Bristol City and Ashton Gate:
The club was founded in 1894 as Bristol South End. The name changed to Bristol City in 1897 on joining the Southern League and becoming a limited company.
In 1900, Bristol City merged with Bedminster Football Club. After After playing one season at both St. John’s Lane, home of Bedminster Football Club, and Ashton Gate, the club was based for three seasons at St. John’s Lane.
After this time, the decision was made to make Ashton Gate the new home of Bristol City Football Club.
The club enjoyed some early successes upon entering the football league structure, most notably a win in the Welsh Cup, despite being an English club, in 1934.
The success didn’t continue for the Robins, nicknamed after the red colour in their original kit and the later use of the bird in the crest.
In 1982, Bristol City became the first English club to suffer three consecutive relegations.
Bankruptcy followed in 1990.
Tough times followed as the Robins clawed their way back. Securing promotion to the Championship with a second placed finish following a 3-1 win over Rotherham United sparked memorable final day celebrations in 2007.
Ashton Gate’s capacity is changing all the time at present due to ongoing building works. Capacity for tomorrow is expected to be just over 21,000 and the game is a sell-out.
Away supporters will be housed in the west end of the Atyeo Stand, close to home supporters in the east side of the stand. The single tiered stand opened in 1994 and offers supporters’ unrestricted views and decent levels of comfort.
In the Atyeo Stand car park, there will be a burger van, with alcohol available.
How to get there:
By car:
Depending on traffic, which will be heavier than usual as this is a Bank Holiday weekend, a journey from Birmingham to Ashton Gate by car should take approximately two hours and thirty minutes
For directions to Ashton Gate, click here.
Use postcode BS3 2EJ for sat navs.
Parking:
There may be some on-street parking available near Ashton Gate if you arrive early.
Bedminster Cricket Club is home to the official car park. The cricket club offers secure parking as well as bar facilities and food. The cricket club is just a five minute walk from the ground.
There is also parking available at private sites on Ashton Vale Road, including the recommended Avonline PLC, where the charge is £5 per car. From Ashton Vale Road, it is a five minute walk to the stadium.
By train:
Crosscountry run hourly services from Birmingham New Street to Bristol Temple Meads. The train journey takes between two hours and five minutes and two hours and twenty minutes.
Return tickets for tomorrow cost £54.00.
The ground is more than two miles from the station so walking is not advised. Abus also run a service from Temple Gate (for Temple Meads Station) that takes supporters to the ground for £2 (single or return). This service does not begin until 2p.m., however.
Where to drink:
The Nova Scotia Hotel, described as a “traditional Bristol pub”, is located at Nova Scotia Place, BS1 6XJ. It will be open to away fans from 11a.m.
The Pump House, a former Victorian pumping station, which can be found on Merchants Road, BS8 4PZ, is another option for away supporters and will open at 11a.m.
A third option is Hen & Chicken, 210 North Street, BS3 1JF, which will be open from 9a.m.
As always, wherever you go and whatever you do, have a great day.
