Sockport is the shipping centre where all of the socks are imported into England. I'm not sure…read morewhich country manufactures them, but hopefully no sweatshops are involved. First-Hand Experience: I used to live by this stadium, and know people from Stockport, so I've seen them play a number of times, and am a huge fan of their legend, their stadium, their fans, and their general existence. They can't have a 5 because they're well out of the league right now, but I hope they return soon. I haven't watched them live since 2007. SCFC (not Stoke, but Stockport) is probably the biggest team lower than the Football Conference Premier (5th tier of football). Their very impressive and gorgeous ground hosts more than 10k people, they once played in the 2nd tier for quite a few seasons, and were formed all the way back in the late 1800s and played in the football league for basically the entire 20th century. Not sure why they've fallen so far but surely they will be coming back soon. They have an intense fan base and are a proper club. A real English footy experience, unlike the two Manchester giants just up the road. I used to live within cycling distance of the stadium (Chorlton Cum Hardy, if you must know, don't snicker), and one of my Mum's 5,000 ex boyfriends had a house on Stockport Railway station, 9 houses after the end of the platform.

If you're after an official Stockport County kit, mug, calendar, hoodie - whatever floats your boat…read more- this is the place to get hold of it! As well as stocking all of the above items, they also have a fair amount of old programs, dvd's and souvenirs from individual matches from the past 40 years. This shop is separate from the stadium and is only open certain times of the day/week meaning you have to check the club website before to see if they're open. You can also buy your tickets to the match on match day but get here early to avoid getting stuck in the queues! They take cards.

Came here to see Hans Zimmer Live and had a great time! Getting in to the Arena went much faster…read morethan other venues I've visited, and it was very easy to find our seats once we got inside. The crowd was as energetic as the orchestra, which is to say MASSIVELY GOOD VIBES! As we were only a few rows from the stage, I was very happy I donned foam earplugs. I was literally *feeling* the music more than I was hearing it, heheh! The bio-break during Intermission flowed pretty fast (not me ... the line!). The food here, considering I got a hot dog & soda, was actually very good! The only thing that was a pain was trying to exit the garage after the show. All traffic seemed to bottleneck into a couple lanes that had to cross the foot traffic leaving the Arena after the show. Otherwise, a great venue and I wouldn't mind seeing more shows there.

It seems even many years later after rebranding including with other sponsors, Manchester Arena…read morewill always be known as the MEN Arena to many locals - it opened in 1995 and is the only indoor purpose-built arena of its' kind in Manchester and although stadiums across the city including the Etihad and Emirates Old Trafford do host concerts now, this is the only Arena of its- type to be fully indoors in a city centre location, it is actually right next to Manchester Victoria Station and the main disabled enterance actually involves going through the station's lift (quite confusing!) - this can also be used as a cut-through to parts of the station when the lifts are out of order, which is the situation right now. Back to the Arena - I can't help but think the only reason this place is so well-known, successful and used is because it lacks competition in one of the UK's best and biggest cities - the customer service is a disgrace such as with booking tickets. The disabled seating tickets team force you to have to phone up with no online booking - they are only open at awkward hours during the day with no option to wait on hold, meaning if you require assistance booking it is going to be difficult to get tickets. It involves creating an account/profile, sending proof of a disability, waiting for that to be confirmed and then placing your tickets on hold for a few days until everything is confirmed - and if it is confirmed you're expected to pay various booking fees: security fee, postage fee (You can only pick up on the day of the event where they advise not to, if you don't pay) and of course a booking fee for telephone orders. Tickets are expensive - I attended Impractical Jokers' recent tour here and I even had to pay a security fee - now I get the venue has to be secure especially after the saddening attack in 2017 but why should they charge a "surcharge" just to be safe as every place like this should be safe and not charging for the fact you're safe, right? The security wasn't even good either - I was told to empty my pockets and go through a scanner, however, they didn't even use the airport-style bag checker on what I emptied (they didn' even look at it and I did have a case which was unexpected) - I also was able to take a drink in despite them being banned - the security is flawed. It does have a capacity of just over 21,000 which is even larger than London's famous O2 Arena, however, I do really prefer the O2, the Manchester Arena has virtually nothing upon entering: no shops, restaurants while the O2 does - all the Arena has is stands selling really expensive food, beverages and merchandise - they even have salesmen who go into the crowd during a show trying to wave things in front of you - like come on I bought my ticket to watch an event, not watch you wave programmes about for goodness sake! The view of the stage wasn't too good either, I had to watch the show from the big screen and after paying for some of the more expensive seated tickets, that isn't what you want either. I really hope the rival to Manchester Arena is built soon by my club, Manchester City as it needs something to rival this hell-hole - the extra star is virtually only for being the only indoor concert/tour arena of its' kind in Greater Manchester, they even hosted amateur hockey games here at one point!

