Tranmere Rovers
Prenton Park
Capacity:
16,587 (all seated)
Address:
Prenton Rd West, Birkenhead, CH42 9PY
Telephone:
0333 014 4452
Fax:
0151 609 0606
Ticket Office:
0333 014 4452 (Option 1)
Pitch Size:
112 x 72 yards
Pitch Type:
Grass
Club Nickname:
Rovers
Year Ground Opened:
1912
Undersoil Heating:
No
Shirt Sponsors:
ESSAR
Kit
Manufacturer:Puma
Home Kit:
White and Blue
Away Kit:
All Purple
Prenton Park is dominated by the Kop Stand at one end of the stadium. This stand which was opened in 1995 has a large tall single tier which has a capacity of 5,696 seats and dwarfs the rest of the ground. Opposite is the Cowshed Stand, which got its name from the old stand that was there before it was built. This single tiered stand looks a little strange as one side of it has more rows than the other, giving a sloping effect. It has an electric scoreboard mounted on its roof. On the other side is the Johnny King Stand (formerly the Borough Road Stand and now named after a former manager), which is a small covered stand that runs the entire length of the pitch. Both these stands were also opened in 1995.
On the remaining side of the ground is the Main Stand, which was opened in 1968. It is a fair sized two-tiered all seated stand, that is covered. It has a larger upper tier and does contain a couple of supporting pillars. The team dugouts are also located at the front of this stand. It has a capacity of 5,957. The ground in its corners has a set of four unusual looking floodlight pylons. Outside the ground, there is a statue of the Clubs’ most successful manager John King. Across the road from the main entrance to Prenton Park is an impressive looking mural painted on the side of a house, which was finished in 2019. It depicts images of Ian Muir, the club's leading scorer, and Ray Mathias, who made the most appearances for Tranmere. Whilst below the players the artist has depicted the Camel Laird Shipyard and the Birkenhead Skyline when viewed from Liverpool.
The Club have announced that they are exploring the possibility of moving to a new stadium. It is believed that this would be an extension of a major regeneration project that has been proposed to transform the Birkenhead Waterfront. With a capacity of over 16,500 then this would be seen to be adequate capacity for the Club, however the Club believe that a new stadium would open up new revenue streams for the club, such as increased corporate facilities, event/conference space that they don't have currently. Plus the new stadium would be more accessible to people living in the Liverpool area, being not far from It's not far from the Woodside Ferry Terminal and Hamilton Square Railway Station.
Away fans are housed in the affectionately named Cowshed Stand at one end, where up to 2,500 fans can be accommodated in this single tier all seated stand. You will be relieved to know that the only connection with a real cowshed is the name. As this covered, all seated stand, has good facilities and unhindered views of the playing action, being free of any supporting pillars. The concourses are of a good size and the acoustics of the stand good, meaning that away fans can really make some noise from inside this stand. The stand is also located close to the pitch, which is always positive.
Food inside on offer includes; Double Burgers (£4.50), Cheeseburgers (£4), Burgers (£3.50), Hot Dogs (£3.50), Steak and Kidney or Meat and Potato pies (£3.50).
Normally the prospect of a day out in Birkenhead doesn’t do much to heighten expectations, but the ground is in a pleasant part of town
Outside the Main Stand, the Club have put together a Fan Parke, which visiting supporters are welcome to visit. Run by the Tranmere Rovers Supporters Trust, it not only has a giant screen showing televised football, but has a mix of music, street food, plus a bar serving amongst other things, real ales and craft beers. Also, part of it is housed in a covered indoor marquee. Just across the road from the away turnstiles is the Prenton Park Hotel (pictured right), which normally has a good mix of home and away supporters. Almost a stone's throw away along Prenton Park Road is the Birch Tree, which also welcomes visiting fans. Previously called the Mersey Clipper, it has been refurbished and is now part of the Flaming Grill chain. Apart from offering food, it also has the benefit of showing Sky and BT Sports. You can also park in their car park for £5, the price of which is redeemable inside the pub against the cost of food and drink.
