Swansea.com Stadium - Swansea stadium
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- Ground Layout
Last Update:
August 7, 2024
The Club moved to the Stadium in 2005, after spending 93 years at their former Vetch Field home. Built by Interserve for a cost of around £30m, it is located near the former site of the Morfa Athletics Stadium on the West side of the River Tawe. The stadium was christened White Rock by the Swansea residents but was renamed the Liberty Stadium under a corporate sponsorship deal.
Although fairly conservative in its design, the stadium is still impressive. It is completely enclosed with all four corners filled with seating. Each of the four stands is two-tiered and three are of the same height. The West Stand at one side of the pitch is slightly taller, having a row of 28 corporate hospitality boxes, situated above the upper tier. The Club’s offices are also located behind this stand. An unusual feature is the great use of transparent roofing towards the South End of the stadium. This allows more natural light into this area, making for an interesting effect. There are a couple of large video screens located in the opposite South East and North West corners. Outside the stadium at the southwest corner, by the club shop and ticket office, is a statue of former Swansea legend Ivor Allchurch. The stadium is shared with the Ospreys Rugby Union Club.
Away fans are housed in the North Stand at one end of the stadium. Up to 2,000 fans can be accommodated in this area, although this allocation can be reduced to 1,000 for teams with a smaller following. The views of the playing action from this area are excellent as there is a good height between rows and the leg room is probably one of the most generous of any stadium that I have visited. The concourses are spacious, with food and beverage outlets, plus several television sets, for pre-match and half-time entertainment. As you would expect from a new stadium the facilities are good. Away fans are separated from home fans by two metal barriers, with a line of stewards and Police in between. Interestingly, the main singing contingent of home fans, have, in the traditions of the Vetch Field, situated themselves along one side of the pitch in the East Stand, rather than at the South end of the stadium.
David McNeil informs me; ‘As a West Brom fan on holiday in Swansea, I visited the new stadium for the first League game against Tranmere. The stadium is very impressive and the facilities inside the stadium are excellent. Large concourse and great views from the stands. The atmosphere generated by the Swansea fans was excellent throughout the 90 minutes and it will become an intimidating place just as the Vetch used to be. Pre-match entertainment was enjoyed by my kids especially the antics of Cyril the Swan. Great day out, would love to visit the ground again when West Brom plays there’.
Tickets will not be sold to away supporters by Swansea City on the day of the match, so do not travel unless you already have a ticket from your Club. It is also worth bearing in mind that the Swansea fans are passionate about their club and this can make for an intimidating atmosphere. Exercise caution around the ground.
Steve Griffiths adds; ‘On the nearby retail park, there is a KFC & Pizza Hut – within five minutes walk. Opposite the stadium is a very nice chippy called ‘Rossi’s’. As well as the usual chips with fish, pies, sausages, etc.. they also do salads and jacket potatoes.
- The Harvester – Morfa Shopping Park, SA1 2FB
- Frankie & Benny’s – The City Gates, SA1 1EE
- Plough and Harrow – 314 Llangyfelach Road, SA5 9LG
- the Bank Statement – Wind Street, SA1 1EP
- No Sign Bar – 56 Wind Street, SA1 1EG
- The Wern Inn – 48 Siloh Road, SA1 2PE
- The Station Inn – 22 Hamilton Street, SA1 2QJ
The main entrance to the Swansea.com stadium for home fans is on the corner between the South Stand and the West Stand. As fans walk through the main entrance, they will then be able to either visit the ticket office on the right or the club store on the left.
Alternatively, they can head to the stand they are sitting in and enter the stadium. Home fans can use all the turnstiles around the stadium with the exception of those reserved for away fans in the North Stand.
Behind the North Stand is where most away fans will enter the stadium perimeter. There is car park here for away buses.
🎶 ‘OHHHHHHHH JOEY RODON’S MAGIC! HE WEARS A MAGIC HAT!’ 🎩
But where did the whole chant start? 🤔
Let’s find out from the man himself! 👇 pic.twitter.com/pQbpk736Kw
— Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) April 11, 2020
Chips and curry sauce butty at Swansea (@SwansOfficial)
💷 £3.70 pic.twitter.com/MRRop1pWCI
— Footy Scran (@FootyScran) January 22, 2022
The Club have put in a formal planning application to extend the capacity of the Liberty Stadium to 34,000. The first phase of the developments would see an additional tier being added to the East Stand, increasing the number of seats by 6,000. This would be followed at a later stage with additional tiers being added to both ends of the stadium. No time scales have been announced as to when these developments would take place.
