A decent multi purpose stadium. Maybe lacks a bit of a football feel compared to Etihad or Anfield.read more

As Peter Gabriel once sang, "Ricoh... Ricoh, Ricoh, Ricoh." Steven Ricoh, a South African…read moreanti-apartheid hero, a teacher who was brutally murdered by the police. Racism is one of the most f***ed up concepts on the planet, so if you have racial prejudices, trust me, if you ever trust me about one thing, trust me on this, get the f*** over them. We are all the same. You are wrong. Thanks. Speaking of wrong, it's wrong to put this stadium where it's hard to get to, and to put the prices so damn high, and for that reason I have to give it a 4 instead of a 5. First-Hand Experience: More info about my personal experience at this stadium - I couldn't believe how much I had to pay for a ticket. Is this the Premier League? I think not. I paid more here than I paid even at a Fulham game... a home Premier League game in London! I'm not sure why this is the case and believe me it's the only reason it scores a 4 instead of 5. Because this is an absolutely remarkable stadium. State of the art, beautiful, magnificent, with intense and loud support from the rabid Coventry fans. I love it. It's a great place to watch concerts too. It's twice the stadium Highfield Road was. But as long as the prices are this high, I can't give them more than 4. The last game I saw here was 2011, and I'm hoping to go back to another one in 2016... if I can afford it. It reminds me of Manchester City's stadium, believe it or not. I've been inside both - lucky boy. I've been to most UK & US stadiums, due to lifelong obsessions with travel, sport & especially footy (soccer to Americans). Born & raised in England, I followed Oxford United (hometown team) to stadia all over the country at away games, and later Liverpool (fave team) around. Every stadium review - like all my reviews - are from first-hand personal experience, usually from several visits. In 2011, I was on music tour in the UK, and visited most stadiums for fun in my spare time. As recently as Fall 2014, when I was "stuck" in UK for 3 months, I went to hundreds yet again while travelling. I have pictures of me at most, which I'll post later. Also, when back in UK I'll take more pix, and add more stadia! *** return to regular review *** But I still love this place. It's capable of a great atmosphere (the team will need to get back to the Prem for that, they're 2 tiers down), it's held rock concerts like the awesome Bon Jovi an the awful Nickelback and someday hopefully me, and it's a cute sky blue like the team. It looks great inside and out like my gf. It was part of the Olympics and can hold a whopping 32k fans which is fantastic for a new stadium. It cost a whopping 113 million which is crazy. Because the stadium is owned by ACL I'll keep it at 4 stars, they're really mean to the club itself. It's an AMAZING stadium, but CCFC need to own it in order for this to work properly.

Disney or any production by Disney isn't usually my thing but went to see Disney Frozen on ice with…read morea friend who had a spare ticket so I thought why not. The Barclaycard arena was like any other venue for concerts or shows. It seemed very organised with the Stuards ushering people into lines to go through. Lots of little girls dressed as Elsa so I felt little left out! Once in there it was chaos with so many stands of Frozen merchandise, food and memorabilia. The seating area was quite a large arena. I'm not sure I would go again unless my favourite artist was playing and seemed like the place for kids shows.

I fulfilled a boyhood dream this year…read more Badminton is Malaysia's favourite sport and one of the sport's premier events, the All England Championships, has been held at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham since 1994. I recall being allowed to stay up late to watch my badminton heroes play on live telecast when I was growing up in Malaysia. It all seemed so far away, so exotic, so out of reach. So, I was overjoyed this year to find out that my parents were visiting me from Malaysia exactly on the dates that the All England Badminton Championships would be taking place this year. Booking tickets for all of us on line proved quite painless. We were able to walk to the NIA from our city centre hotel in about 15 minutes. There is parking available at the arena though it does seem to be in the middle of a fairly residential area. The excitement built as we ran into more badminton fans and we kept passing posters advertising the All Englands with Malaysia's world number 1 Lee Chong Wei taking centre stage. The only delay was in collecting pre-booked tickets. It wasn't really clear which of the many windows to join and lots of people were kept outside in the rain as people shuffled forward slowly to get the tickets. Once in, we could hardly believe we were actually at the finals of this legendary event that we used to watch on TV for so many years. The venue seemed a little more friendly than the rather stark Wembley Arena which used to host this event before it moved to Birmingham. There were enough fast food stands serving the usual fare and the toilets were clean. There were a lot of stands selling badminton kit and memorabilia. They had laid on some pre-match entertainment in the form of a classical music trio playing live before the badminton began. The actual set up for the badminton was good with side lighting making it easy for the players to spot the shuttles when they were lifted high and sightlines were good for spectators. The full house of good-natured supporters from all over the globe created a wonderful atmosphere, chanting and cheering on their favourites. Unlike football, no crowd segregation was necessary to keep the peace. The final icing on the cake came for us when we watched Lee Chong Wei defeat his personal nemesis and close rival Lin Dan in the final match of the championship to successfully defend his All England title. One of the best live sporting events in my life