Other pubs in walking distance of the ground are the Sportsmans Arms on Prenton Road East, which welcomes visiting supporters, as well as the Cock and Pullet on Woodchurch Road. David Sindall adds; 'The Cock and Pullet is about a ten minute walk away from Prenton Park and is great real ale pub. Otherwise, alcohol is available in the away end, in the form of Carlsberg Lager, John Smiths Smooth and Strongbow Cider (all £3.50, but no draught beer – only bottles or cans).
David Nicholson a visiting Carlisle United fan adds; 'Around the corner from the Prenton Park Hotel is a Chinese takeaway which was doing a roaring trade on our visit. The fish and chips were delicious'.
All fans please note, it is a criminal offence to drink alcohol on the streets of Birkenhead, you may find yourself being arrested if you do.
From M6/M56 join the M53 and exit at Junction 4 and take the B5151 Mount Road from the fourth exit of the roundabout (the ground is signposted from here). After two and a half miles when Mount Road becomes Storeton Road, turn right at the traffic lights (there is a church on the far right hand corner) into Prenton Road West and the ground is down this road on the right hand side.
Sue Warwick adds; 'An easier route to the ground is to leave the M53 at Junction 3 and take the A552 Woodchurch Road towards Birkenhead. You will pass a Sainsburys and then as you reach the Half Way House pub turn right at the traffic lights onto the B5151 Mount Road. Take the first left for the ground'.
There is a car park at the ground which costs £5, otherwise, street parking, but beware that there is a strict local residents parking scheme in operation around Prenton Park. Further along Borough Road, going past the Kop Stand is a sports ground which has parking spaces costing £3 per car. You can also park at the Birch Tree pub, which is next to the stadium. It costs £5, but this is refunded inside against the purchase price of food and drink.
Jason a visiting Doncaster Rovers fan adds; 'I parked along Storeton Road, where there is on-street parking. There was plenty of room even with half an hour before kick off. However, be sure to turn around in the road (facing away from the ground) and you're travelling straight back to the motorway with no problem at all after the match has ended.'
I got hopelessly lost trying to find the ground and did actually end up at the Mersey admiring the views of Liverpool across the river. My frustrations were not eased, when on asking a local chap for directions to the football ground the guy replied 'Liverpool or Everton?' After asking about another three locals I finally found the ground after going round most of Birkenhead.
Post Code for SAT NAV: CH42 9PY
The closest railway stations are Rock Ferry and Birkenhead Central, both served by Liverpool Lime Street. Both stations are a fair walk from the ground (15-20 minutes). Philip Jackman provides directions from Rock Ferry station; 'Upon leaving Rock Ferry turn right and walk up Bedford Road for a fair distance until you reach a roundabout. At the roundabout, turn right into Bebington Road and walk along this road until you reach the Sportsman pub. Then turn left into Prenton Road and you will reach the ground and away fans turnstiles on your left.' Whilst Adam Hodson provides directions from Birkenhead Central; 'On exiting the station cross the road, turn right, then at the roundabout turn Left onto Borough Road (A552 towards) Heswall. Go through four sets of traffic lights passing a Shell Garage on the on the left hand side and at the 5th roundabout (signposted B5152 Clatterbridge and Tranmere Rovers FC), Walk straight through onto Borough Road and the Ground is on the right hand side after passing the Prenton Park Pub. It took around 15 Minutes from the station'. Alternatively you can get a bus to the ground from the nearby Conway Bus Station, by making your way through the Grange Shopping Precinct, which is located on the opposite side of the main roundabout outside Birkenhead Central Station. For bus services see below.
