The TP "Official" guide to sports stadiums

You can park at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, about a 5 min walk from Stamford Bridge. It a decent sized, secure car park but will cost you about £25 to park there for about 4 hours
 
jamesward93 said:
You can park at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, about a 5 min walk from Stamford Bridge. It a decent sized, secure car park but will cost you about £25 to park there for about 4 hours
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Phwoar....for that price I expect a wash and wax by the time I get back! I'll keep using my oyster and getting the train!
 
jamesb84 said:
Phwoar....for that price I expect a wash and wax by the time I get back! I'll keep using my oyster and getting the train!
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I'll just stick to Manchester :gag: Plenty of baron wasteland around here to park on thanks to our London-centric government ;):D
 
anyone know what parking is like at the DW (Wigan) just been informed theres no parking for Press this season :bang:
 
Always used to be parking for press, strange one that, Crowds have fallen so can hardly be oversubscribed. Although many do Andy, Dont be tempted to park on the retail bit, Could prove costly.
 
I wouldnt, Ive always been in official car parks, Im just advising not to get done in retail bit.
 
Rovers_Andy said:
anyone know what parking is like at the DW (Wigan) just been informed theres no parking for Press this season :bang:
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I very much doubt they mean that. Proberbly only refers to photographers as we always get the crap end. Clubs/stadiums always give passes for reporters as they dont like them to write "bad things" about them. Thats why they also get better food and accomodation too.

Free parking use to be in the last carpark along stadium approach, the last one past the stadium.
 
Rovers_Andy said:
anyone know what parking is like at the DW (Wigan) just been informed theres no parking for Press this season :bang:
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snapzz said:
I very much doubt they mean that. Proberbly only refers to photographers as we always get the crap end. Clubs/stadiums always give passes for reporters as they dont like them to write "bad things" about them. Thats why they also get better food and accomodation too.

Free parking use to be in the last carpark along stadium approach, the last one past the stadium.
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I can confirm I was given free parking in the last car park (number 4 I think..), didn't even have to flash my press card! :)
 
Gary Coyle said:
Hi Andy, there is definatly free parking at the DW trhis year for Super League, there were yearly passes issued to some photographers you just needed to apply to the right people. :D :D
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Can confirm the free parking, i went to the last car park (next to the south stand) and flashed my RFL card
 
Parking

Ample free parking on site. No pass required.

Lighting Levels

Friday's earlier rounds was dire, ISO6400, f2.8 and still a little under at 1/400.

For the finals today, they added a couple of extra lights.. which meant that 1/400 was ample - pushing 1/500. Shame about the colour casts as the lights phased. Right snap, orange the next, then green :(

Extra - Pretty sure there is more light available for cycling, as this events lighting looked temporary in fixture!

Food and Facilities

Free tea and coffee in the press room. Asda a minutes walk away for the usual goodies.

Locations/Shooting Spots

Shoot from anywhere, but don't move whilst games are in play.
 
As an update to St. Andrews can I add...

Locations
When sat next to the tunnel in front of the Gil Merrick stand, there have been complaints from the disabled supporters (and stewards) sat there...saying that they have difficulty seeing past the photographers.

This came to a head yesterday with a discussion between the togs and Chris (Press officer)...it was decided on an ad hoc basis to limit the number of togs in that area, and the stewards ARE enforcing it.

Be aware, that unless you're early to stake out a spot, you will be moved on. It might be worth considering an alternative spot rather than going through the hassle of this!

Chris is going to determine the suitability of allowing togs to sit along the touchlines in front of the Main stand, providing there are no complaints from fans/Sky/FAPL.
 
jamesb84 said:
As an update to St. Andrews can I add...

Locations
When sat next to the tunnel in front of the Gil Merrick stand, there have been complaints from the disabled supporters (and stewards) sat there...saying that they have difficulty seeing past the photographers.

This came to a head yesterday with a discussion between the togs and Chris (Press officer)...it was decided on an ad hoc basis to limit the number of togs in that area, and the stewards ARE enforcing it.

Be aware, that unless you're early to stake out a spot, you will be moved on. It might be worth considering an alternative spot rather than going through the hassle of this!

