Sunday 20 April 2014

West Ham United - The Boleyn Ground Guide


Stadium Info
Boleyn Ground has been home to West Ham since 1904. It's undergone many face lifts in that time including August 1944, when a V-1 flying bomb landed on the south-west corner of the pitch destroying part of the stadium. This forced the team to play their games away from home while repairs were carried out. There are no bad seats in the stadium but the view from the East Stand is possibly best as you sit looking at three relatively new and impressive stands through the action. The more vociferous home fans tend to sit in the Bobby Moore lower section. However, the home fans in the Trevor Booking stand that are sat next to the visiting supporters will be equally boisterous creating a real atmosphere, especially on derby days.

Away Fans
Visiting supporters are situated on the east side of the Trevor Brooking stand. This build is just over ten years old, but it already shows signs of wear and tear. The legroom is ok, but nothing great, and the seats situated next to the east stand are now a long way away from the pitch following its shift towards the Dr. Martens enclosure in 2002. The concourses have televisions which show early kick offs and Sky Sports and beer is served for the majority of games, depending on opposition. The food menu inside is what you'd would expect, but prices are quite expensive.

Where To Drink
The Boleyn pub right outside the ground is now officially designated as home fans only which, to be honest, it always was. Also popular with home fans is the Queens, on Green St. In similar vein to the Boleyn, it is always full. Another pub that may appeal to visiting supporters is the Denmark Arms, which is also on the Barking Rd close to East Ham Town Hall. The Central (surprisingly) also on the Barking Road is good pub suitable for away fans.

Cassetari’s Café on the Barking Rd is where the West Ham “academy” started with, as the story goes, Malcolm Allison and some salt and pepper pots. Nathan’s Pie and Eels café, also on Barking Rd, is well known and very popular on match days, selling the much-loved pie, mash and liquor. Also 'TommyDTheHammer' advises me: George's Fish bar on Prince Regent Lane (by Green Gate pub) is small but offers the best value.

Parking
Parking is restricted in many of the immediate roads in the vacinity so be careful where you leave your car. The best area for street parking is all the residential roads off Boundary road which runs the opposite side of Barking Road from Green Street. These are especially good for a quick get away back onto the A13. Providing you arrive in plenty of time you'll find a space within 10 minutes walk of the stadium.

By Train
Upton Park is the closest Underground station to West Ham United FC (The Boleyn Ground). Turn right and it’s 500 yards on your left. Upton Park Station is on the District (Green) line, in Zone 3 and journey times from Central London are approx 40mins. When you exit the station turn right. The stadium is then a 2 minute walk on your left hand side.

The nearest / closest train station to West Ham United's Boleyn Ground is a fair distance away, however the following the stations can be used (with connections) to get to The Boleyn:

Stratford Mainline Station (First Great Eastern) then take bus route 104 or Underground (Jubilee Line then change at West Ham for District Line) or Barking Mainline Station (c2c railways) then take bus route 5 or Underground (District) Line

Away fans are advised that the away enterance is located in Priory Rd. Fans coming from Upton Park station have to take the alleyway link from Tudor Rd.

Photos
For more photos from the Boleyn Ground, click the link below!
http://www.tothe92.co.uk/groundguide/westham.html

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