Our second trip to the Hawthorns of the season, it is the same 2,000 allocation as the League game, but this time it is an afternoon fixture so more will go by train than back in February, anyway here is all the info that you need.

The Stadium
The Hawthorns is a stadium that over the years has been completely rebuilt, although at different times, so therefore has a more traditional look and feel than newly built grounds like St Mary's.

With an overall capacity of 26,500 it is compact rather than spacious and has the dubious distinction of being the highest ground in England in terms of feet above sea level, although Oldham also lay claim to this feat.

Getting There

By Road

Take the usual route north on the A34 towards Oxford, joining the M40 and heading towards Birmingham, at the junction of the M42 take the signs towards the M5 and when you reach that motorway follow Signs M5 North.

The ground is situated off Junction 1 of the M5, to get to the ground itself you come off at Junction 1 and head on the A41 towards Birmingham, the ground is then a short distance on the right hand side, Parking is by several signposted car parks or industrial sites offering parking, there is some street parking but check restrictions carefully.

Alternatively when coming off of the M1 take the first left towards West Bromwich Town Centre and then the first left again into Roebuck Street, there you can park and there is the designated away pub The Vine, it may be quicker to get back on the M1 from this side of the motorway.

Parking

Near the away end on Halfords Lane, is Sandwell Academy School, which offers secure matchday parking at £5 per car. But spaces must be pre-booked and paid online via the YourParkingSpace website.

Otherwise it is the normal street parking with restrictions applying the closer you are to the ground and the usual industrial units nearby using their spaces, you can park at Hawthorns station which costs £4.
Just around the corner from the designated away pub The Vine is a St John’s Ambulance Depot that offers matchday parking for £3.

By Train

The simplest way after arriving in Birmingham City Centre by train, is to make the short walk to Snow Hill station, from there The Hawthorns station is served by both train and Metro with services on the train running roughly every ten minutes and only taking 7 minutes to get there.

Eating Drinking Etc

There aren't that many pubs around the Hawthorns, at least ones that let away fans in, The Vine in Roebuck Street as mentioned is the designated away pub, but this is the other side of the M5 from the ground and you should allow a 15 minute walk to the ground and perhaps another 5 to walk round to the away section which couldn't be further away from the pub.

However The Vine is only a few minutes walk away from Kenrick Park Metro station which can be accessed from Birmingham Snow Hill railway/metro station. Turn right out of the station and walk along Devereux Road passing through a residential area. At the end of Devereux Road turn left and The Vine is just over the other side of the road on the right. You could also get the train/metro back to The Hawthorns station.

Otherwise there are a few pubs on the Birmingham Road going away from the ground in the opposite direction from the motorway, the Royal Oak is probably the most away fan friendly and is renowned for its indian food.

If you are going by train there are a few good pubs in the centre of Birmingham especially the Old Contemptibles next to Snow Hill station, perhaps drinking in Birmingham and then getting the Merto or train is the best option given that it only takes 7 minutes and drops you about 100 metres from the away turnstiles.

The ground also has a good selection of food and beer etc but at the usual inflated prices.

More information about visiting the Hawthorns including both a street & satellite map can be found by visiting The Ugly Inside's new ground guide tab situated in the West Bromwich Albion game box on the home page, where you can also find a plethora of other information including links to the prediction league.

Capacity: 26,500 (all seated)
Address:
Halfords Lane, West Bromwich, West Midlands, B71 4LF
Main Telephone No: 0871 271 1100
Main Fax No: 0871 271 9861
Ticket Office: 0871 271 9780
Ticket Office Fax No: 0871 271 9781
Team Nickname: The Baggies
Year Ground Opened: 1900
Undersoil Heating: Yes
Pitch Size: 115 x 74 yards
Shirt Sponsors: TLCBET
Home Kit Colours: Navy & White Stripes (Sort of)

Photo: Action Images

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