Right, let’s talk about that time I actually went down to the Millwall ground, The Den. It wasn’t exactly top of my weekend list, you know? Heard all the stories, same as everyone else. But a mate of mine, proper fan, basically dragged me along. Said I had to experience it at least once.
Getting There Felt… Different
So, we headed over. Got off the train at South Bermondsey, I think it was. Straight away, you could sort of feel it. Not necessarily bad, just… intense? Loads of people heading the same way, obviously. Bit of a walk to the ground itself, past warehouses and stuff. You definitely knew you were heading to a football match, put it that way. Police presence was noticeable, yeah, but everyone seemed pretty normal, just focused on getting in.
The stadium itself kinda appears out of nowhere. Not like some of the massive new bowls, it felt more tucked away. Proper old-school approach, even though The Den isn’t that old compared to the original one.
Inside: The Noise Hits You
Getting through the turnstiles was straightforward enough. Found our seats. The ground itself? It’s compact. Feels like the fans are right on top of the pitch. No running track, none of that nonsense. Just four steep stands looking down on the action. My first thought was, blimey, it’s going to be loud in here.
And it was. Seriously loud. From well before kick-off. It wasn’t just chanting; it was this constant roar, almost. You hear about the ‘Millwall Roar’, and yeah, I get it now. It’s not always friendly, let’s be honest, especially towards the away fans, but the passion is undeniable. It felt raw, not manufactured like some places.
- The noise level was constant.
- Felt very close to the pitch.
- Atmosphere was properly intense.
The match itself? Can’t remember the score, funny enough. Think Millwall might have won. What I remember is the feeling, the sheer volume every time they attacked or made a tackle. It wasn’t always pretty football, but the crowd lived every second. You couldn’t help but get caught up in it, even as a neutral, which I basically was.
Heading Home – Still Buzzing
Leaving was pretty organised, actually. Walked back to the station with the crowds. Still buzzing, you know? Not from excitement exactly, more from the sheer sensory overload of the noise and the atmosphere. It’s definitely an experience. Not sure I’d rush back every week if I wasn’t a fan, but I’m glad I went. You hear all sorts about Millwall, but going there, seeing the ground, feeling that noise… yeah, it’s something you don’t forget quickly. Definitely left an impression.
