For many supporters, this season will provide the first opportunity to visit the picturesque Cotswold town of Cheltenham and less picturesque Whaddon. The view from the away end, known as The Hazlewoods Stand, is at times better than what you’ll see on the pitch. The stand, located behind the goal along Whaddon Road, is all seated.
The far smaller home terrace allows visiting supporters to see Southam and Cleeve Hill, the luscious green fields previously in stark contrast to the sandy pitch. Today, however, you are likely to see one of the best playing surfaces in the league and be able to enjoy smooth passing play on the Jonny Rocks carpet, similar to the bowling green behind your stand.
For the larger away followings, which we’re sure will be more often than not, further seating is provided in the Colin Farmer stand to the right (from the away fans perspective). The initial allocation will be behind the goal with one thousand one hundred seats although so far this season nine hundred and ninety five is the available amount.
First things first, we have some bad news. Your trip to Cheltenham will come with the most expensive away ticket in the league. On the day an adult will be able to get in for the low low price of £28, or £26 if bought in advance. Also when bought in advance, seniors, students and disabled supporters will have to pay £18 and kids (under 18s) qill set you back £10. A two pound increase will apply when buying on the day.
HISTORY
Built by Cheltenham Original Brewery in 1927, Whaddon Road has been the home of Cheltenham Town since 1932, as well as the home of Gloucester City from 2010-2017 but we don’t talk about that.
The 7066 capacity stadium is a mixture of seats and terraces, with the away end and Colin Farmer stand all seated. The home end, behind the goal, is all standing. The family stand, built in 1963, contains a mix of terracing (in the paddock) and seats which are raised above the bar and changing rooms. This stand also hosts the hospitality and press areas.
The record attendance was set in November 1956 when Reading came to town in the FA Cup first round with 8326 supporters watching. Clubs such as Newcastle, West Ham, Everton and even Manchester City (although the last one doesn’t really count) have failed to break the record. This is mainly due to the capacity being a thousand less than the record but oh well.
DIRECTIONS
Cheltenham is an easily accessible town using public transport. Cheltenham Spa station is a twenty five minute walk from the highstreet and a forty three minute walk to Whaddon Road. Buses D and E (from just outside the station exit) will take you from the train station to the high street and Bus A to Prestbury (stop 12 along the highstreet) will take you to Whaddon.
You can also stay on the D or E to Bishops Cleeve and get off at Pittville Park, a ten minute walk from the ground. The town centre is only a twenty minute walk from the highstreet, via Prestbury Road, as seen below. An adult dayrider will cost you £4, or £3.70 on the stagecoach app.
If you’re driving, there is a car park on site but pre-booking is necessary and most likely it will be sold out. On street parking is available in Pittville Park as well as paid parking surrounding the town centre.
If you drive past the stadium and turn left you can find the Parklands Community Centre who offer matchday parking at a cost of £6 per car on a first come first serve basis. There are 120 spaces with fifteen allocated to disabled parking. Parking here will also entitle you to £1 off an alcoholic drink inside the social club.
If you’re taking the supporters coaches then I’d hope you end up at the ground one way or another, otherwise someone could be out of a job.
FOOD
We don’t recommend the food.
If, for some reason, you wanted to buy food within the ground, then you will be able to purchase a range of food and drinks to the left of the stand. You can find this by walking down the stairs from your seats and looking left.
Burgers with various toppings, hot dogs, chips, pies and snacks such as chocolate and crisps are available to purchase. I can’t remember ever having a burger bun that wasn’t stale or beef that I thought was definitely beef. There have been many accusations of out of date drinks or snacks being sold, accusations arising from people checking the use by date on what they just bought.
There are two small Tescos along Cheltenham high street where you will be able to get what we consider the best Meal Deals offered by any supermarket. There are also two Wetherspoons, a McDonalds, a Burger King and a Greggs along Cheltenham highstreet. Towards the top of the high street you’ll even find a Subway.
The food has been improving, but thanks to a recent viral photo of our 'cheesy chips' (i.e. a piece of cheese on some chips), the quality has become much better known. Chance it if you will, but don't say we didn't warn you.
PUBS
Cheltenham may not have much, but it does have pubs. A quick google search shows over twenty in the area but as a football fan it’s smart to avoid those in Montpellier as to not double the cost of your journey. The Feathered Fish and Sudeley Arms along the route from highstreet to ground are popular among football fans, however I personally opt for the Moon Under The Water, a Wetherspoons.
There is the Robins Nest, the club’s bar, built into the family stand next to the ticket office and club shop. It’s not an establishment I frequent so I can’t say much but some away fans are allowed in. For sold out away followings, it's unlikely you will be allowed in.
OTHER INFO
Current Name: Jonny Rocks Stadium
Address: Whaddon Road, Cheltenham, GL52 5NA
Pitch Size: 111 x 72 yards
Ticket Office Phone Number: 01242 573 558
Programme: £3
Comentários