Stadium Info
The Hawthorns has been the home of West Bromwich Albion since 1900, when it became the sixth ground to be used by the club. The stadium was the last Football League ground to be built in the 19th century and at an altitude of 551 feet, it is the highest above sea level among those of all 92 Premier League and Football League clubs. The more vociferous home fans are situated in the Birmingham Rd end and are afforded an excellent unobscured view of the action. Actually, there are no bad seats inside the stadium with all four stands being single tiered affairs without a single pillar. Two new video screens have been installed in the ground recently. One at the Smethwick End side of the East Stand and the other in the opposite corner of the Halfords Lane Stand.
Away Fans
Upto 3,000 visiting supporters can be catered for and are situated on the east stand side of the Smethwick End. The views are unobstructed but there is a lack of leg room for anyone over 6'0 tall. Facilities and refreshment bars are very good with a wide range of food on offer for relatively average prices.
Where To Drink
There are only really two pubs close to the ground, and both operate a members only policies on matchday. Therefore, your best bet is to try West Bromwich High St. A recommended pub is The Poachers Pocket which is located on Albion Rd, B70 8QX, and is descibed by the manager as an away supporter friendly pub. The Poachers is a fairly large family friendly pub with a decent size car park. Food ranges from sandwiches/burgers to a 20oz Mixed Grill served from 12 - 2.30 and 6 - 9 Mon to Sat and 12 - 6 on Sunday. There is a small beer garden, a pool table and a dart board.
The pubs here will offer standard pub fare and the pints are plentiful although the bartending might be a little different than what you are used to if you are an away supporter but your bound to find something you fancy.
Parking
Parking is freely available in the streets surrounding the stadium and you'll be unlucky to have to park further than a 10 minute walk back to the stadium. If however, you prefer the secured private car parks there are plenty around charging anything upwards of £5 per vehicle.
By Train
The nearest / closest train station to West Bromwich Albion's Hawthorns Stadium is Hawthorns Rail but the more likely arrival point will be Smethwick Rolfe Street which is served by local trains from Birmingham New Street.
Wilf Brooks, a visiting Blackpool fan tells me: There is a train or tram that takes you to within walking distance of the ground from the station. However, at the end of the game, away supporters are sent on a bit of a route march to get back to the station as there's little info advising where to go so be sure to familiarise yourself before the game.
Photos
For more photos from The Hawthorns, click the link below!
http://www.tothe92.co.uk/groundguide/westbrom.html
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