A traditional "old" English football stadium, Villa Park has been home to Aston Villa since 1897…read moreand in that time its seen a number of highs and lows for the club from trophy wins to multiple relegations. It has also hosted more FA Cup Semi-Finals than any other stadium and even hosted the Community Shield, where Manchester City defeated Chelsea in 2012 back when Wembley was unavailable due to the Olympic Games behind held in London. The stadium is easy to access with public transport, although unlike The Hawthornes it isn't served by the West Midlands Metro, West Midlands Railway does serve Aston station on trains from New Street and back nearly every ten minutes, this station is around a 10 minute walk away. Witton station also has similar services but Aston Station is a slightly larger station with lifts and more frequent services, the station is so close to the ground (even though it isn't the most-used) the Aston Villa badge is right next to the station name. Disabled access at the stadium is poor, but it is an old stadium which still shouldn't be an excuse. It is especially bad for away supporters with Aston Villa now complying with Premier League regulations by having only a small number of disabled seating for visiting supporters but those seats are with the home fans - I mean I thought Newcastle was bad! Villa Park is probably one of my favourite more traditional old-fashioned stadiums in terms of appearance and the iconic, distinguishable steps leading into the ground where you can see the claret blue seats which are unique in the country following West Ham's relocation to the London Stadium. It isn't in the nicest part of the city though, even compared to other stadiums within the Premier League but still for a club of Aston Villa's level who are likely to be playing in the Championship next season, it isn't bad at all. 3*

Filler Park is full of people that have been given free tickets just to fill up the stadium (known…read moreas Fillers). At least it's not called Feeler Park because then it would be hard to go here without getting molested. Oh wait, it already is. First-Hand Experience: More info about my personal experience at this stadium - I've been to Villa Park on about 10 occasions. 3 or 4 times watching a footy match, once or twice to sleep in front of it (yes I know that sounds weird, but I stay in my car when I'm on tour), and then as a tourist, showing people my fave stadiums and such. It's not one of my faves (it's a bit old), but it's a lot bigger on the inside than it looks in the outside. It's the most historic stadium in the Midlands in the sense of importance to the country. When Villa is doing well, there is a really intense atmosphere, but I didn't really experience that on my trips here. Most recently I came here in 2014 because the M6 was backed up so I got off to hang out at the stadium for a bit. The last time I was here for a game was 2011 and I remember telling my gf, the food lines are way too long and the bathrooms are run down and old. The whole place needs a big renovation at some point soon, if it wants to earn that extra star. I've been to every significant stadium in UK & US, due to a lifelong obsession with travel, sport & especially footy (soccer to Americans). Born & raised in England, I followed Oxford United (hometown team) to stadia all over the country at away games, and later followed Liverpool (fave team) around. Every stadium review - like all my reviews - are based on first-hand personal experience, usually from multiple visits. In 2011, I was on music tour in the UK, visiting hundreds of stadiums for fun in my spare time. As recently as Fall 2014, when I was "stuck" in UK for 3 months, I went to most of them yet again while travelling. I have pictures of me at many of them, which I will post later. Also, when back in the UK I plan to take more pix, and add more stadia! So watch this space! *** return to regular review *** With 42,000 people in the stands, this is one of the biggest grounds in England, and the biggest in the second city of Birmingham. They are considering increasing the capacity to 50k. The last ever final of the Cup Winners Cup was here, in 1999, as well as many Cup Semi Finals played here as a neutral venue before Wembley took over. The Holte End has a lovely brick facade. If they can just properly close in the corners and increase that capacity I'll probably give it a 5. In Euro 96 4 matches were played here including the Quarter Final where the Czechs knocked out Figo's Portugal. By the way, when in Birmingham, try a Chicken Madras from Akbars and a Mixed Kebab from Lahore on Ladypool Rd.

