Our first visit to The Theatre Of Pasties since our promotion game of May 2011, so perhaps a new ground for some of our younger travelling supporters, here is all the information you need to enjoy the day.
The Stadium.
Home Park on three sides is like a mini St Mary's in green, which is not surprising seeing as its new stands were built at the same time by the same company back in 2001. The fourth side known as the Mayflower stand or the Grandstand dates back to 1952, but has been completely refurbished and now Home Park has a capacity of around 18,600.
It is located around a mile from the train station and a little further from the City Centre.
The Away End
Saints will have the Barn Park End which in total holds 3,000, but we have been allocated just 1,900 tickets. The stand has a decent view as you would expect although its a little cramped on the concourses.
It has the usual selection of football ground fare, alcohol is also served, although a little steep at £4.95 for a 500ml can of Carlsberg.
Getting there
By Car
Take the M5 to the South West and at the end of the motorway continue onto the A38 (The ground is well signposted from the outskirts of Plymouth on the A38). On entering Plymouth, turn left onto the A386 (towards Plymouth). When this road splits into two, keep on the left hand side (again sign posted Plymouth) and after about a mile you will see the ground on your left. The ground is well signposted 'Plymouth Argyle Home Park' on the way into Plymouth.
Parking
There is quite a large car park at the ground, which is free. It is operated on a 'first in before the game, first out after the game basis'. If you are last in, then on average it takes around half an hour to clear. It is a shared park & ride scheme with Plymouth City Council so the car park is normally full by the last 30 mins before kick off on matchdays, sometimes before. There is some street parking if you drive past the ground, heading away from the city centre.
Alternatively there is another large car park at the nearby Plymouth Life Centre, which is free to use. As you go past Home Park on your left and then the Life Centre, go through a set of traffic lights and at the next traffic lights turn left (signposted Life Centre) for the car park.
By Train.
With a 12.30 kick off it's an early start by road or train, by rail you would need to be on the 6.57 am (Yes 6.57) from Central Station and change at Westbury and that will get you in at 10.15 am.
A later train will make it difficult to make kick off, the 8.30 train out of Southampton doesn't arrive in Plymouth till 12.15, it would be a sprint to the ground to get there on time. given its about a 15 minute walk from the train station, straight through the big park.
Coming home their is a train that leaves at 14 mins past each hour and with a change at Exeter & Salisbury takes about 3 hrs 48 mins
Pubs Etc
They do serve beer in the ground if that is your want, certainly near the ground most of the pubs only let in home fans, although if you go by train the Pennycomequick was a favourite with visiting supporters, although I am told that is closed now.
Near the ground just about the only option is the Brittania, a large Weatherspoons pub just across the main road, but this fills up quickly so you are advised to get there early.
Around a 15 minute walk away from Home Park on St Gabriel’s Avenue is the Hyde Park Social Club. This is a friendly Club which welcomes visiting fans for Saturday matches from 11am and after the game as well, shows Sky and BT Sports.
Home Park
Capacity: 18,600 (all seated)
Address: Plymouth, PL2 3DQ
Telephone: 01752 562 561
Fax: 01752 606 167
Ticket Office: 01752 907700
Pitch Size: 112 x 73 yards
Pitch Type: Grass
Club Nickname: The Pilgrims
Year Ground Opened: 1901*
Undersoil Heating: No