Last Update:
December 6, 2024
The East Stand dominates Elland Road on one side of the stadium. This huge stand, which holds around 15,000 supporters, was opened in the 1992-93 season and is at least twice the size of the other three stands at Elland Road.
The East Stand is a two-tiered stand with a large lower tier of seating and a smaller tier above. In between the two tiers is a row of executive boxes. The stand is completed by a large, imposing roof. The rest of the stadium is enclosed, with the corners of the ground filled with seating. The downside is that compared to the East Stand, the other stands look rather tired and old.
All the remaining stands have some supporting pillars, and at the back of the West Stand – which was renamed in March 2004 the ‘John Charles Stand’ in honour of their former great player – there are several old wooden seats, which look as if they have been there since the stand was first opened in 1957.
This stand also houses the team dugouts and television gantry. An electric scoreboard is in one corner of the ground between the South & John Charles Stands. Outside the stadium, there are statues of Billy Bremner and Don Revie.
Away fans are housed on one side of the John Charles Stand, towards the South Stand. The normal allocation is 1,566 seats in the upper tier, and if required, a further 1104 seats can be provided in the lower tier, making the overall allocation 2,670. Entrance into the ground is via electronic turnstiles, where you need to insert your ticket into a barcode reader to gain access.
The seating in the John Charles Stand consists of a mixture of old wooden and plastic seats. The leg room is sparse, and several supporting pillars run along the front of the upper tier, which could impede your view.
So, you may be better off getting a ticket for the lower tier, where your view is unobstructed. The facilities within the stand are okay, although parts look a little dated. Usually, an excellent atmosphere is generated within the stadium, with noise coming from every area of the ground. There is normally plenty of banter exchanged with the Leeds fans in the home end to the right of the away section. The stewarding is normally friendly and courteous.
The food at the concourse includes Holland’s Pies, peppered steak, chicken balti, potato and meat and cheese, onion, and burgers and hot dogs.
The most famous anthem sung by Leeds fans is ‘Marching on Together’ but that isn’t where their songbook ends. In recent years, the Kaiser Chiefs hit song, ‘let’s predict a riot’ has also become popular among fans.
“No ground in English football comes close.” ??? – @VincentsVein
Leeds fans singing “let’s go f***ing mental” all around Elland Road after sealing a place in the Championship playoff final… ? #lufc
— Fan Banter (@fan_banter) May 16, 2024
The best views at Elland Road can be found in the upper tier of the East Stand close to the halfway line. Blocks L39-L41 will provide fans with the best views but blocks L38 and L42 shouldn’t be sniffed at, either.
On the opposite side, the John Charles West Stand also provides good views of the pitch but this stand isn’t quite as big so it can be more difficult to get tickets here, particularly as the right side of it is occupied by away fans.
The reality is when it comes to buying Leeds tickets you will most likely have to do take what you can get due to the high demand for tickets. There are around 25,000 season ticket holders at Elland Road and a waiting list of a similar size.
Seating plan
At the ground itself, next to the away turnstiles, is the entrance to Howards, which is a small bar for away supporters only. Opening two hours before kick-off, you need to show your away ticket to gain entrance.
Other pubs nearby include:
- The Old Peacock – 251 Elland Rd, Beeston, Leeds LS11 8TU
- Commercial Inn – 78 Elland Rd, Churwell, Leeds LS27 7QR
- The Old White Harte – 45 Town St, Beeston, Leeds LS11 8BZ
The Old Peacock is very popular with home fans so if you are to try and get in there, make sure you aren’t wearing colours and keep your head down.
Leeds United are home to arguably the best food in the Championship for supporters who wish to eat inside the stadium.
Salt and pepper chicken fries at Leeds United (@LUFC)
? £7.50 pic.twitter.com/OZRBAmWymC
— Footy Scran (@FootyScran) August 12, 2023
Chicken loaded fries at Leeds United (@LUFC)
? £7.50 pic.twitter.com/8j5kgF4c32
— Footy Scran (@FootyScran) November 30, 2023
Fans visiting Elland Road can use one of several entrances to get into the stadium. Fans are advised to use the entrance corresponding to the stand listed on their ticket. The list of entrances per stand is as follows:
- John Charles West Stand – Entrances 4-6
- North West Corner – Entrances 6-7
- North Stand – Entrances 8-8a
- North East Corner – Entrance 9
- East Stand – Entrances 10-12
- South East Corner – Entrance 13
- South Stand – Entrances 14-15
Away fans visiting Elland Road will enter the stadium via entrances one and two outside the John Charles West Stand. Leeds provide the following advice concerning turnstiles for visiting supporters on their website: “Entrance 1 and 2 are the designated turnstiles for visiting supporters to enter the ground on matchday with a valid ticket. Depending on the ticket allocation, away supporters may also use Howards Entrance as a stadium entry point. Visiting disabled supporters who have purchased accessible seats enter the stadium by Exit W1 gate.
“We would strongly advise visiting supporters not to travel to Elland Road on matchdays without a valid matchday ticket.
“Turnstiles open 90 minutes prior to kick off.”
Elland Road is well-signposted around the Leeds area and right by the M621.