Great stadium and tour. Really like our experience with everyone from the merch shop and the tour.read more

Had a great time visiting the stadium and the tour was an incedible experience. The tour guides…read morewere very friendly and knowledgeable. Especially, David Hey helped with photos and made us genuinely feel at home like we are local fans. We came all the way over from New Orleans just to see a game and will never forgot this experience. Small group and the tour is a true VIP experience.

I say the words BT Convention Centre, and I imagine you're not exactly wetting your pants with…read moreexcitement. Still, this is a pretty darn impressive building, designed most thoroughly and actually one of the most eco-friendly ones you'll have the pleasure of visiting. Oh yes, this one's with the times. It's all about being green and watching your carbon footprint these days is it not, and this place has a conscience. Which is nice to know. On the waterfront of the River Mersey, you can't argue with its exceptional location and the whole BT thing is only part of it. The name stands for Arena and Convention Centre, and the Echo Arena forms part of this. It's actually one of the largest venues of its kind you'll find on these shores, and it has the utmost in technological wizardry at its forefront. Plus, that size. Well, we all find size impressive. I'm talking about BUILDINGS! If you do get the chance to catch something here, and I'm guessing that'll be a concert rather than a conference, do give it a go. It's mighty awe-inspiring and a great place to visit, plus you're still very central and the transport links are therefore rather sharp. Excellent.

Attended for a conference so was there during the day for several days. Venue staff are lovely and…read moreaccess was excellent. Food prices were quite reasonable and the food I did buy was good. But by far the cloakroom was my best experience - excellent value service and the staff were the best in the building.

If you spend the night at my place and your clothing ends up strewn across the floor, I won't mind…read morethat you left your Bra in My Hall. (brainmyhall) as long as your Lane down in my bed. In fact this stadium is named after the concept... Brainmyhall Lane. First-Hand Experience: More info about my personal experience at this stadium - I absolutely love Bramall Lane. It's infinitely better than Hillsborough, the other Sheffield stadium. I've seen Oxford play here (and get beaten) a long time ago, but recently I saw a Sheffield home game in League Two, and the fans were just as loud as any Prem stadium! They're such amazing passionate fans and this is just such a cauldron. I've seen maybe 3 games here and can't wait to go to a 4th, probably in 2016. I have pictures of my time here and will always consider a part of me a SUFC supporter because of these intense experiences. 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 *** This is one of the best stadiums in England, easily. It's loud, obnoxious, intense, modern and rebuilt, but old and historical. It's closed in, it's beautiful, it's fantastic. I don't even particularly love Sheffield United, but they have a hell of a tradition, a hell of a support, and a hell of a team. The Blades. Bramall holds 32k people and gets intense crowds for sure. It's right near town and is a wonderful place to watch footy. It was built way the hell back in 1855 too so it's one of the oldest grounds in the UK. Back in those days, rent for the ground was 70 pounds a year... haha. 1862 was the first footy game... Sheffield FC vs Hallam FC. England have played here 5 times. There are 10 or 12 other reviews for this stadium, but they are incorrectly under the club page for SUFC. Hopefully theywill be moved over here soon.

