GRIMSBY v PORT VALE

DATE:Sat 18th April 2009

KICK OFF:3.00pm

GROUND: Blundell Park
CAPACITY: 9,546 (all seated)
ADDRESS: BlundellPark, Cleethorpes, DN35 7PY
TEL NO: 01472-605-050
TEAM NICKNAME: The Mariners

PITCH SIZE: 111 x 74yrds
OFFICIAL WEB SITE: www.gtfc.co.uk

TICKET INFORMATION:

PAY ON THE DAY

Adults: £16.00

Seniors (over 65s): £12.00

*Students: £12.00

Juniors (Under 14s): £8.00

*Students will need proof

COACH TRAVEL INFORMATION:

Coaches leave ValePark at 9am

Adults: £14.50

Concessions: £13

DIRECTIONS:

Take A50 to M1, then M1(N) to J32 and join M18. Continue on to J5 then take M180 which become A180. Continue on the A180 and follow the sign posts to Cleethorpes (A1098) - after about 1 mile the ground is on the left.

WHERE TO PARK:

There is no car park at the ground, therefore only street parking. As you drive along the A180 towards the ground, the home end appears first, then after the McDonalds is the away end. From there, continue towards Cleethorpes and try any of the side streets to the left or preferably the right and you should find a parking spot okay.

OVERVIEW OF BLUNDELLPARK:

At one side of the ground is the Carlsberg Stand, the tallest, two tiered and covered stand. However this stand only runs half the length of the pitch, straddling the half way line. Opposite is the old Main Stand, which is a small, covered, all seated stand with a large number of supporting pillars running across the front of it. Part of this stand dates back to 1901, possibly making it the oldest surviving stand in League football. Both ends are small covered stands with the home fans in the Pontoon Stand. Away fans have the opposite end in the Osmond Stand. The corner between this stand and the Main Stand is also filled, as the stands are joined at this point. For big games the Club increases the capacity of the ground by 500 by installing blocks of temporary seating in the open corners of the ground.

WHERE THE VALIANTS WILL BE SEATED:

2,200 away fans can be seated in the Osmond Stand, behind one goal. Unfortunately on the downside there are a number of supporting pillars which could impede your view of the game. BlundellPark is a rather small ground and sometimes gets over criticised by visiting fans. But there is normally always a passionate crowd, which contributes to a good atmosphere. Remember though to wrap up warm as there can be a biting wind coming off the North Sea.

WHERE TO DRINK:

This means that there is not much choice for a pint for away supporters close to the ground. The Blundell Park Hotel, which if you arrive early serves some good food at reasonable prices (expect to pay around £5 for a good portion of fish and chips) is recommended. The Rutland Arms is also recommended for both home and away fans to mingle, however this is some distance from the ground and doesn't allow in children. (it is about half a mile before Blundell park, turn left at Ramsdens superstore and left again, and you'll see the pub at the opposite end of their car park. The Imperial pub by the ground is not recommended for away fans.

WHERE TO EAT:
The fish & chips in Cleethorpes are legendary and there are some good outlets located near to the ground. Josh's fish and chip shop near to the closed Leaking Boot pub comes recommended. There is also a McDonalds situated right by BlundellPark.