In stadium terms, the Liberty – or as it’s officially known, the Swansea.com stadium – is relatively new given it was only opened in 2005. Even so, a couple of minor rejigs have taken place since then to squeeze in a few hundred more seats for spectators. Of course, Swansea have an extensive history that predates the Liberty Stadium as well. It was all spent at the same place though, Vetch Field. The stadium was opened in 1912 to coincide with the formation of Swansea Football Club. Over the years the stadium grew from being formed by mounds of dirt to actual stands with double tiers but, despite a strong feeling from the Swans’ fan base, it eventually had to come down; the place Swansea had called home was demolished in 2011 – 99 years after opening.
Leave the M4 at Junction 45 and take the A4067 towards the City Centre (signposted A4067 South). Stay on the A4067 for around two and a half miles and you will reach the stadium on your left. Car parking at the stadium is for permit holders only and most of the immediate residential areas around the stadium now have ‘residents only’ parking schemes in place. However away minibuses and coaches can park behind the North Stand in a fenced compound, for £20 per coach and £10 per minibus. Don’t be tempted to park at the nearby Morfa Retail Park as it has a time limit for parking of 90 minutes, so you may well end up with a parking fine if you then stay for the duration of the match. There is also the option of renting a private driveway near the Liberty Stadium via YourParkingSpace.co.uk.
Away Fans Park & Ride Facility
Away supporters are being encouraged to use the Park & Ride facility located at the Felindre old steelworks, which is signposted off Junction 46, shortly after leaving the M4. The cost of parking there including transport by bus to and from the stadium is £10 per car. Away supporters have their separate buses to and from the stadium, with the buses waiting outside the away stand at the end of the game to take supporters back to the car park. Simon Wright a visiting West Bromwich Albion fan adds; ‘The park and ride are located in the middle of nowhere, but curiously has a high fence. The facility is also used as a park-and-ride for the DVLA so the fencing may be for the benefit of their staff. There are toilets on the site although they do look rather ancient. All the staff were friendly and the buses frequent. After the game has ended, the park-and-ride buses leave the compound with the away coaches for fairly obvious reasons. In my case, this meant a wait of around 20 minutes.
There is also some street parking to be had. If coming from the M4, you pass the stadium on your left and continue straight on towards Swansea, then after going under a bridge, there are several roads on the right, where on-street parking is available. It is then around a 10-15 minute walk to the stadium. However, please note that after the game has ended the Police close the A4067 road running past the stadium, meaning that you can’t go back up to the M4 that way. You need to instead go back up to the stadium and where the road is closed turn right at the roundabout onto the A4217. At the next roundabout turn left continuing away from Swansea City Centre. At the junction with the A48 turn right and this takes you up to Junction 44 of the M4.
Andrew Bartlett a visiting Southampton fan adds; ‘I intended to use the park and ride and followed the signs but found the site to be a desolate wasteland with flooded potholes, not very inviting at all. Instead, I drove to the stadium and despite the dire warnings found free on-street parking only a few minutes walk away and almost traffic-free after the match. The level of security and large Police presence was completely unnecessary for such a low-key game’.
Post Code for SAT NAV: SA1 2FA
Swansea Railway Station is on the main line route from London Paddington. It is about two miles from the Liberty Stadium. Regular local bus services (every ten minutes: routes 4, 4a, 120, 122, 125, 132) and taxis (around £7) are available from the train station to the stadium. Otherwise, if you have time on your hands and wish to embark on the 25-30 minute walk, then as you come out of the station turn right and go up the High Street. At the traffic lights turn right into Neath Road. Proceed straight along Neath Road and you will eventually reach the stadium on your right. Thanks to Tom Evans for providing the directions.
After the match has ended the Club provides a bus service to take away fans back to Swansea Railway Station. Shown with the destination ‘Town Centre’ it costs £2.80 per single or £4.50 per return per person.
All areas of the Liberty Stadium
Adult: £27-£34
Senior: £17-£21
Armed Forces: £17-£21
Student: £17-£21
U21: £17-£21
U18: £11-£15
U12: £8-£12
Concessions apply to Over 60’s, Under 16’s and Full Time Students (ID required at turnstiles).
Home supporters can gain further discounts on these prices by becoming club members.
Disabled supporters are admitted at the relevant price above, a helper is admitted free.
Please note that tickets for the away section are not on sale on the day of the game, but must be purchased in advance from the visiting club.
Official Programme ‘Jack Magazine’ £3
Swansea Oh Swansea Fanzine £1
A Touch Far Vetched Fanzine £1
Swansea vs Cardiff rivalry
Swansea vs Cardiff is unquestionably the biggest game on the calendar for Swans fans when the fixture list comes out. The two of them are the major clubs in Wales but their rivalry breaks those borders with the derby day considered amongst the most heated in the United Kingdom.