From The North
Follow the A58 or A61 into Leeds city centre, then follow signs for the M621. Join the M621, and after one and a half miles, leave the motorway at the junction with the A643. Follow the A643 into Elland Road for the ground. Go down Elland Road past the ground on your right and the Old Peacock pub on your left. You will come to several entrances to several very large car parks (£5).
From The South
Leave the M1 at Junction 43 and take the M621, towards Leeds City Centre. You will pass the ground on your left, and then you need to leave at the next Junction 1 and turn left onto the A6110 ring road. Take the next left onto Elland Road for the ground. Just as you go under a railway bridge, there are entrances on either side to a couple of very large car parks (£6).
Surprisingly (considering the number of vehicles), the traffic leaving the car parks seemed to disperse quite well after the end of the game.
Post Code for SAT NAV: LS11 0ES
Leeds Railway Station is around a 35-minute walk from Elland Road. If you don’t fancy the walk, you can either take a taxi or board one of the shuttle buses that run from near the station to the ground.
Elland Road Park and Ride
Leeds announced at the start of the 2024/25 season that their Park and Ride service will continue in partnership with Hunters Coaches. Tickets must be booked in advance and can’t be purchased on the day.
The two sites are located at Temple Green and Stourton and begin two-and-a-half hours before the game starts.
Leeds provided the following key information about the service on the club’s official website:
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“The Park & Ride Scheme is in partnership with Hunters Coaches who are operating the service.
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“The club will sell the Park and Ride tickets online on behalf of Hunters Coaches.
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“Tickets must be purchased in advance and are priced at £7 per person or £21.50 per car (based on four people sharing).
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“A shuttle bus service runs from Temple Green and Stourton Park and Ride to the Stadium. This service begins two-and-a-half hours prior to kick off and will be returning post-match, on a priority route from the ground.”
Here are the two postcodes for the Park and Ride services:
- Stourton Park Post Code: LS10 1FF
- Temple Green Post Code: LS9 OPS
Despite enduring a difficult period in the last 20 years or so, Leeds United still boast an impressive ground. Their Elland Road stadium has a capacity of 37,792.
The stadium is among the biggest in the Championship but despite that, the club don’t have any issues when it comes to selling out week in, week out. In fact, Elland Road is regularly at the top of the list when it comes to the biggest attendances in the Championship on a weekly basis.
The demand for tickets at Elland Road is a big reason why the club are looking to expand it in the coming years. The plan is to increase the capacity to over 50,000 which shouldn’t be a problem given that they have a lengthy season ticket waiting list.
The capacities of each stand at Elland Road are as follows:
- Jack Charlton East Stand – 15,000
- Jon Charles West Stand – 11,000
- Don Revie North Stand – 7,000
- Norman Hunter South Stand – 5,000
As with most clubs nowadays, the ticket prices at Leeds United vary based on the category of the game you choose to watch with the price being sat by two categories, A and B.
Category A games are the most expensive games.
- Adult – £32-£47
- Concession – £20-£32
- 16-18 – £20-£24
- U16 – £11-£22
- U11 – £5.50-£11
A full breakdown can be found on the official Leeds United website.
Although Elland Road had stood since 1897, it wasn’t until some 23 years later that Leeds United would move in; it cost them all of £250! Admittedly, that wasn’t the insignificant sum back in 1920 like it is now in football. The ground served them well, though, with only a few changes or upgrades until the 1950s. Even then, floodlights were only added. In 1956, change was forced upon them three years later, though, as the West Stand – now the John Charles Stand – was burned down. It cost £100k to repair!
Some 12 years on – and after a record crowd of 57,892 was recorded – proper redevelopment was on the table. The Gelderd End was built, with a roof, and by 1974, each of the other stands had been tatted up, too. The total cost stood at £900k. Fast forward 18 years, and the East Stand was under the knife again; this time, it came back as a 17,000 seater stand, and three years later, Leeds’ Elland Road stadium became 100% seated. Other significant changes since that day have been discussed, but wholesale change is yet to happen.
The future for Elland Road looks bright with a planned expansion in the works to take the capacity to more than 50,000. It remains highly unlikely, therefore, that the club will ever move from their spiritual home.
For disabled supporters who wish to attend a game at Elland Road, please click on this link which will direct you to all of the relevant information.
Record Attendance
- 57,892 vs Sunderland
FA Cup 5th Round Replay, 15 March 1967.
Modern All-Seated Attendance Record
- 40,287 vs Newcastle United
Premier League, 22 December 2001.
Average Attendance
- 2023-2024: 35,972 (Championship)
- 2022-2023: 36,566 (Premier League)
- 2021-2022: 34,376 (Premier League)
- 2020-2021: N/A (Covid-19)
- 2019-2020: 27,643 (Championship)
- 2018-2019: 33,598 (Championship)
- 2017-2018: 31,525 (Championship)
In August 2001, when Leeds United were still a leading Premier League club, chairman Peter Ridsdale unveiled plans for the club to relocate to a 50,000-seater stadium in a different part of the city. The following month, the club asked all season ticket holders to vote on the proposal, with 87.6% of fans voting in favour of the move. The plans were later abandoned due to the club’s financial crisis.
