Southend United – Roots Hall

Roots Hall is an all-seater stadium, with a capacity of 12,392. It is the home stadium of Southend United.

The Main Stand runs along the East side of the pitch. This was originally an upper seating section with terraced paddocks below, but was converted to all-seater in the 1990s.

The South Stand was originally a large terrace, but financial difficulties in the mid 1990s saw it greatly reduced in size before being replaced by a two-tier stand. The West Stand was formerly a terrace running the length of the touchline.

Ground improvements in the 1990s saw it extended to fill the north-west corner of the ground. The roof is unusual, consisting of 2 semi-circular shapes. This results from the original roof being duplicated when the front of the stand was covered. The North Stand is another converted terrace. The roof has a semi-circular “barrel” shape, similar to the West Stand’s original roof, with a scoreboard, originally used in the nearby Victoria Plaza shopping centre, in the centre.

The North Stand is designated for away supporters.The club gained approval for a new 22,000-seater stadium at Fossetts Farm, near the Eastern Avenue training ground. This development was due to feature a hotel, conference suite and residential accommodation The new stadium was originally planned to open for the 2010-11 season, however with the club suffering financial problems, narrowly avoiding Administration and the current financial climate, the stadium plans have been shelved for the time being.

How to get to Roots Hall

By Roadmotorway

The Roots Hall ground is located in Victoria Avenue, Southend-On-Sea SS2 6NQ. From the M25, exit at junction 29, following the A127 into Southend. Continue towards the town centre, through the lights near to the Bell Pub. Take the 3rd exit at the next roundabout, remaining on the A127. The ground is on the right just past the next traffic lights.

By Rail

Prittlewell station, which is served by trains from London Liverpool Street, is about a 5-minute walk from the ground. On exiting the station, turn right and proceed as far as the light-controlled crossroads. Turn right after the “Fish House” chip shop and turn right.

Closest train station to Roots Hall

The ground is on the left after about 100 yards. Southend Central station, served by trains from London Bridge and London Fenchurch Street, is a good 25-minute walk from the ground. However, the main bus station is nearby. Click here to check the current train timetables

By Air

The nearest airport is London City, at a distance of 28 miles. Air travellers can reach Roots Hall by taking the Docklands Light Railway link to Canning Town, the tube to London Bridge and the overland train to Southend Central station. Click here to check the current flight times

Taxis

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

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

Where to Park?

Visiting fans advise that plenty of street parking is available behind the away end. There is also a car park at the ground, behind the Main Stand, while Southend High School offers parking on match days.

Where to park for Roots Hall

This car park can be accessed from Prittlewell road.

Away Friendly Pubs near Roots Hall

pubs near roots hallThe closest pub to the ground the Spread Eagle is for home fans only, along with the Blue Boar that is a little further on up the road. This only leaves the ‘The Bell’, a large Toby Carvery, which you pass on your way into Southend on the A127. David Wells informs me; ‘There is the Bar Victoria Court, which is located further down the A127 from Roots Hall towards Southend. It is not a traditional football pub by any means but it is okay for pre-match pint’.

Away friendly pubs near Roots Hall

The town centre is around a 20 minute walk away, where there are plenty of pubs including a Wetherspoons outlet (the Last Post on Clifftown Road). There are also a number of bars along the seafront, which can be quite nice on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

Hotels near Roots Hall

The Essex County Hotel, Aviation Way, Southend-On-Sea SS2 6UN is just over 1½ miles from the Roots Hall ground. It offers well equipped, en suite rooms, a quality restaurant and 2 licensed bars. Ample free car parking is available for all guests.

The Holiday Inn Basildon, Waterfront Walk, Festival Leisure Park, Basildon SS14 3DG is set in its own grounds, about 8 miles from junction 29 of the M25. The nearby Festival Leisure Park boasts a wide choice of restaurants, nightclubs and leisure activities.

What have other Away Fans said about their trip?

Many visiting fans have been dissatisfied with the seating in the North Stand. As with many converted terraces, seats have just been bolted onto the existing structure, leaving little legroom and space between rows. Additionally, a large number of supporting pillars impede the view of play.

What do fans think of Roots Hall

On the plus side, visitors have commented on the good atmosphere within the ground, with few problems in or around it. In the away section, refreshments are served from a “Transport Café” establishment, which has not been to everyone’s taste, but the range and quality of food offered is good.

Roots Hall FAQ’s

Which is the away end at Roots Hall?

Away fans are seated on one side of the North Stand when they visit Roots Hall.

What is Roots Hall away end capacity?

Around 1,200 away fans can fit in the North Stand at Roots Hall.

James Dooley avatar