Blackburn Rovers – Ewood Park
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Ewood Park is currently the oldest home to a Premier League club, having opened in 1882.
It is an all seater multi-sports facility with a capacity of 31,400, and is home to Blackburn Rovers FC.
Jack Walker took over as chairman in 1991 and invested heavily in Ewood Park. By early 1994, the two-tiered Blackburn and Darwen End stands, behind the goals, had been opened. The Jack Walker Stand, on the site of the old Nuttall Street Stand was completed for the 1994-95 season. Away fans are housed at the Darwen End, occupying the whole upper tier and part of the lower tier.
How to get to Ewood Park
By Road:
Ewood Park is located in Nuttall Street, Blackburn, Lancashire BB2 4JF.
Drivers headed from the North are advised to leave the M6 at junction 30, following the M61 as far as junction 9. Exit onto the M65 towards Blackburn exiting onto the A666 at junction 4 and following the signage for Blackburn.
From the South, M6 junction 29 is recommended, exiting onto the M65 towards Blackburn. Turn right at the first set of lights and the stadium is located on the right after about a mile.
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By Rail:
The nearest railway stations are Blackburn (1½ miles) and Mill Hill, within less than a mile of the ground, with connections from Manchester Victoria and Preston. Click here to check the current train timetables
By Air:
Blackpool International airport is approximately 23 miles from Ewood Park, while Manchester International is within 30 miles. Both offer convenient rail links to Blackburn. Click here to check the current flight times
Where to Park?
On-street parking near Ewood Park is restricted and nearby roads closed for up to an hour after a match.
Various private car parks are available around the ground, at reasonable rates. Perhaps the best option for a quick exit is to go down the A666 hill, passing a garage on the left and turning right at the first set of traffic lights. In this area several industrial units offer cheap parking.
Away Friendly Pubs near Ewood Park
The majority of pubs in the immediate vicinity of Ewood Park are strictly “home only” and should be avoided by visiting fans. The White Bull, on Livesey Branch Road is away friendly, with a reportedly excellent atmosphere and good range of beers on offer.
The Fernhurst Arms on the Bolton Road is the traditional “away” pub, located opposite the Darwen end of the stadium. It is spacious, with a good restaurant to the rear and a large screen with Sky and Setanta sports. Parking is also available, but departure will be delayed due to road closures (see above).
For fans arriving at Mill Hill station, the Navigation is only a 5- minute walk away. Turn left on exiting the station and the pub is on the right near the bridge over the canal. It reportedly offers a good mix of home and away supporters.
Hotels near Ewood Park
Although some 10 miles from Ewood Park, the Holiday Inn Express Burnley, 55 Pendle Way, Burnley BB12 0TJ has attracted excellent reviews from visitors. This modern hotel, situated in the Pennine hills, enjoys excellent transport links. Free on-site parking is available.
The Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel, Preston New Rd, Samlesbury, Preston, PR5 0UJ, is situated just off junction 31 of the M6, some 7 miles from Ewood Park and about a mile from Preston railway station. With a 4-star rating, its guest reviews have been encouraging and appears to provide value for money. Free one-site parking is available.
What have other Away Fans said about their trip to Ewood Park?
Most fans have reported enjoying their day at Ewood Park, finding it easy for travel and excellent value for money. Numerous fans have remarked on the friendly, relaxed atmosphere inside the ground. However, many commented that the lack of a “full house” detracted somewhat from the atmosphere.
The facilities provided have been described as above average, though several visitors noted the extremely cramped concourse and lengthy queues at half time. Another major complaint from visiting fans is barely adequate legroom, due to the lack of space between the rows of seats.
I made the trip to Ewood park for the Arsenal away gave two years back.
The journey is lenghty, made all the worse by the M6 around Stoke, which always seems to be a major problem, but as per always with British motorway infrastructure, there is no logical explanation why!
We parked in a retail park, pretty much opposite the ground, in the McDonalds car park. Probably not to be advised but we got away with it. It was free, convenient and as we arrived at 2.50pm, was our only real option!
The ground itself is ‘okay’. Atmosphere is good.
We didn’t get a chance for pre match pint.
We ended up in a pub after, whose name eludes me, but if I recall correctly was close to the ground. It was friendly and welcoming without being packed to the walls.
We then went to the chinese takeaway for food afterwards, and ended up answering the telephone for them giving the locals banter!
A god day out, just be prepared for a lenghty drive!
I wouldn’t recommend parking on the Mc Donalds carpark opposite Ewood Park as David the Arsenal fan did,as clamping now takes place on match days.Nor would i recommend parking on nearby side roads as most are resident parking with badges and police monitor these during the game.
Their are numerous carparks on the small ind estates on Branch Rd and off Livsey Branch Rd,and on the large carpark opposite the Ewood Arms on Bolton Rd most charge £3-£4.
The Fernhurst on Bolton Rd is the traditional away fans pub which on match days has a marque on the carpark with outdoor bars and food outlets.There are several other eateries inc bakers and chinese take aways along Bolton Rd.Most other pubs are home fans only
.But the bars in the ground are open to away fans,unlike Villa,and the prices aren’t to bad compared to other grounds and you can get one or two pint glasses,wine bottles or spirits.
Easy way to park for free the adjacent to the Golden Cup P.H. just off the Bolton Road (A666) When you come off the M65 follow the signs to Ewood Park you turn right at the ‘T’ Junction. Then first left after you go under the M65 with the Golden Cup P.H. to your right. It’s a long road with roads off it too. Park a good hour before kick off as it is very popular. Also free parking at the Golden Cup if you have a drink there.