Atmosphere 2024/25

[EastMidlandsBlue]

East Stand 93:20 has outsung the South Stand for the QPR game and the first half vs Brugge. A low bar admittedly. It's a shocking idea to have these GA 600 at the front of North Stand L2 but there will still be an atmosphere if enough singers are backed by other enthusiastic Blues.

The truth is SSL1 isn't even a singing section, because they hardly sing. It's just a standing section.

We need a SINGING section, and that has to be NSL2, despite the daft GA+ seats.

 

[NJMCFC184]

The truth is SSL1 isn't even a singing section, because they hardly sing. It's just a standing section.

We need a SINGING section, and that has to be NSL2, despite the daft GA+ seats.

Alot of bans handed out that are in appeal process and when we lose people they are replaced by new fans or day trippers so its become diluted sadly the past 2 or 3 seasons.

 

[TheGhost]

Hopefully some of the new establishments will help but they’re not going to be proper pubs are they

There used to be loads of pubs near the ground but…

 

[TheGhost]

Agree, I think there's a fair few in SSL1 who won't move.

But we also shouldn't just be targeting singers from SSL1. There's loads in SSL3 who wish it was a bit more lively up there, so I rekon a few would move from there.

And as I say, there are many blues around the ground who would want to be in a singing area, but aren't.

Cheeky bastard. SSL3 is more lively than SSL1. We hardly ever hear you cunts down there. ;0)

 

[EastMidlandsBlue]

Some of the noisier grounds have fans of different political persuasions at both ends (or did) like Atalanta and PSG. We probably don't need that at City but it could possibly liven up the atmosphere.

Well the 2 ends will consist of very different types of fans.

NSL2 will consist of fans who care about the atmosphere and want to sing their heart out, creating as much noise as possible.

SSL1 will be for people who like gesturing at the away fans, and leaving to get a pint after 37 minutes.

 

[EastMidlandsBlue]

Cheeky bastard. SSL3 is more lively than SSL1. We hardly ever hear you cunts down there. ;0)

Haha, neither can anyone else!

 

[.db.]

i don’t know how other people feel about this but I think if the surrounding areas immediately outside the ground had more places (which is coming) to have a drink and build some pre match atmosphere then it would certainly help

It’s not really coming for those of us who like pubs.

When we moved in 2003, all of these pubs were open around the ground:

The Gibraltar (later called The Kippax)
Britannia Inn (later, Maine Road)
The Queen Victoria (later, Eastlands Bar)
The Church Inn (later, Blue Moon)
The Crossroads (later, The Manchester)
The Bradford (also Guvnors/Champagne Charlie’s)
Little Bradford (now called The Bradford)
Cricketers (later, The Stadium)
Bank of England
The River
Seven Stars
The Mitchell Arms
The King’s Head
The Spanking Roger
The Legh Arms
The Birch
The Derby Arms
The Bridge Inn
The Grey Mare
Sir Humphrey Chetham
The Corner Shop
The Townley
Mary D’s
The Grove

It used to be a good pub crawl.
Now we just have the bottom four and The Bradford. They’re all too rammed because even more drinkers are squeezing into five pubs.

 

[EastMidlandsBlue]

Alot of bans handed out that are in appeal process and when we lose people they are replaced by new fans or day trippers so its become diluted sadly the past 2 or 3 seasons.

I've only been in SSL1 a few times mate, but I've seen plenty of genuine blues in there who don't sing and stand there with their arms folded.

And I don't begrudge these people, that's how they chose to watch the game, but it doesn't help when trying to create a singing section. That's why a fresh start is needed in NSL2!

I do take your point about the bans though, City's guilty till proven innocent system is shocking

 

[Giovinco]

It’s not really coming for those of us who like pubs.

When we moved in 2003, all of these pubs were open around the ground:

The Gibraltar (later called The Kippax)
Britannia Inn (later, Maine Road)
The Queen Victoria (later, Eastlands Bar)
The Church Inn (later, Blue Moon)
The Crossroads (later, The Manchester)
The Bradford (also Guvnors/Champagne Charlie’s)
Little Bradford (now called The Bradford)
Cricketers (later, The Stadium)
Bank of England
The River
Seven Stars
The Mitchell Arms
The King’s Head
The Spanking Roger
The Legh Arms
The Birch
The Derby Arms
The Bridge Inn
The Grey Mare
Sir Humphrey Chetham
The Corner Shop
The Townley
Mary D’s
The Grove

It used to be a good pub crawl.