In October 2019, Angus Kinnear suggested that Elland Road could be expanded to 55,000 should Leeds United be promoted to the Premier League. Leeds United did secure promotion to the top flight but suffered relegation back to the Championship three seasons later.
Plans for the redevelopment of Elland Road are still in the works and are said to be a priority for new owners 49ers Enterprises. Leeds released the following statement on 23 September 2024: “The existing stadium has a capacity of 37,645 seats, with regeneration set to increase that to circa 53,000, with greatly improved general admission and hospitality facilities.
“The club, along with owners 49ers Enterprises, have brought in specialist acoustic consultants to ensure Elland Road’s unique atmosphere is retained. A local transport consultant has been commissioned to help plan access routes and manage traffic flows during construction.
“Critically, the club and the professional team will also be looking closely at matchday travel plans to ensure an improvement in the experience for both residents and supporters arriving at the ground.”
Ground Layout
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
Leeds United v Bristol City
Championship
Saturday 15th February 2020, 3pm
David (Bristol City)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Elland Road Ground?
It was 2nd v 7th and I wanted to be there in case we won.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
We stayed the weekend so we had a good journey up by car on the day before the game – until we hit Leeds and its road systems. It took an hour to get to the hotel and car park. Dreadful road layout. We took a taxi to the stadium and I'm glad that we did.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
There was very little in the way of food outlets outside the ground and I knew from experience that the food inside wasn't worth having, but we got a burger and chips from a burger van for £7 each. We had a few drinks in town before getting the taxi so didn't look for any at the ground.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Elland Road Stadium?
The ground is very dated and the away facilities are hopeless and very basic. There was a big crowd of around 36,000 which were loud at some points and quiet at others. They need to upgrade the stadium in my opinion.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
We had a strange line-up and only found out after the game that there was a sickness bug among the players and 4 or 5 changes were made before kick off. There were also affected players on the pitch. Take nothing away from Leeds though as they hammered us. It was 1-0 but should have been 5-0. The stewards were friendly and helpful.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
We decided to walk back to the city centre (to the arena area) but stopped halfway in a place called Holbeck and went in what we thought was a pub. The stairlift and the wallpaper in the lobby should have been a sign but we went in and then straight out again. Got a cab from there.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Leeds itself isn't what could be called a venue, not my cup of tea at all. But I'll be back if we play them again next season. But won't be staying the weekend again.
Leeds United v Millwall
Championship League
Saturday 30th March 2019, 3pm
Mark Wardell (Millwall)
Leeds United v West Bromwich Albion
Championship League
Saturday 1st March 2019, 7.45pm
Kev Edwards (West Bromwich Albion)
Leeds United v West Bromwich Albion
Championship League
Saturday 1st March 2019, 7.45pm
Chris (West Bromwich Albion)
Leeds United v Derby County
Championship League
Friday 11th January 2019, 7.45pm
Aitor Kerejeta Uranga (Neutral)
Leeds United v Reading
Championship League
Tuesday 27th November 2018, 7.45pm
William Biss (Reading)
Leeds United v Bristol City
Championship League
Saturday 24th November 2018, 3pm
Tony MacRae (Bristol City)
Leeds United v Queens Park Rangers
Championship League
Sunday 6th May 2018, 12.30pm
Jamie Stone (Queens Park Rangers fan)
Leeds United v Bolton Wanderers
Championship League
Saturday 30th March 2018, 3pm
Jack Tyldsley (Bolton Wanderers fan)
Leeds United v Millwall
Championship League
Saturday 20th January 2018, 3pm
Brian Moore (Millwall fan)
Leeds United v Ipswich Town
Football Championship League
Saturday 23rd September 2017, 3pm
Owen (Ipswich Town fan)
Leeds United 0-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Football Championship League
Monday 17th April 2017, 3pm
Ste Pinches (Wolverhampton Wanderers fan)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Elland Road?
As a Wolves fan, our season was pretty much over but I was looking forward to visiting Elland Road as it's always a good atmosphere. I was also hoping we could dent their play-off ambitions.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
Our day started in the worse way possible! Me and 8 close mates had organised a mini bus up to the game, but our driver overslept by an hour and half meaning we had less drinking time (cheers Matty!). It was a straight drive up to the Elland Road ground once we'd got on the road.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
Due to our late arrival, we went straight into the ground at 2:30pm and had a couple of beers on the concourse.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Elland Road?
This was my third visit to Elland Road and I've thought of it as a old-fashioned, traditional ground.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
Coming into the game as major underdogs, we dominated the first half creating numerous clear cut chances but only found ourselves 1-0 up at the break. Leeds, as expected, came flying out the traps second half but our defence stood firm and held out for a much deserved three points.
Comment on getting a way from the ground after the game:
We decided to head into the city centre after the game and have a few beers to celebrate the win. However, a 'few beers' turned into a lot and we found ourselves in the famous 'Przym' nightclub! Due to our driver Matty having one too many, we then ended up staying in a Travelodge last minute and heading back to Wolverhampton the next morning.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Absolutely cracking day (and night!) out. Three points in a good city with a spontaneous night out on the town, what could have been better?
