OH, HOW I love going to a home game.

Watching Queensland Roar at Suncorp Stadium is one of the most agreeable experiences a football fan can have in sleepy old Brisbane town. Sure, the result doesn’t always go to the home team, but everything else is just bloody dandy. Let me explain why I think a day at the former Lang Park is an experience worth savouring.

Getting there (and back again)
Free public transport to sporting events is the best decision made by any Queensland government since Joh Bjelke-Petersen was deposed as premier. On match day every second train and bus appears to be heading to Suncorp Stadium. And personally, I enjoy boarding the bus at the local shopping centre and seeing it slowly fill with all kinds of Roar supporters as it meanders its way to Milton.

There are the exasperated parents struggling to control their enthusiastic munchkins who loudly predict 5-0 wins to the home team. There are the old-timers who are insistent that the old back-pass to the ‘keeper rule was fine just the way it was, thank you very much. And there are the lads and ladettes, who surely can not be referred to as bogans since they at least have the good sense to follow the world game. It’s a diverse, if somewhat cramped, melting pot that demonstrates the broad appeal of not only the sport, but of the team as well.

Getting together (or slightly drunk)
The question that need not be asked is, “where shall we meet before the game?” Because the answer is always the same – Caxton Street. In the space of a couple hundred metres there is a place for every type of supporter. If you are of the latte set, perch yourself in a café and enjoy a cup of java and a gluten-free, organic muffin. If you just want to fill your stomach with something other than match day meat pies there are kebabs, pizzas and Thai food.

However, for me - and I know I’m not alone - it is all about the beer. Shuffling in to an overcrowded pub, pushing my way to the bar and buying the kind of decent full-strength beer they like to deny us when inside the stadium. Watching the highlights of a Premier League game on the big screen and discussing with mates the reasons why Miron Bleiberg is a joke of a manager and that the Gold Coast can have him. And the best thing about it is that after the game, you can go back up there and do it all over again.

Getting excited (sometimes disappointed)
Kick off creeps ever closer and with an all mighty scull, we leave our empty glasses behind and dash into the balmy, evening air. The chants and the not-so-subtle ribbing of opposition supporters erupt from the surging, orange throng as it marches down Caxton Street. It continues through the gates and into the splendid Suncorp Stadium itself. It makes no difference where you sit once inside, as even an el cheapo ticket provides a great view of the action and easy access to all you could want.

It seems there are more beer and food outlets than are strictly necessary. And once those ales begin to filter through, as many of the requisite facilities as needed. I would be thankful if stadium management would put televisions in the Gents, but the chance of missing a goal is something that I suppose prevents unnecessary dawdling and a lack of distractions ensures people concentrate on their aim.

Then there is the atmosphere. The stadium’s acoustics are top notch and serve to enhance the noise of the sometimes disappointing (only in number, never in passion) Roar crowd. The simultaneous ooohs and ahhs as goal scoring chances come and go. The tribalistic way that every decision against the home side is met with derision, scorn and colourful language – the latter usually stemming from myself. And the strange sounds of humble acceptance if Queensland don’t manage a win.

Those are just a few reasons why I look forward to each home game. It may come across as a little wanky and some may be wondering if maybe the beer has a large part to do with my enthusiasm. But I don’t care. I don’t want to leave anyone in any doubt as to how great a home match at Suncorp Stadium can be. Although, I am sure I don’t speak for everyone, so tell me what is your favourite (or least favourite) thing about watching a game at Suncorp Stadium.