I have been following one of my dreams to go to all South Africa's international stadium and this time it was East London's turn.
I agree one can clearly see this city was once a beautiful destination and have the feeling that with some basic service delivery and a small amount of investment it can be restored and even surpassed. I still loved my stay as people were friendly, beautiful and atmosphere even better at the game. Thanks for article and hope we can share a beer if the Charles glass society is restored. Go Temba
Apologies for the ridiculously late response - I always read every reply and love the feedback, and I have every intention to reply immediately. And then something always comes up...! I'm pleased you managed to 'tick off' Buffalo Park. It has great character and 'personality' as a venue and I agree, too, about the city. The atmosphere for the game against the West Indies was terrific although, I'll be honest, I was happy to be in the relative sanctity of the commentary box. It was pretty raucous by the end!
I have watched a great number of games at Buffalo Park, often deserted.
For these games, my normal spot was not available as all hospitality had been taken by the local president or something - and we were given no alternative (save sit in the packed stands, with mainly drunken locals). This pissed me off - they happily take R500 for womens India v Windies rubbish, but couldnt /wouldnt make a plan for the one game in about 5 yrs actually worth watching.
Its just sad - the place has terrible drainage, attracts rain, no functioning PA and basically no hope.
I heard about the haphazard arrangements which were put in place. For a provincial team so short of funds there did appear to quite a 'spread' in the President's Suite and quite a turnout of VIPs, too.
I have been following one of my dreams to go to all South Africa's international stadium and this time it was East London's turn.
I agree one can clearly see this city was once a beautiful destination and have the feeling that with some basic service delivery and a small amount of investment it can be restored and even surpassed. I still loved my stay as people were friendly, beautiful and atmosphere even better at the game. Thanks for article and hope we can share a beer if the Charles glass society is restored. Go Temba
Hi Jean,
Apologies for the ridiculously late response - I always read every reply and love the feedback, and I have every intention to reply immediately. And then something always comes up...! I'm pleased you managed to 'tick off' Buffalo Park. It has great character and 'personality' as a venue and I agree, too, about the city. The atmosphere for the game against the West Indies was terrific although, I'll be honest, I was happy to be in the relative sanctity of the commentary box. It was pretty raucous by the end!
No stress. As always thanks for your engagement and insight.
I have watched a great number of games at Buffalo Park, often deserted.
For these games, my normal spot was not available as all hospitality had been taken by the local president or something - and we were given no alternative (save sit in the packed stands, with mainly drunken locals). This pissed me off - they happily take R500 for womens India v Windies rubbish, but couldnt /wouldnt make a plan for the one game in about 5 yrs actually worth watching.
Its just sad - the place has terrible drainage, attracts rain, no functioning PA and basically no hope.
Hi Mike,
I heard about the haphazard arrangements which were put in place. For a provincial team so short of funds there did appear to quite a 'spread' in the President's Suite and quite a turnout of VIPs, too.
Shadow of sadly …