The worst experience I've ever had going to an organised event…read more Unfortunately I have to carry epi pens and other such items in a back pack for my health which I was told to ditch or throw away by the head of security after my bag was checked three times by other security and a drug/bomb dog. Had life saving medication on and the guy didn't care, I either threw my bag away (£70) as he wasn't letting me in with it. It could have been rolled up and put into the black bag I was given by one of his subordinates after he stormed off like a child. He also said that women were allowed in with theirs as their bags are "fashionable" accessories. I'm sorry but mine saves my life!!! I went to see a comedy show, this wasn't the start I wanted and hated my experience/night that I paid good money for. I lost my £70 bag as it wasn't there when I came out. Head of security needs some more training

No more trekking over to Manchester to see anyone remotely decent is the hope…read more I'd had my reservations going in, from the outside I think it looks somewhat like a little bit of a monstrosity, but once inside that's forgotten - the First Direct Leeds Arena has arrived, and it's goooood. So very very goooood. The build quality and the finish on the place is fantastic and when you couple that with the really helpful staff they've managed to find somewhere, my feeling is that the Arena is brilliant. I was lucky enough to be the guest (albeit paid) of Gaucho and in their box, and again much like the whole of the Arena, the finish quality is fantastic, kitted out with fridges, sofas, comfy chairs and then a bank of arena seating for when the acts come on. The Cadbury chocolate which was branded for the act was a nice touch too. Holding only 13,000 people it's apparently a 'small' arena, and that's a good thing for me because as someone who loves going to gigs but really cant abide standing 800 metres away from who you're watching, the idea of the arena held thoughts of being too far away to see the act. This isn't the case, and with 13,000 people it still almost feels intimate. I can honestly say that I'm really looking forward to seeing who it attracts, because it really is top notch, it really should bring Leeds some great, really big acts. And yes, I'm really looking forward to not having to trek over to Manchester too. Also, Elton John totally rocked on the official opening night.

Geri Halliwell and Indiana Jones opened this stadium while having a wild stormy affair, sounds hot,…read moreright? Well the weather up here is not at all. First-Hand Experience: More info about my personal experience at this stadium - other than sleeping here (I'll get to that in a minute), I've done a little tour of the stadium on a few occasions. Warrington was always a city that I skipped, and until I saw it with my own eyes, I had no clue that this city had such a fantastic stadium. It scores 4 only because they still have difficulty filling it, and I have yet to see a full match here, but it really is a credit to the city and a fantastic facility. I was last here in 2014. 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 *** I slept right across the street from this stadium and then visited the large superstore as well. Good times, good memories. It's a very imposing, grand, fantastic stadium for rugby, and it's just as amazing on the inside, it looks like it houses a lot more than 14k people. I would have given it a 5 if it was also for a football team, but I'm biased against Rugby ;) My concert in Warrington wasn't great, especially not the text messages I received later, but all that aside, this is an amazing stadium.

A nice new stadium, built for the wolves when they moved from Wwilderspool. The stadium provides a…read morestate of the art sporting venue and is a focal point for community activity, incorporating the Warrington Wolves Foundation learning floor and a brand new NHS walk-in centre. The Halliwell Jones Stadium sports a capacity of 14,206 through an innovative mix of seated and traditional terraced spectactor accomodation. The stadium comprises standing and seating on each side and end, offering supporters unrivaled flexibility. With a pitch size of 120m x 74m, it is designed for expansive and exciting rugby league.

Super supportive fans and very helpful staff…read more The grounds are nice, the stadium area for the local team the Sale Sharks is very clean and it's fantastic are super supportive for all visitors to the stadium grounds. While we were watching Noah, we got to pregame with the Sharks fans in prep for their rugby union match. As the matched approached, more and more fans arriv d, but they were all nice and orderly. I didn't get any flack from wearing my Liverpool gear up here in the Manchester area where the Sharks call home. I did enjoy the pump up songs that the fans here have prepping for their match. There were food trucks all over, and one of the sponsors was Bach 95. The lagers were cold, but warm d up my soul. The kids were thoroughly ashed by this local te, but played it out with their heads held high. British footie is a lifestyle, The stadium support staff wear these jackets that say "I'm here to help." Bathrooms were also small here but clean. I would return to see the Sharks play just on the tailgating alone.