Leeds United v Cardiff City
Football Championship League
Saturday 11th February 2017, 3pm
Tony (Cardiff City fan)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Elland Road?
As I'd not long been a Cardiff fan (after becoming disillusioned by the rich Premier League club I supported), I was itching to attend a game. A group of about 20 of us got a bus from Anglesey in North Wales to Leeds. Aside from it just being my first game, Elland Road is one of the league's most famous stadiums, and as Leeds were flying at the time (in the top six), the atmosphere was likely to be immense.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
As we were on a bus it was all very straightforward. Neat to the ground we passed n area full of fun fair rides (prompting chants of "Sunny Rhyl!") to our bus park. A muddy area but was only a very short walk to the away fan pub.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
Didn't see much of the home fans, as we were quite quickly marshalled inside the pub, which was cordoned off for us. They were certainly audible though! The pub had a limited choice of drinks, but as more and more Bluebirds fans flooded in, the atmosphere improved. We watched Arsenal beat Hull 2-0 on the TV, before making our way to the ground.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Elland Road?
Upon entry, I had my bag searched (which is pretty standard nowadays) and was allowed in. There is a large foyer where they sold food and drinks. I had a peppered steak pie and a pint (prices evading my memory, but the pie wasn't expensive and was very tasty), before heading up the stairs to the away section. We were allowed to sit where we wanted although I don't recall actually sitting down once during the 90 minutes, and there no objections from the stewards regarding our decision to stand. The stadium was packed and the view was good, rather close to the pitchside.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
The game went as well as Cardiff could have expected. winning 2-0, with goals from Sean Morison and Kenneth Zohore, which silenced the home support. At half time with the score at 0-0, I expected Leeds and their fans to really rally for it in the second half, but all the sound was from the away end, and all the good football was from the away side. Toilets were fine, nothing much to report. Food and drinks were reasonably priced, stewards weren't too strict (minus the incident when one fan got himself arrested for some reason). Well worth the trip.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
After the game there were some fans from both sides giving each other the what-for, although the high fencing and the Police presence separating the fans meant that didn't escalate any further. As you'd expect there was some traffic leaving the stadium, but it wasn't too bad. A few of us were crowded around one phone playing the Wales v England rugby clash in the Six Nations, so we didn't really notice the slow moving traffic.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
An excellent day, although it was quite a journey from North Wales.I'll certainly look to go to the same fixture and return to Elland Road next season.
Leeds United v Aston Villa
Football Championship League
Saturday 3rd December 2016. 5.30pm
Andy Newman (Aston Villa fan)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Elland Road?
I had never seen Villa play at Elland Road before and my son wanted to visit a 'proper ground.'
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
Very easy as Elland Road is only a few minutes off the motorway. We parked in a nearby Industrial estate for £5 which was a big mistake as when we got back we were triple parked! and had to wait 15 minutes before we could get moving.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
We went straight to the ground and had a beer inside the ground, in a very crowded bar (impressed with the carpet and wall paneling!!) Home fans very friendly.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Elland Road Stadium?
We were in lower section and had a really good view, its a proper old stadium with one huge stand on the opposite side to us, as it was a night game this added to the atmosphere. Knee room was poor but it didn't matter as we most;y stood during the game.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
Great atmosphere and the best home supported team I have seen this season – they sang throughout and the banter was good (including a streaker, although he still had his pants on!). Stewards were friendly and helpful, my son not impressed with pies as there was no steak pie 🙁 only other varieties.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Once out of the Industrial Estate very quickly away and onto the motorway in no time at all.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
A great day out despite loosing to second half goals although the best team definitely won this game. I would certainly visit Elland Road again.
Leeds United v Bristol City
Football Championship League
Saturday 23rd January 2016, 3pm
Gary Smith (Bristol City fan)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Elland Road football ground?
I had never been to Elland Road before so was I looking forward to visiting a new stadium.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
We got the train from Bristol Temple Meads into Leeds. We then got the football special bus to the ground. The bus only took about 10 minutes and was probably one of the best services to a ground that I have used.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
Before the game we went to the chip shop located just outside the away end. There was an enormous queue, but after waiting 15 minutes, it was worth it. We didn't really speak to any home fans but as a whole they are seemed friendly enough.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Elland Road Stadium?
On first impressions, Elland Road it looked a bit old and in need of a redevelopment in a few places, but that's why makes the ground that bit better, the history. The away was quite compact and offer some good views but I must say, if you sit in the back few rows it was more restricted.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
The game itself was not the most entertaining encounter compared to the 2-2 draw earlier on in the season at Ashton Gate but it was still a good, close, and even affair. After City looked sharp at times throughout the match, Leeds took the lead on the 59th minute and then comfortably seen through the game despite multiple chances by City. The atmosphere was good, with a bit of banter between the two sets of fans but nothing major. I didn't have any food or use the facilities.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Getting away from the ground was one of the easiest I have ever experienced. Came straight out of the stand and around to the bus stop, where there were a few buses already waiting. We easily jumped on one and we back in the City Centre within 15 minutes. I certainly would recommend the football special rather than attempting the very long walk from Leeds Railway Station.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Good away day despite the result. I would definitely recommend a visit to Elland Road and I would like to do it again in the future.
