Cheap tickets were available through work as part of “Birmingham Workers’ Day.” This in turn was part of a mission by Birmingham City’s Chairman to “fill St Andrews” (Birmingham City’s ground). The mission was successful, with a capacity crowd of 27,449 for the match (well above the usual 14,000 or so).
The energy was incredible, especially from the few thousand Sunderland fans in the corner. That only lasted until Birmingham equalised in the second half though, and they positively fell silent when Birmingham went 2-1 up.
It was great to see Birmingham City win in front of its biggest crowd for 4 years. The players reacted like they’d got promoted or won a cup final at the end, which I took to be genuine excitement at winning in front of a full house.
I hope discounted tickets for Birmingham Workers’ Day becomes a regular thing. If it does I’ll be there next year for sure, I had a really great time.
Dr Martin James 