|
|
|
||
|
|
|||
|
|
Wolverhampton Wanderers Ground Name: Molineux
|
 |
|
| Contents | |
| What's The Ground
Like? Future Developments Steve Bull & Jack Harris Stands (photo) What Is It Like For Visiting Supporters? Stan Cullis Stand (photo) Where To Drink? Billy Wright Stand (photo) How To Get There By Car & Where To Park By Train Local Rivals Ground Layout Admission Prices Programme & Fanzines Fixtures 2008-2009 Ground Tours Disabled Facilities Record & Average Attendance Fans Ground Reviews Old Molineux Hotel Accommodation Feedback Return To The Main Menu |
|
| What's The Ground Like? | |
| Molineux has been completely rebuilt in recent years,
with the oldest stand, then called the John Ireland Stand (since renamed the
Steve Bull Stand) being opened in 1979. Three other stands were then built
in the early 1990's with the Jack Harris Stand the last to be completed in
December 1993. The stadium itself is superb and is made up of four
separate stands. Both
ends are large single tiered stands (one of which the Stan Cullis Stand has
a small clock perched on its roof), whilst both sides are two tiered with a
row of executive boxes along the middle. Both the side stands are unusual in
being oval in shape, meaning that those sitting on the
half way line are furthest away from the playing action. It is a pity that
the stands do not go all the way around the ground, (the corners of the
ground are largely open) as this would make it a truly wonderful stadium. Martyn Wells adds; 'the clock on the Stan Cullis
Stand, is the original timepiece that sat atop the old Molineux
Street Stand (now the Steve Bull Stand) since the 1930's. It was moved
when the stands were re-developed'. There are
a couple of video screens in two of the
corners, but unfortunately the are no longer in
operation. What particularly impresses me about Molineux, is that quality shows, getting the feeling that little expense has been spared in its construction. This is perhaps best summed up by the two statues that sit outside the ground. The impressive statue of Billy Wright is probably the finest football statue located at any ground in Britain. It sits outside the main entrance to the club offices. In 2003 the same designer, James Butler produced another statue, this time of former player and manager Stan Cullis, that is located by the entrance to the ticket office at the back of the stand bearing the mans name. |
|
| Future Developments | |
| Phil Painter informs me; 'plans have been drawn up to increase Molineux's capacity to 43,000, by adding an additional tier to both ends of the ground, plus completely re-building the Steve Bull Stand'. The Club have purchased the necessary land to do this, but have also confirmed that the expansion will not begin until Wolves have established themselves in the Premier League'. | |
|
|
| What Is It Like For Visiting Supporters? | |
| Away fans
are normally housed in the lower tier of the Steve Bull Stand which
runs along the side of the pitch. Up to 3,200 away supporters can be
accommodated in this area. Fans are sat quite far back from the playing
area, which gives the illusion that the pitch is larger than at most other
grounds. Musical delights at the ground include just before kick off, 'Hi,
Ho, Silver Lining' with the crowd singing 'Hi, Ho, Wolverhampton! The catering facilities
within the ground are pretty good, serving a good range of pies, hot dogs
and burgers (£2.20). Pies include the
delicious
'Football's Famous Chicken Balti Pie'
(£2.20). On one visit I got talking to a couple of Wolves fans on the train up to Wolverhampton and they suggested going for a drink in the city centre before the game which I did. I had quite an enjoyable time and they even took me right up to the away supporters entrance, shook my hand and wished me luck! very hospitable. I personally did not experience any problems on my visits, but I have received a number of reports of others that have not been so lucky. It is strongly advised that colours are kept covered around the ground and city centre (and that goes for your cars too). |
|
|
|
|
| There are a number of pubs dotted around the ground, but they tend to be 'members only' for home fans. There is no designated pub available for away supporters. The town centre is in walking distance of the ground (10 minutes) where there are plenty of pubs to be found. However, some of them can be quite partisan so use your discretion and again colours should be covered at all times. It may be an idea instead to drink on the way to the stadium, rather than planning on drinking in Wolverhampton itself, which from reports that I have received is not generally welcoming to away supporters. | |
|
|
|
| From The South: Leave the M6 at Junction 10 and take the A454 towards Wolverhampton. Continue to follow the A454 right into Wolverhampton (be wary of speed cameras on the A454). On reaching the traffic island that intersects with the ring road, turn right. As you approach the 2nd set of lights look for the signs for football parking. The ground is over the 2nd set of lights on the right. Alternatively if you turn left into the city centre you may find a space in one of the many council run 'pay & display' car parks. The Civic Hall car park, normally remains open for night matches. From The North: Leave the M6 at Junction 12 and take the A5 towards Telford and then turn onto the A449 towards Wolverhampton. On reaching the traffic island that intersects with the ring road, turn right. Then as South. For a map showing the location of the ground click here (to take you to the Street Map website). To go to a simplified page, containing the directions and pub info, which you can print out click here. Thanks to Paul Judd, an exiled Wolves fan, in Milton Keynes, for providing the directions. |
|
| By Train | |
| The ground is walkable from the train station in the centre of city (15 minutes). Leave the station and proceed straight on towards the town centre and as you reach the inner ring road turn right. Just follow the ring road as it continues in a circular pattern around to the left. Eventually you will see the Molineux on the right. | |
| Local Rivals | |
| West Bromwich Albion, Birmingham City & Aston Villa. | |
|
|
|
| Admission Prices | |
| Home Fans: Billy Wright Stand: Adults £30, Over 65's £18, Under 17's £15, Under 12's £12* Billy Wright (Family Enclosure): Adults £25, Over 65's £15, Under 17's £8, Under 12's £5* Steve Bull Stand (Upper Tier): Adults £28, Over 65's £15, Under 17's £12, Under 12's £10* Stan Cullis Stand: Adults £24, Over 65's £14, Under 17's £11, Under 12's £8* Jack Harris Stand:Adults £24, Over 65's £14, Under 17's £11, Under 12's £8* Away Fans: Steve Bull Stand (Lower Tier): Adults £28, Over 65's £15, Under 17's £12, Under 12's £10* * When accompanied by a paying adult. |
|
| Programme & Fanzines | |
| Official Programme: £3. Load Of Bull Fanzine: £1.50. |
|
| Fixtures 2008-2009 | |
| For the Wolves fixture list click here (to take you to the BBC Sports Website). | |
| Ground Tours | |
| The Club offer ground tours on two Friday evenings per month, commencing at 7pm. Groups of 20 or more can arrange a separate tour time. The cost of the tour is £7.50 per person. Tours need to be booked in advance by calling 01902-658-666. | |
| 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 | |
| Record Attendance: 61,305 v Liverpool FA Cup 5th Round, February 11th, 1939. Modern All Seated Attendance Record: 29,396 v Manchester United Premier League, January 16th, 2004. Average Attendance: 2007-2008: 23,499 (Championship League) 2006-2007: 20,968 (Championship League) 2005-2006: 23,624 (Championship League) |
|
| Fans Reviews Of Molineux | |
|
Mark
Abel (West Bromwich Albion) 28/01/07 Anthony Williams (Aston Villa) 30/7/05 Daniel Kendall (Burnley) 17/8/02 |
|
| Old Molineux | |
| To see a photo of the South Bank Terrace (now the Jack Harris Stand) shortly prior to its redevelopment in 1993 click here to take you to the Old Grounds & Stands Section of the Guide. | |
| 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 Wolverhampton page click here. | |
Feedback |
|
| If anything is incorrect or you have something to add,
please e-mail me and I'll
update
the guide. |
|
|
Return To The Main Menu |
|
