On Thursday, 19 December, Shamrock Rovers will travel to London to face Chelsea in the Europa Conference League at Stamford Bridge.
The match is a significant one for both clubs with the hosts needing a point to qualify for the Round of 16 as League Phase winners and the visitors potentially needing a win to cement their place in the top eight.
This will be the first time that the two clubs have ever met before in a competitive match which makes the trip to London an extra special one for the travelling Shamrock Rovers fans.
How many Shamrock Rovers fans are going to Chelsea?
Shamrock Rovers were given an allocation of just under 3,000 tickets for the match against Chelsea and to their credit, this allocation sold out very quickly. Considering their home ground, Tallaght Stadium, only has a capacity of 10,500, this is an impressive turnout by the Shamrock Rovers supporters.
Away tickets for Chelsea vs Shamrock Rovers sold out in under two days so many supporters unfortunately missed out. As a result, local police are anticipating that many fans will make the short trip across from Ireland without tickets to soak up the atmosphere on what is a huge night for the visitors.
This isn't their first trip to one of London's many football grounds, though. They travelled in large numbers back in 2011 when their side took on Tottenham in the Europa League.
Where will Shamrock Rovers fans sit at Stamford Bridge?
Shamrock Rovers fans have been allocated the right side of the Shed End on Thursday night, with the away section spanning two tiers. The Shamrock Rovers fans will enter via blocks SL2, SL3, SU2 AND SU4.
The view from the away end at Stamford Bridge is generally excellent, regardless of which tier you are in, but the lower half of the upper tier is generally considered the ‘prime' spot in terms of getting a good view of the game.
Although the away end is all-seated, it isn't anticipated that the Shamrock Rovers end will spend much time on sat down on the night.
? CHELSEA SOLD OUT!
The club's allocation of just under 3,000 away tickets is sold out.
Check email from club for details of a standby list if there are any returns.
We do not expect a further allocation. pic.twitter.com/79A2CJqQRh
— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) November 14, 2024
Full fans’ matchday guide for Chelsea vs Shamrock Rovers
Where to eat & drink for Shamrock Rovers fans in London
London is a big city with plenty of food and drink offerings all over. However, for those looking to stay close to the stadium for pre-match drinks then the following options are your best bet:
- The Courtfield Tavern – 187 Earls Ct Rd, London SW5 9AN
- The Goose – 248 North End Rd, London SW6 1NL
- The Blackbird – 209 Earls Ct Rd, London SW5 9AN
If you go further afield then the London Underground can always take you back to the surrounding area of the stadium very quickly. More on that below.
How to get to Stamford Bridge: Guide for Shamrock Rovers fans in London
There are a number of ways to get to Stamford Bridge once you are in London, but the London Underground and Overground are your best options.
The closest underground station to the stadium is Fulham Broadway, which is on the District Line. From here, the stadium will be virtually right in front of you once you depart the station.
Alternatively, Earls Court Station on the District and Piccadilly lines is around a 20-minute walk away from the stadium and is a better option if you want to find a pub before kick-off.
For fans using the London Overground, then the nearest station is West Brompton. This station is around a 15-minute walk away from the stadium and is served by trains from Clapham Junction.