BY CAR:
Leave M6 at Junction 31 and follow signs Left for Preston. Go up a steep hill (often a police speed trap on the hill, so stick to 30) and follow the road down to a mini roundabout (speed camera by the BP garage on the left).
At the roundabout with the Hesketh Arms turn right into Blackpool Road. Go straight on over three sets of lights and just before a fourth set, the ground appears set slightly back on the left.
Parking is mainly in the streets surrounding the ground. Thanks to Ian, an exiled Birmingham City fan in Preston for the directions.
TRAIN:
Preston station is around a mile and a half from the ground and takes around twenty five minutes to walk, although you will pass some good pubs on the way.
Leave the Preston railway station via the main entrance, and head right at the top of the drive. This is the main High Street. Continue along the High Street, passing all the regular big name shops. Some good pubs and eateries can be found down side streets off the High Street, so if you have time, take a look.
Try the Old Black Bull, and Academy, the later being about the last place on the High Street that will allow away supporters before you get to Deepdale. Colours are not recommended around town. The High Street (or Church Street/Fishergate as it’s known) is about a mile long, and you will pass a church and a bike shop as you come to its end. Simply carry on walking along this street, and when you reach the ring road, you head straight over the large traffic lights, heading towards a pub called the County Arms opposite the prison. Turn left along the road here passing the County Arms (which is not recommended for away supporters) and continue along Deepdale road.
On the left is Tom Finney sports bar, a home fans only pub, but if you have no colours you may get in. The ground is now another half mile in a straight line along this road.
AWAY END:
Away fans are housed in the modern Bill Shankly Stand at one end of the pitch. Normally the allocation for away fans is approximately half of this stand (3,000 seats) and it is shared with home supporters. However for teams with a large away support, then the whole end can be allocated, raising the allocation to 6,000.
The views of the playing action and facilities within this stand are excellent. The stand is particularly steep, meaning that fans are kept relatively close to the pitch. On the concourse there are TV’s by the refreshment serving areas showing the game live and with the bars being open during the game, this is too much of a temptation for some.
Share this article
