East Stand Review
- Entry to the stand is via turnstiles which are actually big enough to get
through without doing an impression of a contortionist or ripping your best
jacket.
- The seats are comfortable, but as is the case with a lot of seated areas
there is little elbow or leg room. In particular, the back row has even less leg room, which has led to confrontations with stewards in the past when fans have persisted in standing.
- The stepped gangways are smooth surfaced and I foresee problems in the
winter when they get icy.
- With the stand facing to the west, the prevailing wind blows in your face,
so expect to get cold and wet occasionally, even on the back row.
- The toilets are excellent - plenty of room, clean and with sinks and
towels, even if it is only cold water. There are even speakers for the public
address system. The only bad point is that with the door open it is possible to
see into the urinal area of most of the Gents'.
- The refreshments are also top class: bars serving alcohol and a variety of
reasonable hot and cold food and drinks. There is also a cafe area and small
club shop in the Carlisle United section.
- The temporary away fans' section in the East Stand gives visiting fans
comfort. Unfortunately, it has led to some
aggressive posturing between the two sets of fans on occasion.
All in all, this is an excellent stand with good views and I recommend it,
provided you don't mind getting cold and wet occasionally.
The stand was renamed the Cumberland Building Society Stand for the 2005/2006 season.
