cityfan247 - Custom Paint Jobs

[cityfan247]

I did the stadium tour at Benfica's Stadium of Light and went to Sporting's ground that is right next to the airport. I like Sporting (because they play in green & white hoops like Celtic) but whilst both grounds are impressive there wasnt a lot of charachter to them.

I had hoped to see Atletico Clube de Portugal's (2nd division) ground which is just west of the city centre and i wasnt that far away form it one day but couldnt find it!! ( i was a bit rushed for time).

I did get to see Oriental Lisbon's ground from the outside but it was all shut up (we went just after the end of the season unfortunately). Here's their ground

[cityfan247]

But my favourite ground was the Estadio do Restelo. Home of OS Belenenses of Belem in the western suburbs of Lisbon but still only 20 minutes frm downtown Lisbon.

There are a few touristy things to do around that area. There is a large monastery which i had a look around and stuff around the waterfront.

http://www.planetware.com/lisbon/belem-p-lisb-bele.htm

the top pic shows the monastery with the stadium in the background.

The neighbourhood seemed to have real character and it had the feel of a real local club. In stark contrast to thier bigger neighbours at Benfica and Sporting. Though it was their off season the gates were open so I simply walked in and had a look around the stands. No-one was bothered. I wish I had had the chance to see them play.

Here's the Restelo:

[Focus On]

Nice stadia there, too pretty for me
This is more my kind of toilet..

[cityfan247]

The one ground i wish I had visited was the Estadio Nacional ...another ground on the western outskirts. This was of course the scene of Celtic's greatest triumph in the 1967 European Cup Final. Simply didnt have the time as it wasnt near anything else of interest. Did see the floodlights from the taxi on the highway coming back form Estoril!!

And though I was in Estoril for a few days didnt see their ground either. My wife and most of my friends had little interest in Portuguese Football and its history (surprisingly enough!!) so I had limited time to explore by myself.

[Focus On]

[cityfan247]

Nice stadia there, too pretty for me

LOL.

I really liked Belenenses and the whole district really. As I say had a really good vibe about it. It was the only place you could find souvenirs etc for Belenenses in the whole city. In shops wherever you went it was all Benfica & Sporting...even in Estoril. Never saw any Oriental or Atletico scarves anywhere.

Here's the statto in me coming out again. Until Boavista (of Porto) won the league in title in 2001 ..Belenenses were the only team from outside the Big 3 of Benfica, Sporting & Porto to win the title. They won it once in 1946!!

[spudski]

Your trips to Portugal sound very similar to when I do Italy Ian. Done a few of the ones you've already mentioned in Portugal.

Finding obscure old grounds and even defunct ones like Torino's old ground. Fun isn't it

[cityfan247]

Good pic Mark..

here's a more recent one
As i say I only saw the floodlights (which are quite distinctive) from the roadside as the ground seemed to be set in a wood! Trees everywhere.

I know no club side uses it and I'm not sure the National Team use it anymore ( probably use Benfica's or Sporting's grounds these days). Might still hold the Cup Final.

[cityfan247]

Estadio Nacional

[spudski]

You can buy those floodlights in table lamp form...just like on the ebay stadium Vik put up

[Focus On]

Estadio Nacional

Lovely!, big bowl ground with proper goal shapes

[cityfan247]

It was wet outside yesterday so painted up this Shrewsbury (ref 184) on Top Spin.

[Focus On]

Must say those TS figures do look very close to the HW
Shame i cant get hold of any

[cityfan247]

I still like Santiagos Mark but have come to love the Top Spins. I know Spud swears by them. They are a very good replica.

Bases seem a bit 'weightier' than Santiagos bases as well to me ...but that may just be me. Santiagos still have maybe a slightly wider range of bases/discs colours and possibly just edge TS in the colour likeness to original Subbuteo.

Give 'em a try mate for comparsion. I dont think you will be disappointed.

Have a word with Paul (Lloydie) ,he may be able to sort you out.

btw the GK's are great also.

[Focus On]

May do, quite happy painting on Santiago plus they are cheaper to buy in