It only takes about 10 minutes to walk the perimeter of the Stok Cae Ras in Wrexham; a little longer if you stop to peer through the various gaps in the surrounds to steal a look at the pitch. Peepholes into an entirely transformed world.
Just six days ago this once-stagnant venue played host to Chelsea, a timely gauge of just how Premier League ready the club is. On the equivalent weekend in March three years ago, Wrexham had drawn 2-2 away at Maidenhead in the National League. How time flies.
Even with globally-renowned celebrity owners, huge financial backing and an ever-expanding reach, helped in no small part by Disney+ series Welcome to Wrexham, it cannot be overstated just how extraordinary the club's sporting rise has been. The prospect of playing Chelsea as part of their league campaign is now possible as early as next season.
In many ways Wrexham have resourced their way to this position. More than 60 players have been signed since the takeover of Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac in early 2021, with 16 joining last summer to assemble a squad capable of competing in the Championship.
But even with big-money signings on the pitch and A-lister guests from across the Atlantic in the stands - most of whom had never previously heard of the city of Wrexham - there remains something rather honest and charming about this outpost just over the border in northeast Wales.
It hasn't forgotten its roots, every player remembered and celebrated as part of its unique journey. A graffiti mural of striker Paul Mullin, scorer of both goals in that Maidenhead draw back in 2023, still adorns the border of the Stok Cae Ras. Fans pose for selfies with it as if it's really him.
While players like Mullin have come and gone throughout this remarkable rise, there has been one constant: manager Phil Parkinson. Of the no-nonsense breed, Parkinson has never coached in the Premier League, but drew plenty of compliments from opposite number Liam Rosenior - relatively new himself - last Saturday, who praised Wrexham's "magnificent energy" and "brave press".
Perhaps a preview of what is to come.
Matchwinner Alejandro Garnacho even called it one of Chelsea's "hardest games of the season", incredible given this campaign has also included tussles with some of Europe's best; Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Napoli among them.
Wrexham themselves believe they are knocking on the door of the Premier League elite, asking graciously to be let in, and remain on course for an end-of-season promotion push if three points can be won against Welsh counterparts Swansea on Friday, live on Your Site.
The Wrexham's Premier League readiness in the early knockings of the season the conclusion was not favourable. Problems included home form, a dreadful defensive record and an injury list as long as Wrexham's extensive VIP clientele.
Fast forward five months and the outlook has changed dramatically. Wrexham have won nine of their last 14 Championship games (D2 L3), albeit all three defeats in that run came at home, including to play-off rivals on Tuesday.
The discrepancy of that performance will frustrate Parkinson. Plenty was gained from Saturday's 120-minute thriller with Chelsea, but the reality of its after-effects has detracted from the promotion effort. Top scorer Kieffer Moore was lost to injury and Parkinson complained of "flatness in the dressing room".
He has had to learn quickly who he can trust to lead this ambitious next assignment. Chances of finishing inside the promotion places, according to Opta's prediction model, had shot up to over 60 per cent before defeat to Hull and have now been tempered to 44 per cent.
Wrexham have not lost consecutive league games since their opening two of the campaign and haven't lost two on the bounce at home since being in League One. A 10-game shoot-out to seal a play-off spot is what remains of this unlikeliest of missions.
Form since Christmas suggests it is possible, though. Only Millwall and Norwich have amassed more points than Wrexham's 29 since the festive period, climbing from 15th on Christmas Day to sixth, during which time they have also outscored every other team.
Moore's contribution has been central to that rise, with Wrexham's record of goals from crosses (16) and corners (11) a source of unrivalled strength. Without him, Sam Smith, scorer against Chelsea, and club record signing Nathan Broadhead must deliver by less functional means. Chief playmaker Josh Windass needs to come to the party too.
Reynolds and Mac - - have witnessed some spectacular moments since their takeover five years ago. The fortunes of this once down-on-its-luck Welsh club have been transformed three times over; once with each promotion.
From 15 years in non-league obscurity to the Premier League play-offs seems like a fever dream and yet it's happening. Given the Championship's delicately nuanced ecosystem, this next step of course requires the greatest leap of all. And, as Sunderland are recent proof of, some luck too.
But just the possibility is a feat in itself, and even if not achieved this season, Wrexham and their famous transatlantic following are not going away anytime soon.
Fans can watch alongside the main Wrexham vs Swansea match coverage from 7pm on Your Site Football on Friday; kick-off 8pm
