Southampton make their first trip to Rotherham itself since 2002 and a lot things have changed there since then, read on for all the information that you need to make it a good visit.
Some of you will be saying that I have made a mistake in the opening paragraph, we actually played Rotherham away in the League cup in 2007/08, yes they would be right, but that game was not played in Rotherham itself, but in nearby Sheffield at the now demolished Don Valley Stadium, only a few miles from their old ground Millmoor, but still the other side of the M1 in Sheffield.
We played at Millmoor in that 2002 FA Cup game and previously to that in 1983/84, but the last time we played them in the League was in 1965/66 our promotion season up to Division 1.
So there aren't that many Saints supporters who will have actually have seen us play in Rotherham and in truth not that much more if we added the travelling Saints fans who were in the 5, 147 at the Don Valley.
So our last three visits have seen two different stadiums, but one thing in common, a defeat in each of those games.
So our trip to the Aesseal New York Stadium and for those that are interested in this sort of thing, much of Millmoor is still standing about 1/2 mile or so from the new stadium.
The Stadium
The New York Stadium was opened in 2012 and it is from the area of Rotherham where the ground is located that it takes it's name, this area is historically known as New York .
Set beside the River Don, the stadium holds 12,000 and is like St Mary's a single tiered bowl design.
The stadium is located fairly near to the town centre, about a quarter of a mile on foot, so there are a fair few bars and food outlets nearby.
The Away Section>
Saints fans will be accommodated in the Mears Stand at one end of the table and we have the maximum allocation of 2,444 seats, this takes up most of this end.
The rake of the seating deck is quite steep so you get a decent view of the pitch whatever level that you sit in, underneath in the concourses are the usual facilities including alcohol and also tv screens.
Getting There
By Car.
The route is the usual one of travelling up to Oxford on the A34 and then to the M1 either via Northampton or Coventry both are similar distances of around 205 to 210 miles.
Follow the M1 north to junction 33 and then take the A630 towards Rotherham. After around two miles and crossing over three roundabouts you will see the stadium on your right. You will see the old Millmoor stadium on your left.
Post Code for Sat-Nav: S60 1DF
Parking
Car parking at the stadium is permit holders only, but there are plenty of parking options, there is an open air car park on the A360 just before you reach the stadium and there is also street parking around the old Millmoor ground as it is away from the City Centre.
In the City centre there are also a number of pay and display car parks.
By Train
Rotherham Central Train Station is around about 1/2 mile from the ground around 10 mins in walking time, the easiest route is to walk straight along the River Don.
Eating Drinking Etc
The away pub is the Bridge Inn by Rotherham train station, basically next to the bridge over the River Don about 50 metres from the station itself.
There are nearer pubs to the ground if you go into the City centre which is just the other side of the River Don, although you may have a little walk to find a bridge.
Two pubs recommended in the City Centre are the Cutlers Arms on Westgate (turn right off the Main Street), described as a most welcoming and hospitable tavern with a mixture of home and away fans and also nearby along Westgate is the New York Tavern. But there are plenty of other options including two Wetherspoon pubs; the Bluecoat on the Crofts and the Rhinoceros on Bridgegate (*Update We are informed that the Rhinoceros has now closed) .
With thanks to footballgroundguide.com, more information and tips etc on this and all grounds can be found using this link.
For those who are still deciding how to get there nickssaintsawaytravel may still have some spare seats available.
AESSEAL New York Stadium
Capacity: 12,021 (all seated)
Address: New York Way, Rotherham, S60 1AH
Telephone: 01709 827760
Ticket Office: 08444 140754
Pitch Size: 110 x 72 yards
Pitch Type: Grass
Club Nickname: The Millers
Year Ground Opened: 2012
Undersoil Heating: No