Sheffield Wednesday v Newcastle United – A Boxing Day away fans’ guide.
Posted on December 16th, 2009 | 94 Comments |
Traditionally, Boxing day fixtures are someting that I’ve turned my nose up at – travelling many many miles with a hangover (and possibly an upset stomach from the turkey) is not my idea of fun, especially when its me doing the driving! However, this year I’m bucking the trend and I will be there on Boxing day for the 12:45pm kick off, cheering on the Toon among an expected boxing day bumper away following of nearly 7,000! We’re also being shown live on Sky TV, so it’s a good chance for our overseas followers to get a festive glimpse of us via an internet stream.
As I mentioned above, the kick-off is 12:45pm meaning two things: An early start (for Boxing day anyway), and, pub space being at a premium, if there is any at all.
We’ll set out for the 130 mile trip on the A1 heading south joining the M1 at Leeds. Carry on following the M1 until J36 (A61). Leave the motorway and follow the A61 for about 8 miles, the ground should then be on your right. There will be a number of unofficial car parks along the A61 around the ground, and also some street parking if you get there early enough. Official car parks could be a struggle also. With a following of nearly 7,000, these are likely to be taken up with away coaches as they would take priority. If you are early enough you may be able to sneak into one though, the “Wednesdayite” car park is right next to the club shop and welcomes fans of both sides and costs £5.
Another way of getting there, which is something i have done, is to park at Meadowhall shopping centre at J34 of the M1. You can park there for free and take the tram to the ground which takes around 40 minutes. You’ll need the yellow tram and the stop you need is Leppings Lane. Unfortunately, Iwouldn’t recommend this as the shoppoing centre is likely to be filled woth shoppers looking for a Boxing day bargain in the sales, but its always nice to have an alternative!
I’ve been told that trains are not running direct to Sheffield on Boxing day, which is why the South Yorkshire police have made Sheffield Wednesday turn down our request for more tickets.
As far as drinking is concerned, the options are looking limited. There is usually no alcohol served in the away end of the ground itself, and an early kick off means time is limited in a boozer. However, on your way down the A61, look out for a number of pubs called; The New Bridge Inn, The Norfolk Arms and The Red Lion. All of these pubs are away friendly. Heading towards the city centre, another away pub is called The New Barrack Inn. It looks pretty shabby on the outside but its the people that make the pub, and if its full of toon fans its sure to be pretty decent!
For eating, you can gorge on the usual pies and pasties at the ground, or have McDonalds which is just up the road.
Outside the ground there is a memorial for the tragic Hillsborough disaster, and its kind of a tradition for away fans to leave scarfs, shirts or flowers in memory of the 96 that died that day. I, for one, will be leaving a scarf to mark my respects. When seated in the ground, be warned that some seats will have a beam supporting the stand near them which may lead to restricted view although it should say this on the ticket.
Feel free to comment, ask questions or add your own little bits of info. Thats about it for this guide and i’ll see you all on boxing day.
Howay the lads!
NUFCBlog Author: toonsy
toonsy has written 643 articles on this blog.
jesus, thats one fat lump!