Stadium Guide: Villa Park - The Home of Aston Villa F.C
| When you drive into Birmingham up the M6, then onto the A34 you will notice the impressive stadium that has been standing tall over Aston since 1897.
These days Villa park has a capacity of 43,300 with future plans of it rising to a estimated 51,000. Back in the day when you could stand in football stadiums Villa park reached 76,588.
The Villa park pitch measures up at 115x72 yards. |
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Impression
Every time you walk to a football ground you get one of two reactions, ' Wow ' or ' Is that it? '. Now being Villa fan's and we've been to may different football grounds from Doncaster's Belle Vue to Arsenal's new Emirates Stadium we like to think that most get that 'Wow' factor.
When you first approach the ground you will notice the size of it. It is simply massive, and as we have already said its going to get bigger. The clubs colors of claret and blue are proudly scattered around the ground. It is made up of four separate stands, most famously The Holte End. It is known for being one of the biggest stands behind a goal in europe.
Once inside, the home fans get that really home feel about the ground. Once again claret and blue scattered everywhere, various bars for food, drink, betting and programmes.
On the day the atmosphere at Villa park can be extremely loud and I'm sure very intimidating for those away players, however not as loud as it was back in the days.
Away Supporters
Here is a few perspectives from away fans:
A Liverpool fan:
"Villa park is a very clean and impressive stadium. I've been around and it's definitely one of the better grounds. I would even consider it being better than Anfield."
Fanzone.co.uk:
"You can understand as to why Villa Park was for years, and still is, the venue of choice for domestic Cup semi's, such is the size of the ground, and extremely accessible via public transport. Well worth visiting if the opportunity arises."
Everton Fan 'Debbie Smaje':
"Despite the away end being one of the worst in the Premiership, I still love this ground. All away games in the Midlands seem to be a good day out. The result and performance were outstanding, one I wont forget in a hurry!"
Directions
By Train
Once you reach Birmingham New Street (Main station in Birmingham), head for either Aston or Witton which should take approximately 10-15minutes. This service is local, if you decide to get of at Aston it is around a ten minute walk, or alternatively head for witton, which is closer to Villa Park, and then you just walk around the corner.
By Vehicle
The stadium can be seen from the M6, so head for Junction 6 of the M6, then onto the A38 (Villa park is now signposted from here). Take the first exit, then right onto Victoria Road. Then at the roundabout turn right onto Witton Road and arrive your destination.
Please note. The M6 and A38 can be busy at rush hour time so allow extra time for travel.
Things To Do On Matchday
Arrive at Villa park early and your in need of something to do? Well check some of these place's out.
Pub's
For home fans: There are a variety of place's to drink. The Aston Hotel and the soon to be New Holte Hotel are the closest. However, if you are willing to walk there are pubs in every direction.
For away fans: The Cap & Gown is available for away fans, and is located around 3minutes from Villa Park at Witton roundabout, or a 30 second walk from Witton train station. Shopping
One Stop Shopping Center
Is located around a 5 minute car journey away from Villa Park. Offers a variety of shops from JJB Sports, Asda and many more. This place is just over the road from 'University Of Central England'.
City Center - Bullring
The Bullring is one of europe's biggest and best shopping centers and is around a 10-15 minute drive away from Villa Park. Just simply follow signs for 'City Center'
Food
As I'm sure you will have guessed Birmingham is full of place's to eat. There arent many place's you will go in Birmingham and not find something you eat. So we have just chose a few place's.
Villa Chippy
Located on Village Road near Witton Station and offers all the usual's you'd expect to find at a chippy.
The Bucklemaster
Tucked into a former Georgian silversmiths workshop, the Bucklemaker is a delightful restaurant that manages to be traditional, contemporary and welcoming all at once. Located around 15 minutes from Villa Park at St Pauls Square.
For more place's to eat click here
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