Some strange comments, I get the nostalgic and atmospheric connection to Wilderspool, that will never be beaten for some irrespective of what the HJ ever would or could be. But my memories of the toilets at Wilderspool seem to differ to yours! Drinks / food inflation is what it is, would have happened regardless of staying at Wilderspool or not.

I’ve also seen far better performances at the HJ vs Wilderspool, but I guess that depends on how many years you spent watching at Wilderspool. Totally understand the emotive connection to the old place though.

Or maybe RD is channeling Alanis Morisette?

Those early years of the HJ saw some rocking nights. I seem to recall a ding dong fixture with Bradford in that first season among others. It has certainly changed since then, it seems so sanitised and stale, maybe that's more a reflection of what's offered on the pitch, but something just seems different compared to those days of Nat Wood running through the away end,Joey Johns spanking Leeds, or even the 2011 champagne rugby.

As a facility, I can't say much more than the previous posts really. It did play a big part in pushing us into the top 4 and out of mediocrity. At the time, it was easily the best purpose-built RL ground in the league and unlike some of our rivals it gave us an independence where we didn't need to go 'cap in hand' to someone else in order to have a home of our own. I'm pretty sure 20 years on it's still the envy of most away fans, perhaps barring Saints and Leeds.

It does need some maintainance, however. The white cladding is rusty and the seats are starting to fade. She needs a touch up, but here's to the next 20 years.

What’s being served on the field definitely impacts atmosphere, especially when there is a greater expectation on results as there has been since our move to the HJ. That Johns night was special and there have been many others.

Agreed on the maintenance, ironically it seems to be the corners that have aged more, rather than the existing structure.

i'm actually quite surprised the club hasn't made more of this, or it being their theme for season ticket renewals, maybe they've got plans for next year but you'd be expecting them to push it a hell of a lot. maybe do some 20 year merch.

KFP is too busy desperately chasing Luke Littler around the world

its really not mate

I’m at the club every week. I see them and smell them at first hand.
I keep thinking about taking some bleach down with me.

When vs HJ & Wilderspool.
The HJ hadn’t floated my boat.
It looks and feels like a spam tin can.
Lining the inner tin shell would have put a closure on that…never done.
The roof structural beams are filthy brown, not white. The toilets are breeze block still with tin troughs, not an easy clean tile in sight.
The troughs are stained disgusting brown and sludge and stink foul.

Wilderspool was no challenger on the toilets, but it’s excuse was it’s age.
But I was watching Alex Murphy, Parry Gordon, John Bevan, Bob Eccles, Tommy Martyn, Dave Chisnall, Phil Blake, Andy Gregory, Mike Gregory, Les Boyd, Jonathan Davis….

So no, in the 20 years that followed watching such greats I mentioned and feeling the atmosphere throbbing from their veins to performance, I would say only Briers and Westwood have brought some of that to the HJ.
2011 was great rugby, and an opportunity to kick on and keep the momentum, when it looked like the club would finish the stadium to match the games…but no, the following seasons are on par with the lack attention to the troughs in the toilets.