The Riverside is easy to find on approaching the city and is well sign-posted. The stewards at the ground were very helpful and friendly on arrival (I'd booked a car parking ticket so went straight to the ground, car parking there is restricted to permit holders).
The ground itself is similar to other modern stadia I've visited in recent times (e.g. Reading, Southampton, Derby County, Leicester City) but does have its own character.
Some might say it's a typical 'cookie-cutter' stadium, but I'd disagree with that as Middlesbrough has done a good job of showing off its history (e.g. The Ayrsome Gates from the old Ayrsome Park are positioned in front of the modern stadium's entrance; there are statues of former Boro players George Hardwick and Wilf Mannion; and there are images of some former players and Boro legends on display as well).
In addition to the Club's football history you're left in no doubt about the City's industrial heritage as well with striking shipbuilding related images all around in close proximity, mixed-in with some excellent modern architecture.
After the game I somehow managed to weave my way out of the City, avoiding the traffic queues, through some obscure 'back streets' and in to a modern industrial estate which seemed to extend for miles (I don't do SatNavs!). The sight of the occasional horse loosely tethered and munching away at the grass verge along the side of the road just added to the enjoyment of the trip home.
Of course, the late Luke Varney equaliser also helped with that...
Images Of Stadium
Some pictures of the main stands from various locations around the ground.
Boro History
BlueThruAndThru
