Here we go for what we hope will not be our last appearance at Wembley this season, all the information you will need for a great day, including the Pub's & bars allocated to Southampton supporters, keep coming back as the information could well be updated in the next few days.

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 2024 Play Off Final, 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.

Flags are permitted without approval if they meet guidelines. They must be under 250cm at their widest point, or 200cm x 100cm for Level 5.

They cannot display advertising or offensive messages.

Flagpoles are generally not allowed unless they are plastic and under 1m in length. Larger flags require advance permission from organisers.

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.

Those refusing to surrender alcohol face a £100 fine, while public urination is strictly prohibited and is also subject to an immediate £100 penalty.

There is also a zero-tolerance policy on flares and smoke devices, with offenders risking hefty fines and the cancellation of their match ticket.

However, supporters are encouraged to use the bars and fan zones in the area and are advised to book in advance where possible to secure entry.

The Saints fan zone will be on the west side of the stadium concourse (West Village) and will be open from 1.15pm. Other Saints venues include:

Crystals (Sports Bar & Aqua Lounge)
Address: 1 Popin Building, Southway, Wembley, HA9 0HB
Contact: 0203 576 5765 / 07985 195277

The Arch
Address: 324 Harrow Rd, Wembley, HA9 6LL
Contact: 0208 127 1141

Station 31
Address: 299-303 Harrow Rd, Wembley, HA9 6BD
Contact: 0208 900 0173

The Robin
Address: 397A High Rd, Wembley, HA9 6AA
Contact: 020 8903 0159

JJ Moons
Address: 397 High Rd, Wembley, HA9 6AA
Contact: 020 8903 4923

The Corner House
Address: 313 Harrow Road, Wembley, HA9 6BA
Contact: 0203 784 2021

Black Sheep
Address: 5 White Horse Square, South Way, Wembley, HA9 0HZ
Contact: Not listed

The Green Man
Address: Dagmar Avenue, Wembley, HA9 8DF
Contact: 0208 903 1441 / 07595 051937

Sixty Six Bar & Grill
Address: 3 South Way, Wembley, HA9 0JU
Contact: 07447 098752

La Regina (St George’s Hotel)
Address: 43-51 Wembley Hill Road, Wembley, HA9 8AU
Contact: 0208 900 0662

The White Horse
Address: 4 Wembley Park Boulevard, Wembley, HA9 0HP
Contact: 0208 237 8037

Boxpark Wembley
Address: 18 Olympic Way, Wembley, HA9 0JT
Contact: 020 7186 8800

Tickets and entry information

All tickets for the match will be issued digitally via the Saints Tickets app, with fans advised to download and check their tickets before travelling.

Tickets are sent to the email address linked to each booking, and QR codes for stadium entry will become available shortly before matchday.

Supporters can transfer tickets to others, but resale is not permitted. Anyone without a valid ticket should not attempt to attend or face sanctions.

Assistance will be available at the West Ticket Office for urgent issues.

All Photos Via Reuters