Chris is going to determine the suitability of allowing togs to sit along the touchlines in front of the Main stand, providing there are no complaints from fans/Sky/FAPL.
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This is an on going problem with many stadiums allocating designated area's for wheelchairs. Sheffield United have sectioned off half of the away end for this reason Also Nottingham Forest have a section in one corner of the Brian Clough Stand nearest to the Trent End. At Oakwell you cannot sit infront of the home end as part of that is for wheelchairs.
 
Rovers_Andy said:
Has anyone been to the Hawthorns?
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Parking
Can be arranged prior to the game, I've always been in the carpark down the Road at the offices on Halfords Lane. About a 300m walk up to the ground.

Never had a problem getting away after the game either, though i've always been waiting a while to leave the press area.

Food & Facilities
Enter through the Players entrance and go up the stairs. You'll sign in and get passes etc. here as well as getting your bag(s) checked.

Up another set of stairs and you're on the "Executive" suites level. Keep walking down there and you'll find the large press area in front of you. There's a bar where you can get food etc. (I can't remember if it was provided or not!) and plenty of space...plus good views onto the pitch (if you're feeling adventurous people have been known to shoot a couple of frames from up here to get a "higher" look.

When you want to get to pitchside...go back to where you signed in, and then down another (different) flight of stairs through a door onto the concourse of the stand (this door has a code lock that you'll need to get back in to the press area...which I am not putting up here!)

You're then out through the seats in the West Stand and onto pitchside.

Lighting
Never shot a floodlit game here, but no LED adverts as far as I remember.

Shooting Locations
Anywhere around either end and the East Stand side are OK (or were last time I was there)...however, you can't leave anything unattended pitchside...the stewards are very strict on this!

The press room (assuming it hasn't changed this season) is one of the nicest in the league, and it's generally a good day out...though it's quite a cold stadium. Last time I was there it was April and still freezing despite beautiful sunshine!
 
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snapzz said:
This is an on going problem with many stadiums allocating designated area's for wheelchairs. Sheffield United have sectioned off half of the away end for this reason Also Nottingham Forest have a section in one corner of the Brian Clough Stand nearest to the Trent End. At Oakwell you cannot sit infront of the home end as part of that is for wheelchairs.
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No problem sat in front of wheelchairs at Elland Road last week.. granted there was only 2 of us, and all the action was at the other end ;)
 
jamesb84 said:
Parking
Can be arranged prior to the game, I've always been in the carpark down the Road at the offices on Halfords Lane. About a 300m walk up to the ground.

Never had a problem getting away after the game either, though i've always been waiting a while to leave the press area.

Food & Facilities
Enter through the Players entrance and go up the stairs. You'll sign in and get passes etc. here as well as getting your bag(s) checked.

Up another set of stairs and you're on the "Executive" suites level. Keep walking down there and you'll find the large press area in front of you. There's a bar where you can get food etc. (I can't remember if it was provided or not!) and plenty of space...plus good views onto the pitch (if you're feeling adventurous people have been known to shoot a couple of frames from up here to get a "higher" look.

When you want to get to pitchside...go back to where you signed in, and then down another (different) flight of stairs through a door onto the concourse of the stand (this door has a code lock that you'll need to get back in to the press area...which I am not putting up here!)

You're then out through the seats in the West Stand and onto pitchside.

Lighting
Never shot a floodlit game here, but no LED adverts as far as I remember.

Shooting Locations
Anywhere around either end and the East Stand side are OK (or were last time I was there)...however, you can't leave anything unattended pitchside...the stewards are very strict on this!

The press room (assuming it hasn't changed this season) is one of the nicest in the league, and it's generally a good day out...though it's quite a cold stadium. Last time I was there it was April and still freezing despite beautiful sunshine!
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Cheers James, down for WBA Vs Derby
 
snapzz said:
Also Nottingham Forest have a section in one corner of the Brian Clough Stand nearest to the Trent End. At Oakwell you cannot sit infront of the home end as part of that is for wheelchairs.
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They also have a corner of the Bridgeford End nearest the Main Stand allocated to Wheelchairs as well.
 
Here's a new one for you...

Has anyone been to St. Marys in Southampton?