Tony Combes informs me; 'If coming from Liverpool Lime Street, the nearest Merseyrail Underground is Conway Park (New Brighton and West Kirby lines), alighting and ascending to street level. You can then get a bus from Conway Park Bus Station which is within 100 yards on your right. Buses: 41, 42, 71, 72, 403, 413, 423 all take to you the bottom of Singleton Avenue which is the alighting point. The ground is then five minutes walk from here, heading along Borough Road. Alternatively, the 164, 177 and 464 will take you almost adjacent to the ground, alighting at the bus stop opposite Bogan’s Carpets and the Prenton Park pub'. Jeff Banfield a visiting Newport County fan adds; 'You can also catch a bus from near Liverpool Lime Street Station to Birkenhead. There is the choice of Bus Numbers 464, 471, and 472, that operate every ten minutes or so on Saturday afternoons. The journey time is around 16 minutes. Leave Liverpool Lime Street Station via the main entrance and go down the steps. Cross the road and go down St Georges Place, which becomes St Johns Lane. Walk on the left hand side of the road and then turn left into Victoria Street. Cross over the road to the bus stop. It drops you off about a 100/150 metres away from Prenton Park.' For timetables see the Arriva Bus website.
Remember if travelling by train then you can normally save on the cost of fares by booking in advance.
Visit the the trainline website to see how much you can save on the price of train tickets.
Click on the trainline logo below:
Home Fans*
Main Stand: Adults £21, Over 65's/Under 23's £14, Under 18's £6, Under 14's £5**
John King Stand: Adults £18, Over 65's/Under 23's £11, Under 18's £5, Under 14's £2**
Kop Stand: Adults £18, Over 65's/Under 23's £11 Under 18's £5, Under 14's £2**
Away Fans*
Cowshed Stand: Adults £18, Over 65's/Under 23's £11, Under 18's £5, Under 14's £2**
* These prices are for tickets that are purchased prior to matchday. Tickets bough on the day of the game cost up to £2 more per ticket.
** Must be accompanied by an adult.
Please note that for Under 23's tickets in all home sections and for both Over 65's and Under 23's in the away stand. Tickets must be purchased from the ticket office and that proof of age will be required.
If you require hotel accommodation in Birkenhead or Liverpool then first try a hotel booking service provided by Booking.com. They offer all types of accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets from; Budget Hotels, Traditional Bed & Breakfast establishments to Five Star Hotels and Serviced Apartments. Plus their booking system is straightforward and easy to use. Just input the dates below that you wish to stay and then select from the map the hotel of interest to get more information. The map is centered to the football ground. However, you can drag the map around or click on +/- to reveal more hotels in Liverpool City Centre or further afield.
Official Programme £3
For details of disabled facilities and club contact at the ground please visit the relevant page on the
Level Playing Field website.
Chester and Wrexham.
Tranmere Rovers FC fixture list (takes you to the BBC Sports Website)
Record Attendance
24,424 v Stoke City
FA Cup 4th Round, 5th February 1972.
Modern All Seated Attendance Record
16,177 v Middlesbrough
Division One, 7th May 1995.
Average Attendance
2019-2020: 6,777 (League One)
2018-2019: 6,552 (League Two)
2017-2018: 5,117 (National League)
Official Web Site: www.tranmererovers.co.uk
Unofficial Web Sites:
White Review
Total Tranmere (Sport Network)
Vital Tranmere (Vital Football Network)
If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, please e-mail me at: contact@footballgroundguide.com and I'll update the guide.
Special thanks to John Spooner for providing the photo of the John King Statue and to Donald Harrison for the photo of the painted players mural.
Special thanks also to Owen Pavey for providing the ground layout diagram of Prenton Park.
Tranmere Rovers v Chesterfield
League One
Saturday 6th August 2011, 3pm
Chris Connolly (Chesterfield fan)
First day of a new season and for Chesterfield FC, a new division. Tranmere’s Prenton Park is easy to find from the motorway and seems to be on the border between Prenton and Tranmere so maybe its only by chance that the club isn’t named Prenton Rovers and the ground Tranmere Park!
