Our first visit at least with fans present since 2019, so for those that might not have been before or have just forgotten, here is all the information that you will need.
The Stadium
The old stadium was an icon with it's twin towers, so that meant the new one had to have something as stunning and that has been achieved through the arch that can be seen from many miles around.
However for many it will never match the old stadium, with its history of not only the 1966 World Cup final win by England, but also the days when FA Cup finals meant something.
The ground opened in March 2007 with the second public game there being the FA Vase final between AFC Totton and Truro with the Cornish team unfortunately being victorious.
The stadium is totally enclosed and comprises three tiers, with both sides of the stadium being slightly larger than the ends. These sides are semi circular in construction but unlike the old Wembley are fairly close to the pitch so it has a feeling of being a football ground, something which the old stadium certainly didn't have.
The stands have large upper and lower tiers, with a smaller middle tier sandwiched in-between. This middle tier overhangs the lower tier and has a row of executive boxes at the back of it.
At each end there is a large video screen, which is moulded into the third and hence is an integral part of the stadium although this does take out part of the upper tier seating behind each goal.
The stadium has a complicated looking roof, that initially appears retractable and could if necessary be used to enclose the stadium from the outside elements. However, just over one third can be moved, so that the pitch will always be open to the elements. We of course took part in the first ever Cup Final to be played "indoors" when due to heavy rain in Cardiff in 2003 the roof at the stadium was closed.
Entering The Stadium
Getting into the ground is easy and when in inside there are spacious concourses, however if you are on level 5 the upper tier it is a bit of climb, however there are escalators to help you on your way.
Saints have been allocated the West End of the stadium, this is the same end we were allocated for the 2019 FA Cup semi final, the 2017 League Cup final and the 2010 Johnstones Paint Trophy final.
The Concourses
The concourses at Wembley unlike most football grounds are big spacious and bright, meaning that there is plenty of room to move around and sometimes entertainment beyond the usual TV screens is provided.
There are many toilets and refreshment kiosks and because of the space available there are also guest kiosks as well as the permanent ones. These pop up kiosks serve everything from Krispy Kreme Donuts to guest real ales. Apparently there are is one till for every 100 spectators in the stadium meaning that getting served is usually quick and easy.
It is not cheap though and Wembley has always had a reputation for being expensive for food and drink, however it is not that much different to the prices charged at London Premier League grounds. Expect to pay a lot more for a beer in the stadium than in a pub depending on the outlet and the size of the drink.
Most of the outlets also take card payments.
Pyrotechnics.
The use of pyrotechnics, flares and smoke devices inside or outside Wembley Stadium is illegal and prohibited. Anyone caught carrying or using pyrotechnical equipment inside the stadium will be immediately ejected from the stadium, banned from future events and dealt with by police. Those caught using pyrotechnic equipment anywhere outside of the stadium will be in breach of the PSPO order and face enforcement action.
Restricted bag policy.
Wembley Stadium operates a restricted bag policy. Each person can only bring one small bag into the stadium, and it must not be bigger than A4 size:
Height – 297mm (11.7 inches) - Width – 210mm (8.27 inches) - Depth – 210mm (8.27 inches)
Please note, this means the overall bag size – bags that are half-full and folded over to reduce their size will not be accepted. Anyone carrying bags that do not meet the criteria above will not be allowed into the stadium
Persistent standing
Persistent standing during a match at Wembley Stadium is strictly forbidden (unless with a ticket for the safe standing area) and may result in ejection from the ground. Persistent standing not only compromises crowd safety, but also affects the matchday experience of fellow spectators, especially children and elderly people.
Anti-social and discriminatory behaviour
Wembley Stadium operates a zero-tolerance policy on any form of anti-social and discriminatory behaviour. If you witness any anti-social or discriminatory behaviour on the day, text HELP to 66566 or contact your nearest steward.
Around The Stadium
As most will know from our previous article the pubs around the stadium have been allocated to each set of supporters, in general all of our allocated pubs are around the Harrow Road/Wembley High Road area which is behind the West End of the stadium in which we are situated.
