Sheffield United visitor guide | Bramall Lane guide

Bramall Lane is a truly historic ground with a football heritage that stretches far back. It is the oldest stadium in the world that still hosts professional football matches and is one of the oldest international venues still capable of hosting international match fixtures. Bramall Lane was opened as a cricket ground in 1855, long before current inhabitants Sheffield United were formed.

Interestingly, the football team was created specifically for the ground as a way of generating income for the cricket club during the winter close season. The football team was formed in 1889 and took their name, Sheffield United, from the cricket club. Sheffield United F.C. played their first home game on the 28th September 1889 against Football Alliance side Birmingham St George's. However, this was not the first football match to be played at Bramall Lane. The first match took place here on the 29th of December 1862 between local sides Hallam F.C. and Sheffield F.C.

Over the coming years the ground held important local matches, the final of the Youdan Cup, the world's first ever football tournament, and an international match between England and Scotland. Bramall Lane also hosted the first ever floodlit football match on the 14th of October 1878.

The ground has undergone extensive redevelopment in recent years; it became all-seater in 1994 and two new corner stands have been built since the early 2000s amongst more general renovations and improvements. The current all-seater capacity is 32,609.

Visiting supporters are housed in the lower tier of the Bramall Lane Stand. About 3,000 seats are allocated to away fans but this can be increased if the demand exceeds this. The Bramall Lane stand is currently the oldest stand in the ground but it has been modernised over the last few years, so fans can expect comfortable seats and a great view of the action. Hungry fans will be pleased to know that the usual match refreshments such as pies, chips, burgers and drinks are available inside the stadium.

The stadium is located close to Sheffield City Centre so fans looking for a hotel near Bramall Lane will have plenty to choose from.

Getting To Bramall Lane

By Car

Even though it has a central location, Bramall Lane is fairly easy to reach by car. Fans travelling from the South and East should exit the M1 at Junction 31 (A57) or Junction 33 (A630). The A57 and A630 eventually merge into the A57. Follow the A57 into Sheffield. At the ring road, follow the signs for the A621 and you will eventually reach the ground (Bramall Lane is the A621). Fans travelling from the North should exit the M1 at Junction 36 and take the A61 into Sheffield. Stay with the A61 until you see signs for the A621 Bramall Lane, take this road and you will soon reach the ground.

Parking near the ground is not particularly easy. There is limited street parking available in the narrow streets nearby but it is probably best to park in one of the multi-storey car parks in the city centre and make the short walk to the ground on foot. Fans staying in a hotel near Bramall Lane should take advantage of hotel parking and make their own way to the stadium.

By Public Transport

Bramall Lane is about a mile from Sheffield's main railway station so fans arriving by train will have no problem walking to the ground. The journey takes about 10-15 minutes and is relatively straightforward. Exit the station and turn left. Walk down the road and head right onto Shoreham Road when the road forks. Keep going down Shoreham Road and you will eventually reach the ground on your right. The Blades Enterprise Centre is part of the stadium complex and this is sign posted from the station.