What's The Ground Like?
Although the ground is on the smallish side, it is set in a picturesque area, with views over fields and hills behind the Coppice Terrace at one end of the ground. On one side of the ground is the Main Stand, which at first glance looks like one stand, but in fact it is comprised of two small stands; the Main & Thwaites Stands. They sit on either side of the half way line, with an open gap between the two. Both are all seated covered stands and have a row of floodlights at the back of them. To compensate for the fair slope of the pitch which runs up along the ground from the Coppice Terrace to the Sophia Khan End, the Thwaites Stand has less rows of seats than the Main Stand. Both these stands also have an usual array of tubular steelwork, running across the top of them.
Opposite is a very small covered seated area, called the Whinney Hill side. This former terrace had seating installed before the start of the 2009/10 season, in order that the Club could meet Football League stadium criteria of having a minimum of 2,000 seats (further seating was also into the Sophia Khan End). Behind this stand is a relatively new housing development, which overlooks the ground, meaning that some residents can see the game for nothing. Both ends are fairly new looking affairs, of which the home end, the Sophia Khan Stand covered, whilst the Coppice Terrace opposite is open to the elements. The Sophia Khan Stand looks a little odd, with a terracing at the rear, but with seating at the front, especially when you consider that the stand is quite a small structure. Another unusual aspect of the ground is that it has a total of eight floodlight pylons, with three on either side of the ground and another being located at one end.
What Is It Like For Visiting Supporters?
Away fans are mostly housed in the Coppice Terrace at one end of the ground, where around 1,500 fans can be accommodated. Additionally fans can also access part of the Whinney Hill terrace at one side of the pitch. This is particularly handy in poor weather, as the Coppice Terrace is open to the elements, whilst the Whinney Hill terrace does at least have some cover. Unusually the Club have taken the decision not to provide away fans with any additional seating in the Main Stand, so only the terrace is available. Han van Eijden adds; 'The burgers were excellent, although this did lead to long queues for refreshments'. Otherwise in the Coppice Terrace the facilities are basic with some rather old toilets (which have known to flood from time to time). There are supplemented with some portaloos.
Whilst Shirley Lawrence a visiting Swindon Town supporter tells me; 'We had a pleasant day at the Crown Ground. Before the game we went to the Crown Pub which was crowded, but as they had six staff serving, we were able to get our drinks relatively quickly. Inside the ground there was not much atmosphere due to the away end being uncovered. Although we had over 800 supporters who were in good voice, the noise just wasn't carried around the ground'.
Where To Drink?
There is a Club Bar at the ground, however this is for home fans only. The nearest pub is the Crown, which is just behind the ground on the main Whalley Road. This pub welcomes all fans, has some Accrington Stanley memorabilia, and displays scarves and pennants given by visiting fans. A little further down Whalley Road (five minutes walk in the direction of the motorway), is the Greyhound pub, which is a Sam Smith's house.
John Schmidt a visiting Darlington fan adds; If you go from the ground to the main road and head towards the town centre, then five a minute walk away, down on the right is the Grey Horse pub, It is only a small pub but served decent real ale. This area also seemed to be good for street parking'.
If you arrive early and have a bit of time on your hands then you may consider visiting the 'Peel Park Hotel' in Turkey Street. This pub serves food and is listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. It also overlooks Peel Park, the site of Accrington Stanley's old ground. Go along Whalley Road (A680) towards the town centre. Before reaching the town centre turn left onto the B6237 Queens Road (if you miss this turning proceed into the town centre and turn left onto the A679 Burnley Road). Continue along Queens Road into Penn House Lane. At the end of this road you will reach a T-junction with the A679 Burnley Road. Turn left onto the Burnley Road and then go almost immediately right into Alice Street. The Peel Park is down on the right in Turkey Street.
How To Get There & Where To Park
Leave the M6 at Junction 29 and take the M65 towards Blackburn. Continue past Blackburn towards Accrington and leave the M65 at Junction 7. Then take the left hand exit at the roundabout onto the A6185 towards Clitheroe (this is in the opposite direction to Accrington). At the first set of traffic lights turn right onto the A678, towards Padiham, and then at the next traffic lights, turn right onto the A680 towards Accrington. After about half a mile along the A680 you will pass the Crown pub on your left. Take the next left into Livingstone Road and then an immediate left for the Club car park. The car park is of a reasonable size and is free, however as you would expect it fills up pretty quickly. Otherwise street parking.
By Train
Accrington station is about a mile away from the ground. Leave the station and travel down the slope towards the large viaduct roundabout in the centre of town. Take the Milnshaw Lane exit at the opposite side of the roundabout alongside the Perry's Peugeot dealership. After approximately 100 metres this road then joins Whalley Road. Bear left up the hill and follow Whalley Road for about a mile, passing the hospital, a set of traffic lights and then a mini roundabout. Take the next right after the mini roundabout junction into Livingstone Road. The football club is approximately 100 metres on the left on Livingstone Road. Thanks to Rob Heys for providing the directions.