The nominated Southampton pubs are as follows.
The Green Man Dagmar Avenue, Wembley, HA9 8DF
Crystals (Sports Bar & Aqua Lounge) 1 Popin Building, Southway, HA9 0HB
The Arch 324 Harrow Rd, Wembley , HA9 6LL
Station 31 299-303 Harrow Rd, Wembley, HA9 6BD
The Liquor Station 397A High Rd, Wembley, HA9 6AA
JJ Moons 397 High Rd, Wembley, HA9 6AA
La Regina St George's Hotel, 43-51 Wembley Hill Rd, Wembley, HA9 8AU
Black Sheep 2 Olympic Way, Wembley Park, HA9 0GU
Sixty Six Bar & Grill 3 South Way, Wembley, HA9 0JU
The Corner House 313 Harrow Road, HA9 6BA
White Horse 4 Wembley Park Blvd, Wembley Park, Wembley HA9 0HP
These are the designated Southampton pubs, there are other pubs in the vicinity where both Leeds & Saints fans can be admitted.
Please note these are the official pub allocations and segregation will be vigorously enforced.
Those wanting to drink near the ground would be better served if they are arriving by tube to go to Wembley Central rather than Wembley Park tube station.
Saints have been allocated Arena Square as their fan zone, , this is located next to Webley Arena.
The Fan Zone will be open from 11am-2.30pm BST, with last drink orders at 2pm BST. After that, supporters will be encouraged to head into the stadium. Match tickets will need to be shown for entry into the Fan Zone, which has a limited capacity of around 2,300
The Fan Zone will include a big screen and stage with a presenter, DJ and live music from Moonrunners, Calum Lintott, David Littleton and Saints Brass. Interviews with special guests will also take place on stage alongside competitions, giveaways, mascots and face painting
There will be an abundance of food and drink options outside the stadium, and a Jameson bus within the Fan Zone.
Also next to the stadium is the London Designer Outlet, a shopping mall which also has restaurants for those who perhaps want to get a meal, these will be rammed though.
Most supporters though tend to drink a few tube stops up the line and then come into Wembley late.
Around the stadium there are plenty of fast food outlets on both Harrow Road/Wembley High Road and near Wembley Park as well as a few supermarkets etc, most of these offer much better and cheaper options of eating in the stadium itself.
Wealdstone FC are again promoting their ground as a place to park and have a drink before the game for Southampton supporters, before taking a short tube ride to the stadium itself and more details can before here. Wealdstone Wembley Fan Zone
Getting There
The stadium has been labelled as a 'public transport' destination, meaning that there is limited parking available at the stadium itself and there is also a residents only parking scheme in operation in the local area. The pricing and availability of stadium parking varies per event. More information and bookings can be made on the official Wembley Stadium Parking website.
The stadium is well signposted and the stadium is just off the A406 North Circular Road.
The easiest route for those driving is to take the M3 and then the M25 North/West bound (signposted Heathrow). At junction 16 take the M40 towards London and then follow on the A40, from there the stadium will be signposted.
Shorter although possibly not quicker would be to take the M4 towards London and then follow signs to the North Circular again the stadium is well signposted.
Parking
There is little official parking at the stadium and local parking places have restrictions to prevent stadium users parking there, but many businesses and sports clubs etc do offer parking although it is at a price, expect to pay around £20.
Many who go to the stadium regularly for England matches park a few stops up the line north bound to the M25 on either rail or tube and park there and get the train in.
By Train/Tube
From Waterloo there are two direct tube options to Wembley, the Jubilee line is perhaps the most direct, however this goes to Wembley Park which although the nearest tube station to the ground, is not convenient for the allocated Saints pubs, so I would suggest only using this route if you intend going straight to the stadium.
The Bakerloo line takes a little longer but does go to Wembley Central which is about a 15 minute walk to the ground, but does have all the Saints allocated pubs on route.