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Ground Name: Withdean Stadium |
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| Contents | |
| What's The Ground
Like? Future Developments North Stand (photo) What Is It Like For Visiting Supporters? Looking Towards The New North East Stand (photo) Where To Drink? How To Get There By Car & Where To Park By Train The South Stand (photo) Admission Prices The West Stand (photo) Local Rivals Fixtures 2008-2009 Programme Price Ground Layout Disabled Facilities Record & Average Attendance Fans Ground Reviews Hotel Accommodation Feedback |
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| What's The Ground Like? | |
| Brighton's original
Goldstone Ground was closed
in 1997 after being the Club's home since 1902. The
Club then spent two seasons in exile, ground sharing at Gillingham. Before
returning to the South Coast in 1999, to take up temporary residence at the
Withdean Athletics Stadium, whilst also looking for a suitable site to build
a new stadium. After a long drawn out battle the Club have finally received
planning permission to go ahead with the building of a new ground on the
outskirts of Brighton and so hopefully in the next few years the Club will
say farewell to the Withdean. The initial impression of the stadium is of its picturesque surroundings, set into a hillside and mostly surrounded by woodland, giving it somewhat of a rural look. On three sides of the stadium are a number of basic 'temporary stands' which are uncovered and hence open to the elements. Only the North Stand on one side of the ground can be described as permanent, as this was in existence prior to the football club taking up residence (and will no doubt remain, when the Club eventually leave). This is the only stand that has some roof cover, albeit only partially to the rear and has a large Pavilion type building located behind it, which looks quite out of place at a football ground. The pitch is surrounded by an athletics running track, hence the supporters are set well back from the field of play. Although the temporary stands are generally on the small side, this cannot be said of the South Stand. This stand was designed by McAlpine and has a capacity of 4,500. |
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After four years of wrangling and red tape, the Club have finally been given permission by Central Government to build a new 22,000 capacity stadium at Falmer on the outskirts of Brighton. It is hoped that construction of the new ground could be started in 2008 with the Club kicking off in its new home for the start of the 20010/11 season. |
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| North Stand | |
Thanks to John Cowen for providing the photos for this page. |
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| What Is It Like For Visiting Supporters? | |
| Away fans are housed in the
West Stand at one end of the stadium, in a small 'temporary' stand, more
reminiscent of the structures at golf's British Open than a football ground.
This seated stand is uncovered and has a capacity of 900
seats. On occasion this may also be
shared with Brighton supporters, if the away Club elects
to take a smaller allocation. Fans are set very well back from the pitch as
there is a semi-oval grassed area behind the goal and then a running track
in-between that and the stand itself. You would expect from such an open stadium that the atmosphere would be fairly flat. However, the Brighton supporters really try hard to get behind their team and this made for a good atmosphere. The fans also make the most of the temporary nature of the stands, by making quite a large din by stamping their feet on the metal floor. The open nature of Withdean makes a visit daunting on a cold, wet day. Malcolm Townrow a visiting Plymouth Argyle fan informs me; 'I had heard previously that the Brighton ground was a bit bleak, but I can honestly say it was one of the most if not the most friendly places I've visited as a visiting supporter anywhere. The stewards were first class and being able to mix with home fans in the Sportsman's directly next to the pitch was a joy. Parking the car was no problem and even the stewards out there and the bus drivers gave excellent service. Even though we won 2-0 which I suppose colours my view of things all in all the experience was superb. No being shoved around by police with no humanity and they showed every courtesy and consideration for all fans. I'm glad it didn't rain though!' Neil Cullen a visiting Southampton fan adds; 'I went with the attitude that the Withdean would be a poor ground, with poor facilities. But after a great day out there I left with the thought that it was a nice place to visit. The Sportsman pub was friendly and there was a good crack with the home supporters who were welcoming. The stewards and ground staff were friendly and helpful, more than you can say about a lot of places you visit. Okay the pitch was a long way off, and luckily we had sunshine, but all in all a good day out'. Whilst Peter Bennett tells me; 'When I went recently with Orient, there was very little noise from the Brighton fans- apart from the 25 or so hard core “singers” in the South Stand. The view from the away end is like the old Wembley, you are very low down and miles from the pitch. Definitely not a ground to go to after a few beers as you’d probably fall asleep as the game seems so remote from the away seats.' I had a fairly enjoyable day out at the stadium. This was my last ground visited of the current 92 and the club were most accommodating in allowing me to have my photo taken on the pitch before the game. Special thanks to Club Secretary, Derek Allan for his hospitality. |
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| Where To Drink? | |
| Mark Collins informs me
'the Sportsman at the rear of the North Stand is now open on matchdays,
though expect it to be crowded'. Otherwise Peter Hodd suggests 'the
Preston Brewery Tap, located one mile south of the stadium, on the main A23
and is football friendly, but very crowded.
