It has been almost 13 years since our last visit to Hillsborough, so a fair few of the 3,000 travelling Southampton supporters will be visiting for the first time, here is all the information they will need.
The Stadium
Hillsborough is one of those iconic grounds, it looks modern, but the last real changes to it were made back in 1996, some 27 years ago, when the main stand had a second tier and new roof added for that years European Championships.
The Spion Kop was up until 1986 a massive open terrace, said to be one of the biggest in England, in 1986 it had a roof added and then in 1993 was made all seater, ironically as a result of the legislation put in place due to the tragedy that happened in 1989 when Liverpool fans were diverted into overcrowded terrace pens resulting in 97 people eventually losing their lives
Saints supporters will be housed in the West Stand or as many will know it from 1989's tragedy, the Leppings Lane End, this stand was built in 1966 in time for the World Cup of that year.
Despite the stadium not having anything built in the last 27 years, the oldest part of the stadium only dates back to 1961 when the North Stand was built, at the time it was the largest cantilever stand built in Britain, though not the first, that was at Scunthorpe United's then home The Old Show Ground.
The Away Section
Saints fans will be housed in the aforementioned West Stand, after selling out the upper section we will also have fans in the lower section, which strangely is unchanged since the 1989 tragedy, aside from seats being put on the terracing and the fences being removed.
The upper section holds 3,400 but this capacity has been greatly reduced due to crowd issues and we will have around 2,400 in the upper section and another 600 or so downstairs.
There is plenty of room behind the stand after you come through the turnstiles and also a concourse in the upper part of the stand, the usual fare at football grounds is available.
Away Fan Pubs
There are not many pubs around the ground that will let away supporters in, the Railway Hotel on Penniston Road is one, which is on the main A61 that runs by the stadium. Walk up the A61 in the opposite direction to Sheffield City Centre (Meadowhall & M1), passing a Burger King and Garage on your left, and you will reach the pub on the right, just before a railway bridge. On the other side of the road there is also the New Bridge Inn and if you look carefully a few more pubs dotted around, generally though there are few within a 15 min walk that will let away fans with colours in.
Getting There
By Road
There are several options for getting to the ground by road, staying on the M1 past Sheffield and then getting off at Junction 36 and following the A61 into Sheffield for approximately eight miles. You will see Hillsborough Stadium on your right. This is not the shortest route to the ground, but is perhaps the easiest or quickest as it avoids the City Centre.
However the shortest routes are those that come off the M1 South of the City and it is worth following sat nav advice as to whether these are going to be quick.
Parking
It is mainly street parking but you have to arrive early, watch out as some roads near to Hillsborough are permit only, so make sure to check for warning signs before you park.
Otherwise, there are some unofficial car parks along the A61 that charge in the region of £4. There is also a car park directly behind the Kop and the Wednesday Club shop. It is called the Wednesdayite car park and is open to fans of both teams. It costs £7 for visitors and its post code is S6 1QE.
The ground is a few miles outside the City Centre so there is not really an option to park in the City Centre and walk.
By Train
Sheffield Railway Station is located over three miles away from the ground on the edge of the City Centre. Either get a taxi up to the ground (which cost around £10), or bus from the bus station which is a one minute walk away (as you leave the railway station entrance turn right. Cross over at the pedestrian crossing, and follow the signs). Head for the far side of the terminus. Bus No.53 to Ecclesfield runs regularly to the ground (every ten minutes), the journey time is about 30 minutes.
By Tram>
If you are staying in Sheffield the usually a tram to the stadium will be the best option, but there is rail replacement work taking place and it seems that the Supertram route to Hillsborough is not operating at the moment.
Eating Drinking
Many Saints supporters will be staying in Sheffield city centre and that has several areas packed with pubs, the West Street area around Sheffield City Hall has a plethora of pub, bars and restaurants and is a good starting place to explore the City a little further for food & drink.
With thanks to footballgroundguide.com
Hillsborough Capacity: 39,732 (all seated)
Address: Hillsborough, Sheffield, S6 1SW
Telephone: 03700 20 1867
Fax: 0114 221 2122
Ticket Office: 03700 20 1867 (Option 1)