Watch Ipswich in the English Premier League at Portman Road Stadium: UK Trip Guide
Introduction
Are you planning a trip to the UK to witness Ipswich Town’s historic return to the Premier League? Portman Road Stadium, the iconic home of Ipswich Town, is set to host top-flight football for the first time since 2002. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know to make the most of your Premier League experience in Ipswich.
Whether you’re looking to secure match tickets, find the best pubs for away supporters, or explore the local area, this comprehensive guide has you covered. Immerse yourself in the passion and tradition of Ipswich Town as they grace the Premier League stage once again.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the unique character of Portman Road Stadium, Ipswich Town’s historic home ground
- Find the best pubs and eateries for away fans near Portman Road Stadium
- Learn about the latest stadium developments and redevelopment plans at Portman Road
- Explore the rich history and ground details of Portman Road Stadium
- Uncover the top tips for getting to the stadium and finding the best parking options
Introduction to Ipswich Town Football Club and its Portman Road Stadium
Portman Road Stadium, the historic home of Ipswich Town Football Club, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. The overall look of the stadium has greatly improved, with the redevelopment of both the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand and Sir Bobby Robson Stand. These modern ends now dwarf the smaller, older stands on each side of the ground, creating an impressive and atmospheric match day experience.
The Ramsey and Robson Stands feature larger upper tiers that overhang the lower levels, providing additional seating capacity and delivering a sense of grandeur. These stands also boast windshields and impressive floodlights, adding to the Portman Road stadium facilities and Portman Road stadium architecture. In contrast, the East of England Co-operative Stand and Cobbold Stand on the sidelines are more dated in appearance, maintaining the stadium’s classic, traditional feel.
Portman Road Stadium Stands
The Cobbold Stand, home to away supporters, can accommodate nearly 2,000 visiting fans. However, the views from the back of this stand can be restricted due to supporting pillars, which may impact the Portman Road stadium stands experience for some away fans.
Overall, Portman Road Stadium boasts a harmonious blend of modern and traditional elements, creating an atmospheric match day experience that captivates both home and away supporters. The stadium’s facilities and architecture offer a unique and memorable experience for all who visit.
Ground History of Portman Road
Ipswich Town have proudly called Portman Road their home since 1884, just six years after the club was formed. This historic ground has witnessed the ups and downs of the Tractor Boys over the decades, becoming an integral part of the club’s rich heritage.
The stadium’s first stand was erected in 1906, and in 1971, the Ipswich Witches speedway team purchased this original structure. Over the years, Portman Road has undergone several developments, gradually increasing its capacity. The 1920s, 1950s, and 1960s saw further expansions, including the construction of a double-decker stand in 1971, taking the total capacity towards an impressive 40,000.
More recent renovations in the early 2000s, costing £22 million, have seen both the north and south stands redeveloped, increasing the overall capacity to just under 30,000. This has helped to modernise the ground while preserving its classic, traditional feel, with the historic Ramsey and Robson Stands complementing the older, more dated side stands.
Portman Road has also played host to one England senior international match, when the national team faced Croatia in 2003. This further underscores the ground’s significance in the annals of English football history.
Today, Ipswich Town’s historic home ground continues to be a source of pride for the club and its loyal supporters. As the Tractor Boys strive for a return to the Premier League, Portman Road remains a testament to the enduring spirit and tradition of this beloved football club.
Ipswich Town’s Portman Road stadium has a rich and storied history, reflecting the club’s enduring presence in the heart of the local community. From its humble beginnings to the modern, multi-purpose facility it is today, this ground has witnessed the triumphs and tribulations of the Tractor Boys, cementing its place as a true icon of English football.
Latest Stadium Developments
The club has a long-term masterplan to grow Portman Road and develop world-class facilities at their training ground. In recent years, the Tractor Boys have invested in relatively minor changes, such as new hospitality boxes in the West Stand and the installation of safe standing in the Cobbold Stand. However, more significant redevelopment is on the horizon.
The Ipswich Town stadium expansion and Portman Road redevelopment plans are a clear sign of the club’s ambition to provide their supporters with a world-class matchday experience as they look to cement their place in the top flight of English football. Fans can look forward to seeing significant improvements to Portman Road in the coming years.
Ipswich Town Average Attendances
Ipswich Town have enjoyed a significant increase in average attendances over the past three seasons, reflecting the club’s improving fortunes on the pitch.
The passionate Ipswich Town fanbase has played a key role in the club’s recent success, creating an electric atmosphere at their historic Portman Road home ground.