Leeds United v Bradford City
Carling Cup 1st Round
Tuesday, August 9th, 2011, 7.45pm
Jamie Larsson (Bradford City fan)
I was really looking forward to going to this game. I am a massive Bradford City fan but this was to be the first time for me that I would witness my team play against our biggest rivals Leeds United.
My father and me set off to the game at about 5:45pm for a 7:45 kick off. We were arrived at Elland Road just before 7pm, after a good journey across Bradford and onto the M62. We parked in a private car park around a five minute walk away from the stadium at a price of £3. We were surrounded by Leeds fans on the way up to the ground but there were no problems and we had decided not to show colours. We didn't go to a pub before the game and headed straight into the stadium. There were plenty of police outside the away turnstiles. Inside we had time for some refreshments from one of the smartest kiosks I have ever seen at a football ground.
As we went inside the stadium to our seats, I got my first view of the stadium which I thought was spectacular (Bradford had been given the South Stand behind one goal and the "cheese wedge" South East corner).
The stadium began to fill gradually and despite it being Leeds United's lowest crowd of the season there was plenty of Bradford Fans who were making all the noise. Leeds look the more dangerous team in the first half, but despite this Bradford took the lead after 30 mins and I have never seen a goal by city celebrated like it. The atmosphere was brilliant and the best I have ever been in. There were no Leeds fans near us as they were towards the other end of the stadium but a few near by were ejected from the ground for winding up the city fans. I was sat on the lower tier of the stand and my view was poor in the first half as Bradford were attacking toward to other end which seemed miles away.
At half time City were winning. But it didn't last long with Leeds equalising early in the second half. A wonder strike from Michael Flynn for Bradford made it 2-1 to the visitors and a few fans were thrown out for running onto the pitch in celebration. This resulted in a small army of stewards being assembled in front of the Bradford fans to prevent repetition. Unfortunately, they had nothing to worry about as the next two goals came from Leeds and they ran out 3-2 winners.
At the final whistle the City fans applauded our teams efforts and we made our way to the exits and to my surprise we were let out straight away. We returned to the car and we didn't encounter any trouble on the way. We got out of the car park relatively quickly and we were back on our way back to Bradford in no time at all.
I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Elland Road, apart from the result which was a shame. I'll look forward to visiting again someday.
Leeds United v Ipswich Town
Championship League
Saturday, March 12th , 2011, 3pm
Tim Sansom (Ipswich Town fan)
1. Why were you looking forward to going to the ground?
My perfect weekend would be to see my beloved Ipswich Town Football Club playing at a ground where I have never been to. I always enjoy watching Town away from Suffolk, and having a chance to explore a city that I have never visited before. It is my instinct or in built desire to explore a new place which has made me think like this.
My perfect weekend would continue with my invite to friends, who live in the local area, to inhale a little bit of the Ipswich atmosphere that has been part of my body for so long. The match will vary in quality, and I would claim that I could not personally engineer goals, but I would reward their persistence and suggesting that we go for an after match curry. I did have that perfect weekend in early March 2011, when I visited a ground that I had never been to in a part of the UK that I did not know that well.
Until that Saturday, Yorkshire had been a barren land in terms of football watching or catching Ipswich at play. I know that Yorkshire is a proud sporting county and it is surprising that this region defined for me by ‘Countdown,’ ‘Calendar,’ cricket, the Kaiser Chiefs, yellow chevrons on the TV, John Charles and ‘3-2-1’ currently does not have a team that is regularly playing in the Premiership. Leeds United would like to return to the Premiership, and Elland Road is a Premiership stadium, although I had been told that it was a stadium that had seen better days. They were not wrong.
2. How easy was your journey/ finding the ground/ car parking?
My journey to Elland Road was easy. I had taken a coach service up the M1 to Leeds and then I was helped by two friends who were local to the area. They knew where the stadium was and how to get there. As we meandered around Leeds’ exciting yet baffling dual carriageway system, where roads seemed to launch themselves over junctions for no apparent reason, there was no question that I would not get to Elland Road in time for the game.
I have done some travelling across the UK but I do not know Leeds that well and if you are new to the city, it would be wise to stick to the dual carriage ways and follow the brown signs down the M621 into the city. The stadium is well signposted. I was told that football buses do run from the station and may be an option for people arriving by train or want to arrive by public transport. I was meeting with my friends at the railway station and the Leeds station seemed full of friendly and approachable people who could direct you in the right direction to the bus.
We paid three pounds for car parking at a site near to the ground and there are various car parks close to the football ground that vary in price. Like any trip to the ground on a matchday, it is a simple case of following the crocodile line of other fans to the ground and the stadium quickly appears near to a railway line and nestled next to some random houses, a characteristic pub (which I sensed was for home fans only,) some car showrooms and a fast food operative that sells Big Macs. I immediately sensed that there was an aura of history about the place, which has not always been the case in certain football grounds. In contrast to some of the modern stadia that are full of concrete and not much soul, this ground did seem to have a heart and some friendly stewards too. How many grounds have you been to where you have been welcomed in person by a friendly steward? He even hoped that I had enjoyed a pleasant journey up the M1.
