Blue Circle Cement Stadium, Great Blakenham

What’s the Ground Like?

Yet another club to feel the financial pressures of modern day football and give in to the lure of corporate sponsorship. The former City of Claydon Stadium has now been renamed the Blue Circle Cement Stadium.

The ground comprises of 4 stands, but sadly is largely open to the elements. The newly opened Leyland Daf Trucks Stand spans the length of one side of the ground, set in a picturesque, arboreal backdrop. This is in stark contrast to the Northern Terrace on the other side of the ground, which has seen better days and is in need of redevelopment. Behind one goal is the Blue Circle Cement Kop and behind the other is the Stream End, where the away fans are housed.

The Pitch and Facilities

This photo shows just how enormous huge the main pitch is. Words just don't do it justice. Numbers might, but the longest tape measure in the club is a mere 20 yards long and we're busy enough putting up the nets. Suffice to say its a monster of a pitch. Visiting teams have been known to lose wingers on its periphary. Max & Paddy impersonators are regularly helicoptered to the Ipswich heart attack facilities, air ambulances landing on the reserve and training ptiches.

This photo demonstrates the awesome standards expected and on display at the Blue Circle Cement Stadium. When a team has a rope around the pitch, you know they're going to be good. Ours is orange. We regularly visit teams with dugouts beside their pitches, and soundly thrash them. Fear us.

Our luxury facilities, incorporating changing rooms and showers, modern indoor WC's, a roof, and several state of the art multimedia conference and briefing suites.

Future Developments

Club Treasurer Ian Leadbetter informs me that the club plan to build a second tier on the Blue Circle Cement Kop, but are waiting on planning permission from the local authorities.

What is it Like for Visiting Supporters?

Away fans are located at one end of the ground in the Stream End (usually in the upper tier only). Around 4,000 away fans can be accommodated in this end. Like the general improvement in football, a trip to the Blue Circle Cement Stadium is not as threatening as it once was. However, it is hardly a relaxing day out and I found the home fans to be quite intimidating. The large police presence at the match I attended did nothing to dampen this feeling. I would advise that you exercise caution around the ground and not to wear club colours. The most popular method of travel for away fans to the BCC Stadium is by official club coach. The Police are well drilled in dealing with the coaches and once inside the ground you will generally find the stewards helpful & friendly.

Where to Eat and Drink?

The Crown in Claydon is generally welcoming to visiting supporters, though caution should be exercised at all times.

How to get there by car & where to park?

From the A14, take the turn-off for Claydon/Great Blakenham, then at the roundabout take the exit for B1113 Great Blakenham. Take the first right and then first left.

There is ample space in the club car park.

By Train?

The nearest mainline station is Ipswich, a mere 2 hour walk away.

Admission Prices

The Club operate a three tiered system (A, B & C) of matchday ticket prices, whereby the most popular games cost more to watch. Category B & C prices are shown below in brackets.

Home Fans:

Leyland Daf Trucks Stand: Adults £0 (B £0) (C £0), Concessions £0 (B £0) (C £0)
Blue Circle Cement Kop: Adults £0 (B £0) (C £0), Concessions £0 (B £0) (C £0)
Northern Terrace: Adults £0 (B £0) (C £0), Concessions £0 (B £0) (C £0)

Away Fans:

 Stream End: Adults £0 (B £0) (C £0), Concessions £0 (B £0) (C £0)

Concessions apply to under 16's and over 65's.

Record & Average Attendance

Record Attendance: 12 or so, v Bramford Old Boys, Division 7, 23rd October 2005.

Average Attendance: 2004-2005: 4, maybe 5 (Division 7)