England International Matches at Portman Road
Portman Road, the home ground of Ipswich Town Football Club, has hosted a handful of England international matches over the years. The stadium’s traditional charm and passionate atmosphere have made it a suitable choice for select England fixtures, offering a unique setting for the national team’s encounters.
The most significant England match held at Portman Road was a friendly against Croatia on 20th August 2003. In front of a crowd of 28,700, the Three Lions secured a 3-1 victory in this international clash. Prior to this senior fixture, Portman Road had previously been the venue for three England youth internationals – an U23 match against Switzerland in 1971 and two U21 fixtures against Moldova in 2006 and France in 2007.
While Ipswich Town’s ground has primarily served as the home of the club throughout its history, the occasional hosting of England matches has added to the stadium’s prestige and recognition. These international fixtures have allowed Portman Road to showcase its ability to accommodate the national team, further cementing its status as a venue capable of delivering a memorable footballing experience.
The presence of the England national team at Portman Road has undoubtedly generated excitement among both Ipswich Town supporters and football enthusiasts across the country. These international matches have provided a unique opportunity for fans to witness the best of English football right on their doorstep, creating lasting memories and further strengthening the bond between the local community and the national team.
As Ipswich Town continues to write its history, the possibility of future England internationals gracing the hallowed turf of Portman Road remains an intriguing prospect. Whether hosting friendly encounters or competitive fixtures, the stadium’s connection to the national team has added an extra layer of significance to the Ipswich Town experience, cementing its place as a prominent venue in the annals of English football.
Matchday: Ipswich Town and its Portman Road Stadium
Directions and Parking at Portman Road
Getting to the Stadium
Portman Road, the home stadium of Ipswich Town, is conveniently located in the heart of the town centre, making it easily accessible by various modes of transportation. Whether you’re driving, taking the train, or using public buses, getting to the stadium is straightforward.
For those driving to the match, follow the signs for the town centre and Portman Road from the A14 and A12 roads. The stadium is well-signposted, and there is limited free street parking near the ground. However, fans are advised to utilize one of the town centre pay and display car parks, which typically cost £4 for four hours on matchdays. Alternatively, the large NCP multi-storey car park next to Ipswich railway station is a popular and convenient option, costing £2.70.
Ipswich railway station is just a 10-minute walk from Portman Road, with regular train services from London Liverpool Street taking a little over an hour. Two park and ride services also operate to the stadium, one from London Road and the other from Martlesham, providing a hassle-free option for those travelling by public transport.
Whether you choose to drive, take the train, or use the park and ride services, getting to Portman Road is straightforward and convenient, allowing fans to focus on supporting their team on matchday.
Top Pubs to Visit
- Riverside (Station) Hotel – The main pub for away fans, just a 5-minute walk from Portman Road.
- Lord Nelson – Traditional pub in Ipswich town centre, serving local Adnams ales.
- Dove Street Inn – CAMRA Good Beer Guide-listed pub with up to 20 real ales and ciders.
- Isaacs on the Quay – Waterfront bar and restaurant popular with away supporters.
Whether you’re looking for a lively pre-match atmosphere or a more relaxed setting to enjoy some quality local beers, the pubs around Portman Road cater well to away fans visiting Ipswich Town.
Food and Drink at Portman Road
When attending an Ipswich Town match at Portman Road, fans can expect a satisfactory range of food and drink options to cater to their match day cravings. As a cashless venue, the stadium only accepts card and contactless payments, with convenient cash points located nearby at the train station, town centre, and the Cardinal Park leisure facility.
The concourse areas offer a variety of classic football fare, including burgers, pies, and an assortment of sweet treats. While the catering facilities may not be the most extensive, they effectively serve the match day crowds at Portman Road, providing a suitable culinary experience for fans.
For those seeking a more premium matchday experience, the Robson Suite hospitality package offers a three-course meal, served with wine and coffee, complemented by a complimentary matchday programme, executive seating, and half-time and post-match refreshments. This high-quality hospitality option caters to those looking to elevate their Ipswich Town match day experience.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a more elevated dining experience, Portman Road offers a range of food and drink options to enhance your Ipswich Town match day experience.
Away Fan Experience at Portman Road
As an away supporter visiting Portman Road, the home of Ipswich Town, you can expect a lively and atmospheric experience. The away fans are allocated the upper tier of the Cobbold Stand, where up to 1,900 supporters can be housed. The views from this section are generally good, though there can be some restricted sightlines at the very back due to supporting pillars.
The leg room in the away end is quite cramped, but this helps create a passionate and energetic atmosphere, with away fans able to make plenty of noise. Stewards enforce a seated policy for those in the front rows, while fans at the back are allowed to stand. Security checks and bag searches take place upon entry, with bags larger than 40x40x10cm prohibited.
