Brighton and Hove Albion Ladies – The Broadfield Stadium

The Broadfield Stadium in Crawley, England, is a multi-purpose stadium. It is now primarily used for team play and football matches. Crawley Borough Council owns the stadium, which has a seating capacity of 6,134. As part of a sponsorship contract, the stadium was renamed Checkatrade.com Stadium from 2013 to 2018. As part of a new sponsorship contract, the stadium was renamed The Peoples Pension Stadium in late 2018.

The main stand, which spans two-thirds of the pitch, is the West Stand. Club offices, a goods shop, changing rooms, and hospitality are all located there. Because it is elevated above pitch level, supporters must ascend a short flight of stairs in the front to access the seating area. Before the construction of the East Stand, it was the only stand in the stadium with seats, with a small space at the north end reserved for away fans. It is now just for at-home assistance.

The North and South Stands are two modest roofed terraces that are identical. The South Stand is reserved for home fans, while the North Stand is reserved for visitors. Both stands wrap around the pitch’s corners, connecting with the West Stand. Since December 2015, the South Stand has been renamed as the Structured Communications Stand.

The East Stand has a capacity of 2,154 people and is an all-seated roofed stand. Although some seats at the north end of the stand are available to away supporters, it is primarily for home fans. On Good Friday 2012, the stand opened for the first time for a League Two home game against Crewe Alexandra.

The stand was planned following promotion to the football league in May 2011, complying with Football League requirements. Early February 2012 saw the start of construction of the stadium’s East Stand. It took the place of the standing space on the open East terrace. It was known as the Checkatrade.com Stand from 2013 to 2015. However, due to a sponsorship contract with B&CE, it was renamed The People’s Pension East Stand in December 2015.

How to Get to The Broadfield Stadium

By Road

Take the M23 southbound towards Gatwick Airport and Brighton from the M25. At the end of the M23, before it turns into the A23, take the last exit, Junction 11. Turn right onto the A23 towards Crawley at the roundabout at the end of the motorway slip road.

Just before the next roundabout, on the left, lies the ground. The stadium entrance is a little covered by foliage, so look for the giant red and white football on the roundabout itself. Turn left at the roundabout, then left again to enter the stadium parking lot.

By Rail

Crawley mainline station is roughly a mile from the stadium, so it’ll take you 15 to 20 minutes to walk there. Alternatively, if you’re lucky, you might be able to obtain a taxi to the stadium.

Closest train station to Broadfield Station

On match days, a better choice is to take the number 10 bus, which operates every ten minutes and, while it can get packed at times, is plentiful and relatively reliable. London Victoria serves Crawley rail station, with trains running regularly.

By Air

Broadfield Stadium is only a few miles from London Gatwick Airport, which takes about 30 minutes to reach by vehicle. Driving into Crawley from Gatwick is simple, but rail connections from the airport will get you to Crawley mainline station quickly. Many minor airports in the United Kingdom and a variety of international destinations are served by London Gatwick.

Taxis

In Crawley, various taxi firms can transport you to and from Broadfield Stadium. You can always arrange a private rental taxi ahead of time or flag down a black cab on any highway.

Where to Park?

Broadfield Stadium has several parking places in the stadium car park, making it one of the finest parking destinations in the football league. The earlier you arrive, the greater your chances of finding a parking space; but, if you cannot find one, there is a big overflow car park at the adjacent Broadfield Office Park that may handle smaller gates.

Aside from that, there is a decent network of street parking and only a few permit schemes in the area, so the restrictions are minor. As always, the longer you’re willing to go, the higher your odds of obtaining a parking spot.

Where to park near Broadfield Station

The stadium’s parking lot cost £5. Broadfield Park’s offices, accessible from the A23 as you descend the hill from the motorway, have an overflow parking lot. This free parking lot can accommodate 350 vehicles. It’s also convenient to return to the A23 after the game. As you approach the stadium on the A23, look for the Broadfield Park Business Centre sign and turn left.

Otherwise, parking is available on the street. Renting a private driveway near the local area is also a possibility. Please keep in mind that leaving the stadium car park after the game can take a long time. So, if you’re looking for a quick getaway after the game, street parking might be a better option.

