Football Ground Guide: Villa Park, Aston Villa FC



Aston Villa Villa Park Capacity: 42,785 (all seated) Address: Villa Park, Trinity Rd, Birmingham B6 6HE Main Telephone No: 0121 327 2299 Main Fax No: 0121 322 2107 Ticket Office: 0800 612 0970 Ticket Office Fax: 0800 612 0977 Stadium Tours: 0800 612 0970 Club Nickname: The Villans Year Ground Opened: 1897 Pitch Size: 115 x 72 yards Shirt Sponsors: Genting Casinos Kit Manufacturers: Macron Home Kit Colours: Claret & Blue Away Kit Colours: Lime Green & Blue Official Web Sites: AVFC.co.uk Hospitality & Events AVFC Lions - Supporters Club Unofficial Web Sites: A Villa Fan Aston Villa Blog AVFC Fans Forum Heroes & Villans Villa Talk Vital Villa (Vital Football Network) AVFC Community Forum

Contents
What's Villa Park Like? Future Developments Holte End External View (photo) What Is It Like For Away Supporters? Trinity Road Stand (photo) Where To Drink? Doug Ellis Stand (photo) How To Get There By Car & Where To Park Holte End (photo) By Train Local Rivals North Stand (photo) Admission Prices For Away Supporters Ground Layout Fixtures 2012-2013 Programme & Fanzines Disabled Facilities Villa Park Stadium Tours William McGregor Statue (photo) Record & Average Attendance Fans Ground Reviews Hotel Accommodation Villa Park Location Map

What's Villa Park Like?
Although the stadium has been completely rebuilt since the late 1970's, it has some individuality, as the four stands each have their own design, making it one of the more interesting in the League. At one end is the Holte End. This is a large two tiered structure which replaced one of the largest covered terraces in the country. Opened in the 1994/95 season it has a capacity of 13,500 seated supporters. At the other end is the North Stand, which is older (being built in the late 1970's), but still modern looking. This is two tiered, with a double row of executive boxes running across the middle. On one side of the pitch is the Doug Ellis Stand, which again is two-tiered and is roughly the same height as the other two stands. This stand was opened prior to the 1996 European Championships, for which Villa Park was a host venue. Opposite is the latest edition, the impressive looking Trinity Road Stand. Opened in 2001 it is three tiered, with a small tier at the front and then two larger tiers above, which are separated by a row of executive boxes. Although at the time many fans were disappointed to see the old Trinity Road Stand demolished, I think its replacement gives the ground a more overall balanced look, because the new stand, although the largest at Villa Park, has roughly the same roof level as the other three sides. There are also two large video screens installed in opposite corners of the ground. An unusual feature is that between the Trinity Road & Holte End Stands is a pavilion type structure that was built at the same time as the Trinity Road. This three tiered building is used for corporate hospitality. On the other side of the Holte End is another similar looking structure that is used for police control. The only disappointment with Villa Park is that the corners of the ground are open, however there are plans to fill in the corners at some point, at the North Stand end of the ground (see below). Top Of Page
Future Developments
The Club have received planning permission to re-develop the North Stand. This would involve building a new stand that would extend around the current open corners at that end of the stadium. However, there are currently no firm timescales as to when this will take place. When completed the capacity of Villa Park would be increased to 51,000. In another move the Club are exploring the possibility of a 'safe standing' area at Villa Park. This however is a much wider issue and would require a change to the existing law, for this to be allowed. Top Of Page
Holte End External View
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What Is It Like For Away Supporters?
Away supporters are located on one side of the Doug Ellis Stand, towards the North end of the stadium. Up to 3,000 fans can be accommodated in this area, split between both the upper and lower tiers of the stand. The concourse at the back of the upper tier is particularly tight and easily becomes crowded, whereas there is more space behind the lower section. There is a fair selection of food available and it is the first football ground that I have visited that offers meat products that are Halal. There are a selection of pies (all £3.10), Burgers (£3.10), Fish & Chips (£3.50), Southern Fried Chicken and Chips (£3.50), Vegetable Samosas (£2) and Chips & Curry Sauce (£2.50). There are wide screen televisions on the concourse, showing past encounters between the teams before kick off. There is also betting facilities available in the form of a Ladbrokes outlet. Entrance to the stand is gained by entering your match ticket into an electronic reader. A visit to Villa Park is normally an enjoyable experience, with the stewards normally taking a relaxed and friendly attitude. One concern though, is that there is very little separating the home and away fans and this could lead to possible future crowd problems. Now, as I support the other team in Birmingham (and no it is isn't Solihull Moors!), it has been suggested that I am biased against Villa Park. Well all I can say that I have been to the ground on a number of occasions, in fact I can now claim to have sat in every stand, so that just shows you how unbiased I really am! Plus I have even been on the pitch. But that is another story... Top Of Page
Trinity Road Stand
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Where To Drink?