Sal Ford is actually Harrison Ford's brother, and he opened this stadium after the city was named…read moreafter him. First-Hand Experience: More info about my personal experience at this stadium - my family (Mum's side) live about 5 mins from here. Well, maybe 6 or 7 family members do. And while they all like either United or Liverpool, they are even more passionate about - ugh - Rugby. And this team means so much to them (Salford Rugby) because Salford thinks of itself as its own city, and so this Ruggers team (sorry, ew) is the only thing Salford has to be proud about that isn't named after Manchester in a sporting sense. Their stadium is tiny but it feels like home to me because I've been here more than a few times with family. I don't watch Rugby, but if I did, it'd be with my Mancunian family at this stadium. It's a nice facility and the pride of Salford. 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 *** My mother was born in Salford and half of her family still lives there. She used to live in Eccles, and I lived in Salford for a year. I have close connections to the area and have been there many times. So for this reason, I have to give the very presence of a stadium here 4 stars. I don't like Rugby, and it's not the most impressive stadium, but it's new-ish and very popular with the locals, and for that reason, I give it a 4.

What a dream to be able to see a Manchester United game here! We travelled across the world to…read morecelebrate our son's 30th Bday with friends at a Man U game. The nose bleed seats views were not actually bad. Seats were a little narrow and small, but can't complain. FYI alcohol is not allowed inside the stadium for good reason. Lots of yellow jacket security, safety was not an issue. Note most of the stadium was covered, so if rain, you will not be soaked. But do bundle up like we did in the winter time : D After the game, we stuck around a bit for photo opps, but once the game is over , it is literally over, no lingering .. they kinda kick you out. Went to the loo and employees shouted to hurry it up to all of us! Thankfully the merchandise store was open after the game, located outside of the stadium. Easy access to and from stadium with the trams, but expect it to be sardine jam packed.

Iconic! I'm not even a big football gal, but my husband is a die-hard for Manchester United, so…read moreI've always understood the significance of this stadium and the club that occupies it. We were back in the UK visiting his family and decided to go for an official tour. Unfortunately the team was playing in Newcastle during our visit, but the tour alone was genuinely really cool. Plus, they're building a new stadium so it was great to come here before this one gets retired. For it being an older stadium, I thought it was in fantastic shape. Very well-kept. A little smaller than I expected (maybe because I'm used to NFL stadiums?), but it holds 74k+ people, making it the largest club football stadium in the UK! Finding the parking was a tad confusion, but that's always the case at big statiums isn't it. Once we did, we made our way around to the 'tour" entrance and were immediately greeted by the sweetest of staff! They set us up with ourlayard passes and took us straight to where the tour kicked off, which was up in the stands overlooking the field. Along the way our wonderful guide talked through tons of fascinating and fun history, we got a chance to go down along the pitch, sit in the team's seats, come out through the famous tunnel, and even explore their changing room. There's also a full museum on the second floor to explore as part of your ticket, adjacent to the on-site restaurant. It was packed with memorabilia and more history to take in. Even if you're like me, and not necessarily a huge football fan, taking the tour is worth it.

Greyhound racing may be a little bit of a contentious issue for some people. Perhaps because the…read moredogs may be poorly treated or undernourished. It might be a little naive of me but my personal experience of having a friend with a racing greyhound is that they given as much love as your average beagle and the simple fact is they are born, and love, to run. If you're looking for a fun, different and cheap (depending on how much you bet) night out, then think about giving Belle Vue Greyhound Stadium a chance. The floodlight stadium is surrounded by a restaurant, trackside bars and of course the grandstands where you can sit inside or out. The suites are designed for groups and there are special offers for groups including free meals. I didn't really understand how to bet at first, but as soon as you get the hang of it, it's quite exhilarating to watch your favoured pooch curry to the finish line. I didn't win anything, but that hasn't put me off at all. The entry is free on a Thursday, £3 on Fri and £5 on Saturday but even if you don't want to bet at all, it's an entertaining night out with your friends.

Say what you want but I've had two really good nights out at the Dogs…read more It's thought of as quite a chavvy thing to do but do you know what? It's cheap, it's fun and it's a completely different thing to do! It's good fun if you're with a group because that way it's not all about gambling, you can watch other people lose money whilst you take a bit of a back seat! Really good for a works night out actually. Cheap drinks and cheap food too, you can either stand by the track outside and watch or sit inside in one of the booths and watch through the windows. It can be a cheap night but it can be an expensive one too, know your limits people. Check out the website before you go because they usually have some good offers on there.