Live bands, standing areas and an away end like no other... new boys Cardiff show the Premier League giants how it's done with their unique matchday experience



After winning promotion to the Premier League back in April, Cardiff City immediately started planning for life in the top tier of English football.

More than £30million was invested in new players over the summer by owner Vincent Tan and so far that ambition appears to be paying off, with Malky Mackay's side starting their first top-flight campaign in promising fashion.

Although achieving survival is undoubtedly the club's main goal between now and May, it's not just on the pitch that Cardiff hope to impress.

Winners: Owner Vincent Tan celebrates promotion

Challenge: Cardiff's Aron Gunnarsson battles with Everton's Ross Barkley

Since swapping the dilapidated Ninian Park for the shiny new, multi-million pound Cardiff City Stadium in the summer of 2009, the club have made a conscious effort to improve their reputation at every level.

So, after moving just a couple of hundred yards down the road to their new home, Cardiff embarked upon a huge programme of activity to improve who they are as a club, of which the matchday experience is key.

In a bid to attract more opposition fans, the South Wales club have created an away end designed to make them feel at home and enjoy their day, no matter what the result.

Ninian Park was one of the most unappealing grounds to visit, with some Cardiff fans having a reputation for violence (borne out by them being near the top of the anti-social behaviour table and the one for banning orders). Sam Hammam and the 'Ayatollah' celebration antagonised some opposition supporters.



Now, however, on arrival at the away car park, which is handily located right outside the away entrance, fans are greeted by a 'matchday assistant' (not a steward) who is quick to provide all of the information any visiting supporter could want to know.

After entering the ground, fans can grab themselves a beer or burger served by staff wearing their own team's home shirt. And, if that's not enough, these tops are handed out to a lucky few during half-time.

Old: Ninian Park was 99 years old when Cardiff moved out in 2009

Home: The Cardiff City Stadium holds more than 27,000 fans

Having fun: Everton fans enjoy their trip to South Wales

Warm welcome: Everton fans watch their 1984 FA Cup final win over Watford in the concourse area

Looking on: Toffees fans watched their side draw 0-0 with newly-promoted Cardiff

As well as showing the 12.45pm Premier League kick-off live on big screens, Cardiff also put on a DVD of the away team for fans to enjoy pre-match. For Everton's visit last weekend, the supporters from Merseyside were treated to the club's 1984 FA Cup final victory over Watford.

There are also posters dotted around welcoming fans to Cardiff and informing them how many miles they've travelled to get there, plus a PlayStation area for children to enjoy before kick-off.

And, although there wasn't the demand for Everton's visit, Cardiff also offer to cater for any local delicacies away fans may wish to eat. Last season Middlesbrough fans snapped-up hundreds of their favourite Parmo, deep-fried chicken in bread crumbs topped with cheese and white bechamel sauce.

On top of the matchday activities, the Welsh side have set up a dedicated Twitter account, @CardiffCityAway, to provide a raft of information, answer any queries visiting fans may have and give away prizes in the week after the game.



They've also created the first-ever Away Fan Pack, a handy online guide covering everything from travel and ticketing, to activities and local attractions.

True blue: Staff serve food while wearing Everton home shirts

All smiles: Two young Evertonians pose in the concourse area

What an effort: Posters tell Everton fans how far they've travelled from Liverpool

Tom Gorringe, the club's Sales and Marketing Manager, has played a major role in improving the away experience since arriving from Portsmouth in 2012.

He said: 'At many grounds in the UK the away experience isn't great.

'Historically away fans have been treated as a burden for the home club and they are ferried in and out as quickly as possible without issue.

'At Cardiff we attempt to take ownership of the visiting fans and pledge to do all we can to ensure that they have an enjoyable day, whatever the result.'

It's not just the away end which has benefited from Cardiff's change in attitude, with more and more home fans now choosing to get into the ground early and experience everything the club have to offer.

In the family stand there is live music and performances from a magician and dance troop. The club hope to build a stage in the away end, which will allow for a band to perform the favourite songs of visiting supporters next season.

Play time: Home fans enjoy playing computer games before kick-off

Preview: Cardiff players speak to fans ahead of the game

Good luck: Cardiff wish Bolton fans all the best with posters last season

Skipper: Captain Mark Hudson meets a young fan before Saturday's game with Everton

The family stand also boasts a skill school for kids to take part in, while a Cardiff player - who is not involved in the matchday squad - pops along for a live question and answer session before the game gets underway.

At the opposite end of the ground, fans behind the goals are permitted to stand at all times after the club had a safety survey performed by Dr Steve Frosdick, an expert in his field.



Gorringe adds: 'A day out at football can be an expensive. We want to give all supporters - both home and away - as much value as we possibly can.

'Whether that's pre-match entertainment or simply friendly attentive stewards, we are constantly striving to improve the experience we offer.'



'For us, football isn't just about the 90-minute match. It's about what goes on before, during and after the game.'

Once in a lifetime: Local kids get the chance to lead the teams out

Hero: Hudson signs autographs for young home supporters last season

Fun and games: A magician is part of the pre-match entertainment in Cardiff's family stand

Those efforts are clearly paying off. Cardiff were named Football League Family Club of the Year in two of the last three years, while their away end has just been shortlisted for the Best Visitor Experience at the Welsh Tourism Awards.

And, perhaps more importantly, they're being noticed and appreciated by fans visiting the Cardiff City Stadium.

The club sold all of their season tickets for this season back in February and the first three games of the new campaign have completely sold out.

Sales of away match tickets rose by 15 per cent last season and both the Manchester City and Everton away ends sold out in just a few days.



While their status as a Premier League side will be up for debate over the next nine months, Cardiff's new-found reputation as the league's most welcoming club is definitely not in doubt.

Good service: A member of Cardiff's staff serves a pint