The Wh*rethorns is when you pay for an intimate encounter, and find that there are some prickly…read morethings on the inside. It can be very dangerous and leave permanent scarring, although you may be into that so it's up to you. Thankfully this stadium is nothing to do that. I've been humming and Haw-ing over writing this one but here it goes. First-Hand Experience: Yelp asked me to include more information about my personal experience at this stadium, so here it is. I've been to the Hawthorns on several occasions, which this review will talk about later on. I've been in both the away end and in with the home fans, but always behind one of the two goals. It's a fantastic and underrated stadium. I've been to virtually every significant stadium in the UK & US, due to a lifelong obsession with travel, sport & especially footy (soccer to Americans). Born and raised in England, I followed Oxford United (my hometown team) to many stadiums all over the country at away games, and later followed Liverpool (my fave team) around. Every stadium review - like all my reviews - are from personal experience at these stadiums from multiple visits. In 2011, I was on music tour in the UK, and visited these stadiums then, also. As recently as Fall 2014, when I was "stuck" in the UK for 3 months, I visited all of the stadiums as I travelled around the country. I have pictures of many of them which I will post in future. Also, when I'm back in the UK I plan to take more pictures, and add more stadiums too! So watch this space! *** return to regular review *** The last time I was here was to see Liverpool win 2-0 at this stadium with Andy Carroll and Charlie Adam (penalty) scoring the goals. I was in the West Brom fans end (don't tell anyone), and I liked that they just sold me the tickets with no questions asked, without me having to convince a member of the club to buy them for me. Awesome. Stoke must have more hooligan issues than WBA. It's a good stadium although my view was somewhat obstructed. It has a good spirit and atmosphere. I wouldn't say it's one of the best in the league but it's not one of the worst either. It was built in 1900 and can hold about 27k fans. It's just next to the M6, a little bit to the west of Birmingham. The support is not quite as rabid as at the other three Midlands stadiums... Birmingham, Villa and Wolves. It's still good though. By the way, when in Birmingham, try a Chicken Madras from Akbars and a Mixed Kebab from Lahore on Ladypool Rd.

First off, I'm an American, if that matters to you. But I do love football, and I love attending…read moreany sport. I love the atmosphere of going to see a match live. It is always a great experience. What really struck me was the atmosphere was much more electric than most stadiums I've been to in America. There is always a buzz of excitement going on and the passion oozes from the fans. I sat on the front row between the goal and the center line, but I still had good view of the match from where I was sitting. Went to a match between West Brom and Leicester City in April of 2015, before the meteoric rise of Leicester to the top of the table. At this time Leicester was still fighting to stay in the Premier League. With only a month in a half left in season, it really added to excitement of the match. Will probably be returning to the Brum area for a job next year (2017), so I will definitely be returning here for another game when I come back.

When men spend all their money does that mean they are "Lads Broke"? I guess so…read more First-Hand Experience: More info about my personal experience at this stadium - after a concert at the Wulfrun didn't work out awhile ago, my concert-friends took me here. Dog racing isn't my thing. I thought it would be a one-time thing, but then in 2012 after a meal at nearby Indian deliciousness spot Cafe Champagne, my friend K took me and her boyfriend out here of all places. I don't do gambling or dog racing, so the odds that I'd go to a Greyhound track even once, are slim. That I'd go to one twice, is unheard of. There certainly won't be a third time but nevertheless I can't give it less than a 3. It's very popular with the locals, that's for sure. I mean, 2 of my 4 or 5 friends in Wolverhampton go here more than they go to Molineux. If I lived in Wolverhampton I'd be in Molineux all the damn time! This is a Speedway track (4 stars) and a Greyhound racing track (2 stars for being cruel), it's one of the better facilities of its type that I've ever been to, but nevertheless I honestly just disagree with the concept. But as the other review said there is a nice atmosphere here and it's very popular around Wolverhampton.

Great place - has a both a dog track and speedway track. Never been to the speedway but go now and…read moreagain to "the dogs." Its a great night out and also easy to get a bus to (if drinking). Also plenty of parking if in the car. Great night out.

Went to watch a movie at the Odeon Cinema attached to the SkyDome…read more As you walk in the lobby you have to go up the escalater to buy your tickets. Once purchased there are the usual foody counters with Ben & Jerrys, Costa and popcorn. This is not a huge cinema but Screen 1 had a large screen. If your out early enough the Harvester restaurant and pub next door are in an ideal location for a bite to eat before or after. You cant miss IKEA just over the road. With 6 floors to shop and plenty of carparking (4 hours if you spent £10 in IKEA)

Day or night Skydome is the place to be. With cinemas, variety eating outlets and a lively…read morenightlife theres not much you won't find here. Bars for all peoples different interests. Maybe the one thing missing is a traditional pub but you can get the same drinks at one of the trendy modern bars.

This is the University I attended for three years and this place will always be a place that…read moreremains in my heart for many years to come. I had three fantastic years here and made so many friends. The nightlife is terrific in Birmingham and the City North Campus is only three miles away from the City Centre. With state of the art facilities, Birmingham City University is continuing to improve year in year out. Because I was studying Journalism, the City North Campus is where I spent the majority of time. This University gave me so many opportunities I never dreamt of at the beginning of my course and I have gone on to work for companies such as the BBC and Sky. This would not have been possible had it not been for the University. I have many fond memories of Birmingham City University and attending this University gave me a real insight into the field I was studying. But it also gave me the chance to let my hair down on a regular basis and meet new people along the way. A University that is on the up for sure.

