Ulster
Ulster Rugby's home in Belfast is another ground where the name Ravenhill carries considerably more history than the modern stadium might initially suggest.
Officially called the Kingspan Stadium, the ground has been home to Ulster Rugby since 1923 and has undergone a major transformation over the years. The old Ravenhill was a rather more basic affair, but the modern stadium retains the same location and, importantly, much of the sense that this is a proper rugby ground rather than a multi-purpose arena.With a capacity of around 18,000, it is comfortably large enough for Ulster's biggest URC matches without becoming so enormous that the supporters disappear into the distance.
The redevelopment has produced three substantial stands around the pitch, while the Memorial End remains the traditional standing area. The result is a mixture of modern comfort and old-fashioned rugby atmosphere.
And Ulster supporters certainly know how to make some noise.
On a big European or interprovincial night, the atmosphere can be excellent, with the supporters getting behind the team from well before kick-off. There is also a strong sense of regional identity here. Ulster isn't simply a Belfast club; it represents the province, and supporters travel from right across Northern Ireland to watch their team.
The stadium is in the east of Belfast, a couple of miles from the city centre. It isn't quite a case of stepping off a train directly outside the turnstiles, but there are regular buses from the city centre and the ground is also walkable for those who don't mind a couple of miles on foot.
For drivers, parking around the stadium is limited, so public transport or parking further away and walking is generally the more sensible option on busy matchdays.
There are some decent food selections and on a cold December evening a generous portion of cheesy chips are excellent.One of the nicest things about Kingspan Stadium is that it hasn't tried to become something it isn't. It isn't a giant national stadium and it doesn't need to be. The relatively compact capacity means the crowd remains part of the match rather than simply providing background noise.
And although the commercial name is now Kingspan Stadium, plenty of rugby supporters will continue to call it Ravenhill. Some ground names simply become embedded in rugby's vocabulary, and Ravenhill is one of them.
Admission
Ulster use match-by-match pricing, with adult tickets generally starting in the £20–£25 region, depending on the fixture and seating area. Family and junior tickets are available, while the bigger European and interprovincial matches can command higher prices.
The ground is also notable for its accessibility to families, with the club making considerable effort to turn matchday into more than simply 80 minutes of rugby.
For me, Kingspan Stadium gets the balance about right. It has modern facilities, decent views and enough capacity for major matches, but it hasn't lost the feeling that this is Ulster's rugby ground.
And whether you call it Kingspan or Ravenhill, you are standing on a piece of Irish rugby history.
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