There is a good pub right across the road from the turnstiles (named after the football ground) where rival fans mingled in a perfectly non-threatening atmosphere. The stadium itself is does not look that great from the outside, being clad in blue corrugated metal, but from the inside it is impressive in an endearingly higgledy-piggledy fashion.
Piecemeal development means all four stands look very different from one another and are different sizes as well. The “home” end is, frankly, a bit too big for the club’s current status and was less than half full. It dominates the rest of the ground and personally I find it a bit off-putting when an end stand is bigger than the ones at the sides so I’d say that this very large stand is actually the least attractive of the four.
The old Main Stand has a 1950s look and is none the worse for that, although the addition of different coloured seats in some sections is incongruous when the rest of the ground is uniformly blue. Across the pitch is the single-level Johnny King Stand which looks comfy enough and the Cowshed must be one of the best away ends in the division, very roomy with good access and a decent-sized if rather spartan concourse beneath.
Tranmere’s fans were surprisingly quiet although it may just have been that the noise from the away end was drowning them out. There was no tension though, between the two sets of fans, which is always a good thing. The game itself wasn’t bad although Chesterfield’s defeat to a goal deep into the second half was a bit of a slap in the face. To be fair, Tranmere deserved to win. Their team tackled and closed down well and were dangerous on the break especially when their two central midfielders were involved. The goal resulted from opportunism; a quick throw catching the Spireites defence on the hop and Robbie Weir finishing well.
After the match everyone got out with the minimum of fuss, the stewards were low-key and the home fans happy just to enjoy the fact that they had won with no desire to mix it with anyone. Apart from the result it was, all in all, a nice day out and a good football-watching experience.
Tranmere Rovers v Sheffield Wednesday
League One
Saturday November 19th, 2011, 3pm
Dan Brennan (Sheffield Wednesday fan)
I've quite liked the look of Prenton Park, it seems to be a nice tidy ground and with Wednesday finding their feet under Gary Megson I had a very good feeling coming into the game.
Tranmere's very easy to get to. Coming from the South, just head towards Manchester and Birkenhead is signposted all the way from there, it was literally motorway all the way there which I always think is ideal as it's a lot harder to get lost!
We had a quick look in the Mersey Clipper which is directly opposite to the Main Stand, but it seemed to be a little hostile as there were a fair few Tranmere fans in there so we moved to the Prenton Park which is directly opposite to the away stand where live football was on plus we got a pint of Carlsberg for £2.20!! The pub was mainly Wednesday fans though the few Tranmere fans were friendly.
The ground is a good size and is certainly good for League One. The Kop is visible from a fair way way away outside the stadium, but none of the stands are small. The away stand, although not beautiful looking from the outside (although I didn't see any of the exteriors looking nice at all) is functional and a good size. Once inside, The Kop really is a good sized stand as is the Main Stand. Although this stand is showing it's age it's got nothing really wrong with it and I do like the odd stand with character. The stand to our left was simple but nice, reminding me of one of the stands at Wycombe.
The game itself turned out nicely from Wednesday who, courtesy of goals from Chris Lines and a late one from Ryan Lowe, came from a goal down to win the game 2-1. Tranmere's fans were disappointing in numbers and in volume. In a crowd of just over 6,500, Wednesday packed out the away stand with 2,000 and you heard scarce little of the Tranmere fans at all which I thought was a bit feable. The stewards were fine, the concourse is a bit dismal but spacious and easily big enough for even a big following like ours.
Getting out was very simple. Quickly out, little traffic, was soon on our way back down to Sheffield.
I really liked Prenton Park. Although the support and atmosphere from the home fans was disappointing. I found the ground itself to me very nice for League One standard and would recommend it as a day out for any fan. The locals were actually very friendly and get a bad report which I found to be unfounded but I wouldn't recommend going to The Mersey Clipper – stick to the Prenton Park. Good day out, good ground, and another good result for Wednesday!