I went to Birmingham city university from 2007 to 2010, graduated from the Media & Communications…read moredepartment. I enjoyed my time there and have had a lot of involvement with BCU since graduating. The course I did is really good for those aspiring media enthusiasts who'd like to progress in that industry. Many of my peers who I went to Uni with have gone on to do some fantastic things, even in this really dodgy economic climate. I was based at Perry Barr, city north campus- not far from town. I never really got bored at Uni, as I always found something to do. To be fair, there was always something to do as part of the course. Since graduating, I have been back to BCU at Perry Barr quite a few times either or events/conferences. The good thing about the University is that once you become an alumni of the Uni, you can still continue making the most of the Uni's resources which is always good for those graduates who can't afford to buy the equipment they need to use to progress in their chosen career.

Perry Barr Greyhound Stadium may be a Stadium where you see Greyhounds going head to head. But this…read moreStadium is also home to the Birmingham Brummies Speedway team. I have been here on a couple of occasions and this is a great place to watch Speedway. I had the privilege of interviewing some of the riders on an Open Day and also the fans. There are restaurant facilities available at the Stadium so if you are hungry then you can go there. If it does rain then there is always a chance the Speedway meetings could be postponed so do check if this is the case. It is a great sight seeing the bikes go around the Perry Barr track at quick speeds and it is worth coming down here to watch live Speedway. Prices for coming to see the Speedway are not that expensive and believe me it is worth the money. This is also a place where you can have stag and hen nights. Phone the above number to find out more.

I've lost count of the amount of times I've been told I'm going to the dogs but last weekend I…read moreactually did. I was a first time visitor to Perry Barr Greyhound Stadium and I've gotta tell yah, I was VERY impressed. I'm not a gambling man and I haven't a clue when it comes to betting but it couldn't be easier, there are plenty of friendly staff on hand to explain all you need to know and there are lots of "self bet" machines dotted around the stadium. Bets start from 50pence and there's a race every fifteen minutes so I had plenty of chances to win but lady luck wasn't with me on this visit. Talking of ladies, I noticed "the dogs" was a popular venue for Hen parties, there was a large group of ladies quaffing bottles of bubbly and seemed to be having a great time. It got a little chili this evening so my partner and I retired to one of the track-side bars where the atmosphere was just as good watching the races on large TV screens. We didn't eat but plates of food that kept passing us looked tasty. Different and an all round great night out.

My friend Drew won't stand up. I'm like, stand drew, stand! But he won't. This stadium was named…read moreafter what I want him to do. Stand, drew! First-Hand Experience: More info about my personal experience at this stadium - I was shocked when I came to St. Andrews for the first time in 2011. It's amazing! I was in the middle of a tour and had just played a really exciting concert in central Birmingham, and then I came here and it really put the cherry on a great day. What a fantastic, intense, perfectly situated stadium. Intense fans and a really great layout and nice updated facilities. A total palace for BCFC. I think it's a much more welcoming and homey place than Villa Park, and better even than Hawthorns. It's not far behind Molineux. The stewards here are really lovely too for that matter. I've been to most UK & US stadiums, due to lifelong obsessions with travel, sport & especially footy (soccer to Americans). Born & raised in England, I followed Oxford United (hometown team) to stadia all over the country at away games, and later Liverpool (fave team) around. Every stadium review - like all my reviews - are from first-hand personal experience, usually from several visits. In 2011, I was on music tour in the UK, and visited most stadiums for fun in my spare time. As recently as Fall 2014, when I was "stuck" in UK for 3 months, I went to hundreds yet again while travelling. I have pictures of me at most, which I'll post later. Also, when back in UK I'll take more pix, and add more stadia! *** return to regular review *** It's one of the best stadiums in England actually, which is weird because I don't really like the team that plays here much but I gave them a good rating as well. There are so many glowing reviews of this stadium but they're incorrectly listed under the football club, hopefully Yelp will move them over here at some point soon. Opened in 1906, it hosts 30k rabid fans in England's second biggest city. By the way, go get a Chicken Madras at Akbar's and a Mixed Kebab at Lahore on Ladypool Rd. 2 best things in Brum imo. The old St Andrews was pretty typical (like Villa Park is), there's just one side of the stadium that needs to be properly modernized and made to look like the rest, and then I think it'll increase to a 5 star stadium, but I'm going to give it 5 anyway. It's steep and it's loud and it's awesome, and right in the heart of Birmingham, and gets full marks from me.