WE have visited the Newport Stadium on two previous occasions, both for FAW Premier Cup ties, but the last time we headed to the mouth of the Rivers Usk on league duty, it was to Somerton Park, back in the late 80's.
After their various problems, County have settled at Spytty Park and progress up the leagues has seen them do the required work on their most recent home, which now has a capacity of just less then 4,500.
The biggest attendance so far has been 4,616 for an FA Cup tie with Swansea City in November 2006, while an impressive 4,221 were packed into the Stadium to witness their promotion from Blue Square South last March.
Newport County AFC
Newport Stadium
Newport
NP19 4PT
Tel: 01633 662262
Directions:
From the North/Midlands the A449 (Monmouth) crosses the M4 at Jct24 Newport (East).
Go under the motorway and take the exit signposted 'Newport International Sports Village, A48'.
Then straight on at the next 5 roundabouts.
After the fifth roundabout, you will see the ground on your left and take the next turning left and then left again into the Stadium car park, where ample parking is available.
Nearest railway station: Newport (High St)
Either take taxi from railway station or the 5 min walk to bus station - walk straight into the city centre from railway station (via underpass), left at end of street, keep straight on and pass between the Principality Building Society and Vodaphone (Skinner Street) and then turn into Upper Dock St, the bus station is off to left.
Stand 25 for either No 42 or No 43 bus (approx 15 minute bus ride).
Ground:
The stadium is primarily an athletics one, which is council owned and run. On one side is the Grandstand, which is single tiered and has a capacity of 1,100 seats. It has a large cantilevered roof and a windshield to one side. It runs for around half the length of the pitch straddling the half way line.
Opposite is a covered terrace, known as the Shed (or Velodrome side) which sits astride the half way line.
Both ends are open, with a small permanent terrace situated at the Spytty Road End. Opposite is the Cricket Club end, which has a flat standing area. For bigger games the Club has been known to erect a temporary terrace upon it.
Away fans are allocated a segregated section of the Shed terrace on the far side of the stadium.
The normal allocation for this area is around 500 fans with an additional number being allowed to stand on the flat hard standing area next to the stand.
The main problem for spectators is that the playing area has an eight lane athletics track around it, meaning that fans are set well back from the pitch which isn't that great for viewing or generating a great atmosphere at a football match.
There are generally no seats made available to away supporters. However, the Club will try to accommodate the elderly or those who are infirm, but this will mean that they will be housed with the Newport supporters within the Grandstand.
At the stadium is the popular BarAmber, which normally admits non-members including away fans for a nominal fee. Otherwise there aren't any other pubs nearby, as the stadium is located on an industrial estate.
Click here for admission prices...
