Well, I went for both days and a stopover on the saturday night. Unfortunately we had to leave earlier than we would have liked on the Sunday to catch our flight back to Luton, so we missed the last two games.
The overall impression of the event was very, very positive.
I like Murrayfield and thought it was a good 'fit' for the event. Positives were you could move around a lot and there seemed to be heaps of food, drink and activities. I didn't move around the entire stadium - we were seated in the East stand so stayed in that area. Toilets were aplenty and clean. Negatives would be that the food/drink was a little overpiced, but only a little. They weren't much more than you'd normally pay but I think a little more nevertheless.
Interesting to read there was lot more activities and food/drink options on the other side of the ground - a lesson there for me I think! I liked the William Hill banter booth and thought this added to the carnival atmosphere and gave another activity to people - more of this sort of thing please! (possibly just being pleased to see myself on the youtube clip but still think its a good thing)
I thought there could have been a greater choice of merchandise - I think there was only the one t-shirt for sale with any reference whatsoever to the MW concept, the rest being England RL stuff only. Maybe there was more available elsewhere throughout the stadium - can someone advise? I think the clubs/SL/the RFL missed a trick by not having more club merchandise for sale as an example. Also, perhaps more GB merchandise, maybe some other international merchandise - French, Scottish, Welsh, Irish etc etc? I know I would have bought some mercho when sober.....then promptly backed it up with another purchase when drunk!
I thought the city itself was fantastic and supports an event like this pretty well - plenty of accommodation, restaurants, public transport etc etc. Lots to see and do too if you want to make an event of it and stay longer.
The group I was with are already committed to returning next year (continued employment being conditional of course!
) and we'll learn from our experiences, as I'm sure the RFL and the city and the stadium itself will too.
I don't think I could really fault it though of course there are some valid constructive criticisms and I hope they're taken on board.
I'd support the following constructve criticisms;
seating arrangements - should be better stewarded as it could have led to unfortunate and unnecessary confrontation.
covered enclosures - the weather was by and large very good (though, yes, cold in the shade - I bought an England RL hooded jumper though as a result, so I'm happy!) but if it was wetter we may have needed more shelter for those outside. Or accept no or reduced movement outside, we were certainly lucky.
merchandise - more choice, see above.
whilst I didn't see any trouble I did feel at the time that having alcohol available over such a long period (and yes, I know, I heartily availed myself of it for the whole first day and a part of the second) could have led to some difficulties. Maybe starting serving beer slightly later in the day may help in this regard? Equally, I may well be trying to fix something which isn't broken?
I personally wouldn't change that much of the structure of the event. I liked it but then again it seems most people who went did like it, though of course it's inevitable that there should be some constructive criticisms, nay, its desirable that there are - that's how you improve things! Once again I see a trend on MM - those who went, liked it; those who don't like it, didnt go and perhaps just dislike the concept. Generalisations of course.....
To the nay-sayers who didnt go: Put your concerns to one side, reserve judgement and go next year - I'm betting you will probably really enjoy it. I think you will surprise yourself if you do go!
overall - 9/10. For me its the potentially the best event we have in our calendar. Already, as a social event, I think it eclipses the GF [iand[/i the CC. The best way to describe is to compare it to the atmosphere of the Cup but spread over two full days! party time! Fancy dress is a part of that and cant be a bad thing (I was in a kilt with red hair/beret combo!)
stick with it guys, it'll work better over time.
bring on 2010, thats what I say!
) and we'll learn from our experiences, as I'm sure the RFL and the city and the stadium itself will too.
