if you are prepared to pay - permits only. Park and ride that is on offer is not only expensive but not particularly reliable or quick. Buses appear to be few and far between on a match day.

You are right there is a hotel and there is also a casino and lots of regeneration is taking place in Coventry but I find it hard to believe that transport is better here than it is in Blackburn - especially getting to North Coventry/ Nuneaton like the ground is in!

This was certainly true about ten years ago when I went to a Coventry away game (Different stadium then though? Or is it just the name changed). I was only young but I remember us driving round for bloody ages to try and find the stadium.

[Hannah]

This was certainly true about ten years ago when I went to a Coventry away game (Different stadium then though? Or is it just the name changed). I was only young but I remember us driving round for bloody ages to try and find the stadium.

The old stadium has been knocked down and there are flats already built and occupied and they are currently building a housing estate on the other part of the stadium.

The new one is an out of town jobbie - it reminds me a lot of the Reebok! Hardly surprising when coventry poached the cheif exec or something from Bolton just before building it! Still a pain to reach though. I guess it is quite close to the M6 but if you drive you can't park so not that great!

[thenodrog]

You said it yourself "What we lack big time is a tram system like most european cities." We're not a city where a small town. It's not going to happen.

Our esteemed Labour controlled council of long standing carried out a study recently on the feasibility of re-introducing trams to the Borough. They spent the biggest part of 5 years and over a million pounds before deciding that 50 yards from base the incline at Eanam was too steep and the project got abandoned! FFS ....that could and should have been done on the back of a fag packet at the start! Is it any wonder under such inept stewardship that Blackburn has degenerated like it has?

[mike at picture]

Am I alone in finding this "small town" stuff a bit tiresome? Clitheroe is a small town, Thirsk is a small town, Diss is a small town. Blackburn isn't.

[thenodrog]

Theno is quite right in most things he says. Transport links to the ground aren't of the best - if you have to use public transport- the M65 is good. There are no hotels of the class to attract people to stay, except Northcote Manor, which is tiny. The Dunkenhalch is grubby and in need of a total refit.

There are no nice restaurants that I've found (apart from Heathcotes and Northcote and neither are in Blackburn themselves). Anyone with other information let me know.

as has been said..algerho at abbey village is fantastic,as is the auberge in rishton,sukis in darwen,hospital in at hoghton..

YES WE HAVE RESTRAUNTS AND THERE A DAMNED SIGHT BETTER VALUE THAN 4 POUND A FRIGGIN PIE.

err are you winding up to asking Jan for a date Abbey?

btw Jan if he does pluck up courage then Stanley House might suit your purpose. 5* rating, 3 miles from Sudell Cross on the Preston New Road, owned by the Walker family (although it is allegedly for sale at the moment).

Failing that 'Time' above the Sirloin at Hoghton or 'Inside Out' at Walton-le-Dale serve nice food but not residential so you 2 will have to find somewhere else to snuggle up after!

[Fife Rover]

Our esteemed Labour controlled council of long standing carried out a study recently on the feasibility of re-introducing trams to the Borough. They spent the biggest part of 5 years and over a million pounds before deciding that 50 yards from base the incline at Eanam was too steep and the project got abandoned! FFS ....that could and should have been done on the back of a fag packet at the start! Is it any wonder under such inept stewardship that Blackburn has degenerated like it has?

That is almost beyond belief! How could they possibly justify that conclusion? Are all the people that lived in the town in 1949/50 now dead? Well here's one that did and isn't, and I remember very well the trams running up from the Boulevade up Eanam and Redlam and all the way to Intack. Also up Preston New Rd which has got quite a few steep bits. But the one that really kills their argument stone dead is the Darwen tram route up Redearth road; much steeper than any of the routes in Blackburn by a big margin. Added to this is the fact that the trams that did run in those days were all pre-war veterans and surely todays models are bound to be more powerful and efficient.

I rest my case.

[USABlue]

That is almost beyond belief! How could they possibly justify that conclusion? Are all the people that lived in the town in 1949/50 now dead? Well here's one that did and isn't, and I remember very well the trams running up from the Boulevade up Eanam and Redlam and all the way to Intack. Also up Preston New Rd which has got quite a few steep bits. But the one that really kills their argument stone dead is the Darwen tram route up Redearth road; much steeper than any of the routes in Blackburn by a big margin. Added to this is the fact that the trams that did run in those days were all pre-war veterans and surely todays models are bound to be more powerful and efficient.

I rest my case.

San Francisco doesn't seem to worry about steep tram lines.

For the most part TND is right. Even if the Stadium was developed to mee the minimum capacity the infrastructure of the town does not seem to suggest it could stage a huge event like the World Cup. Hell Blackburn was a bit shoddy when I lived over there if little has been done to improve it I shudder to think.

[Ewood Spark]

Um.... no surprises here regarding the predictable responses of certain posters to this topic. A lot of you seem to have missed the point ... it is precisely because Blackburn could do with a bit of dosh and a few fancy hotels that we should be pushing for this. It's chicken and egg stuff ... get the event and then stand back and watch the investors and speculators stampede over each other to redevelop the town. This is a formula that is tried and tested and can be seen to have worked in places such as Manchester. My original point was why consider Dumpdale when it is just not possible without starting from scratch. Ewood is just one stand redevelopment away from having the necessary capacity ... the structure could be of temporary nature untill after the event when a smaller permanent stand in keeping with the rest of the ground could be built..... and we have a rail line (of sorts) running right along side. Don't worry about the bars and restaurants ... they would follow on the back of a successful bid. It's a good job Uncle Jack didn't have such a negative and small minded attitude to his home town.

[Ewood Spark]

Far from being misinformed the originator of the piece has obviously done his homework on our squalid town...... Arsene Wenger certainly expressed his opinion in todays Guardian

"For Wenger, the draw simply added another trip north to an already crowded diary. "It's not touristically a fantastic place," he added, somewhat gratuitously. "It's not our dream to go up there."

Not very complementary of course but who can argue anything different?

What the hell does Arsene Wenger know about tourism in East Lancs .... apart from the tired old stereotypes wheeled out by the equally uninformed southern-based hacks? Has he ever strolled up to Darwen tower on a Sunday morning and sat back with a bottle of bubbly and a couple of warm coissants ... taking in a panorama second to none. Is he aquainted with a pre-lunch stroll around the delightful Roddlesworth or Grane Valleys? All five miles or less from Ewood .... but somehow I doubt he has bothered.

Interestingly according to today's Telewag 'developers have taken the first step towards building a holiday village in Feniscowels.' The development would feature 120 static lodges, five man-made lakes and a leisure and restaurant building. Somebody out there must think the area has tourist potential.