Away Days – Oakwell, Barnsley

Aston Villa is set to take a little over 3,200 supporters up to Oakwell today to take on Barnsley in the Championship.

The name Oakwell generally refers to the main stadium but it also includes several other facilities that form the Barnsley F.C. Academy. An indoor pitch, a smaller stadium with a seating plan on the south and west side, and several training pitches used by the different Barnsley age groups.

The stadium is made up of four stands, three of which were redeveloped in the 1990’s. They have a capacity of 23,009.

The Away Supporters

The away supporters are housed in the North Stand where facilities and viewing are pretty good. The allocation is usually 2,000 with fans being located to the East side of the stand. The whole stand can hold 6,000 spectators with more of the stand being given depending on demand.

Alcohol is available in the away end depending on fan behavior. Prices usually range from £3.80 for a bottle of Carlsberg but Barnsley has a special offer today between 4.00-5.00pm.

Bottles of Coors Light, soft drinks, and all hot drinks will be available for a specially reduced price of £1.30.

I need a pre-match pint!

The Metrodome is usually very popular with away supporters and is a short walk away from the ground. They open up a big open area downstairs that has popup bars and food options but it does get very crowded.

The Honeywell on Oakwell Road and the Outpost on Sheffield Road also except away supporters with a mix of home supporters.

Drinking around the train station is generally not advised but some fans have been known to have the odd drink or two without any problems in the Joseph Bramah (Wetherspoons).

How do I get there?

If you are driving then leave the M1 at junction 36 onto the A61. Take the third exit towards Barnsley (South). At the next roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the A61 and continue for about 3 miles before a right turn into Bank End Road. Then take a slight right to Grove Street which will lead you towards the ground.

The train from Birmingham New Street to Barnsley will take you around 2 hours. The ground is just a few minutes walk to Oakwell.

Parking

There is ample parking available at Barnsley. It is recommended that most park in the County Way car park, near to the railway station. There is further parking available on Queen’s Road just West to the ground.

Barnsley also offers parking to away supporters at the ground although it can be limited.

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.