Now we just have the bottom four and The Bradford. They’re all too rammed.

I do think it makes a difference to the atmosphere - can remember some of those pubs

 

[.db.]

I do think it makes a difference to the atmosphere - can remember some of those pubs

Newcastle have 131 pubs within a 15 minute walk from St James’ Park. Lucky bastards!

 

[NJMCFC184]

I've only been in SSL1 a few times mate, but I've seen plenty of genuine blues in there who don't sing and stand there with their arms folded.

And I don't begrudge these people, that's how they chose to watch the game, but it doesn't help when trying to create a singing section. That's why a fresh start is needed in NSL2!

I do take your point about the bans though, City's guilty till proven innocent system is shocking

Yes i get that, we need a refresh but 1894 were asked if theyd like to move and maybe encourage people to go with then to NS, when prices, STs and corporate were mentioned the club shut down, if club were serious about it i think you couldve found 5000 now ready to go and move, maybe even the 8-10k.

 

[.db.]

I've only been in SSL1 a few times mate, but I've seen plenty of genuine blues in there who don't sing and stand there with their arms folded.

And I don't begrudge these people, that's how they chose to watch the game, but it doesn't help when trying to create a singing section. That's why a fresh start is needed in NSL2!

I do take your point about the bans though, City's guilty till proven innocent system is shocking

There’s nowt wrong with wanting to stand and watch the game despite not being a singer. Watching football stood up is miles better than being sat down.

But do I think the singers should leave those fans behind in SSL1 and all move to NSL2.

You’ve used the right words there; a fresh start is needed and NSL2 is proper ideal.

Come on City, open the dialogue.

Do not waste this opportunity. Look at it, every other club in world football would make this an atmosphere stand:

 

[wearethekippax111]

There’s nowt wrong with wanting to stand and watch the game despite not being a singer. Watching football stood up is miles better than being sat down.

But do I think the singers should leave those fans behind in SSL1 and all move to NSL2.

You’ve used the right words there; a fresh start is needed and NSL2 is proper ideal.

Come on City, open the dialogue.

Do not waste this opportunity. Look at it, every other club in world football would make this an atmosphere stand:

View attachment 150265

Unfortunately it will never happen. They won't want the 'riff raff' anywhere near that part of the ground. It's all set up for that part to be a family destination with all these food places and city square.

 

[Cheadle_hulmeBlue]

Being realistic we aren’t going to get huge numbers of constant singers in ns2. However, if we could get over a 1,000 (might be too optimistic) that would make a massive difference at the other end of the ground, as they will get others in the stand to join in.

Having safe standing is crucial as usually it means more people likely to shout or chant in my experience.

It’s gotten to be better than what we currently have.

 

[franksinatra]

No offence mate but I disagree with nearly all of this. the things that you describe as "interaction" aren't atmosphere and in any case wouldn't change. Players slide up to whatever stand is nearest to them and even the family stand chant at the corner takers.

Atmosphere is noise which booms around the stadium and lifts the players.

No offence taken at all. We all want the same thing but possibly view it differently and @EastMidlandsBlue makes a number of valid points.

I know you are a great believer in the NSL2 singing end and I don’t dispute any of the drawbacks with SSL1 im just not probably as convinced the take up, location, lack of player engagement will make it all be worthwhile.

I’m racking my brains but I’m struggling to think of another Prem club (maybe United) who have a singing end in the second tier. Palace/Arsenal for example (two of the better atmospheres currently) are low down and I presume have similar issues to ourselves with noise retention etc.

 

[Tim of the Oak]

Being realistic we aren’t going to get huge numbers of constant singers in ns2. However, if we could get over a 1,000 (might be too optimistic) that would make a massive difference at the other end of the ground, as they will get others in the stand to join in.

Having safe standing is crucial as usually it means more people likely to shout or chant in my experience.

It’s gotten to be better than what we currently have.

When a few hundred chant in the North Stand (atm) it really helps the chants go around the ground. This only happens for the very big games atm but fingers crossed a singing section could make this a more regular occurrence.

 

[Didsbury Dave]

No offence taken at all. We all want the same thing but possibly view it differently and @EastMidlandsBlue makes a number of valid points.

I know you are a great believer in the NSL2 singing end and I don’t dispute any of the drawbacks with SSL1 im just not probably as convinced the take up, location, lack of player engagement will make it all be worthwhile.