There are a number of pubs in the vicinity of Villa Park, but most of them on match days are either members only or have bouncers on the door. However, Dave Cooper recommends the following for away fans; 'The Witton Arms (formerly the Cap and Gown), is not a bad pub, to which half the pub is given to away fans (there is even a separate entrance for visiting fans). It is only two minutes walk from the away entrance, right on Witton Island, however it does charge £2 per person to gain entry'. Alex Alexander a visiting Norwich City fan adds; 'We found a pub approximately 15 minutes walk from the ground where away fans were made welcome. It is called the Yew Tree. Although they don’t serve real ale, they had a good range of beers and Magner’s on draught. It is on the same road as the Witton Arms, but with this pub on your left carry straight on up the road, passing Witton Railway Station on your right. After about half a mile you will see the pub on the right hand side'. If you arrive a bit earlier then you may wish to visit the historic Bartons Arms, located about a 15 minute walk away on High Street Aston (A34). This Grade II listed building, is one of Birmingham's finest pubs, with superb Victorian decor, serving Oakham ales and Thai food is also on offer. It is a regular entry in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. Darren Williams a visiting Manchester City fan adds; 'We have always park at an entertainment complex called StarCity. It is just off Junction 6 of the M6, going towards Villa Park. Huge free car park, plus plenty of food and drink outlets. It is then about a mile and half walk to the ground'. Please note that alcohol is not available to away fans inside the stadium. Top Of Page
Doug Ellis Stand
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How To Get There By Car & Where To Park
The ground can be seen from the M6, if you are coming from the North side of Birmingham. Leave the M6 at Junction 6 and take the slip road sign posted Birmingham (NE). Turn right at the island (the fourth exit), the ground is well signposted from here. However to be on the safe side, turn right at the second set of traffic lights (there is the King Edward VII pub on the corner) on to Aston Hall Road. This road will take you down to the ground. Mostly street parking (don't be surprised though if you are approached by kids wanting to 'mind your car'), although this is not as plentiful as it once was due to a local residents only parking scheme now in place in the streets around the Witton roundabout area. Roland Archer a visiting Southampton fan adds; 'If you arrive early enough then in-between the Witton Arms and Witton Station there is a small pay and display car park which cost only £1.60 for six hours.' Map showing the location of Villa Park (at the bottom of this page). Top Of Page
Holte End
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By Train
Take the short train journey from Birmingham New Street (around 10-15 minutes) to either Aston or Witton station. Witton station is nearer to the away section and is only a few minutes walk from the ground. Turn left out of the station exit and continue down to a roundabout. Turn left at the roundabout into Witton Lane and the entrance to the away section is down this road on the right. Aston station is about a ten minute walk away from Villa Park. Extra trains are laid on to the ground on matchdays. Remember if travelling by train then you can save on the cost of fares by booking in advance. Visit the thetrainline website to see how much you can save. Top Of Page
Local Rivals
Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion & Wolverhampton Wanderers. Top Of Page
North Stand
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Admission Prices For Away Supporters
