After not playing at Ewood Park since 2005, when we visited in the Championship last time out, Saints arrive in Blackburn for the second time in 18 months as usual all the information that you will need.

Two years ago a large Saints contingent saw their automatic promotion hopes on the way to being dashed after a 0-0 draw, now we face the same problems if we fail to win at Ewood Park again, and another good away following will hope that Will Still gets things right after the debacle at Bristol City, so here's the info on how to get there and what to do.

The Ground.

My first visit was in February 1984 when Saints won 1-0 courtesy of a David Armstrong goal in a televised Friday night FA Cup 5th round game, nothing of Ewood Park remains from that day, with the stadium being completely rebuilt, indeed the oldest part of the ground today was built in 1988, however it has remained unchanged since the early 1990's when under Owner Jack Walker Blackburn won the Premier League.

In many respects it is still a traditional style ground with each stand separated from the others, the two stands behind the goals are fairly similar, but the stands on either side of the pitch are different, so it cannot be called a soulless bowl, as many new stadiums are these days.

Getting There

By Car
The normal route to the North West and then procced North on the M6 to junction 29, then onto the M65 towards Blackburn – leave the M65 at Junction 4 (A666) and follow signs towards Blackburn. Turn right at the first set of traffic lights and Ewood Park is about 1 mile down the road on the right-hand side.

By Train
As usual there could be issues on the train services this weekend, so if you are planning to travel by train, check for potential strikes and delays first.

The closest railway station is Mill Hill which is around a 15-minute walk away from Ewood Park. It is served by trains from Blackburn and the journey only takes a few minutes. Blackburn station itself is at least a couple of miles from the ground and hence a good 25-30 minute walk away. Blackburn station is served by trains from Preston, Manchester & Leeds.

The main doors to Blackburn station face the bus station, from where you can take either a Number 1, 3 or 225 bus (the latter goes from Stand N) bus to the Stadium

Car Parking

Various private car parks are available in the area around Ewood Park (especially along Branch Road), costing in the region of £5. The nearby Hungry Horse pub also offers matchday parking at the same price.

If you want to get away reasonably quickly after the game (the roads immediately around Ewood Park are closed off for crowd safety for around 30 minutes after the game) then as you come down the hill on the A666, you will pass an Esso Petrol Garage on your left. Turn right at the next traffic lights into Branch Road and down on your left there are some industrial units offering matchday parking. After the game turn left out of the car parks so that you are going away from Ewood, turn right at the second mini roundabout and this will take you back up to the M65.

There is also a lot of street parking in the near proximity to the ground, with Blackburn being a fairly compact town and most of their support being local, most supporters seem to be able to get to the ground without using a car.

The Away Section

Saints fans will be housed in the Darwen End, this double tiered stand holds about 8,000, we have sold most of our allocation of half of the bottom tier, a total of around 2,300 but we are unlikely to sell many more after the defeat at Bristol City.

The usual fare of alcohol and food is available in the spacious concourses you would expect from a fairly modern stand.

Drinking Eating Etc

The away pub is the Fernhurt a short walk from behind the away end, which is on Bolton Road. pubs that welcome away fans include.

The Golden Cup – 610 Blackburn Rd, Darwen, Blackburn BB3 0AJ
The Drummer’s Arms – 65 King William St, Blackburn BB1 7DT
The Fernhurst – 466 Bolton Road, BB2 4JP

Ewood Park
Capacity: 31,367 (all seated)
Address: Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 4JF
Telephone: 01254 372 001
Fax: 01254 671 042
Ticket Office: 01254 372 000
Pitch Size: 115 x 76 yards
Pitch Type: Grass
Club Nickname: Rovers
Year Ground Opened: 1882
Undersoil Heating: Yes

All Photos Via Reuters

Colburn added 12:22 - Oct 23 Not going, ticket in the bin. Not spending 8 hours in a car and loads on petrol to see 8 defenders on the pitch and a clueless manager still supported by a load of snowflakes. No pun intended. I’m done with the stupidity and negativity with how he sets us up.
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