The Abbey - Cambridge United FC

[sam95]

The Abbey - Cambridge United FC

How Easy Was The Ground to Get To (from the station, by car, etc)

2 miles from the station, 1.5 miles from the centre of town, fairly easy to get to by bus if you don't want to walk (a direct bus from the station and from the centre of town, near the coach stops).

If Applicable, How is Parking Near The Ground?

No car parking for away fans (apparently) at the station. The nearest public car park I know of is at the Grafton centre, a 25 minute walk away, or on nearby residential streets.

Based on Where You Were Sat, How Was the View?

A decent view from most seating and terraces. The south stand (for away fans) is a considerable distance behind the goal, but the view should still be good.

How Were The Stewards on The Day?

Never met an unfriendly/unhelpful one.

If You Ate at The Ground, How Would You Rate the Food?

Standard burgers, pies etc. Nothing special.

How Was The Atmosphere At The Ground, From Both Sets of Supporters? Does the Stadium Hold the Noise?

Great atmosphere - especially in the Newmarket Road End.


How Are the Pubs and Local Attractions in The Local Area?

A couple of pubs on Newmarket Road and the supporters club bar at the stadium. Lots of attractions around Cambridge and many nice places to eat in the city centre.

Overall Score Out of 10?

9/10

 

[Richard Cranium]

How Easy Was The Ground to Get To (from the station, by car, etc)

Everytime I've been to the Abbey I've travelled on one of the supporters coaches so we tend to get dropped off at the entrance of the ground so it's all quite easy. The ground is on a main road though so If you come by Car I can see it being a pain in the arse.

If Applicable, How is Parking Near The Ground?

There isn't a very big car park at the ground so I don't suppose you'll have much chance of getting in there. There are some side streets about though which a lot seem to have parked up on.

Based on Where You Were Sat, How Was the View?

The away end is sat about 20 yards from the pitch but is a modern all seated stand with cover. The view is alright. I'd recommend sitting towards the back of the stand if possible though to make sure you can see the other end of the pitch.

How Were The Stewards on The Day?

I've been to the Abbey 6 times now and have never had a problem with the stewards/Police until my last visit but on this occasion they were among the worst I've ever come across. Mansfield did seem to have some 'lads' down though so maybe they were just being on guard to prevent any kind of bother.

If You Ate at The Ground, How Would You Rate the Food?

You can get all the usual things like Pies, Hot dogs, Burgers and Sausage rolls from the back of the stand. Not tried it myself but there always seems to be a big que. Only downside is they don't serve alcohol in the ground.

How Was The Atmosphere At The Ground, From Both Sets of Supporters? Does the Stadium Hold the Noise?

On most occasions I've been was during our Conference days, But even then the home fans could always be heard from behind the goal at their end. The away end isn't great for making much noise less you have a large following.

How Are the Pubs and Local Attractions in The Local Area?

There is the city centre, But I've only ever been into it whilst working in Cambridge. The pub we always go in is called the Wrestler's but this is also a Thai restraint so not ideal for pre match boozing. Also very pricey. We used to be allowed in the supporters bar but this seemed to be stopped once Cambridge returned to the Football League.

Overall Score Out of 10?

There's not many grounds I've been too more than the Abbey but I'd give Cambridge a 6/10.

 

[Laker]

How Easy Was The Ground to Get To (from the station, by car, etc)

It's a fair walk from the station - probably 20-25 minutes and not an obvious route out of the station if you don't know the city well. For buses/coaches, the journey is just as far but a slightly more straightforward route.
To drive, I'd suggest getting on to the A14 and coming off at the junction signposted "Horningsea/Fen Ditton". I'd even recommend this if coming from the South where it is more awkward getting on to the A14 as the traffic in Cambridge, particularly on Saturdays can be a nightmare.
Anyway, once off the A14, come right through Fen Ditton and turn right on to Newmarket Road, then straight ahead, over one roundabout and the ground is a mile up on the left hand side. You should see the floodlights first, the tallest on the football league.

If Applicable, How is Parking Near The Ground?

There is very limited parking available at the ground, mainly reserved for club officials. The best bet is streetside parking (this is what I do) - I usually park at Wadloes Road (near McDonalds) as I find this is the easiest for getting out of the city after the game but Whitehill Road and the estate there have a chunk of streetside parking too.

Based on Where You Were Sat, How Was the View?

The away end is around 20 yards from the pitch, a legacy of our wonderful former owners who were planning to move the pitch that way. New plans have been released which should see the pitch moved that way but not until several years time.