3. What did you think when seeing the ground/ first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
TV distorts the size of grounds and my first reaction to Elland Road was a certain amount of surprise. It seemed to be very small even though we were high up in the away section towards one corner of the stadium. Being a fairly enclosed area of the ground, the chanting and the all-important ‘atmosphere’ can be generated with ease in the away end. You are right next to the Leeds Kop and as the Leeds team song was played out over the loud speaker (and that was a pleasant change to the Electro Pop that is standard material at most grounds around the UK,) everyone seemed to be emotionally ready for the game. It was just a shame that it was obvious by around 3:20pm that 0-0 was likely to be the score. Despite being very close to an automatic promotion, Leeds played like mobile phones with two cells left on their batteries. Ipswich played like a team that will finish in the mid table of the Championship, which is a distinct improvement for Town from earlier in the season.
4. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies and toilets etc..
It has been a long while since I was watching football from behind poles but that was what I was facing at Elland Road. It did seem for a while, that all of the various contentious tackles enraging the home supporters and the Leeds manager were taking place behind the poles. The referee became a key figure in the game facing anger from the home dugout and the stands and the atmosphere became undeniably tense. Half time came to defuse the tension although the game continued to be played in an air of injustice made worse by missed chances. With the rain starting to fall in a typical northern way, I really did feel that my team were playing the role of party poopers who were frustrating the rise of Leeds United back to the Premiership.
When you turn up at a football ground, you should not expect Ritz like facilities unless you are taking the corporate experience. There is a fast food bar at the away end with some bucket seats where you can eat your pies and fast food grub and drink your pop or beer. It does feel that you are eating and drinking in a concrete wind tunnel but you do have some room to stand around and talk to your mates about how your team were lucky with various decisions and were really rattling the cage of the home fans.
A toilet is a toilet in my opinion but there seemed to be less than the normal amount of facilities in the away end compared to other grounds where I have visited. If you are a bloke that needs to visit a convenience at half time, you are liable to spend most of the half time break in the action in a queue wondering why you should be expected to pay 80p for a single chocolate bar.
Stewarding seemed to be fairly light in the away end although Ipswich Town fans are generally not known as particularly notorious across the UK. The game meandered to a 0-0 draw despite the anger of the home fans, and Leeds generally being on top of the action without never quite managing to reach top gear and score that important goal. Town were riding their luck at certain times but were sufficiently dogged to secure a point. My friend turned to me an wondered whether Ipswich Town were a long ball team. At that point in the game, I could not quite argue against him.
5. Comment on getting away from the ground:
At the final whistle, we had to turn right at the junction on to Elland Road. Fellow Ipswich fans had seemed to disappear into thin air, and I found myself on my own and walking against a tide of home fans who seemed frustrated with the 0-0 draw and I also wondered whether they were annoyed with the referee too. For the first time in a while around a football ground, I felt fairly intimidated and wished that I could have managed to have zipped my hoodie entirely over the football shirt but I was in a rush with a desperate search to find our little car.
After a couple of minutes, I was subject to a little bit of what some people would regard as ‘banter,’ and I can take ‘banter.’ However this was ‘banter’ with a slightly harsh and personal undertone to it, but I had disappeared in a rush without even thinking about the first word in a reply. I would strongly advise discretion when wearing club colours around this ground and whether it is even worth wearing your shirt if your team is a local rival or has had any particular ‘history’ with Leeds.
I know that I am spoilt at my home town club in Ipswich with the railway station within easy walking distance from Portman Road, and I can walk home from the ground too. I also accept that it may not be the job of a football club to run a suitable traffic management system to let their supporters head for home, but getting out of Elland Road was difficult.
Like bees around a honeypot or the average rush hour around the centre of Paris, it was every car for itself to get out of Elland Road to reach the M621 out of the city. Having arrived late back to the car, we were towards the back of the queue. As a result of my previous uneasy encounter with a group of home fans, I was collapsed on the back seat of the car like an escaped fugitive with the hope that no other home fan could see my blue shirt.
Once onto the M621, the journey was fairly simple, but you have to remember that Leeds v Ipswich had not attracted a full stadium nor was it a high profile game like a Leeds v Manchester United fixture. Is it traffic gridlock around the area when bigger teams come to town? If you are coming to a game at Elland Road and especially for a bigger match, I would recommend parking in roads around Ring Road Beeston but beware of Matchday restrictions.
6. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Regardless of what happened following the game, I felt that I had visited a key football ground in the UK that may not be showing Premiership football but does show some fairly impressive ‘b’ movie action (although the Leeds team seemed bizarrely lethargic on that Saturday afternoon. If you are on a trip around important football grounds in the UK, you have to visit Elland Road, but you have to be slightly more discrete than usual if you are an away fan. In general, I did get a very polite and warm Yorkshire welcome and left for my trip back down south wondering how long it will be before Leeds United may become giants in the English game again.
Leeds United v Norwich City
Championship League
Saturday, February 19th, 2011, 3pm
Steve Chambers (Norwich City fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
I had visited Elland Road the last time we where both in the Championship. I was looking forward to the atmosphere as it was a near sell out (apart from the top tier of the massive East Stand). We were issued 2,800 tickets and had sold out our allocation which included the corner infill and half of the stand behind the goal. We where situated five rows back to the left of the goal, not in the corner as before.