I know it's a bit southern for most of you, but I am possibly there this weekend and would welcome any info!
 
parking is limited so get there early to bag spot or park in the local fruit market (Spitelfields) for £5.00 cctv and security onsite, passes to be collected from the ticket office collection point, press room is a learning and development room for school kids which is situated on the top floor accessible via the lift from main reception. No food or drink available. Only allowed to sit behind on end of the goals ( to the right with the main stand behind you or infront of the old stand cant miss it looks very old. lighting not great though its staying brighter longer now for a 16:45 finish, no wifi available.
 
Parking
Free parking, advise getting there early though if it's big event, not much of it!

Food & Facilities

Press room behind the court (although it appears to change per event) with BT Openzone wifi available, I used my O2 dongle which got me full speed even indoors, so I presume other networks are also good.

Tea and coffee provided.

Lighting

Lovely! More light indoors than at most football stadiums.. 1/640 - 1/800, f2.8, ISO1600

Shooting Locations

Behind the court's glass wall - a bit unnerving at first having the ball being stopped right in front of your face by 1cm of glass.. but you get used to it.. eventually.. promise!! ;)
 
snapper75 said:
parking is limited so get there early to bag spot or park in the local fruit market (Spitelfields) for £5.00 cctv and security onsite, passes to be collected from the ticket office collection point, press room is a learning and development room for school kids which is situated on the top floor accessible via the lift from main reception. No food or drink available. Only allowed to sit behind on end of the goals ( to the right with the main stand behind you or infront of the old stand cant miss it looks very old. lighting not great though its staying brighter longer now for a 16:45 finish, no wifi available.
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Cheers! :)
 
St Mary's Southampton
Never had a problem parking as I always ask to be on the list when applications are put in, just up the road at SO14 5AG.
Walk past the statue and you see a Press door (big sign above) in here to sign on and get bib etc.
There's a little togs room and Tea, coffee and rolls etc (and a tv/screen) in the main room right next door. There is a password connection here but it does slow due to users, don't think it reaches the pitch either. Had a problem for the first time Vodafone the other night, not sure about the others.
Never been stopped from shooting around the pitch, not sure how close to the dugouts you can get during a game, never tried! Good access before KO.
1/640 @ ISO 1250 (works for me) but drops off in the corners under lights but in bright sun there can be a shadow on the pitch at times.
HTH
Shaun
 
The Valley - Charlton Athletic

Parking

A lot of the streets are closed around the ground prior to kick off, found a car park ten mins walk from the ground for a fiver. Got away nice and quick at the end, about 2 mins drive from the A12 junction.

Facilities

Excellent, enter through the media entrance, sign in, then you are shown down some steps to the split media room (journo's one side, photogs the other) power points and internet connections available ( didnt use either so cant comment). There was tea and coffee available. Pitchside my connection to 02 was abysmal, 0.5kb upload speed!!!, mustve been something up today :( there is a good club WIFI but you have to ask for the password.

Shooting Locations

You can shoot at either end behind the goals, You sit behind raised ad boards, so can go anywhere along the entire pitch behind the goal.

Lighting

Did a day game in sunlight so was great, no idea what you would get under floodlights.
 
Gigg Lane, Bury FC

Parking

Street parking is limited so you need to get there early, or pay £3 and park next to the club shop, again limited spaces. I arrived about 1 1/2 hours before Kickoff.

Facilities

No sign of a media room when i was there :( team sheets are handed out about 30 minutes before Kickoff.

Edit: Media room is up the stairs that you see on your left when you sign in :)

Shooting Locations

You can shoot anywhere :D

Lighting

Looked pretty consistent to me ISO 2500 at 1/640th f/2.8
 
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jamesward93 said:
Anyone been to Underhill - Barnet? I am there on Saturday
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I have done all the lower league grounds.. its just remebering having done so many

barnet is deffo street parking.. i parked on tube for somehting like 3 quid for the day... cheap as chips 5 minute walk to ground.. if your early enough then no restrictions on street parking right near ground..

get your press pass by going down the alley at left side of front of ground to get to other end..

sit anywhere on ground.. no press room or anything that i could find..


PS any of the lower league grounds.. if you want a pre look then go here http://matchpics.fotopic.net exif is in place for night matches...
 
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