 Monday, 30th Jan 2012 22:10 by Clive Whittingham A rare midweek round of Premiership fixtures carries QPR to Birmingham for a match against Aston Villa on Wednesday night. If you’re planning on travelling, read on.
Ground Name: Villa Park Capacity: 42 640 (all seated) Address: Villa Park, Trinity Road, Birmingham, B6 6HE Main Telephone No: 0121 327 2299 Ticket Office: 0800 612 0970 By Car: QPR fans who travelled to the League Cup tie here a few years ago may recall that on arrival we found the Aston expressway closed and a lengthy diversion up the M6 and back again that saw many Rangers supporters still taking their seats midway through the first half. Thankfully that now seems to be sorted so it’s simply M6 to junction six then off onto the A5127 Aston Expressway. The ground is clearly visible once you’ve arrived at junction six so get straight off the Expressway at the first possible opportunity and start looking for somewhere to park. Map: Click on the map to visit Google and zoom in or tour around. Parking: Pretty rank it has to be said. Basically once you’re off the Expressway start looking for anything you can find. Street parking is limited by residents only schemes and if you do find a space expect some kid to take a fiver from you for the privilege of not nicking your alloys. On our experience last time lots of local schools and businesses open up their play grounds and car parks to fans and charge around a fiver for you to park there – my advice is take one if you can see it, and go for the first one you see otherwise you could end up driving around right up to kick off time. Not the best for driving it must be said. Train: There are two ways to do London to Birmingham by train, the Chiltern services from Marylebone are slower but much cheaper – the 1407 has a £15 single ticket left on it, the 1446 has £9.50 tickets and there are other deals about. Sadly the only option on the way back is the 2310 from New Street to Euston which is Virgin and is therefore very expensive. From new Street local trains serve Witton and Aston. The ground is clearly visible from both Witton and Aston stations so you should have no trouble with the five minute walks from either – the away end is closer to Witton so if you can get off there do. Coach: The official coach leaves Loftus Road at 3pm and picks up at the Target Roundabout at 3.30pm. The cost is £26 for Adults, £16 for seniors and young adults and £14 for juniors with the usual discounts for season ticket holders. The LSA coach leaves at 2pm from the Springbok, and a second coach has now been added. Price is £25 for adults, £15 for concessions, call gary on 07506 028 189 to book. Pubs: Villa, and Birmingham in general, is normally pretty inhospitable to away fans as far as pubs go and it’s worth bearing in mind that QPR’s finest hardly covered themselves in glory last time we were here so don’t expect a warm welcome tomorrow night. We used to drink in The Armada under the motorway junction back in the Premiership days but I’ve no idea if it’s even still there never mind away fan friendly so I wouldn’t want to recommend it. The guide mentions the Cap and Gown which apparently has separate home and away sections with a £2 entry fee and is right next to Witton railway station. The Harriers and Barton Arms a little further afield also come recommended but again I’d expect a high police presence and possibly plenty of hassle this week. Tickets: Rangers have 200 tickets left for this game priced £25 for adults, £15 for seniors, young adults and students and £10 for juniors. An adult and junior combination ticket is available for £33. Wheelchair tickets are £16, £10 juniors. Tickets have now been returned to Aston Villa for sale on the night. Links >>> Detailed travel guide >>> Official Website Tweet @loftforwords Photo: Action Images Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.
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