Formerly known as the Ratcliffe Arms, the Dale Bar has been open for about three years now and is without doubt the busiest place before matches for home supporters, with an increasing number of away supporters in attendance too.

Built into the ground as part of the Main Stand's construction back in 1990, for years it was the poor relation of the pubs close to the ground with even the windows not fitting the window frames in some places. It was like Welcome to the Eastern Bloc, Rochdale style.

But it's come on a treat in recent years, as proved by its popularity on match days. There's usually two very large rooms open, with a pool table in one room and a large screen showing live matches in the other, and all of this within thirty seconds of the turnstiles. There were even occasions during 2009-10 when you had to walk away from the ground to get to the end of the queues to get in.

The Dale Bar is also home to the Rochdale Supporters Trust before games, where supporters can approach and air their views to the Trust representatives, and is often used for the majority of functions at Spotland these days.

Photo: Action Images

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