In addition to Cardiff, clashes between Swansea and the two Bristol clubs – City and Rovers – can also bring about derby day-like banter. Labelling those games as bonafide rivalries would be a tad strong though.
26 spaces for wheelchair-away supporters are available in the North Stand at the front of the upper tier. There is a lift on the concourse of this stand to help disabled fans gain access. Five car parking spaces are reserved for visiting disabled fans at the stadium, for £10 per vehicle, but these must be booked in advance through your club. Additionally, there is a disabled drop-off bay by the stadium and the ‘Park & Ride’ scheme is wheelchair accessible. Disabled fans pay the full adult ticket price, but the helper goes free.
Record Attendance
At The Liberty Stadium:
20,972 v Liverpool, Premier League, 1st May 2016.
At The Vetch Field:
32,796 v Arsenal, FA Cup 4th Round, 17th February 1968.
Average Attendance
2023-2024: 16,586 (Championship)
2022-2023: 16,935 (Championship)
2021-2022: 17,376 (Championship)
2020-2021: 0 (Covid) (Championship)
2019-2020: 16,151 (Championship)
Official Web Site:
Unofficial Web Sites:
Vital Swansea (Vital Football Network)
Social Media
Official Club Facebook Page
If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, please e-mail me at: [email protected] and I’ll update the guide.
Special thanks to:
Owen Pavey for providing the ground layout diagram.
Haydn Gleed for providing the YouTube video of the Liberty Stadium.
The Liberty Stadium Away Visitor Guide Video – Is the Official Guide video produced by Swansea City FC and distributed via YouTube.
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the ground itself?
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the stadium?
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the ground itself?
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the stadium?
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the ground itself?
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the stadium?
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the ground itself?
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the stadium?
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the ground itself?
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the stadium?
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the ground itself?
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the stadium?
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the ground itself?
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the stadium?
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the ground itself?
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
Swansea City v Arsenal
Premier League Saturday
28 September 2013, 5.30pm
By Christian Stephenson (Arsenal fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
I tend not to get to go to away games much, owing to fatherhood, so I was looking forward to everything that comes with an away trip at Arsenal i.e. vocal away support that travels in good numbers and a few ales. I was also looking forward to seeing the Liberty stadium for the first time.
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
The game kicked off at 5:30pm for TV reasons, meaning that the last train from Swansea back to London that evening (7:30pm) was impossible to catch, so we drove. I researched the journey beforehand and, despite most advice saying to exit the M4 at Jn 45, got off at Jn 44 and followed the A48 and A4217 – piece of cake. Car parking was easy – there's a very friendly place called the Landore Social Club in a service road right by the stadium, off Neath Road. Parking was £4, and entry to the club is 50p for non-members. Away fans were welcome.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?
We had a few beers at the Landore Social Club….in the car park! (we had a few cans of ale with us already). We had a beer inside the ground also, but it was packed and a nightmare to get served. The beers were unremarkable, Carling I think (why no Brains SA Gold?!), for about £3.50.
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
The concourse of the ground is like many other new builds – concrete-y, breeze blocks everywhere, etc. The inside (i.e. in our seats) of the ground is nice enough; again a bit too much grey concrete, I think they could give it a lick of paint. The view was fine as is always the case with these new stadiums. I was surprised it was so small, but that's no bad thing, it can make for a better atmosphere. One little architectural feature I did like was the translucent roof at the opposite end to ours and it being staggered along the two sides to eventually be non-translucent at our end. Presumably this is something to do with the sun shining, but I thought it gave a little character to the ground.
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
As above, pretty functional. The bar could have been bigger, but facilities fine, no wait for the toilet. The chips we had at half time were better than average. Pricing inside the ground was definitely not at 'rip off' level like we see at Arsenal.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Very, very easy. The car park at the social club emptied in seconds. We went back out to Jn 44 M4 again; the route to Jn 45 was blocked as the police shut the A4067, presumably to let all Arsenal coaches leave at the same time. We were on the M4 within ten minutes.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
2-1 to The Arsenal, all good! A very enjoyable day. The game wasn't a classic, we played some lovely football at times, but the match didn't replicate the "two best footballing sides in the league" build-up. I thought the Swansea fans would be more vocal than they were. When they were vocal, they seemed to just boo ex-Cardiff player Aaron Ramsey, who deservedly scored the second goal. I'd be back again, next time I'd hope to be able to get the train, or maybe I'll stay over and do the 'Mumbles mile'! One last thing – tickets were £45! Incredible, do they charge all clubs that fee? Of course they don't. An issue that will no doubt have a lot more exposure again this season, which is no bad thing.
