A little bit early for this one, but with the games coming thick and fast all the info you need to plan your trip to South Yorkshire with plenty of time to spare.

Its been a fair few years since we last visited Bramall Lane, October 2008 to be exact when we got a 0-0 draw on the way to Administration and LeagueOne, but a lot of water has passed under the bridge since then.

Getting There
Car
The usual route to the M1 via the A34 and your choice of noth to Birmingham and the M40 & M42, or cutting cross country to Northampton just past Oxford

Leave M1 at Junction 33 and take the A630 into Sheffield City Centre. On reaching the inner ring road follow signs for A621 Bakewell, the ground is about a 1/4 of a mile the other side of the city centre. It is located on the A621 (Bramall Lane). Street Parking.

Parking
There are a few car parks near to Bramall Lane heading towards the City Centre and other options include street parking or privately owned car parks.

By Train
Not many will come by train with it being a night match, however the ground is around 10-15 minutes walk from the station, turning left on to the main road and then when the road splits take the right hand fork directly up to the ground.

The Ground
Saints fans are in the Jessica Ennis Stand (If it is still called that after the recent controversy) we have 3,000 supporters housed in the lower tier with the other 1,500 upstairs in the upper tier.

The views are good although the upper level will offer a better one in my opinion. the usual fare in the concourses including betting outlets and tv screens showing the game.

Overall Bramall lane is a decent stadium, the away end is probably the oldest part of it dating back to the late 60's early 70's and since then the other three sides have been completely rebuilt, the main or South Stand technically wasn't rebuilt as up to 1974'ish nothing stood on the South Side of the ground as Bramall Lane was also a cricket ground and effectively only three sides up to the mid 70's.

Drinking Eating Etc

The Pubs next to the ground tend to be for home fans only and Saints fans will need to walk towards the City Centre to find other pubs that will let them in, although with such a big following going it is likely that some of the pubs may find themselves packed with Saints fans before they have a chance to impose restrictions.

Sheffield United have a very passionate following which can be intimidating at times so caution is advised.

Watch out for Yorkshires toughest football firm though as voted for on Danny Dyer's documentary series of a few years ago, not as you might expect Leed's or Sheffield's own BBC but the South Yorkshire Police who stand no nonsense whatsoever.

Bramall Lane

Capacity: 32,702 (all seated)
Address: Bramall Lane, Sheffield, S2 4SU
Main Telephone No: 0871 995 1899
Fax No: 0871 663 2430
Ticket Office: 0871 995 1889
Club Nickname: The Blades
Year Ground Opened: 1862*
Pitch Size: 112 x 72 yards
Shirt Sponsors: John Holland Sales
Home Kit Colours: Red, White and Black
Away Kit Colours: Black With White Trim
Kit Manufacturers: Adidas
Official Web Site: www.sufc.co.uk

Photo: Action Images

Bison added 12:31 - Dec 11 If you love your real and close to brammal lane then Devonshire Cat. Sister to Fat Cat at Kelham Island. http://www.sheffieldpub.co.uk/pubs/city-centre/devonshire-cat/
0

Southampton Polls