If your going up for the weekend or just for the day, here is all the info that you need to enjoy your time in the UK's most famous seaside resort.

Getting There

By Car

A simple drive, just make sure that you dont follow signs to Blackburn by mistake, take the usual route north to the M6 and then head up on that till you pass Preston at junction 32, take the M55 which takes you straight into Blackpool, right by the ground if you desire

By Train

Blackpool has two train stations, the main one is Blackpool North which is around 2 miles from the ground, so a walk bus or cab,, if you go to the seafront you could get a tram, these mainly run along the seafront these days, you would need to alight at what is termed Manchester Square signified by a big pub called the Manchester, the ground is a five minute walk in land from there.

Blackpool South is a lot nearer but trains are a lot less frequent.

Parking Etc

There is a big pay and display car park next to the ground, but this charges £3.50 for 3 hours of £7.50 for longer periods and the charges apply after 6pm as well, so you need to be prepared to cover your full time there as the traffic wardens know they can clean up from those paying too little.

Street parking is available, as a general rule of thumb head inland from the ground and the parking restrictions get less severe, always look out for the times etc on signs before leaving your car.

Bloomfield Road

The ground has changed a lot since our last visit three years ago, back then one end was completely bare whilst the away side was a small temporary stand open to the elements, now the ground has been extended behind the South goal to make three sides look pretty much standard, another temporary stand has been built on the side, this is bigger than the old one, a little more sturdier and has a roof, although the downside is that pretty much every seat has its view obstructed by a pillar.

The facilities in this stand are just as spartan as they were three years ago, the toilets are still portacabins and the catering is still limited, alcohol is NOT served in the away section. the upside is away fans can now make plenty of noise without it being carried away on the sea breeze, a cold win does whip off the Irish sea, so despite the recent mild weather, even if its sunny with the timing of the game it will get cold , so wrap up warm.

Drinking Eating Etc

As you would expect Blackpool is not short of pubs in the vicinity of the ground, the usual away pub of choice for Saints fans is the aforementioned "Manchester" on the seafront, this is a very big pub with big screens showing the live football etcand they play a bit of music to keep the atmosphere going, but if thats a bit too loud for you there are plenty of other pubs in the vicinity of the ground including the Old Bridge House on Lytham Road (this is the road to the left of the Manchester) and No 1 Bar which is a working mens club next to the ground on Bloomfield Road (thats the end furthest from the Tower) which admits away fans for a small fee.

Other Attractions

If your there for the weekend Blackpool is not short on things to do, Blackpool Tower offers some stunning views, but isnt cheap due to it also combining admission into the centre below which includes childrens play areas, Blackpool Tower Ballroom for Come Dancing enthusiasts and a few other things.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is massive and of course has the Pepsi Big One, however if you want to go in you have to buy a wristband for unlimited rides or a cheaper one just for admission, again its not cheap.

Blackpool also has several piers which are interesting for several minutes at this time of year.

Bloomfield Road

Capacity: 16,750 (all seated)

Address:

Seasiders Way, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 6JJ

Main Telephone No: 0871 622 1953

Fax No: 01253 405 011

Ticket Office: 0844 847 1953

Pitch Size: 112 x 74 yards

Team Nicknames: The Seasiders or Tangerines

Year Ground Opened: 1899

Shirt Sponsors: Wonga.com

Home Kit Colours: Tangerine & White

Away Kit Colours: White & Tangerine

Home Kit Manufacturers: Carbrini

Away Kit Manufacturers: Fila

Official Web Site:

www.blackpoolfc.co.uk

Photo: Action Images

Whatsforpud added 17:03 - Mar 28 I understand that the stand that had no roof was popularly known as the Gene Kelly Stand, as the away fans were singing in the rain.
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davepid added 20:20 - Mar 28 Nick just to say wrong sea - the North sea is the on the other side and you would have seen it if you were at Hull last week. Blackpool must be of the Irish sea - southerners, I ask you.
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SaintNick added 13:02 - Mar 29 That North sea wind is very strong you know it goes right across the country lol, you would have needed good eyes to see the north sea from Hull last week, as its about 20 or so miles inland, you would have course have seen the humber that being all watery could be mistaken for the north sea in a bad light
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