Swansea City v Wigan Athletic
Championship
Saturday 18th January 2020, 3pm
Craig Milne (Doing the 92)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Liberty Stadium?
I was keen to see what all the talk was about. A stadium with good reviews and a healthy atmosphere.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
I joined the Wigan Athletic travel club for £6 online and signed up to their coach for £28 return. The journey down was great with no issues at all. The coach parked directly outside the away end. This is surrounded by fencing and there’s black material hanging over it so away and home fans can’t even see each other.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
I popped across the road to Rossi’s chip shop which has a restaurant too. They also have a breakfast bar in the car park serving breakfast baps and burgers. I tracked down some local pubs that welcome away fans. There's the Globe on Mysyyd Road and the Commercial Inn on the corner of Robert Street. Both only a 10 minute walk away and serving real ale. There were plenty of fans going to the match and there were no issues. However, there was an incident at the away end as some fans were trying to make their way in. Both sets of fans were involved with a couple of arrests and 4 away fans being refused entry. There was a battalion of stewards and a few police.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Liberty Stadium?
Holding 20,000 I was made up with how it looked. There were plenty of corporate boxes bringing money into the Club. There was loads of room under the stand on the concourse and a well-stocked food counter.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
Any atmosphere came from the home fans, who had plenty to sing about and the home singing section were very vocal. There were plenty of visible stewards. When there was a bit of barracking from both sets of supporters they were quickly onto it warning individuals involved. They even asked the parents of a little girl to empty her fruit shoot into a glass and confiscated the bottle. The game started well for Wigan going one nil up but as with the 3 other times I’ve seen them away this season ended in defeat with Swansea winning 2-1.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
No issues with the coach, part from a slight delay letting pedestrians out and no police escort. But once mobile always moving albeit slowly at first.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Loved it. Wigan fans are a friendly bunch to travel with. I didn’t much like the initial impression that you're given where the coaches parked of the home fans though. With blackouts and huge numbers of stewards present.
Swansea City v Sheffield United
Championship League
Saturday 19th January 2019, 5.30pm
Neil Hedge (Sheffield United)
Swansea City v Leeds United
Championship League
Tuesday 21st August 2018, 7.45pm
Shaun (Leeds United)
Swansea City v Southampton
Premier League
Tuesday 8th May 2018, 7.45pm
Wayne Pithers (Southampton fan)
Swansea City v Watford
Premier League
Saturday 23rd September 2017, 3pm
Ben (Watford fan)
Swansea City v Hull City
Premier League
Saturday 20th August 2016, 3pm
Debra Cassar (Hull City fan)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Liberty Stadium?
My first ever visit to Swansea's Liberty Stadium. I love Wales so looked out for this fixture when they were first announced. Also Hull City were unbeaten albeit after only one match!
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
I went on the train from Wilmslow, Cheshire so it was hassle free. Came out of Swansea Railway Station and asked a local for walking directions to the ground which took about 25 minutes.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
Met a Swansea friend before the game and had a bite to eat at the chippy outside of the ground (Rossi's). We had the local delicacy of rissole and chips. Had the Plenty of light-hearted banter with the home fans especially the kids. The guy selling me the local fanzine wished me a safe trip home.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Liberty Stadium?
The liberty Stadium is situated next to a retail park and looks like the average new-build ground. As well as a statue of Welsh legend Ivor Allchurch, then outside the stadium there's a 'Hall of Fame' of former players in plaque form. Inside the ground we had a good view from the North Stand. The Liberty Stadium is a very compact ground and I think you'd get a decent view wherever you sat.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
This was a game that Swansea could have won. Lots of missed chances. However Hull held on to win 2-0 with sheer doggedness. Home fans weren't particularly vocal given that it was their first game at home but neither were they hostile towards the away supporters. As I'd already eaten, I only had a cup of tea (£2). The queuing system was well organised so no one able to push in. Before the game a club photographer came round to take photos. A nice touch which made me feel welcome. Stewards and police were low key. Unfortunately a Hull fan decided to set off a flare/firework but was soon ejected in a swift manner.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
We were gated in which meant that the police had full control of how you left the ground. I went straight onto the bus to the station provided for away fans, which cost £2. Although there was a bit of traffic out of the ground, the route takes you the quickest way via a bus only road!
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Even if the result hadn't gone our way I had a wonderful day out. Admittedly it was a fifteen hour round trip but I can't recommend a visit highly enough. Everyone was so friendly whether in the local shops, outside of the ground, club shop etc. The Liberty Stadium is by far the friendliest ground I've been to.
