Stadium Info
Bloomfield Road has undergone a total redevelopment over the last 10 years. The South stand was finally completed in March 2010 and with the completion of the temporary East stand in time for the start of the 2010/11 season, capacity has risen by as much as 40 percent since last season with a sell out now a modest 16,000. For a Premier League side, it still seems low but they're making positive moves in the right direction. North, West and South stands are connected and look very modern. Atmosphere shouldn't be hard to come by and acoustics within the stadium are excellent. Once the stadium is complete it'll be a tidy little place to visit. There is a new supporters bar under the Jimmy Armfield South Stand that's also worth a look.
Away Fans
Visiting supporters are situated in the east stand where 2,500 away fans can be accomodated with the same number of home supporters in the other half of the stand. Approximately 70 spaces in the middle are reserved for the press and acts as a divide. Although it's a temporary stand, it has a roof and will eventually have some decent facilities with good toilets and catering outlets. For now however, there are a number of supporting pillars and only burger bars and portaloos.
Where To Drink
There are a number of pubs within 10 minutes walking distance of the ground. The Old Bridge Inn on Lytham Rd, the Swift Hound on the Odeon Cinema Complex or The Waterloo which is south of the ground are all very hospitable pubs. A short walk down Bloomfield Road, away from the seafront, will bring you to The Bloomfield, at the junction with Ansdell Road. Just along Bloomfield Road in the direction of the Promenade is The Old Bridge. A lively pub that allows away supporters in. Turn left at The Old Bridge and there is a Wetherspoons pub called The Auctioneer, near Blackpool South Station, with cheap beer and decent food. Joice's Plaice Fish and Chips (near Waterloo pub) has also been recommended.
Parking
There are three large car parks surrounding the stadium with the biggest of which believed to have been the largest football car park in Europe at one time, which should make parking very easy. It is however quite expensive to park in any of these and if you're trying to save the pennies then there is street parking, but you'll need to be prepared to walk 10 or so minutes in to the stadium unless you arrive early and find one of the few available in closer proximity. The town has fantastic rail and bus links with the main station for coaches next to the stadium making access to and from the ground very easy if you choose not to travel by car, or even if you choose to park further away.
By Train
The nearest / closest train station to Blackpool's Bloomfield Road is Blackpool South, served by hourly trains between Colne and Preston, and is around ten minutes walk away from the ground. However, this is not a main line station and fewer trains stop here.
The main station in the town (and likely to be the one you arrive at) is Blackpool North. This is around two miles away and is about 20 minutes walk, which on a pleasant summers day is a lovely choice. Alternatively, buses run the route to the ground or it's only a short cab ride that should cost around about £4.50.
Photos
For more photos from Bloomfield Road, click the link below!
http://www.tothe92.co.uk/groundguide/blackpool.html
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