Darlington – Darlington Arena

Darlington moved to their new stadium in 2003, having played at Feethams for 120 years.

The new ground has an all-seated capacity of over 25,000, but this is currently restricted to 10,000 for football matches, due to poor access roads. However, this should not present problems in the immediate future, with average gates of around 3,500.

The ground looks impressive and is a good size. It is completely enclosed, with all the corners filled with seating. All the stands are single tiered and of an equal height. The stands look virtually identical apart from the South Stand, which has a row of executive boxes running across the back of it.

In the South East corner of the stadium is a Police Control Box, whilst in the North East corner, there is a large video screen.

How to Get to the Darlington Arena

By Roadmotorway

The Darlington Arena is located in Neasham Road, Darlington DL2 1DL.

Drivers arriving from The North should exit the A1 (M) at junction 59, taking the A167 towards Darlington and the A1150 towards Teesside. Turn onto the A66 towards Darlington and the stadium is on the right. There are shorter routes, but this avoids driving through the centre of the town.

From the South, exit the A1 (M) at junction 57, taking the A66 towards Darlington / Teesside. Continue along the A66 over 2 roundabouts. At the 3rd roundabout, the stadium is visible on the left. Turn left at this roundabout into Neasham Road for the stadium.

By Railrail

Darlington railway station is about 1½ miles and a good 20-minute walk from the ground. On exiting the station, turn right past the taxi rank heading towards the car park. Cross the railway bridge into Albert Road. At the end of Albert Road, turn right into Neasham Road. The ground is about a mile further on, on the left. Alternatively, taxis are available at the station and a subsidised bus service runs to the ground every 15 minutes, from Tubwell Row in the town centre. Click here to check the current train timetables

By Air

The nearest airport is Durham Tees Valley at a distance of roughly 4½ miles. Regular bus services operate to Darlington from the airport. Click here to check the current flight times

Taxis

There are several taxi companies in Darlington that can take you to and from the Darlington Arena. You can always prebook a private hire taxi, or hail a black cab on any highway.

Calling all Darlington Taxi Companies – Why not advertise your company here?.

Where to Park?parking

There is a fair sized car park at the stadium, but there are inevitably delays in getting away after the match. A “residents only” parking scheme operates around the ground on match days, so street parking is likely to leave a decent walk to and from the stadium.

Darlington FC Details

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AddressThe Northern Echo Arena, Neasham Rd, Darlington DL2 1DL
Tel Number07488 564642
Email[email protected]
Websitehttps://darlingtonfc.co.uk/

Away Friendly Pubs Near the Darlington Arena

pint

The stadium has 2 bars, the Corner Bar and Bar 66. Both admit away fans, but get extremely busy on match days. The location of the ground, on the outskirts of Darlington, means that nearby pubs are limited. However, the recommended Copper Beech is a 10-minute walk along Neasham Road, towards the town centre. This pub serves reasonably priced food. Also near the ground is the Tawny Owl, about ¼ mile to the other side of the A66 roundabout (see “By Road,” above).

There are also plenty of pubs in the town centre. The Number Twenty 2, in Coniscliffe Road, is a spacious pub that offers a good range of beers. The Quaker House, in Mechanic’s Yard, a small side street opposite the indoor market, is highly recommended by real ale aficionados, with 10 on tap. The Boot and Shoe, on Market Square, has also been recommended for a friendly welcome and cheap beer.

Hotels Near the Darlington Arena

The Barceló Redworth Hall Hotel (pictured left), Redworth, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6NL is a beautiful Elizabethan hotel standing in 150 acres of peaceful woodland in County Durham, within 8 miles of the Darlington Arena. Guest reviews note comfortable, well-appointed rooms offering excellent value for money.

The 3-star Swallow Stockton Hotel, John Walker Square, Stockton On Tees, TS18 1AQ offers good Northern hospitality within 10 miles of the Darlington Arena. The hotel is just 2 miles from the A19 with easy access to the A1. Rail links from Thornaby Station to Darlington connect with mainline services. Durham Tees Valley airport is just 8 miles away.

What Have Other Away Fans Said About Their Trip?
fans

Most visiting fans have been impressed by the looks of the new stadium, but report that it lacks character. The seating in the East stand has attracted criticism, with visitors complaining that legroom is so limited that sitting becomes uncomfortable. The atmosphere, despite the efforts of the drummer in the home end, is reportedly poor, resulting from small crowd in a big stadium.

However, on the plus side, the view of play from the away section is excellent and stewards keep an unobtrusive presence. There have been few complaints with regard to catering, with a wide range of food and drink served from well-staffed outlets.

James Dooley avatar