That said, the stand is the newest of the existing stands and is very comfortable. It is one of those "raised stands" where even the first row is some 10 foot off the ground. There is food available there but no alcohol served there or behind any of the stands (except the main stand I believe).

How Were The Stewards on The Day?

I can't comment on the stewards in the away end but they're barely existent in the home sections. I bet they're a nightmare for away fans now.

If You Ate at The Ground, How Would You Rate the Food?

It's very average. About 15-20 years ago, we won an award for our food but alas the standards have dropped. Expect unstirred coffee, crap tea, bland burgers etc. Oh and I think they're overpriced (as with most football grounds).

How Was The Atmosphere At The Ground, From Both Sets of Supporters? Does the Stadium Hold the Noise?

I think it does hold its noise well. I stand in the terrace opposite the main stand and the noise emmanating from both ends is normally pretty good.

How Are the Pubs and Local Attractions in The Local Area?

The closest pubs are The Wrestlers, The Cornerhouse and I believe there is a bar in the new Premier Inn. Aside from this, you've got a 20-25 minute walk to the nearest pubs.

The Wrestlers is a pub which has a Thai restaurant in it now and I've not drunk in there pre-match. What I would say though is the food in there is excellent - Cambridge is blessed with some decent restaurants and The Wrestlers is currently number 8 of 526 on Trip Advisor.

I've not been in The Cornerhouse or the bar in the Premier Inn either to be honest so I cannot comment. The best pubs are a longer walk away - try the Tram Depot, The Cambridge Blue and The Geldart, The Anchor, The Eagle, The Pickerel plus numerous others in the centre for something a bit more "authentic".

There is a Supporters Club at the ground which is open to away fans for an entry fee of £1.50 when they don't have a decent away following. Any following expected to exceed 500 will see the Supporters Club reserved for home fans only.

Overall Score Out of 10?

As an away experience, I imagine it's only a 6 or 7 due to the proximity of bars and ease of access from public transport. That said, it's generally a good ground and we're a reasonably pleasant club. Plus we have one of the nicest cities in the country here for you to enjoy too.

 

[Smudge]

How Easy Was The Ground to Get To (from the station, by car, etc)
I drove, was advised by a Cambridge fan to come in via the back way to avoid the traffic in town, which would have worked perfectly but there happened to be big roadworks there that day!

If Applicable, How is Parking Near The Ground?
Loads of street parking, didnt have a problem.

Based on Where You Were Sat, How Was the View?
I was in the Newmarket Road End, which has a couple of pillars, but mostly a decent view.

How Were The Stewards on The Day?
Never noticed

If You Ate at The Ground, How Would You Rate the Food?
I ate in the city so didnt get anything

How Was The Atmosphere At The Ground, From Both Sets of Supporters? Does the Stadium Hold the Noise?
It was the first game back in the League after 9 years away, and they went on to win via a scrambled a second half goal, so as you can imagine, the atmosphere was absolutely brilliant!

How Are the Pubs and Local Attractions in The Local Area?
Not an awful lot right near the ground, but I was early enough to take a walk into the city, and its a very nice one.

Overall Score Out of 10?
Proper old school ground in a great city.
8/10

 

[rudebwoyben]

How Easy Was The Ground to Get To (from the station, by car, etc)
I took the train and then cycled through the Romsey Area and then via Coldham Common (after a look round the city centre). It's about 15 minutes cycle that way.
If Applicable, How is Parking Near The Ground?
N/A
Based on Where You Were Sat, How Was the View?

The South Stand is raised a good height above pitch level and being cantilevered there are no supporting pillars in the way. The only problem is that it feels like an awful long way from the Newmarket Road end!
How Were The Stewards on The Day?

Never noticed how them.
If You Ate at The Ground, How Would You Rate the Food?

Didn't eat there, had a nice pizza at the Devonshire Arms pub in Romsey.
How Was The Atmosphere At The Ground, From Both Sets of Supporters? Does the Stadium Hold the Noise?

We bought sufficient numbers to make a decent noise and unfortunately the Cambridge fans were loud after scoring twice in two minutes. Certainly a ground that would be rocking when full and with the South Habbin open.
How Are the Pubs and Local Attractions in The Local Area?

It's Cambridge! There's obviously loads to see in town so make a day of it. Also, go through Romsey. There's lots of great independent neighbourhood pubs like the Devonshire Arms and the Cambridge Blue.
Overall Score Out of 10?
9/10. Proper ground in a great city. Beats Oxford hands down.