East London's Theatre of Dreams for the West Ham faithful, although being West Ham, performances can range from inspirational and amazing to complete and utter pants.
The Boleyn Ground is an all-seater stadium. Since the re-development of the West Stand or to give it it's official name the Dr. Martens Stand (main stand on Green Street), it looks incredible from the outside, and makes for a very attractive stadium. Capacity has reached the dizzy heights of 35,000.
If you have a ticket for the top tier of the West Stand, there is a damn fine view. It has also got rid of the bloody awful pillars that obscured the view for many a year. The only blight that some may say exists is the infamous Chicken Run or East Stand. Mainly full of Home season ticket holders, this is a rather old and poky, though current there are on going discussions with Newham Council to re-develop this part of the ground.
What also comes with all-seater stadia is the loss of atmosphere from the crowd, and it is quite noticeable at times that the home support does go a bit quiet from time to time, especially if the home side is not performing to their ability.
Away fans enter the Boleyn Ground now via the Priory Road entrance and are situated in the North Bank, lower tier (or to give the stand it's official name, The Centenary Stand). This used to be the preserve of the home fans but now a good chunk of this section is reserved for away support. Allocation is about 6-9% of ground capacity, dependant on what allocation your club takes up.
Catering HAS improved somewhat over the years, yet unfortunately for those in the North Bank, it still gives an impression that the kiosks have just been built by an 8-year old with a mountain of Lego. Just doesn't seem an integrated part of the stadium, more of a 'bugger, we forgot to add this on' job. Shame. Half time pint can be all rather frantic, so best to camp there early before the hoards charge their way through.
All said and done, those lucky enough to sit near the front of the stand will get an excellent view of the game, but the same can be said if you sit in the middle as well. Also one of the better places is right at the back. Granted, you may not always get the perfect view, but at least you can stand up all game if you wish. In saying that, away support tend to stand up throughout
As with all things, there are amusing chants that come from both sets of supporters - London derbies are quite good for this. Midweek games appear to be attended by die-hards and season ticket holders from the away fans.
Dave from Ipswich says 'Getting refreshments can be difficult. There was 1 tea/refreshment bar, 2 people serving and 1 massive queue. I think they sold tea, coffee beer etc but couldn't get close enough to see. So if you want something to eat or drink get it before going into the ground'
Data supplied by Keef From - West Ham fan - 21st November 2001