Swansea City v Watford
Premier League
Monday 18th January 2016, 8pm
Stephen Barrow (Watford fan)
Why were you looking forward to visiting the Liberty Stadium?
A chance to visit the Liberty Stadium and Swansea for the first time on the next leg of the Pozzo inspired Premiership campaign.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
Monday night football in deepest Wales means a train to Swansea and an overnight stop. Plenty of places to eat and drink in the city centre and a short taxi ride to the ground (£6).
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
Decided to eat in the city centre, a decent curry at Pawshee in Singleton Street, which is just round the corner from the central bus station and cab ranks. Not a great bus service on Monday evenings so jumped in a cab for the quick trip to the stadium.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Liberty stadium?
The Liberty Stadium is located a fair bit out of town, but looks great lit up for a night game. Plenty of folk drinking outside the Harvester even though it was a very cold night. Swansea stewards quite the friendliest and helpful bunch I have ever encountered on the 50 plus away grounds I have visited down the years. Well informed, helpful and with a good sense of humour. Other clubs take note, it can be done really well with a bit of effort. Ground is compact and impressive, especially from the inside. My view was great, and the away fans able to generate a fair bit of noise. Credit to the home fans, despite a dismal run and slipping into the relegation zone, they really got behind their team, right from the first whistle.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
Swansea City were there for the taking. Low on confidence, on a bad run and outplayed in the early season match at Vicarage Road. In response, Watford elected not to turn up in the first half. Abandoning the aggressive gegenpress of the first half of the season, the Hornets were pushed back into a defensive mode with a number of players performing well under par. Exploiting their territorial advantage, the home side through Williams opened the scoring and although Swansea did not really look like adding to the score, Watford failed to muster an attack worthy of note in the first 45 minutes. The second half sparked a reversal of fortunes. More aggressive in the tackle and closing down, Watford carved out the best chances, but woeful finishing and poor decision making resulted in no end product. The away fans gradually recognised the inevitable as the home fans got behind their team to cheer them over the line. I did not use the facilities etc, but the service and queues etc looked pretty good. Again, big credit to Swansea City, they have got a lot right with the stadium, including a number of clever/funny signs and banners inside the ground.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Swansea organise a bus back into the city right outside the away end (£1.50) which has a police escort. This is a great idea as although the police escort arrived late and we were held up for fifteen minutes, the bus takes a route back to the railway station and on into the city that bypasses the horrendous traffic problems leaving the car parks for home fans. We passed loads of grid locked cars on our route into town and the Swansea fans forums suggest delays of over an hour exiting car parks since a change in arrangements for the home park and ride etc. I'd check in advance.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Very poor game from a Watford perspective, but mightily impressed with Swansea City and how they run their stadium. Fans were friendly but passionate, creating a good atmosphere. Proper club, I hope they stay up, hopefully not at our expense, as I'd definitely visit again.
Swansea City v AFC Bournemouth
Premier League
Saturday 21st November 2015, 3pm
Brian Lawes (AFC Bournemouth fan)
Why were you looking forward to visiting the Liberty Stadium?
Swansea City are another of the smaller clubs that have excelled in the Premier League and their Liberty Stadium is of the kind that Bournemouth could aspire to, one day.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
Fifteen of us went up in a hired mini-bus, straight into the away fans coach park. – for a £10 fee. The ground is just off the A4067 so was very easy to find.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
We arrived about 1.45pm and all piled into the Harvester by the ground. It naturally was rammed, but we did get served quickly and then had to stand outside with our beer as there was no room inside. It was freezing, but there was a burger bar right by us so a couple of us went for a burger to help warm us up. This proved to be unwise, as although the food was indeed warm, not much else good could be said of it. Next time we plan to get food from inside the stadium. As with most of the away games we have been to this season, the home fans we spoke to were very complimentary of the Bournemouth story and wished us well.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Liberty Stadium?
From the outside the Liberty Stadium looks a little utilitarian, but inside there is a great atmosphere, with it being quite compact and fully enclosed. We had fine uninterrupted views. Bournemouth would love a similar sized stadium.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
From the moment we arrived we were made very welcome, from the coach parking steward, to the staff serving at the refreshment counters inside the ground – all who were wearing "Welcome to Bournemouth" caps – a nice touch. Another nice touch was the post office style queuing system which enabled us to get a beer easily and quickly, despite a long queue. During the game the Swansea fans made a good sound, but were quiet for long periods as AFCB dominated the first half, with the Bournemouth Boys making all the Noise! We did feel we had the points sewn up after the Cherries went 2-0 up and were controlling the game, but the Swans showed quality and tenacity to get back to 2-2, though a dodgy penalty decision helped a bit too!