Tranmere Rovers v Exeter City
League Two
Saturday September 20th, 2014, 3pm
Steve Ellis (Exeter City fan)
1. Why were you looking forward to going to this ground and how easy was the journey?
This was my third visit to Prenton Park. It is a ground that I have enjoyed visiting in the past despite poor results. I travelled on the official supporters coach, leaving Exeter at 07:45am. The journey was straightforward with no hold ups and we arrived in Birkenhead at 1:30pm.
2. What did you do before the game, pub, chippy….home fans friendly?
With the Mersey Clipper pub now closed, our regular drinking hole on previous visits, we opted to take the walk to the Cock and Pullet. This is primarily a real ale pub where all drinks were at an average price and inside there was a friendly mix of home and away fans. For pre-match food there is a chippy just down the road from the Prenton Park Hotel, but I was told that it was not great. There is a bar under the away stand with alcoholic drinks starting at £3.50, soft drinks at £1.50 and Hot food from £2.50.
3. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end and then other sides of ground?
This ground is very traditional with the four stands which are all kept in reasonable condition. Away fans are housed in the 'Cowshed' at one end, which is all seated. The Main Stand and the King John Stand almost mirror each other on each side of the pitch, whilst there is the Kop Stand at the far the end of the pitch.
4. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, refreshments etc.
The game was very competitive with Exeter coming out as 2-1 winners. The atmosphere was electric, especially from just under 300 travelling Exeter fans who sang their hearts out till the final whistle, including our Stanno song which was sung for the last 15mins. The stewards were very helpful and very low key which was good, a few of them wishing us a safe journey home after the game. I was told the burgers and meat and potato pie served inside the were good. The toilets also looked clean.
5. Comments on getting away from the ground after the game:
Getting away after was easy the coach parked right outside the away stand and very easy to get out of Tranmere with no issues. With a great away win, it was enjoyable trip back on the coach.
Tranmere Rovers v Southend United
League Two
Saturday November 22nd, 2014, 3pm
John & Stephen Spooner (Southend United fans)
1. Why were you looking forward to going to this ground and how easy was the journey?
As exiled Southend fans living in North Wales, we had visited Prenton Park several times but not in recent years with Southend in League 2 and Rovers in the League above. But with Tranmere being relegated last season, there was an opportunity for a a short away trip for us for a change. Southend rarely prosper at Tranmere but with the Shrimpers lying 7th place in the league table and with Tranmere bottom, we were hopeful of a good result. Also with Tranmere recently appointing a new manager in Micky Adams and with a couple of new signings, we anticipated a good match. The journey of 20 miles from our home, was simple via A550 and M53 to junction 4, but the ground is a little tricky to find, so use satnav if you can.
2. What did you do before the game, pub, chippy….home fans friendly?
We parked at the ground for £5 and the car park attendant wished us well and engaged in friendly chat about prospects of Southend getting a win.
3. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end and then other sides of ground?
This ground is rather dull from the outside, with stands painted in a military looking green/grey colour. At the entrance to the ground is a statue of ex-manager Johnny King who managed three promotions for Tranmere. We were pleased to find that most of the all seated Cowshed Stand was open for us to sit anywhere which makes it more comfortable than being crowded in small sections. The seats were good, the view is superb and the ground is impressive with the massive Kop End for the home supporters behind the goal. The old Borough Road Stand, now named after Johnny King is the smaller stand and opposite the Main Stand. The pitch looked good despite recent rainy weather. The low floodlights at the Kop End are particularly bright and not good if you follow the flight of any high balls, as they dazzle your vision. The music before the game was good, allowing for conversation, unlike some grounds where it can be ear splitting.
4. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, refreshments etc.
