Anfield, Old Trafford, heck, even the Vitality Stadium all have a certain charm to their name.
However, no ground strikes as much fear in a footballer as the thought of having to head to Stoke, and play at the dreaded Britannia Stadium on a cold Monday or Wednesday night in the depths of an English winter.
However, footballers can fear no more, as one of the great Premier League institutions will be no longer technically exist from next season. Sort of.
#SCFC to enter into initial 6-year stadium naming rights agreement with @bet365 from 2016/17 https://t.co/KkJkckIgus pic.twitter.com/zGCKdMPxbo
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) April 21, 2016
The swirling wind and conditions may not change, but the name above the door certainly is, after Stoke confirmed this week a multi-million pound deal for their club grounds to be renamed the Bet365 Stadium, in association with their current club sponsor, from next season.
The bookmakers’ CEO Peter Coates is also the club’s owner.
The Britannia Stadium has been home to the Potters since 1997, and it’s unlikely a mere name change will make life easier for any footballers unfortunate enough to have to face Mark Hughes’ side next season.
The club is also set to revamp the stadium over the coming years, with an estimated 1,800 extra seats being provided for the start of the 2017-18 campaign.
So no more Britannia and it just doesn’t feel right.
@stokecity @bet365 can they do it on a cold Monday night in the @bet365 stadium?
Doesn't roll off the tongue aswell— beso (@the_real_beso) April 21, 2016
@potterscfc that's terrible. It will always be the #Brit fortress Brittania
— Phil – 6T (@6townsrunner) April 21, 2016
https://twitter.com/tazzacakefubear/status/723114258339377152
https://twitter.com/amansstomach/status/723092059276587008
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