Crystal Palace visitor guide (Selhurst Park, Eagles), England

Selhurst Park was officially opened on the 30th August 1924 by the Lord Mayor of London. The present, all-seater capacity of the stadium is 26,309. Over its lifetime, Selhurst Park has also hosted international matches, cricket matches, boxing, concerts, Olympic events and even bicycle polo. Selhurst Park made a historical first in 1985 when Crystal Palace F.C. and Charlton Athletic F.C. became the first British football league clubs to enter a ground-sharing scheme. Charlton stayed for six years, leaving in 1991 only to be replaced by Wimbledon F.C. who played their home games at the ground until 2003. Two of the grounds stands have been rebuilt over the last twenty years but Selhurst Park is starting to show its age; there is however, a certain 'traditional' football stadium charm to the look of the venue.

Visiting fans are housed in the side of the Arthur Wait Stand closest to the Holmesdale Road End. Around 2,000 seats are made available for away supporters. Wooden seats, support beams and a low roof make for some disappointing views from the back of the stand, but things are better towards the front. The atmosphere within the ground itself is good; Crystal Palace fans are regularly commended for their good behaviour. As is to be expected of an older stadium, the facilities, though adequate, leave a little to be desired. Queuing for food and drink and visiting the toilet at half time are tasks not to be approached lightly.

The grounds suburban location means that there isn't the choice of hotels near Selhurst Park that you would expect of a central London club. Croydon is probably the best place to look for a Selhurst Park hotel, as it is closer to the ground than the centre of London. That said, fans wishing to make the most of their trip to the capital will find it easy enough to travel out to the ground on public transport should they choose a central London hotel right in the thick of things.

Getting To Selhurst Park

By Car

Exit the M25 at Junction 7 following the signs for the A23 (Croydon). At Purley head left onto the A23 at its junction with the A235 to Croydon. Stay with the A23 past Croydon, when the A23 bears left at Thornton Heath roundabout, take the fourth exit (A235) and take an immediate left onto the B266 (Brigstock Road). Continue up the road past Thornton Heath station and bear right onto the high street. Take the left at the mini roundabout (Whitehorse Lane) and keep going until you see the ground. It is easy to find street parking in the area but be aware of restrictions as resident only schemes are on the increase.

Travelling to Selhurst Park can be a nightmare, even on non-match days, so public transport is recommended where possible.

By Public Transport

Trains are the best way to reach Selhurst Park from central London. Selhurst and Thornton Heath stations are served by regular trains from London Victoria, Clapham Junction and London Bridge. Trains also arrive at these stations from East Croydon. Norwood Junction is another nearby station and is served by London Bridge, East Croydon, Gatwick and limited trains from London Victoria. All these stations are within a 10-15 minute walk from the ground. Fans should be aware that Crystal Palace station is not the stop for Selhurst Park.

Several bus routes pass by the ground, these include the 468 (Elephant & Castle to South Croydon), X68 (Russell Square to West Croydon), 157 (Crystal Palace to Morden) and 75 (Lewisham to Croydon Fairfield Halls) services.

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