It has only been about 4 months since our last visit to the Cardiff City Stadium, so I would imagine most of those travelling on Wednesday evening have been there before, but for those that haven't or just to refresh memories, here is all the info.
The Stadium
When Cardiff City moved from their previous ground Ninian Park in 2009, they did not go far, the Cardiff City Stadium (CCS) is literally on the other side of the road less than 1/4 mile away.
Fluid logo
When it opened it had a capacity of around 27,000 and it was a stadium with 3 single tiered sides with a two tired main stand, but in 2014 two upper tiers were added to the other side of the ground increasing the capacity to 33,000.
The average attendance last season though is around 20,000 and their opening League fixture this season saw 21,000 in attendance, and this has been the case since the Bluebirds were relegated from the Premier League in 2019.
However for the first round of the Carabao cup they hosted Bristol Rovers at the CCS and there were only 5,718 at the game, probably including a fair few Rovers fans who made the relatively short trip across the Severn Crossing, so I would not expect a big crowd for our visit this time.
The Away Section
The away fans are located in a corner of the stadium which when a full allocation of just over 3,000 supporters is taken stretches to behind the goal.
Cardiff have a reputation for a little volatility, so away fans entering the stadium are kept well apart from the home fans in what is a fenced in compound where the away coaches are also parked.
The concourse underneath the stands are big and roomy and there is the usual fare of food and drink.
As mentioned though Cardiff is not the most pleasant place to visit as an away supporter, so fans who do not travel by coach should be aware of this as it is not just a visiting team thing, but a Welsh/English rivalry.
So we would advise fans to be careful wearing colours outside of the ground and it's compound.
Getting There
By Car
If you want to avoid Cardiff City centre then leave the M4 at junction 33 and take the A4232 towards Cardiff/Barry. Keep on the A4232 towards Cardiff and then leave the dual carriageway at the B4267 exit. At the end of the slip road, turn left at the roundabout, signposted ‘Cardiff International Athletics Stadium’. The stadium is situated a short distance down this road on the right.
It should be noted though that this route will add around 7-8 miles to your journey as you go the long way round, so may not be that much quicker than going through Cardiff itself.
Car Parking
There is limited car parking in the away compound at around £10 per car, but space is limited and likely to be full up early when a team takes a big support as we will have on Saturday.
Near the stadium is the usual restricted parking zones, so check before you park, but there are some private car parks in the area although be aware that parking in the nearby retail park is limited to 90 minutes and it is being strictly enforced. Also be sure to park your car properly, as I have been informed that traffic wardens are out in force on matchdays.
Like most ground if you walk about 15 minutes you can usually find street parking without any restrictions.
By Train
The main station is Cardiff Central, this is around 1.4 miles from the stadium according to Google maps and will take around 25-30 minutes to walk, the simplest route is to turn left out of the station cross the bridge over the river and follow the crowds down Ninian Park Road.
However you cannot get a train home after the game, so I would imagine that there will be few Saints fans on the train this time out, unless they are staying overnight.
There are also local trains from Cardiff Central to Ninian Park station around 1/3 mile from the ground, these are every half hour, probably just as quick to walk unless you happen to be there just at the time one is leaving.
If you want to catch a bus, the number 95 goes from the Station to the ground.
Eating Drinking Etc>
If you go by train then you have a plethora of options near the train station as it is adjacent to the City Centre, if you are going by coach or car and parking near the ground then your options are limited.
Most pubs by the ground are home fans only and some are best not ventured in, however this is a list of pubs fairly near the ground that are away fan friendly, although again we would advise on keeping colours discreet.
Pontcanna Inn – 36 Cathedral Road, CF11 9LL
Canton Rugby Football Club – Lawrenny Avenue, CF11 8BR
Gol Centre – Lawrenny Avenue, CF11 8BR
Lansdowne – 71 Beda Road, CF5 1LX
Clive Arms – 360 Cowbridge Road, CF5 1HE
Victoria Park Hotel – 422 Cowbridge Road, CF5 1JL
The Romilly – 69-71 Romilly Crescent – CF11 9NQ
Robin Hood – 16 Severn Grove, CF11 9En
Capacity: 33,280 (all seated)
Address: Leckwith Road, Cardiff, CF11 8AZ
Telephone: 033 33 11 1927
Fax: 033 33 11 1928
Ticket Office: 033 33 11 1920
Pitch Size: 110 x 75 yards
Pitch Type: Grass
Club Nickname: The Bluebirds
Year Ground Opened: 2009