Alastair Webb adds; 'I
would recommend the Station pub on Hampstead Road. The pub which is in the
CAMRA Good Beer Guide serves a good selection of ales and is located
literally just outside the Preston Park station entrance (although
admittedly on the opposite side to the way fans exit the station for the
ground)'. Outside Brighton Mainline Station there are a number of excellent pubs'. Phil Kramer recommends the Evening Star, on Surrey Street. It is away fan friendly and only two a minute walk away from the station. It is in the CAMRA good beer guide and serves real Sussex ale and cider'. Please note that alcohol is not served within the stadium. |
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| How To Get There By Car & Where To Park | |
| The stadium is located two miles away from the town centre
and is just off the London Road (A23). The good news is
that parking restrictions have been lifted near to the stadium, so that
there is now plenty of street parking to be had. If you arrive early (before
1pm) then you are able to park just off the A23. Kevin Ditch informs me that 'there is an excellent park and ride scheme which is available about one mile north of the ground, at Mill Road. Given that 90% of away fans come from the north and travel down the M23/A23, this is the ideal site, as it is right next to the main road'. Colin Peel adds 'I found the Park & Ride scheme to be brilliant; I got back in my car after the game, for the start of Sports Report!'. Remember that your match ticket includes a park and ride ticket for either the train or bus. Peter Bennett adds; 'We
used the park and ride at Mill Road, but that
seemed to be a mistake for two reasons;
Firstly on our return we noticed that at least two
cars had been broken into. Mill Road is a long road
with cars parked at the side and there is
no security present whilst you are at the match. Secondly
if I went again I would street park near to the stadium as it would
have been quicker to get away after the game has ended,
rather than waiting for a bus back to the park & ride,
and then trying to get out of
Mill Road'. |
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| By Train | |
| The nearest railway station is Preston Park which is about
a 10-15 minute walk from the ground. The station is served by trains from London Victoria,
Kings Cross & London Bridge (it is cheaper to travel from the latter two). On coming
out of the station and walking down to the bottom of the hill, turn left along the A23 for
the stadium or right for the Preston Brewery Tap pub. After the game there is a football
special waiting which takes you back along the short journey to Brighton. I chose to
do this by parking in the city centre and then getting the train (it only takes five
minutes) to Preston Park. This way you get the chance to sample the pubs around the
station! Alastair Webb adds; 'It's worth pointing out that the free travel ticket that you get with your match ticket not only includes train travel from Brighton to Preston Park but also from Haywards Heath to Preston Park. This means that the many fans who are heading South on the London-Brighton mainline can save a few quid by only buying a ticket to Haywards Heath and then using their matchday travel voucher from there'. |
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| Admission Prices | |
| Home Fans: North Stand (Centre): Adults £27, Senior Citizens £18.50 Under 16's £17 North Stand (Wings): Adults £25.50, Senior Citizens £18.50 Under 16's £16.50 South Stand (Centre): Adults £24.50, Senior Citizens £16.50 Under 16's £15 Family Area: Adults £23.50, Under 16's £14, Under 10's £1, 1 Adult + 1 Under 16 £28 All Other Areas Of The Stadium: Adults £23.50, Senior Citizens £15.50 Under 16's £14 Away Fans: West Stand: Adults £23.50, Senior Citizens £15.50 Under 16's £14 Please note that as part of the restrictions imposed on the Club when playing at Withdean, no match tickets will be on sale on the day of the game. All match tickets must be bought in advance and contain vouchers to use local transport to and from the stadium. This voucher is also valid for the train journey between Brighton & Preston Park. |
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| Local Rivals | |
| With a lack of other league clubs in the area, Brighton fans have focused on Crystal Palace. | |
| Fixtures 2008-2009 | |
| For the Brighton fixture list click here (to take you to the BBC Sports Website). | |
| Programme & Fanzine | |
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Official Programme £3. One F In Falmer £1. |
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| Disabled Facilities | |
| For details of disabled facilities at the ground please visit the relevant page on the National Association Of Disabled Supporters (NADS) website. | |
| Record & Average Attendance | |
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At The Withdean Stadium: 8,691 v Leeds United, League One, October 20th 2007. At the Goldstone Ground: 36,747 v Fulham, Division Two, December 27th 1958. Average Attendance: 2007-2008: 5,937 (League One) 2006-2007: 6,048 (League One) 2005-2006: 6,802 (Championship League) |
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| Fans Reviews Of The Withdean Stadium | |
| Lee Roberts (Doing The 92) 31/3/01 | |
| Hotel Accommodation | |
| If you require hotel accommodation in the area then first try a hotel booking service provided by Football Hotels who are powered by Activehotels, who specialise in locating accommodation near or within a short travelling distance of the football ground. They also have the added advantage over some other hotel booking services that you pay on departure. Yes this site will earn a small commission if you book through them, but it will go to help with the running costs of keeping the Guide going. To access their Brighton page click here. | |
| Feedback | |
| If anything is incorrect or you have something to add,
please e-mail me and I'll
update
the guide. |
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