They also feature 22 parking spaces for the disabled, ten of which are marked side and rear. There are 19 for home fans and three for visitors. Blue badge holders who arrive at the stadium in a car and produce their badges are entitled to free parking.

Disabled season ticket holders have been assigned to all of the home accessible bays. If necessary, disabled spectators can be dropped off in a designated bay, where the driver can then park or return to pick them up after the game. Three disabled bays for away spectators are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Away Friendly Pubs Near the Broadfield Stadium

The Redz Bar, located at the back of the Bruce Winfield Stand, permits away fans to enter the stadium before but not after the game. This bar may be accessed from the outside of the stadium. The New Moon on Brighton Road is the closest pub near the stadium (A2219). It’s about a five-minute walk to the town centre from here. The Downsman, on Wakehurst Drive, just off Southgate Avenue, is another nearby bar.

Away friendly pubs near Broadfield Station

To find these pubs, exit the stadium parking lot and turn right, returning to the main roundabout. Using the underpass, cross the dual carriageway and proceed straight into Southgate Avenue (A2004).

Take the first left from Southgate Avenue into Brighton Road (A2219), and the bar will be on the right further up the road. Go to Brighton Road for the Downsman, then take the first right into Wakehurst Drive. The bar will be on the left as you continue along Wakehurst Drive. Away supporters should be aware that alcohol is not available inside the stadium.

Hotels near Broadfield Stadium

Crawley has several major hotels, including the Ramada, which is the most modern and well-equipped of the options. Crawley is a small town, but if you’re willing to go four miles to Gatwick Airport, you’ll find a large selection of hotels, including the Holiday Inn and the Hilton.

Gatwick may be the preferable option for many supporters searching for a place to stay overnight, albeit Crawley itself has plenty of options.

What Have Other Away Fans said About Their Trip to The Broadfield Stadium?

Away spectators are primarily housed in the KR-L Stand, located at the north end of the stadium. Up to 1,600 people can be accommodated on this largely covered terrace. A small number of seats are available in the temporary East Stand for away fans.

The terrace’s segregation can be altered depending on the size of the away crowd. Clubs with a small following, for example, will be awarded only the North West corner up to the corner flag, whilst those with the largest will be granted that corner plus the entire end. The stadium’s facilities are somewhat decent, and it is usually a relaxing and fun day out.

What do fans think of Broadfield Station

Inside, there’s a selection of pies from The Real Pie Company, a local supplier. A Chicken Balti Pie, a Steak & Guinness Pie, and a Monthly Special Pie are all £3. Meat Pasties, as well as Cheese and Onion Pasties, are available. You can also get 1/2 pound Double Burgers, 1/4 pound Burgers, and Jumbo Hot Dogs. Teas and coffees are £2, while Bovril and Hot Chocolate are £2.50.

Broadfield Stadium has established a reputation as one of the top venues outside of the football league. Now it will have the opportunity to demonstrate that it is capable of performing at a higher level. The modern facilities assist spectators in enjoying their experience because it is such a new venue. Still, it is certainly not without character and is a much-welcomed addition to the football league schedule.

The Broadfield Stadium Directions

Brighton & Hove Albion Ladies Twitter

The Broadfield Stadium FAQ’s

Which is the away end at The Broadfield Stadium?

Away fans visiting The Broadfield Stadium are located in the North Stand.

What is The Broadfield Stadium away end capacity?

Up to 1,600 away fans can be accommodated at The Broadfield Stadium.

Stadium Key Facts

  • Capacity: 6,134
  • Address: Crawley, West Sussex, RH11 9RX
  • Pitch Size: 110 x 75 yards
  • Pitch Type: Grass
  • Year Ground Opened: 1997
  • Record Attendance: 5,880
  • Club Name: Brighton & Hove Albion Women Football Club
  • Official Website: https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/teams/womens-team
  • Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/officialbhafc/
  • Club Nickname: The Albion
  • Owner: Crawley Borough Council
  • Coordinates: 51°05′58.94″N 0°11′41.16″W

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