biffer wrote:bignose wrote:Official attendance was 5000+. Not convinced myself, but that's what they said. The stand behind the goal on the south side of the ground was far from full.
Strange atmosphere. Not really any more noise than at Edinburgh and - if we're being honest - the same old problem that there's only any real noise when something happens. Having said that, the opposition and the style of the game did nothing to get the crowd involved. Seemingly every contact resulted in a lengthy delay while one or other team patched up a player and then we went all over again. Most of the noise was the gently hum of conversation rather than any actual engagement.
The official standing capacity is about 1000, but I reckon there was nearer 1500 standing on the east side. Hence some of the empty seats.
I think all the seats would have been occupied if it had been raining. Lots of people took advantage of the good weather to enjoy standing on the terracing, which is a better vantage point to see the game than from behind the goals IMO. On a wet and windy night it will be quite a different experience.
Enjoyed the occasion, and a professional enough performance by the team. Timisoara were a big, physical side, and credit to them that they never gave up, but it was a comfortable win from early on. Lots of plus points about the new venue, and I think it's going to be a lot better for us than BTM if we get to stay there beyond this season. Regarding the crowd noise, for lots of people going to the games it is a social occasion, me included. I meet up with some friends and we have a chat and watch the game. Sometimes the games are more engaging, sometimes less so, and last night was one of the latter, so it didn't surprise me that there was lots of chatting going on. As long as people enjoy their night out at the rugby they will keep coming back, which is what matters to the club. When we get to the games when there is really something at stake there will be more noise, I'm sure. Edinburgh folk are not that different from the rest of humanity.