Derby County visitor guide (Pride Park Stadium, The Rams), England

The Pride Park Stadium has been the home of Derby County F.C. since it's opening by Queen Elizabeth II in 1997. The 33,597 seater stadium cost £28 million to build and replaced the clubs faithful home of 102 years, the Baseball Ground. Unfortunately for home fans eager to see the team play in its new home, the first competitive league match played at Pride Park (against Wimbledon) had to be abandoned when the floodlights failed part way through the game. Plans have been announced to increase the grounds capacity to 44,000, but these have been put on hold following the clubs relegation from the Premier League during the 2007/2008 season. The ground is currently a totally enclosed design with seats all round the pitch. All stands are single-tiered except for the large two-tiered West Stand, which is also home to the clubs executive boxes.

Visiting supporters are located in the Cawarden Stand (South Stand). Ticket allocation for away fans is between 3,000-4,000 depending on demand. As to be expected from a new, modern stadium, Pride Park has great facilities and the match atmosphere is generally superb due to the good views and passionate yet friendly home fans (Derby County fans are regularly referred to as the best in the country). The usual match refreshments such as pies, chips and burgers are available inside the ground. Screens showing the game live can be found in the catering areas, so fans won't have to miss any of the action while they queue for their food and drink.

Guided tours of Pride Park are available; they cost £8 for non season ticket holders, £6 for seniors and £5 for juniors. The tour runs two days a month; once on a Wednesday and once on a Sunday and last around one hour. It is best to check with the club for the schedule of stadium tour dates.

The stadiums location close to the city centre means that fans looking for accommodation will find a great choice of hotels near Pride Park.

Getting To Pride Park

By Car

Fans travelling to Derby from the South should exit the M1 at Junction 25, take the A52 towards Derby and then follow the away supporters signs to the ground. Fans coming from the North should leave the M1 at Junction 28; take the A38 towards Derby again following away supporters signs to the stadium. Those approaching the Pride Park stadium from other directions will find the ground well sign posted once they get near to Derby.

It can be difficult to find a parking space near the ground as the available spaces tend to fill up pretty quickly on match days, so it may be a good idea to take advantage of Pride Park's close proximity to the city centre and chose a parking space there. Alternatively, if you are staying in a hotel near Pride Park, take advantage of the customer parking and walk to the ground.

A park and ride scheme is in operation and may be a good choice for those who don't wish don't wish to park and then walk to the ground.

By Public Transport

Derby's mainline train station is just 15 minutes on foot from the ground. The route is well sign posted, so simply follow the signs once you leave the station. Fans arriving in Derby by bus, or those who have chosen a Pride Park hotel in the centre of Derby, will be pleased to know that a Pride Park shuttle service runs to the ground from the city centre.

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