The game was one sided in the first half with Southend easing to an early two goal lead. Atmosphere in our away end was good, but naturally, not so for the rest of the ground, with a relatively low crowd of 4621 for Tranmere until they pulled a goal back with a penalty early in 2nd half. Tranmere improved after the penalty but Southend always controlled the game threatening on the break and ended the game winning 2-1 and rising to 5th position in the league. The stewards were relaxed and friendly. There are two food/drink outlets within the Cowshed selling the usual fare as listed on the Ground Guide above. The toilets were clean.
5. Comments on getting away from the ground after the game.
We had to wait in the car park for about 20 minutes to allow pedestrian fans to leave safely and and then our short trip home was easy, unlike the long journey for most Southend fans taking over 4 hours on coaches and cars making the back to Essex. A good away win made for a good day out to a traditional football ground.
Photo of the Johnny King statue erected November 2014
Tranmere Rovers v Gateshead
National League
Tuesday 10th April 2018, 7:45pm
Jamie Smalling (Gateshead fan)
Tranmere Rovers v Tottenham Hotspur
FA Cup 3rd Round
Friday 4th January 2019, 8pm
Sam Jones (Doing the 92)
Tranmere Rovers v Notts County
League 2
Saturday 23rd February 2019, 3pm
Edward Trafford (Neutral)
Tranmere Rovers v MK Dons
League 2
Saturday 13th April 2019, 3pm
Peter Williams (MK Dons)
Tranmere Rovers v Forest Green Rovers
League 2
Friday 19th April 2019, 3pm
Andy Brewitt (Doing the 92)
Tranmere Rovers v Liverpool
Pre-season Friendly
Thursday 11th July 2019, 7.30pm
Rob Lawler (Liverpool)
Tranmere Rovers v Wycombe Wanderers
League One
Sunday 17th November 2019, 12 noon
Russell (Wycombe Wanderers)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Prenton Park?
Another bonus chance for me to follow my team, due to the game being moved for Sky T.V. I work a lot of Saturdays, so a Sunday game is great for me, less so for others perhaps. Wycombe were in good form and a result would see us climb back above Ipswich to top the table.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
A slightly shorter journey for me than a lot of Wycombe fans, only travelling north from Leicestershire. Up the M6 and then across to the Wirral. Found the ground quite easily from remembering the map images, but didn't see many actual signposts for it. Parked up in a side street just around the corner from the ground.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
Accompanied by my cousin, we nipped in the Tesco Express for a couple of bits, then wandered to the stadium to enter. No issues with home fans, though we did arrive just over an hour before kick off.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Prenton Park?
An older ground, with a bit of character. I thought the turnstiles were a bit 'snug' but managed fine. The away end has a good view, though one or two seats could do with repairs. The rest of the ground looked in pretty similar condition, though the large stand opposite looks impressive, I'm sure it is when it's full and in full voice.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
I tried a burger before the game. It was okay, but a little chewy. The toilets were clean at the start, less so at half time. My cousin went to get a bottle of pop at half time, but was put off by the queue. The game was a battle. It seemed like both sides had set up for a war of attrition, with Scott Kashket getting the roughing up treatment from Rovers' defenders. Two goals right before half time swung it Wycombe's way, quieting the home crowd for the rest of the game. The second half predictably saw Tranmere throwing more and more at it, and Wycombe doing a Wycombe, digging in and doing the hard ugly yards. It wasn't pretty, but it got the job done.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
No issues getting away at the end of the game, straight back to the car to hit the road. Slight delay to rejoin the M53 a little further away from the ground.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Overall, a good trip for me. A Wycombe win always improves the look of the day, especially one so hard-earned. Marred only by the disturbing reports after of the alledged homophobic of abuse reported to the referee by Wycombe goalkeeper Ryan Allsop. Plus the young Tranmere supporter who ran on the pitch after the final whistle, running and giving it large to the Wycombe end with all sorts of gestures. Shame for Tranmere, I hope both instances are looked at and dealt with appropriately.
Tranmere Rovers v Liverpool
Pre-Season Friendly
Tuesday 10th July 2018, 7.30pm
David Johnson (Liverpool fan)