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
We had a relatively trouble free journey from Norfolk, meeting up with fellow Canaries at the Park Farm Cafe on the A17. As we approached Leeds about 30 miles out we were greeted with snowfall that progressively got worse as we travelled along the M62 and then the M621 however we managed to get to Leeds without any major problems. We had decided to stay overnight in Leeds, so before the game we parked up at the hotel in the city centre and caught a taxi to the ground, which cost about a fiver.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?
Our taxi dropped us off right outside the ground near the Old Peacock pub, however even though we were not wearing colours we decided after a chat with a local bobby to walk down to the Drysalters which was about a ten – fifteen minute walk from the ground. The pub was rammed full when we arrived about 1pm with a mixture of home and away fans exchanging banter and songs the beer was £2.25 a pint for Carlsberg and £1.99 for Fosters so after a few pints we left to pub about 2.40 and walked up to the ground grabbing a burger by the ground for £3.
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
The ground itself is quite impressive, especially the East Stand on one side, all looking tidy. Plus there is a statue of Billy Bremner outside the stadium. By the time we got into the ground the teams where just emerging and the atmosphere was electric with the Norwich and Leeds fans both in full voice, coupled with a loud PA System. I couldn’t quite understand why the top tier of the large East Stand wasn’t open as I can imagine it’s a fantastic place to sit with excellent views of the game. However after the game I had a chat with a Leeds United friend he said that unless it going to be sold out then they won’t open it to save costs in terms of stewarding etc..?
I was pleased to be to the right of the goal rather than in the corner, because of the previous occasion I had attended the view from the corner was not very good and there where posts in the way and little leg room, this area was much better. All the rest of the ground looked full. The Leeds fans then gave a loud rendition of 'Marching on together…' just before kick off.
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, toilets etc..
The game kicked off at an electric pace with Leeds doing all the pushing and hitting the woodwork twice, before going one up. Norwich rode out the storm and got back into the game, hitting the woodwork ourselves before equalising just before the break.
The first 20 mins of the second half saw Norwich dominating play, hitting the post before getting the goal to go 2-1 up. The Norwich fans kept on singing encouraging our team thinking this could be a good away win, however it wasn’t to be. Leeds brought on a sub and his first touch was to make it 2-2 on 75 mins. Also right at the death our goalie made an excellent save to keep the scores level and it finished 2-2. The atmosphere was superb however the Leeds fans didn’t get really going until they equalised.
The only two minus points of the day was that throughout the game the Police kept on insisting that we sat down. It appeared to be only our section and this to be honest got on my wick and was totally unnecessary. The other minus point was it appeared that we only had one toilet for our fans in the stand.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
After the game we got way fairly quick, walking towards the city centre and then flagged a taxi down back to the hotel.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
An excellent day out, good beer, good banter, excellent atmosphere. All the Leeds fans that I encountered where friendly and even though we both wanted the same, those 3 precious points with the season run in just around the corner, we both had to settle for a point a piece.
Leeds United v Coventry City
Championship League
Saturday, February 5th, 2011, 3pm
Neil Brownsword (Coventry City fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground:
I’ve not been to the ground before so I was looking forward to it, plus we were staying overnight in Leeds with our wives so it would give us chance to sample a bit more of the city.
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
The journey was easy enough, including the 80 mile drive to Coventry first of all to pick up my brother. Found our hotel easy enough and then parked on Whitehall? Road for £1 about half a mile away.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?
Had lunch in the city centre and then took a taxi to the Drysalters Arms, (cost around £7.50), cheap beer around £2 a pint. Although it’s the designated ‘away’ fans pub, there was loads of Leeds fans in there, although absolutely no hint of trouble. It took about 5-10 minutes to walk to the ground where we had another pint, this time around £3.20 for a pint.
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
The ground looked okay from the outside; although nothing special, nice touch having the Billy Bremner statue although to have it stood outside the away end seemed a bit strange, maybe it would have been better placed at the other end of the ground. The inside of the ground looked tired though and could do with re-developing. The view from the away end was ok as we were up near the back, there were a couple of pillars but they didn’t really get in the way.
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, toilets etc..
Not a bad game, we’ve been struggling badly recently with a number of players missing so didn’t expect anything, that said over 1,600 made the trip from Coventry and made plenty of noise. It was shame that some of the home fans spent more time watching us or trying to abuse us, rather than watching the game. Maybe if they got behind their own team more, then it would be a more intimidating place for away teams. Service of food and beverages were very slow inside the ground, simply not enough staff and over-priced drinks. Stewards were fine, didn’t bother us and let us stand throughout. Toilets also okay.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Asked a policeman for directions and then simply followed everyone else back to the city centre, a two mile walk in the pouring rain but straightforward enough.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Actually really enjoyed the day out despite the 1-0 defeat, probably made better because we stayed overnight and met up with our wives in the evening. The city centre seemed to have a good mix of lively bars and also somewhere to sit and chat if you wanted to. Worth a visit, would probably go again.
