This weekend Walsall Football Club travel to the Ricoh Arena to take on Coventry City in the latest Sky Bet League One match of the season. Once again we have teamed up with tothe92.co.uk to bring you the latest information on travel, parking and where you can get pre-match refreshments.
STADIUM INFORMATION
The Ricoh Arena has an all seated capacity of 32,500 as well as a 6,000 square-metre exhibition hall, a hotel, a leisure club and a casino. The site is also home to Arena Park Shopping Centre containing one of the UK's largest Tesco Extra hypermarkets. Unfortunately, the club have yet to sell out the capacity for any home league game although the feat was managed in a cup tie against Chelsea. A fact that will probably only change with promotion to the Premier League.
AWAY SUPPORTERS
Visiting supporters are situated to one end of the Jewson south stand where up to 3,000 supporters can be accommodated for. There isn't a single pillar throughout the ground meaning you're view of the playing area is unrestricted from all positions. The size of the ground compared to the general home gate make it quite difficult for home and away fans to generate a good atmosphere.
STADIUM LAYOUT
BY TRAIN
The nearest / closest train station to Coventry City's Ricoh Arena is Coventry, some four miles away. Coventry is on the Virgin Cross Country Line and is also served by Central Trains. A railway line runs past the ground but the putting in of a station is currently under consideration with the City Councillors.
There is a taxi rank outside Coventry Station and it will cost around £10 or so for a single journey to the ground. Similarly in the city centre, there are a number of taxi ranks. Alternatively try one of the local firms: Central 02476 333333 are usually the most reliable.
BY COACH
BY COACH
Travel typically costs £20, with an optional pre-departure breakfast, which is charged at £2.50.
The 'Gunners 2' is happy to open it's doors early to allow Saddlers Supporters time to enjoy their breakfast, or stock up on snacks, before leaving for games.
The Gunners 2 also offer a membership at the cost of £2, which entitles you to a discount on drinks at the bar, outside of happy hour prices.
The Gunners 2 also offer a membership at the cost of £2, which entitles you to a discount on drinks at the bar, outside of happy hour prices.
The Gunners 2 is based in Beeches Road, Walsall, WS3 1HB.
For further information; including travel times and seat availability, or to book, simply call Tony on 07845461425.
PARKING
Parking is very strict in surrounding streets with a residents only format in play leaving no real choice but to either, take up one of the park and ride options around the Ricoh at a cost of between £5 and £7; or spend over £25 in the Arena shopping centre and park there free of charge. Alternatively, you can book in advance to park at the ground in one of the clubs designated parking spaces at a cost of £10.
WHERE TO DRINK
Pubs admitting away supporters are few and far between and anyone fancying a drink is advised to either stop short on their journey to Coventry or to drink in the City centre. Avoid wearing club colours, baseball caps and burberry-style clothing and you should get a decent pre-game drink.
The nearest shopping area is Arena Park at the back of the ground. There is a large Tesco's, a Boots, Burger King, a Library and lots of market stalls. There is a Pizza Hut across the car park.
INFORMATION PROVIDED BY TOTHE92.CO.UK