Wasn't impressed with the venue. To avoid the queues and £10 charge we decided to use the P&R on the outskirts and get the train in. Only £3-80 return. Reviews said that Kirkdale was the closest station, but that was a good 25 minute walk through Raqa style areas. There were buses to Sandhills station but massive queues.
I thought the area around was terrible. Scruffy pubs and a desolate fan zone. Inside was OK for me but my son is tall and struggled with the seats.
I prefer travelling for the day so would prefer the Etihad, and it's a pity Blackpool's Bloomfield Park isn't a bit bigger.