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Being in a mini – bus we were counted in with the away supporters coaches so, after a 15 minute delay to allow pedestrians to disperse, we were off – with a police escort stopping all the traffic to speed our convoy directly to the M4. Liked that very much.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Enjoyed the day and AFCB's first international Premier League match. I for one wish Swansea great success and really hope both clubs are around to repeat this Premier experience next season.
Swansea City v West Bromwich Albion
Premier League
Saturday 15 March 2014, 3pm
By Lee Jones (West Brom fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
I was really looking forward to the game as I had never been to Swansea at either the Vetch Field or the Liberty (Morfa) Stadium. Plus I had visited Cardiff earlier in the year and really enjoyed that trip. We were also stopping over in Swansea and were looking forward to having a look around town.
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
As we stayed overnight I wasn’t really sure the best way to make the trip from the town centre. The distance is certainly walkable but after a few beers I thought either Bus/Taxi was the best option. It was the locals told us to catch the “bendy bus” number 4 up to the ground from outside the station. It was easy and fast.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?
We went into town and had a few beers in the Eli Jenkins and were chatting to a few of the locals. All the Swansea fans we met seemed very friendly to be honest. After we made our way up to the ground, we called into the Harvester right by the stadium. Both that and the Frankie and Benny’s were absolutely heaving but there was no animosity between our large away support and their following.
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
The new ground looks like many other new stadiums and looms up over its surrounding retail park. It was quite impressive and visible being predominantly white and looked imposing. The ground was smaller inside than I imagined but there certainly are no bad seats or views and the areas under the stands though busy, were large enough to cope with the sell-out following.
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
The atmosphere was a little disappointing. I was expecting it to be really impressive and intimidating but a little like Cardiff earlier in the season, it never really got going. Their supporters enjoyed their early goal but that’s where it stopped really. It was generally an enjoyable game especially as we came from that goal down to record our first win in eight games. The stewards seemed fairly relaxed and no special attention was given to fans standing and they were as helpful and friendly as I have encountered. I didn’t try any of the pies or beer available at the stadium so can’t comment but everyone seemed to enjoy those too.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
I had been warned about getting away from the ground after the game as the park and ride buses were kept in until the home fans have been transported. We had intended to catch the normal service bus back into town just over the road from the ground with the Swansea fans but noticed a number 4 bus in our compound with Town Centre as its destination. It was there to take away supporters to the station. We jumped straight on that and as soon as it was full and had a police escort through the traffic (some of which, it bypasses down a special buses only road) and were back in less than 20 minutes. Really easy. The away fans are sectioned off from the home fans by the compound but there didn’t really seem any need as there was no likelihood of confrontation with either team’s supporters.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
An exceptional day with decent friendly home supporters, a great come from behind win and celebrating into the night. By the way, Swansea is a great place to visit for the night life too but that’s a different story. Definitely a trip I would like to repeat, hopefully in the Premier League.
Swansea City v Arsenal
Premier League
Saturday 28 September 2013, 5.30pm
By Jack Richards (Arsenal fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
It was my first away game of the season and I had never been to Swansea before. It was a ground I had always wanted to go to since they were promoted.
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
We boarded the train from Birmingham at around 12pm and arrived in Swansea at around 3.30. A Police officer told us to zip up our jackets and gave us directions to the ground which proved to be extremely helpful.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?
There is a Frankie and Benny's outside the ground so we had a drink there. We wanted something to eat but the queues were massive. We couldn't find any burger vans so had to wait until we got into the stadium. The home fans seemed welcoming but we had a few dirty looks whilst walking to the turnstiles.
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
The ground looks brilliant and really stands out considering the area isn't the nicest. Outside the away end you are lead into a 'pen' and searched before entering. We spent around 1 and half hours in the concourse before finding our seats which were right at the back. The view of the playing field was excellent but the stadium looks like most of the flat-pack grounds you see nowadays.
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
The first half wasn't very exciting with both sides having not many chances. What I did notice however, was that the more vocal home fans were situated in the stand running along the side of the pitch, which is different as at most clubs they are usually behind one of the goals. We had to wait until just near the hour mark for a goal but it was worth it. We scored a second but Swansea scored 9 minutes from the end so it was a nail biting last few minutes for the travelling Arsenal fans.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Our train from Swansea was at 19.32 so we had to leave 5 minutes early to get a taxi. Unfortunately we missed the train and had to get a later one to Cardiff, which meant getting back to Birmingham at around 1.15am. The Swansea fans at the station wished us good luck for the season and a safe journey home.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Overall, it was a brilliant day out and a good game, although I'm not entirely sure that it was worth the money we paid for travel. It is a ground I probably won't be visiting again in the near future.
