Ninian Park – Sloper Park

The Chronic-​what-​cles of Ninian.
Lions, witches and wardrobes all loved this stadium which hosted Cardiff City many times, and Wales a few times. Cardiff have moved into a much, much better stadium, but nothing can ever take away the memory of Pope John Paul Ringo George II having a rally here at Ninian.
First-​Hand Experience: More info about my personal experience at this stadium — Coming to Ninian Park as a teen was a scary experience. On the one hand it was a much more impressive facility than the three stars suggest, which was absolutely rocking with maniacal fans. On the other hand, my older friend (David) and me were scared sh**less because the fans were just violent. Not all of them, but enough where we had to fear for our safety. The stewards and police didn’t do enough to keep everyone safe and that’s why it was a 3 star place for me. Great atmosphere, but the run down and dangerous nature of the stadium and fans equate to a 3. The new facility is 10 times better.
I’ve been to most UK & US stadiums, due to lifelong obsessions with travel, sport & especially footy (soccer to Americans). Born & raised in England, I followed Oxford United (hometown team) to stadia all over the country at away games, and later Liverpool (fave team) around. Every stadium review — like all my reviews — are from first-​hand personal experience, usually from several visits. In 2011, I was on music tour in the UK, and visited most stadiums for fun in my spare time. As recently as Fall 2014, when I was «stuck» in UK for 3 months, I went to hundreds yet again while travelling. I have pictures of me at most, which I’ll post later. Also, when back in UK I’ll take more pix, and add more stadia!
*** return to regular review ***
It was demolished in 2009 but for existing for exactly 100 years and bringing so much joy to the Cardiff locals, it deserves to be on Unilocal,even if it wasn’t a great stadium.