Like a number of other clubs a category scheme for ticket prices is in operation (AA, A, B & VV), whereby the most popular games cost more to watch. Category A, B & VV prices are shown in brackets below: Trinity Road Stand (Upper Middle & Wings): Doug Ellis Stand (Upper Centre): Adults £47 (A £43) (B £40) (VV £37) No concessions Doug Ellis Stand (Upper Wings & Lower Tier): Adults £45 (A £43) (B £40) (VV £37) Students & Armed Forces £37 (A £36) (B £34) (VV £32) Under 21’s £32 (A £30) (B £28) (VV £26) Over 65’s £32 (A £31) (B £28) (VV £26) Under 16's £25 (A £24) (B £23) (VV £21) Holte End (Upper Tier) & Trinity Road Stand (Lower Tier & Wings): Adults £41 (A £38) (B £36) (VV £33) Students & Armed Forces £34 (A £31) (B £28) (VV £26) Over 65's £29 (A £28) (B £27) (VV £23) Under 21’s £29 (A £28) (B £25) (VV £23) Under 16's £25 (A £24) (B £23) (VV £21) Holte End (Lower Tier): Adults £38 (A £36) (B £34) (VV £31) Students & Armed Forces £32 (A £30) (B £29) (VV £27) Over 65's £28 (A £26) (B £24) (VV £22) Under 21’s £28 (A £27) (B £24) (VV £21) Under 16's £24 (A £24) (B £23) (VV £21) North Stand (Upper) & Holte End & Trinity Road Lower Tier (Outer Wings): Adults £31 (A £30) (B £26) (VV £24) Students & Armed Forces £25 (A £24) (B £21) (VV £18) Under 21’s £24 (A £23) (B £21) (VV £19) Over 65’s £21 (A £20) (B £19) (VV £18) Under 16's £20 (A £20) (B £19) (VV £18) 1 Adult + 1 Under 16 (N/A to AA matches) (A £47) (B £42) (C £36) North Stand (Lower Tier): Adults £26 (A £25) (B £24) (VV £21) Under 16's £20 (A £20) (B £16) (VV £16) Away Fans: Adults £45 (A £43) (B £40) (VV £37) Students & Armed Forces £37 (A £36) (B £34) (VV £32) Under 21’s £32 (A £30) (B £28) (VV £26) Over 65’s £32 (A £31) (B £28) (VV £26) Under 16's £25 (A £24) (B £23) (VV £21) Top Of Page
Ground Layout
For a stadium plan showing the individual block numbers Then visit the official website (link to PDF file). Top Of Page
Fixtures 2012-2013
Aston Villa FC fixture list (takes you to the BBC Sports Website). Top Of Page
Programme & Fanzines
Official Programme £3 Heroes & Villans Fanzine £2 Top Of Page
Disabled Facilities
For details of disabled facilities and club contact at the ground please visit the relevant page on the Level Playing Field website. Top Of Page
Villa Park Stadium Tours
Tours are available on Wednesdays, Fridays and some Sundays. However if any of these coincide with a matchday then tours will not be held on that day (plus the afternoon before and the morning after). The cost for the tour is £12.95 for adults and £7.95 for under 16's. Family tickets are also available. On Sundays there is also the option to take lunch in the Corner Flag restaurant overlooking the pitch. The cost of the tour plus Sunday lunch is; Adults £25.95 and Under 16's £13.95. Tours can be booked on 0800 612 0970 or can be booked online with the club. Top Of Page
William McGregor Statue
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Record & Average Attendance
Record Attendance: 76,588 v Derby County FA Cup 6th Round, March 2nd, 1946. Modern All Seated Attendance Record: 42,788 v Liverpool Premier League, December 29th, 2009. Average Attendance: 2011-2012: 33,873 (Premier League) 2010-2011: 37,194 (Premier League) 2009-2010: 38,573 (Premier League) Top Of Page
Fans Reviews Of Villa Park
Alan Parker (Wigan Athletic) 29/12/12 Joe Fowler (Chelsea) 31/03/12 Ben Buckingham (Queens Park Rangers) 1/02/12 Joseph Thomas (Swansea City) 02/01/12 Thomas Ling (Norwich City) 5/11/11 Craig Woodhead (Newcastle United) 24/05/09 Darren Pearson (Chelsea) 21/02/09 Top Of Page
Hotel Accommodation
If you require hotel accommodation in the area then first try a hotel booking service provided by Late Rooms. They have a huge choice of places to stay and their booking facility is straightforward to use. Yes this site will earn a small commission if you book through them, but it will go to help with the running costs of keeping the Guide going. Hotels are listed giving details of their distance from the ground. Access their Birmingham Hotels and Guest Houses page. Remember that you can use the above link or panel below to book any other hotels that you may need for business or leisure, either in the UK or abroad. Top Of Page
Map Showing The Location Of Villa Park, Railway Stations And Listed Pubs
Instructions for using the map: - Use the bar on the left of the map to zoom in / out using the + / - keys. - Click and drag an area of the map to move around or use the up/down, left/right arrows - Click the Satellite button to see aerial view photograph. Top Of Page
Feedback
If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, please e-mail me duncan@footballgrounds.net and I'll update the guide.

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