Grounds Without Games: FK Ventspils

Ventspils Stadions, as I found out later, is the ground where Newcastle didn't play (their UEFA Cup tie was switched to Skonto Stadions in Riga, no doubt due to the fact that Ventspils has more trees around the pitch than stands). A short walk south of the bus station, it's apparently one of the "most famous football stadia in the Latvia". Access on non-match days is by hop over the turnstiles.

Latvian Football

The 2009 Vrsliga season kicks-off a month earlier than usual, in the middle of March. In Riga, this means the first two weeks need to be played indoors at the Olympic Sports Centre, starting with next Saturday's double header between SK Blāzma and Skonto Riga (2pm) and Olimpics Riga against SK Liepājas Metalurgs (6pm). The following day, champions Ventspils begin their title defence against FK Daugava Riga at the same venue (2pm).

With one thing and another, I won't get to see a game at Skonto Stadions until the back end of April.