Carlisle United - Toon Fans CAN Pay On Day
Last updated : 20 July 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
BRUNTON PARK - Home of Carlisle United
Follow the Toon away. This section includes information provided by : Footballgroundguide.
What's The Ground Like? 
The Cumberland Building Society Stand on one side of the pitch, is a relatively new covered, all seated stand, which looks quite smart. The other side is an old partly covered (to the rear) Main Stand, which has seating at the back and a terraced paddock to the front.
The central part of this stand was built in 1954 and the wings added at a later stage. The Warwick Road End is a covered terrace that has a peculiar looking roof. The other end, the Petterill End (aka The Waterworks End), is a small open terrace, which after refurbishment has now been re-opened after being closed for a number of years.
There is also an electric scoreboard at this end, which is also known as the Waterworks End.
The ground also has some strange looking floodlights.
Another unusual aspect of the ground is that the central point of the East Stand, is located just off the half way line. This means that one side of the stand extends past the one goal line, whilst the other side falls short of this. This was due to the fact that the Club were intending to re-build the whole ground and move the pitch a few yards further north, but alas the development funds ran dry.
What Is It Like For Visiting Supporters? Away fans are normally located in the Petterill End terrace at one end of the ground. This area houses around 1,700 fans and is open to the elements, so be prepared to get wet. If demand requires it, then part of the Cumberland Building Society (East) Stand (towards the Petterill End) on one side of the pitch, can also be allocated.
The facilities and the view of the playing area from the East Stand are good. Steve Barrie adds: "If away supporters are allocated part of the East Stand, then they will find that they are only separated from home fans by a piece of fabric spread across the seats and a bit of plastic ribbon. It tends to create a lively atmosphere between the two sets of fans and can also be a little intimidating'. I personally found the Carlisle fans to be friendly and helpful and had a pleasant afternoon there".
Where To Drink?
There is one pub near the ground, 'The Beehive' which is on the main A69 (Warwick Road). The pub allows away supporters in and serves a good pint of Theakstons. Further down the road towards the town centre is the White House, which is more spacious, but won't allow away fans in wearing colours. Otherwise there is the Carlisle Rugby Club next to Brunton Park on the Warwick Road that has a club bar, allows in away supporters and is family friendly.
Barrie Mossop recommends another Theakstons House, the Howard Arms, which is on Lowther Street. This is just off Warwick Road, towards the Town Centre, down from the White House. Simon Tunstall adds: "At the back of the main car park there is the Stoneyholme Golf Club, which has a bar, serves food and welcomes fans on matchdays". Paul Sawyers adds: "I would recommend the Lakeland Gate for a drink on match days, which is a family friendly pub".
How To Get There By Car & Where To Park
The ground is easy to find. Leave the M6 at junction 43 and take the A69 towards Carlisle. After a mile the ground is on your right. The club car park (cost £1.50) can be found by taking the first right immediately after Brunton Park into Victoria Place and then turn first right onto St Aidans Road.
Otherwise street parking.
By Train James Prentice informs me: "Brunton Park is situated about a mile from Carlisle Citadel station, but is relatively easy to get to. Upon exiting the station's main entrance, walk the short distance around The Crescent until reaching Warwick Road. You will be able to see the old Main Stand and the strangely-shaped roofs of the Warwick Road end after walking for about twenty minutes. There are directions to the away supporters' turnstiles above the Carlisle United club shop".