Spotland Stadium, Willbutts Lane, Rochdale, Lancashire OL11 5DR
Telephone: 0844 826 1907
Fax: 01706 648466
E-Mail: office@rochdaleafc.co.uk
You are always guaranteed a warm welcome at Spotland. Rochdale AFC offers one of the best match day experiences in the division. The facilities and hospitality are second to none, as voted by various publications and football ground guides.
"The only problem with Rochdale is that, unless you are a home fan, you get to go there only once a season" - Jon Ladd, Guide to football grounds.
The completion of the Willbutts Lane Stand during the 2000/2001 season was the final piece in the Spotland jigsaw. The completion of the new 3,650 seater stand means all four sides of our Spotland ground have been fully redeveloped during the last ten years. Many people regard Spotland as one of the best grounds in the lower leagues, which is in stark contrast to years gone by.
HOW TO GET TO SPOTLAND BY CAR
Spotland Stadium is just over two miles off Junction 20 of the M62. Exiting at Junction 20 you should follow signs for Rochdale A627(M). Bear left at your first opportunity prior to the traffic lights, passing B & Q on your right. You will quickly come to a main traffic light junction and you need to be in lane 2 of 4 and after around 2 miles on this road you will come across the ground on your right-hand side.
BY TRAIN/ BUS
The nearest train station to Spotland is around 3 miles from the ground. The easiest option is to get into a taxi and as for the ground. The cost will be around £7, Rochdale Train Station is situated about 3 miles from the ground. There is a direct service from Rochdale train station for afternoon matches. The No:436 leaves Rochdale bus station every half an hour (quarter to/past), so it will be at the train station bus stop in a few minutes.
SPOTLAND THE GROUND
THE STADIUM
The Sandy Lane Stand is the only standing area currently available at Spotland. It can house 1898 supporters.
THE T.D.S STAND (Pearl Street) The most popular part of the ground. Houses home supporters who enjoy great views from behind the goal. They also have access to Studds Bar both during the game and at half-time. The stand was officially opened by Sir Nat Lofthouse in September 1997 and has a capacity of 2,584.
Willbutts Lane Stand Officially houses 3,644 supporters and is the newest stand at the stadium. The facilities in the stand are second to none and is home for the travelling supporters on match days. The camera gantry can be found in this stand along with unrivalled views of the game.
Away supporters are treated to a feast of culinary delights from the catering kiosk inside the stand and benefits, as do all the stands, from this season's extended menu.
The design of this stand allows home supporters the possibility of using the facilities should the need ever arise.
MAIN STAND The Main Stand can accommodate 1774 supporters. The stand also houses 12 Executive Boxes which prove very popular with local companies.
DISABLED FACILITIES There are around 72 spaces available for wheelchair-bound fans and their helpers.
Wheelchair Users are charged the concession price with the carer being free of charge.
Ambulant Disabled are charged the appropriate rate for their ticket however, should they need a full time carer to accompany them, the carer is admitted free of charge. Proof of carer status or higher band of disability is required.
Full details can be obtained from The Main Reception. Please contact the club to reserve your place on 0844 826 1907.
PRESS FACILITIES
For accreditation please email :-
stuart.ashworth@rochdaleafc.co.uk
or telephone on 07970868204
Press Box: - located at the back of the Main Stand over the half way line with access via the tunnel and up the steps adjacent to either dug out. There are in excess of 30 seats all with desks in the Press Box and seats are allocated by our Media officer upon receipt of application
Gantry:- The television gantry is situated at the back of the Willbutts Lane Stand, facing the tunnel
Credentials;- All requests must be made through Data Co's i-PBS system at least 48 hours prior to kick off for Saturday afternoon games and 36 hours for a midweek game. Credentials will only be granted to Football League accredited journalists, broadcasters and photographers.
We offer access to our Press area to any bonafide member of the Press involved with the opposition but limit the number of passes to 4 per organisation to include photographer. For further details ring Stuart Ashworth on 0844 826 1907 or 07970 868204.
PLEASE NOTE - CAR PARK SPACES ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR MEMBERS OF THE PRESS.
Teamsheets: - will be issued around 30 minutes before kick off and distributed in the press box
Post-match:- After the match managers will be asked to attend the pres box and the media suite. Requests for player interviews should be addressed to our Media Officer, Stuart Ashworth
Wireless Connection: - the Press box at Spotland Stadium is fitted with a wireless internet connection.
MATCH DAY POLICY
Dining Facilities
A three-course meal in our restaurant, together with a reserved seat and complimentary programme may be reserved in advance. For further details, contact Iain Johnstone, 01706753581 or iain@rochdaleafc.co.uk
Kick-Off Times
Saturday and bank holiday fixtures kick off at 3.00pm. Midweek matches will be played on Tuesday
at 7.45pm and all kick-off times are subject to change if requested by the police.
Supporter's Car and Coach Parking
Street parking is available within close proximity to the ground. The team coach should enter by the main car park gate on Sandy Lane and drop off at the Players' Entrance. It will then be directed to the parking area. Supporters' coaches should proceed past the main car park, turn right into Wilbutts Lane and drop off by the second block of turnstiles. They will then be informed where to park by the stewards.
IF YOU FANCY A PINT
If you like a pint before the match then you have a whole host of options available to you. They are a plethora of pubs within a five minute walk of the ground, but we recommend the following:
STUDDS BAR Underneath the WMG Stand but is accessible from outside the ground prior to the match. A very friendly place to have a drink when discussions about the days events are often on the agenda. Watch Sky Sports on the giant screen and take advantage of the famous Spotland pies from one of the nearby kiosks. It's the perfect place for a pre-match pint!
THE CEMETERY HOTEL A very friendly pub that can be found at the traffic lights on the approach to the ground. A relaxed atmosphere is guaranteed as well as a cracking pint. Guest beers are always available as well as the usual tipples. A regular haunt for many Dale fans both before and after the match.
THE CHURCH INN This public house can be found on the corner of Willbutts Lane, very close to the away end. Normally frequented by away supporters and always busy on a matchday. Within staggering distance of the busiest parts of the ground.
PRE MATCH FOOD
WILBUTTS LANE CHIPPY A favourite amongst many travelling supporters this is a traditional English Fish and Chip shop that is literally across the road from the entrances to the Westrose Leisure Stand and is highly recommended for a pre match re fuel.
