Matchday questions
The questions that come up again and again across the 37 grounds in this guide, answered once: getting in, getting away, bags, colours, seating and accessibility.
Common matchday questions
Q
How long does it take to get in? Turnstiles typically open between 60 and 90 minutes before kick-off, and the queue peaks in the final half hour. Arriving 45 minutes early is enough at most grounds.
Q
Can I buy on the day? Occasionally, for smaller fixtures. For anything involving a big club or a European tie, assume you need a ticket in advance.
Q
Are drums and flag poles allowed? Drums need advance agreement, and poles must be flexible and short. Flags are usually fine if they carry no political or offensive message.
Q
What is the best time to arrive? Aim to be at the ground about an hour before kick-off: long enough to walk a full lap, short enough to avoid the worst of the queues.
Q
Is the ground accessible? Every venue in this guide is a major stadium with step-free routes to at least part of the seating, but the older grounds vary by stand. Contact the club before booking.
Q
Where should a neutral supporter sit? In a side stand, ideally in the middle tier — it gives the best balance of atmosphere and view, and avoids the away block entirely.
Q
Can I bring a bag? Only a small one, and it will be searched. There is no general left luggage at the ground, so bring as little as you can.
Q
Is it easy to get away after the final whistle? Public transport is the bottleneck, not the walk. Expect to wait at the nearest station for the first 20 to 30 minutes after the match.
The three decisions that decide the day
Almost everything that goes wrong on a matchday comes back to three decisions made before kick-off: when you arrive, what you carry and how you plan to leave. Arrive about an hour early, carry as little as you can, and decide your route home while the crowd is still inside the ground.