Swansea City v Arsenal
Premier League
Saturday February 16th, 2013, 3pm
By Paul R (Arsenal fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
A week before the match, tickets became available and I had a free day so I decided to go to the game. I was also quite interested in going on my first "international" club match.
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?:
I took the official club coach so parking wasn't much of an issue. The journey along the M4 was good however it slowed down at the Severn Tolls (as expected due to the 6 nations between England and wales) before picking up past Cardiff. About a mile from the ground, the coach was escorted to the stadium by the police (who were so focused on that, they missed a motorcyclist driving down some steps of a footpath flyover!)
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?:
As we entered the ground (apart from one lorry driver giving us the thumbs down) we didn't have much interaction with the home fans. Because it was a club coach they drove us right into the grounds of the stadium, the away end outside the ground was basically in a pen so we couldn't walk around the stadium so I didn't get much of a chance to do much before the game other than buy a programme and then have to put my water in the coach as the stewards wouldn't let bottles in. Just to note, you do get frisked before you enter the stadium.
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the stadium?
The ground appeared quite in keeping with the area and looked fairly symmetrical all the way around outside. Inside, I was placed in the upper tier which gave great views of the ground and the seating had a nice pattern. One thing I didn't like was that the electric scoreboard that was hung from the roof of the stand opposite was not really big enough to see clearly and the clock on it was much smaller and virtually hard to read from the distance so bring a watch if you're timekeeping. The roof covered all the seats so even though it was raining, the fans stayed dry.
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..:
As soon as I entered, I ordered half a pint of Carling which was decanted from another cup in front of my eyes. It was cool but didn't really taste as if it had been well kept. The concourse is small and since it serves 2,000 away fans, it does get very tight in there, especially at half-time so make sure you arrive early if you want to drink before the game. I can't say anything bad about the stewards as they were helpful and didn't do anything to hamper us, even though we stood the whole game despite the tickets telling us not to.
The atmosphere was quite good from part of the Swansea fans however I did notice that they relied heavily on a drummer and only a quarter of the ground near the drummer where actually trying to make an atmosphere. They did do anti-English songs which wasn't too nice, so be prepared to respond with anti-Welsh songs (or Swing Low, Sweet Chariot). Arsenal fans were splendid singing all game and returning anything that Swansea fans could chant at us as well as out-singing them with our chants if they sang anything similar in tune to one of ours.
The match was very good. It was open-ended attacking football with both sides having chances and it got better as the match went on. The TV highlights didn't really do the match justice as they cut out a lot of good moments of play and shots at goal. Arsenal won 2-0 thanks to goals from Monreal and Gervinho. After the second goal went in, there was a mass exodus of Swansea fans so by the time of the final whistle, the ground was almost empty bar the Arsenal fans.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
It was quite easy getting away because people were able to return to the coach quickly because it was parked near the away entrance. Again we had a police escort with them stopping the traffic to let us through. I thought this was a bit over the top.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
It was a nice trip into a "foreign" land with it being a great day out as Arsenal came home with 3 points. I think that the stewards do go a bit over the top outside but inside they were not needed. I would be tempted to go again even if they spelt "lift" wrong in the concourses!
Swansea City v Norwich City
Premier League
Saturday, February 11th 2012, 3pm
By Steve Chambers (Norwich City fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
Since the fixtures where announced this was an away game I had earmarked to go to as my son lives in Bristol, so I could pop down and take him to the match. This was also my first game seeing the Canaries in Wales as well as a visit to another new much talked about stadium.
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
My journey was split into two, travelling down the Friday night staying in Bristol. Left Bristol about 12 midday to make the hour and a half journey to Swansea, after being mugged by the Severn Bridge, £6 is far too steep, we heard there was slow traffic around the M4 near Newport, but decided to risk it and it took a little while to get through, but after hearing that the away coaches had gone off the motorway and got lost, it was probably the best decision!
The rest of the short journey was uneventful, apart from I thought the M4 was really smooth no bumps etc.. and the temperature was a barmy +5 after our -16 in Norfolk the previous night. We decided to use the Away fans park and ride at Junction 46. We followed the signs to a piece of wasteland just off the motorway, however there was security on site, but the car park was fenced in. It cost £6 which was paid on the bus and after a short journey to the ground of around 5-10 mins, we were dropped off right outside the away end.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?
