It's ten years today since the keys to the HJ were handed over to the Club. What a journey we've had since then.

Seems like ages ago. I remember walking past watching it being built, the public open day and last but not least the first game. Certainly the catalyst for our recent success.

I know I'm an old sod, but as much as I love the HJ I miss the atmosphere of the Zoo

The HJ is better than Wilderspool in every way.

The boost it has given us as a club is massive. We would not have been in 3 CC Finals, won the LLS & appeared in 2 Grand Finals if we had not moved, we would have gone the way of Widnes.

That is probably an optimistic outlook, Swinton possibly more fitting!

I know what you mean.
The noise echoing under the stands was awesome - something we've lost by going to the HJ.
And H&S means we're not as tightly packed in unfortunately.

But overall the positives far outweigh the negatives

The atmosphere in that away end at Wilderspool used to be incredible but the HJ still feels like a proper rugby ground (rather then a multi sports stadium) and its taken Warrington forward as a club.

It's a facility to be very proud off IMO.

I still have the ticket for the very first game 21st Feb 2004, only time I have ever been in the West Stand, this stadium has took us to another level and without it I dread to think where we would be.

The 10th Anniversary of the first ever match at the Halliwell Jones falls on Friday 21st Feb next year it would be nice to celebrate this with a home match and make it a special occasion.

Where has that decade gone then ?

It's a shame wilderspool is in such a poor state now, it would be great to take a pre-season Friendly there, like Souths do with their annual "Back to Redfern" games......

I remember going to the open day, and being overjoyed at the place, the feel, the modernist but homely atmosphere ....... then the girl I was seeing at the time, and was accompanying me on that pivotal event, started moaning about the price of mars bars in the concourse and ruined the ambience totally.

She was an ex within hours. Some people have no class and sense of occasion.

But for the HJ (or whatever it's name becomes, when the sponsorship deal runs out) and Moran's generosity, we'd be knackered. We'd still be
standing in puddles of wee-wee, when we go to the khazi
enduring attendances of less than 6k, regularly
in a never ending circle of chasing our tails

So for that, I'm happy.


Now,


Stands with his back to the wall, ready for the hail of bullets

I dislike the HJ
I find it totally soulless, with very little atmosphere. Bar the Johns game v Leeds in 05, I can't remember a game where the atmosphere made the hairs on my neck "stand on end", whereas Wilderspool had at least 3 or 4 games every year, where the atmosphere was great/electric.

But, as I say, I'm VERY happy for the existence of the HJ

I can understand and agree to a certain extent to what Lefty has commented but we had to move on to survive and in turn move forward. On the field a move to the HJ has been a success, although that didn't happen overnight. Behind the scenes the club directors and all associated should be congratulated in making the HJ a success. With all the other new grounds in rl, the RFL must think highly of the ground having hosted a number of high profile games inc CC semis, exiles, All Golds, Aus V NZ and a number of championship finals. We are also hosting two world cup matches.

Tbh I was sceptical during the planning stages of the ground that we would increase crowds especially to the level we have achieved over the last few years. Saying that I was still presnt at the Parr Hall public enquiry meetings and also at the Town Hall supporting the plans.

It's good to have the memories of Wilderspool but who knows where we would be now if we hadn't moved.

I must admit that I think that the HJ is a decent ground for watching RL particularly since the two corners have been filled in.

Sure it's not the 'fanciest Dan' of new stadium design but much better than say Salford where all the effort has been put into one stand? As a visitor you'd be happy with the West and the option of home fans standing or sitting along the length of the ground works well.

Mind you I like Langtree Park so what do I know and a recent visit to Wilderspool to watch an U19 game whilst nostalgic was tinged with a fair bit of sadness...I couldn't believe how small the Fletcher End looked