Colchester United's First home game at the new Community Stadium.

Went to the first match of the season at home for Colchester United on Saturday 16th August 2008. Although it was a nil-nil draw against Huddersfeild, it was really good to see the stadium and how it coped.

There were a few blips. I had to wait over an hour on the phone to get a ticket, the queues at the turnstiles were bad because it was a new system and some (like me) were finding it hard to work out how the ticket scanners worked. There were queues at the bars at half time and there were also queues for the shuttle buses afterwards.

However I am sure things will be sorted out. Once you know how the scanners work on the turnstiles then fans will get in quicker. They will ensure they get more staff to man the bars - however at any football match you have this 20 minute rush at half time. The shuttle bus that I went on was highly successful. They promised that it would leave at 5.15pm and it did with everyone on it. It arrived with no congestion back at Layer Road and it was free - I just cycled back home! Brilliant!

The fans I spoke to loved the new stadium and if the fans continue to use the shuttle buses then I am sure Col U will get more and more fans going - £26 is a lot of money for a ticket though and I think if they want to get more fans on a regular basis then they will have to reduce ticket prices. I will be going when I can afford it! Well done Col U!