Hearts Of Midlothian
For my first proper instalment of this blog series I decided to start on a positive note, detailing a day out that was so good it was worth having to visit the lesser of Scotland's two great cities; Hearts. A trip to Hearts inevitably begins with the train journey across the central belt and this is where the first advantage/tip lies; always get the train from Queen Street, the trains are long and frequent meaning you're never troubled for space. The trains also only last about an hour which means the trip isn't as long as it seems and is the perfect journey time for some pre-match refreshments. The downside is the return ticket amounts to £25. Once the train has arrived, the 15 minute walk to the Gorgie is littered with pubs welcoming away fans ensuring that you're never left wanting.
In terms of the stadium itself, Tynecastle is one of the larger in the country with a capacity of around 21,000; this means is that whilst I personally prefer a side-on view of the pitch, the high rising stand (Roseburn Stand) behind the goals, actually provides an arguably better view with the height advantage giving a different perspective of the pitch that side-on can't. The facilities in the stadium are generally good with the classic pie and bovril combo, always a steak pie never scotch, ranking relatively high compared to other clubs with the pies even being presented in personalised cases.
One of the main benefits of visiting Tynecastle is that Hearts are considered one of the better teams in the league, however, if the team you're supporting has even moderately competent players its a fair guarantee you will leave the stadium satisfied - as Kilmarnock have proven in the last few years.
What isn't so warming to the heart is the prices; in true Edinburgh fashion a trip to Hearts, whilst definelty worth it, is an expensive one. The £3.50 programme and £4.70 pie and bovril combination sets you back almost a tenner which, in my view, just isn't worth it. The only saving grace is that the actual ticket prices themselves can be as cheap as £21 for an adult, which in comparison to the rest of the league, is generous.
Overall, the trip to Tynecastle is very worthwhile and should be experienced by all Scottish fans. However, it would potentially be recommended to pick and choose between this and other expensive games throughout the year.
8/10.
In terms of the stadium itself, Tynecastle is one of the larger in the country with a capacity of around 21,000; this means is that whilst I personally prefer a side-on view of the pitch, the high rising stand (Roseburn Stand) behind the goals, actually provides an arguably better view with the height advantage giving a different perspective of the pitch that side-on can't. The facilities in the stadium are generally good with the classic pie and bovril combo, always a steak pie never scotch, ranking relatively high compared to other clubs with the pies even being presented in personalised cases.
One of the main benefits of visiting Tynecastle is that Hearts are considered one of the better teams in the league, however, if the team you're supporting has even moderately competent players its a fair guarantee you will leave the stadium satisfied - as Kilmarnock have proven in the last few years.
What isn't so warming to the heart is the prices; in true Edinburgh fashion a trip to Hearts, whilst definelty worth it, is an expensive one. The £3.50 programme and £4.70 pie and bovril combination sets you back almost a tenner which, in my view, just isn't worth it. The only saving grace is that the actual ticket prices themselves can be as cheap as £21 for an adult, which in comparison to the rest of the league, is generous.
Overall, the trip to Tynecastle is very worthwhile and should be experienced by all Scottish fans. However, it would potentially be recommended to pick and choose between this and other expensive games throughout the year.
8/10.
Comments
Post a Comment