Overall, the away day experience at Portman Road is a positive one, with a pleasant, if aging, away section contributing to the famous match day atmosphere. Away fans at Portman Road can look forward to a memorable and lively encounter, where they can make their presence felt and support their team with gusto.
Visiting Portman Road as an away supporter can be a thoroughly enjoyable experience, with the passionate atmosphere and dedicated away section contributing to the unique match day experience at Ipswich Town’s historic ground.
Visiting the UK to Watch English Premier League Matches
Ipswich Town’s return to the Premier League presents an excellent opportunity for international fans to plan a trip to the UK to watch a match at Portman Road. With the demand for Premier League tickets high, advance planning is essential, whether booking Premier League travel packages, sourcing accommodation near Premier League stadiums, or arranging transport to Premier League matches in the UK.
Many tour operators offer Premier League match ticket and hotel bundles, streamlining the process for overseas supporters. For those organising their own trip, researching nearby hotels, B&Bs and Airbnb options is recommended, as is investigating public transport connections to the ground. With Ipswich located just over an hour from London, it’s an accessible destination for those visiting the UK to experience the atmosphere of a Premier League match.
Whether planning a trip around a Premier League match or exploring the rich football heritage of the UK, international fans are sure to find an unforgettable experience awaiting them. With advance preparation and a range of accommodation and travel options, the dream of attending an English Premier League match can become a reality.
Conclusion
Ipswich Town’s return to the Premier League after a 22-year absence presents an exciting opportunity for football fans to visit the historic Portman Road stadium. With its classic old-school charm, passionate supporters and rich history, Portman Road offers a unique match day experience compared to some of the more modern Premier League grounds.
Whether you’re looking to buy tickets, find the best pubs for away fans, explore the local area or simply soak up the atmosphere, this guide has provided all the essential information to help plan your trip to watch Ipswich in the top flight. With the club’s long-term plans to redevelop and expand the stadium, now is the perfect time to visit Portman Road and witness Ipswich Town’s Premier League journey.
From the Premier League’s lucrative TV deals and transfer market spending to the growing popularity of the league globally, the sport continues to captivate audiences worldwide. By visiting Portman Road for Premier League matches, you can immerse yourself in the rich heritage and passionate fan culture that makes English football so special. Whether you’re planning a trip to watch Ipswich Town or exploring other Premier League stadium experiences in the UK, this guide has equip you with the knowledge to make the most of your visit.
FAQ
What is Portman Road stadium like?
Portman Road is Ipswich Town’s historic home ground, offering a classic match day experience with a mix of older and more modern stands. The stadium has a traditional feel, with the redeveloped Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson Stands contrasting with the more dated East of England Co-operative and Cobbold Stands.
What is the away fan experience like at Portman Road?
Away fans are allocated the upper tier of the Cobbold Stand, which can hold nearly 2,000 visiting supporters. The views can be restricted at the back due to supporting pillars, and leg room is quite cramped, but the atmosphere is lively as away fans are allowed to make plenty of noise.
What are the best pubs for away fans near Portman Road?
The Riverside (Station) Hotel, located close to the stadium, is a popular pre-match destination for away supporters. The town centre also offers other good options, such as the Lord Nelson and the Dove Street Inn, which serve local ales.
What food and drink options are available at Portman Road?
Portman Road is a cashless venue, with a range of food and drink options available in the concourses, including burgers, pies, and sweet treats. The catering facilities are relatively standard for a football ground, catering well for the match day crowds.
How can I plan a trip to watch Ipswich Town in the Premier League?
Ipswich Town’s return to the Premier League presents a great opportunity for international fans to plan a trip to the UK. Advance planning is essential, whether booking travel packages, sourcing accommodation near the stadium, or arranging transport. Many tour operators offer Premier League match ticket and hotel bundles.
What are Ipswich Town’s plans for Portman Road?
Ipswich Town has a long-term masterplan to grow Portman Road and develop world-class facilities at their training ground. The club is considering significant redevelopment, including the potential replacement of the Cobbold Stand to increase the stadium’s overall capacity.
What is the history of Portman Road?
Ipswich Town have played at Portman Road since 1884, six years after the club was formed. The stadium has gradually been developed over the decades, with recent renovations in the early 2000s costing £22 million and increasing the overall capacity to just under 30,000.
How can I get to Portman Road?
Portman Road is located in the town centre of Ipswich, making it easily accessible by train, bus, or car. There is limited free street parking near the stadium, so fans are advised to use one of the town centre pay and display car parks or the NCP multi-storey car park near the railway station.
