Saints head to the Withdean for the penultimate game at the ground.
No Saints fan who attended Saints first vist to the Withdean Stadium will ever forget it, the media was full of news of the terrible events that were taking place in New York City, the date September 11th 2001.
So we now return for what will be our fourth and last visit almost ten years later.
For those that havent been before, although given the small number of tickets I cant believe thats many, think the sports centre running track with a few temporary stands around it and you have the Withdean.
The away end is appaling a low temporary structure situated a long way behind one of the goals, two low to get a good view of the pitch and open to the elements, this is of course not Brighton's fault and they Im sure will be delighted to finally play in a proper stadium again after over a decade here.
Getting there.
The stadium is located about two miles from the City Centre on the A23 London Road about a mile from the A27, Saints fans have two options, follow the A27 North of Brighton through the tunnel and then either, take the DYke Rd Avenue towards Brighton and the ground is on the left around a mile away, or proceed to the following exit marked A23 and then take this road towards Brighton.
Parking is street parking only, and only is allowed outside a one mile radius of the stadium, however given the low crowds due to the grounds capacity, this is fairly easy to do as long as you dont mind the 15 minute walk.
Your match ticket includes a voucher for travel on both trains and buses within a certain area.
By Train
If you are going from Southampton, be aware there are rail works on the brighton line and it means changing at Fratton and a two hour journey, quicker would be a train to Clapham Junction and then down to Brighton, to save money of you go by train only buy a ticket to Shoreham if going via Pompey or Haywards heath if via Clapham and use your match day travel voucher from these stations.
The nearest station to the Withdean is Preston Par a ten minute or so walk from the ground, some London trains stop here otherwise go to Brighton and change.
Drinking Etc
Pubs around the Withdean are few and far between the best bet is to find one just outside the one mile zone and park up, there are a couple of pubs around Preston Park stadium which are away fan friendly.
There are a few decent pubs along the A27 between Arundel and Worthing, but be aware if you stop on the way down there that you need to allow ample time to get to the ground park up and at least 20 mins walking time to the ground.
Ground Name: Withdean Stadium
Capacity: 8,850 (all seated)
Club Contact Address: 8th Floor, Tower Point,
44 North Road, Brighton, BN1 1YR
Ticket Office Address: 128 Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3WA
Stadium Address:
Tongdean Lane, Brighton, BN1 5JD
Main Telephone No: 01273 695 400
Fax No: 01273 648 179
Ticket Office: 0845 496 1901
Ticket Office Fax No: 01273 727 025
Team Nickname: The Seagulls
Year Stadium Opened: 1936
Pitch Size: 110 x 75 yards
Shirt Sponsors: itS
Home Kit Colours: Blue & White
Away Kit Colours: Red & Black Stripes
Kit Manufacturers: Errea
Official Web Site: www.seagulls.co.uk