News

Taking a look at the home of the Tractor Boys!

Our Sudbury Club made the short trip across Suffolk to the home of Premier League side Ipswich Town for a special tour of the Portman Road Stadium. 

On a glorious spring afternoon, members and volunteers from our Sudbury group were invited along to take have a special guided tour of the ground.

Exploring Portman Road

During their time at of the Tractor Boys, our Sudbury group members were regaled with great stories from the football club’s past, including the legendary managers that have shaped their history, including the likes of Alf Ramsey, Bobby Robson, George Burley and present-day manager Kieran McKenna.

The tour saw members explore the Boardroom of the stadium, where the important decisions are made for the Club’s future, before they made their way to the Manager’s match-day office. In this room is where McKenna and his staff prepare their tactics and how the team will aim to win at Portman Road.

They were also given the opportunity to look into other areas of the ground, including the press and media rooms as well as taking a look into Ed Sheeran’s hospitality box at the ground.

Finally, it was time to head down pitch side and get a view of where the managers and coaches sit during the game, as well as take in the view of the stadium from ground level. The Sudbury members enjoyed their time at Portman Road and reflected on its feel as a traditional football stadium.

Following on from the tour

The members and volunteers visit certainly did Ipswich Town no harm as later that evening they went on to secure a win away at Bournemouth in the Premier League, much to the delight of some of our Club members!

Andy Read, Club Facilitator at the Sudbury Sporting Memories Club, commented: “Following on from some of our members visiting Wembley last year, it was great to get them out once again for another tour of a big ground.

“The tour gave the sense of what the ground is like on a matchday and certainly rekindled a few members for those that went along. We really enjoy doing different activities at the Club and this was no different, so a big thanks to Ipswich Town for welcoming us along.”