Leeds United v Bristol Rovers
League One
Saturday, May 8th, 2010, 3pm
Josh Townend (Bristol Rovers fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
Being the last match of the season and playing Leeds away, then it was going to a big game. But with Leeds knowing that a win could seem them promoted, then it was a massive game for the home fans. We were particularly excited because the Gas hadn't been doing too bad either and there was a full house being forecast (as Rovers fans, we weren't used to 10,000 let alone 40,000!)
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
Obviously, coming from Bristol meant it was a long journey but we got into the city centre with relative ease and from there we took a bus into the ground. All that was left for us to do was to find a pub and then our seats.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?
Having done some research before the game, we knew there was a pub right opposite the ground called the Old Peacock. We were going to go there but when we arrived, it was heaving with Leeds fans and we didn't want any trouble getting our drinks. We asked a couple of very friendly Leeds fans who recommended the Drysalters which was a ten-minute walk down the road. They served a range of draught lagers (mine was very satisfying) and they also served food which was an added bonus. This was also a busy pub but not as busy as the Old Peacock, although there was quite a buzz inside.
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
We were seated in what is affectionately known by Leeds fans as the 'cheese wedge'. For anyone unfamiliar, this is the corner between the South Stand and the huge East Stand which is painted yellow. As we had arrived just as the players were entering the pitch, the ground was pretty full. It definitely seemed like the menacing fortress it had been hyped up to be, as the vocal end was full and there was a real sense of closure as there seemed to be no particularly open part of the ground.
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
As for atmosphere I've never seen anything like it. It was quite an eye-opener as a Rovers fan because we've never played in front of a particularly big crowd like this. The atmosphere took quite a sinister turn when Gradel was sent off for Leeds. The home fans weren't happy at that and Jones for Rovers, who was involved in the incident took a lot of stick every time he touched the ball. I thought our party-pooping hadn't gone down too well with the Leeds fans and they didn't seem particularly happy with us and we were getting lots of stick from fans in the South Stand.
It was nice to open the scoring because it shut them up for a bit. There was a real party atmosphere at our end because we never expected to be 1-0 up in front of a crowd of about 40,000. The Leeds fans seemed really quiet and the lift came from when their local lad Howson came on. He changed the game and soon after Leeds were level. This was greeted by immense noise created by the Leeds fans and suddenly, we were feeling intimidated. My heart sank and I could see this was the point where we had truly entered the lions' den. There was nowhere to run or hide for the players and it was heart breaking to just see them cripple under the noise.
Despite our best efforts in the away end, the team couldn't be lifted and then the inevitable happened. Club hero and captain Jermaine Beckford grabbed a winner and that was it. Havoc broke out in the stands, there was pandemonium everywhere you looked and it was a very surreal experience to see 40,000 people make such a noise. We decided to stay for a little for full time as it was nice to see the promotion celebrations amongst the Leeds fans with a massive pitch invasion. We set off back for Bristol after an exhilarating 90 minutes that I will never forget. I'm sure that given our current situation we won't be returning any time soon but it might be nice to pop up and see another big game some day, just to relive that atmosphere.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
It was quite easy, all the Leeds fans were in the ground partying so we had quite a hassle free journey back to Leeds city centre and the journey back to Bristol was trouble-free
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Despite the result, I was overawed by everything, the ground, the atmosphere, the game itself was electric. I would definitely recommend it if Leeds' big day comes against your team. It'll be an experience you'll never forget..
Leeds United v Wycombe Wanderers
League One
Saturday, January 9th, 2010, 3pm
Peter Radford (Wycombe Wanderers fan)
Not a ground that I ever expected Wycombe to be visiting for a league fixture so an opportunity not to be missed. The 200 mile journey was on motorways surrounded by snow and it was clear that the ground staff had put in a great effort to clear the pitch and surrounding area as this was one of only seven matches to survive the winter freeze.
Parking was plentiful in the large club car park next to the ground and I discussed the match prospects with a local on the short walk to the stadium. This home fan was very focused on the need to win and move three points closer to promotion however once at the ground it was obvious that most fans were still wallowing in the victory against Man Utd in the FA Cup the previous week.
The concourse area “below stairs” in freezing conditions was uninviting, the quality of hot food was poor but at least the service was friendly.
The away corner allocated to us was about the worst vantage point that I have experienced as an away fan and the stewarding was a little overzealous at times for, what was, a small well behaved group of away fans (around 650).
I had been to Elland Road previously in 1995 and sat behind the dug-outs and it was clear that the stadium was little changed over the last 15 years. The ground is bland with no character although with a crowd in excess of 24,000 it had more atmosphere than any other Division One game that I had ever been too (and probably most Premiership games).
What I feared would be a humiliating defeat for the Chairboys turned into a glorious battle which as it turned out we were slightly unlucky not to win. I came away however with the feeling that you deserve a little more than one point when you come away from Elland Road with a draw in a Division One game!
The car park emptied quite easily with a very efficient and well marshalled traffic system it was probably the fastest that I have got away from a match with a crowd of this size.
In conclusion, not a great ground nor a particularly nice experience but an outstanding result against a side that had humbled Man Utd less than a week earlier.
Score: Leeds 1 Wycombe 1
Attendance: 24,383.