After the previous nights events we decided against finding a pub, but after being dropped off there was a food outlet over the road, one part served burgers etc the other served fish and chips, very organised. So opted for the burger option, didn't touch the sides very nice. No problems at all with the Swansea fans friendly bunch. In fact there where a couple of Swansea fans on the park and ride buses who seemed nice people.
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
The ground itself looked smart from the outside as we headed down towards the away end, really tight security through some stewards then a search, show your tickets through more stewards, then through the traditional turnstiles. On entering the ground it looked really smart although a bit on the small side, the away end behind one of the goals, we where in the top tier 3/4 of the way back giving us a superb view of the action. It was obvious that the fans to our left where the Swansea singers as they started to go through their range of songs, but the yellow army gave as good as they get, giving superb support close to 2000 I would guess considering its approx 600 miles from Norwich to Swansea return.
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
I was if I was honest expecting a really tough game after we lost there 3-0 on our previous visit and the home team had beaten some high profile Premier League teams already this season. We started the game really well passing the ball around but without causing too many problems, however Swansea scored with their first attack we feared the worst, we had a twenty minute period when we where under the cosh, however a superb tackle by the returning from injury Elliot Ward keep the score at 1-0 at half time.
My son purchased a couple of coffees at half time without too much fuss as we waited for the 2nd half to start. I thought however the Swansea fans weren't as noisy as I thought they would be, most songs where started off by a drummer . As the second half started it was obvious from the off set Mr Lambert had given the Norwich team a rollocking, as we started to knock the ball around superbly and started beating Swansea at their own game.
In the first 20 mins of the second half we scored 3 goals as we took charge we also hit the bar and their goalie produced two excellent saves. However just as we thought we where in dream land we gave a penalty away making it 3-2, making the last eight minutes a tough test. Swansea missed a sitter, hit the post and then Ruddy made a superb save and we held on for a deserved victory. We stood throughout the whole game and really enjoyed it, the atmosphere was also very good. The Swansea fans cranked it up in the last 10 minutes, but as always this season Norwich's travelling support was excellent.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
After the game we exchanged a bit of banter with the Swansea fans and reveled in our victory. Our park and ride coaches where parked in amongst the cabbage (away) coaches, after about 10-15 minutes we set off back to M4 in convoy, here I have to say where I was really really impressed with the organisation of the South Wales Police all roads where blocked on the way out to get us back to the M4, very good. Once back at the Park & Ride it was straight out the the motorway and away, no problems.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
A great day out, easy ground to get to, even though its miles away. Two teams loving the Premier League. Nice ground, good organisation using the Park & Ride is a must.
Swansea City v Tottenham Hotspur
Premier League
December 31st 2011, 3pm
Victoria Evans (Tottenham Hotspur fan)
Although I wasn’t keen on going to a match on New Years Eve, I was very keen to see Swansea City's new stadium, as I’d not been to their ground before. Plus there are no guarantees that Swansea will stay up this season, so I decided to go. We left Sussex at 7am, there were four of us in the car. Luckily for me I had driven to Blackburn earlier this season so it wasn’t my turn to drive. Journey took four hours including a stop for breakfast just over the Welsh border.
We had remembered to look up beforehand and have the right money for the toll as you pay as you go into Wales (but oddly not on the way out!).
We found the ground very easily using this guide and parked up in a designated car park on the industrial estate opposite the stadium. It cost £5 and seemed secure enough. It was pouring with rain so we went to the Harvester which is just in front of the ticket office. Lots of space in there for dining but the bar area is very small and got packed very quickly. I ordered some food to eat in the bar area, all standard fare for Harvester and no sign of prices going up for being a Southerner (which occasionally happens at away games elsewhere). The locals were very friendly and there was no sign of animosity at all.
Easy enough to get into the ground, got body searched going (not always done to us ladies on away trips). The stadium is roomy and pleasant although a little bland (you can tell they lease it from the Council). The view from the North Stand is excellent. If you are in the lower tier you’ll get wet (if raining) but if you are upper tier you are fine. I didn’t eat nor drink in the ground. Good amount of toilets (for the girls anyhow).
The home fans were noisiest in the North East Corner and sang the whole time with a variety of songs, although the whole home crowd sprung into life with their equalising goal.
We stood the whole time and we weren’t told to sit down at any time although there is a warning printed on your ticket. When leaving the stadium, you weren’t kept separated from the home crowd, but this wasn't a problem.
There were lots of cars parked badly/illegally on the industrial estate so getting out was a major pain. Next time I go I’ll use the park and ride scheme which appeared to working well.
I enjoyed myself, a 1-1 draw was a fair result so all in all, I hope they stay up so I can visit again next season.