I’m racking my brains but I’m struggling to think of another Prem club (maybe United) who have a singing end in the second tier. Palace/Arsenal for example (two of the better atmospheres currently) are low down and I presume have similar issues to ourselves with noise retention etc.

I think that loud singing at every ground bounces off the roof, travels down the stand and around, all at the same time. The lower the roof the easier it is to get it going around. Palace is a great example of that. Leicester and Forest spring to mind too.

I think low down singers with a high roof kills the anthems too as you have to get a group clapping to be heard by those around you. You shout “BBBBLLLUUUUEEEEE MOOOON” under a roof and it echoes. Do the same without one and it can’t really be heard.

 

[franksinatra]

I don't know where this idea that we don't have enough singers come from, we have huge demand for standing spots.

It's pretty much impossible to move your season ticket to a Standing Section because of availability, and guess what the first section of the ground to sell out is every game? It's SSL1 and Kippax Corner, every game without fail. So the demand for standing is absolutely there.

As for your 2nd point, it shouldn't be about making ourselves look good for the cameras or thinking about what will be shown on TV.

I somewhat get the point about player engagement, but I don't think it's a good enough reason to say no to a 10,000 seat stand which is acoustically perfect for atmosphere.

And just look at the San Siro, all their singers are "up in the gods", and they make an absolute racket.

I think the numbers come from the evidence we see at every home match and the comments by @Cheadle_hulmeBlue who is probably a lot more in the know than myself. At most we probably have a few K dotted around the ground but as you can see by their location they naturally gravitate to the away fans, just like fans did at Maine Road (Kippax AA lower/NorthStand blocks P/R etc??). Whether they would be prepared to move I am not convinced as the banter is part of their match day enjoyment.

Just touching on the San Siro I went to the Milan derby last month and was sat pretty much the front row, above the tunnel at the corner flag, near the Milan singers. It honestly did not travel well to pitch side.

 

[franksinatra]

I think that loud singing at every ground bounces off the roof, travels down the stand and around, all at the same time. The lower the roof the easier it is to get it going around. Palace is a great example of that. Leicester and Forest spring to mind too.

I think low down singers with a high roof kills the anthems too as you have to get a group clapping to be heard by those around you. You shout “BBBBLLLUUUUEEEEE MOOOON” under a roof and it echoes. Do the same without one and it can’t really be heard.

Yes fair points. Do you think it would transmit down to the pitch though or would it be background noise because surely the purpose of singing is to support the team or making noise (potentially louder) but detached from the action?

I just wonder if I was a player would I want to have my vociferous fan base gesticulating/clapping/cheering me on/singing songs a couple of meters away when I’m taking a corner/throw in/ on the counter attack/celebrating a goal?

Also can a ground be really intimidating for an away side if the hardcore are detached from the play, stuck up in the gods in level 2?

Again I’m just playing devils advocate here.

 

[Didsbury Dave]

Yes fair points. Do you think it would transmit down to the pitch though or would it be background noise because surely the purpose of singing is to support the team?

I just wonder if I was a player would I want to have my vociferous fan base gesticulating/clapping/cheering me on/singing songs a couple of meters away when I’m taking a corner/throw in/ on the counter attack/celebrating a goal?

Also can a ground be really intimidating for an away side if the hardcore are detached from the play, stuck up in the gods in level 2?

Again I’m just playing devils advocate here.

In a big stadium like ours the real noise on the pitch occurs when the singing comes from multiple areas and the sound waves collide and in the centre of the bowl. Wembley is exactly the same.

No disrespect to those having a go but 500 people close to the pitch clapping and singing “We’re taking the piss and you know” or “We never win at home and we never win away “ for 5 minutes doesn’t massively affect anything on the pitch IMO. On the contrary, The bowl filling up with “Come on City” or “Blue Moon” does. That to me is the critical point. The famous atmospheres we have had have all had that right through the game and the team have responded. These days at City most of that starts in the south stand upper tier.

Im not an acoustics expert but I’ve attended a lot of football matches. I’ve also been shocked at what I’ve heard when I’ve sat in different areas of the etihad. The noise sounds by far the worse when you’re on the lower tier adjacent to the singers. You can often barely hear them. It’s like the sound waves drift upwards and out of the bowl.

Anyway I’ve banged on about this for years now.