Away days: Cardiff City

Aston Villa is set to take just over 4,500 supporters to Cardiff City this weekend as we return to Championship action (Around 300 tickets still available for collection from the ticket office).

Cardiff City moved to the Cardiff City Stadium in 2009 after spending 99 years at their former home, Ninian Park. The stadium has a capacity of 33,300 (all seated).

The stadium is completely enclosed with digital screens on all four corners of the ground.

The Away Supporters

Away supporters are usually located between the Ninian and Grange stands where 1,800 fans can be accommodated in this area. Due to the large allocation that Aston Villa are taking it is believed that Cardiff has allocated us more of the Grange stand which spreads across the back of the goal.

Like most modern day stadiums the facilities are good with spacious concourse areas. They have TV’s on offer to keep fans occupied and offer the usual ‘football food’ and depending on fan behaviour – serve alcohol.

One thing the club has been praised for is the segregation from home fans on entry and the quick service at kiosks keeping ques small. Fosters, Strongbow and bitter are all available for around £3.90 a pint.

I need a pre-match pint!

There are very little in the way of bars in the close vicinity of the ground and fans are advised to head towards the City Centre. Those close to the ground are said to be home fans only with some stating they can be quite intimidating.

The Gol Centre on Lawrenny Avenue welcomes fans and offers somewhere to park (See below). Another option is Canton Rugby Football Club, which has a bar, large television screens with Sky Sports on offer and free parking.

How do I get there?

The nearest train station is Ninian Park Halt and is only a five-minute walk away from the ground. The journey from Birmingham New Street will take you around 2 and half hours.

Access to the ground is pretty straight forward. Leave the M4 at Junction 33 and take the A4232 towards Cardiff/Barry.Exit the A4232 on to the B4267 turn-off, signposted towards Cardiff City Stadium.

Parking

Fans are advised not to park at the nearby retail park as you are restricted to just 90 minutes and traffic wardens are known to be out in force on match days.

As mentioned above, parking is available at the Gol Centre for £5 but you will receive a voucher to redeem for food or drink inside the centre. Parking is free of charge at the Canton Rugby Football Club.

Extra Information

If you have Twitter then it is well worth following the official WMP Villa FC account. PC Stuart Bladen usually tweets live updates throughout the day.