PRIDE PARK - DERBY COUNTY
What Is It Like For Away Supporters To Visit?
Away fans are located at one end of the stadium in the Winfield Construction (South) Stand, where the allocation is 3,100, although this can be increased to 5,600, for cup games. I have thoroughly enjoyed my visits to Pride Park. The stadium and the facilities within it are superb. The PA system is almost better than you would experience in a cinema and queuing for a beer behind the stands reminded me of being at a theme park, as you are able to watch television screens as you wait. The Derby supporters are passionate about their team and this coupled with the stadium design makes for a great noisy atmosphere. I found the Derby supporters friendly and did not experience any problems at all.
The game is shown live on screens, with commentary, so that you don't have to miss anything while waiting for your half time cuppa. There is also a Mansion betting outlet too. Please note that you have to buy a match ticket before entering the stadium from the lottery office adjacent to the away turnstiles. I have received reports of away fans not being allowed entry into the stadium for being 'too drunk' in the opinion of the stewards, so be on your best behaviour.
George Donovan a visiting Ipswich Town supporter adds; 'In my opinion Pride Park is the best ground in the Championship - yes, even better than Portman Road! - thanks to its location, proximity to the train station, best pub I've been to on the way to the ground (The Brunswick - over a dozen real ales always on tap including my fave Timmy Taylors Landlord), superb catering with no queues, fantastic view, friendly home fans and great PA'. The teams emerge to 'White Riot' by the Clash.
Justin Blore informs me; 'There is a Frankie & Benny's on Pride Park across the road from the club shop and a Subway outlet. Within 500 yards there's Burger King, KFC, McDonalds and Pizza Hut too!'
Where To Drink?
Pete Stump informs me; 'On a recent visit, the police directed us to a "Harvester" about five minutes walk away from the stadium. It was full of away fans, however we were told that they don't always admit visiting supporters.' The Navigation Inn on London Road, is also popular with away supporters.
There are a couple of pubs opposite the station, such as the Merry Widows, that tend to be the favourite haunts of away supporters. However, unless you are going to arrive mob handed, then it is probably best to turn right out of the station and make your way down to The Brunswick or Alexandra Hotel. Both these pubs have a railway theme, serve a great range of real ales and offer a selection of filled rolls. Although they both have bouncers on the doors away fans are normally let in as long as there is no singing.There are bars at the back of the stands, offering Beer and Lager at £3.10 a pint, however they do get quite crowded.
How To Get There By Car & Where To Park
From the the M1, exit at Junction 25 and take the the A52 towards Derby. The ground is signposted off the A52 after about seven miles. There is not a great deal of parking available around the stadium so it may an idea to park in the centre of town and then walk out to the ground. Kenny Lyon suggests; 'perhaps a better place to park for all fans is the cattle market car park. This costs £2 and is about 15-20 minute walk from the ground and is just off the A52. To get there, go past the normal turning for the stadium and go up to the 'pentagon roundabout;' take the first turning off there and then take the next left - you then drive about 300 yards back on yourself, passing it on your left as you drive along the A52'. Pete Stump adds; 'Walking from the cattle market car park to the stadium, you will pass a KFC and a Burger King, where I did noticed that matchday parking was available for £6'. There is also parking at the Derby Conference Centre on the A6 London Road, which costs �5.
Steve Hallam informs me; 'A stretch of the A52 between Nottingham and Derby is named Brian Clough Way in honour of the great mans achievements with both Derby and Forest'.
By Train
The ground is about a 10 minute walk away from Derby railway station and is signposted. A new exit has been opened at the station which leads directly onto the retail park, as Dave Plunkett adds; 'When you go up the stairs from the platform, turn right and walk to the end of the bridge. Go down the stairs, exit and turn right down Roundhouse Road. Bear left at the roundabout, go straight down Riverside Road or turn right go down Pride Parkway where there are couple of places to eat and drink, including Old Orleans). You will reach the ground in front of you'.
If you want the pubs by the station, then turn left at the top of the stairs from the platform and on exiting the station entrance turn right. Further down on the right just past the Brunswick cross over the road and then descend some steps use the underpass, and follow the fans. The stadium is a about a 20 minute walk in total from the station using this route'.