A few bits of info for fans travelling to leeds.
Stats
Ground Name: Elland Road
Capacity: 40,204 (all seated)
Address: Elland Road, Leeds, LS11 0ES
Main Telephone No: 0113-367-6000
Main Fax No: 0113-367-6050
Ticket Office: 0845-121-1992
Ticket Office Fax No: 0113-367-6055
Pitch Size: 117 x 76 yards
Club Nickname: United
Year Ground Opened: 1919
Shirt Sponsors: Whyte And Mackay
Kit Manufacturers: Admiral
Home Kit Colours: White With Blue & Yellow Trim
Away Kit Colours: Navy With Sky Blue Trim
Whats the ground like
I first went to Elland Road in the mid 1980’s. I remember being impressed as to how the two tiered stands continued around the corners, giving that enclosed feeling, an essential ingredient of any great stadium. The East stand is simply huge, towering above the rest of the ground (it is at least twice the size of the other stands) and has been quite well integrated into the stadium. However the other stands now look a little tired in comparison. One of these, the West Stand, was renamed in March 2004 the ‘John Charles Stand’ in honour of their former great player. There is an electric scoreboard in one corner of the ground between the South & John Charles Stands.
Whats it like for visiting supporters
Apart from the visit of Manchester United and the odd cup tie or local derby, Leeds is a fairly enjoyable place to watch your football. However, if you are attending one of the former games, then exercise caution around the ground and the adjacent car parks. Away fans are located in the South East corner of the South Stand at one end of the ground, where up to 1.800 fans can be accommodated. This allocation can be doubled if necessary by giving away fans the whole of this stand. Facilities within are fairly basic, the leg room sparse, plus I saw a number of fans being ejected (without warning) for swearing. So be on your best behaviour.
Where to drink
The nearest pub is the Old Peacock, situated behind the South Stand. It is a home supporters pub which really should be avoided. A far better bet is the Dry Salters pub which is about a ten minute walk away from the ground.To find this pub; with the Old Peacock pub behind you turn left and follow the road down to the very end. Pass the entrances to a number of car parks and go under a railway bridge. At the end of the road, turn left along the dual carriageway and the pub is a short way down ‘tucked in’ on the left. Otherwise alcohol is served within the ground.
Just a few doors down from the Old Peacock pub is the United Fisheries chippy, which does brisk business on matchdays. There is also a McDonalds outlet across the road from the East Stand. Inside the ground the delicious ‘Football’s Famous Chicken Balti Pie’ is available.
How to get there by car
Leave the M62 at junction 29, then at roundabout take the 3rd exit, then join the M1 motorway (signposted The North, Leeds (Cen))
At M1 junction 43 continue forward onto the M621 (signposted Leeds (Centre))
Elland Road is well signposted around the Leeds area and is situated right by the M621.
By Train
Leeds train station is around a 35 minute walk from the station. Probably best to either take a taxi or one of the shuttle buses, that run from just outside the station to the ground. Ben Smith adds; ‘The shuttle buses start running two hours before kick off and are probably a better idea than the long walk’.
programmes and Fanzines
Official Programme: £3.
The Square Ball Fanzine: £1.
To Ell And Back: £1.
