Although Villa Park has been completely rebuilt since the late 1970’s, it has some individuality, as the four stands, each have their own design, making it one of the more interesting in the League. At one end is the Holte End. This is a large two-tiered structure which replaced one of the largest covered terraces in the country. Opened in the 1994/95 season it has a capacity of 13,500 seated supporters. At the other end is the North Stand, which is older (being built in the late 1970’s), but still modern looking. This is two-tiered, with a double row of executive boxes running across the middle. On one side of the pitch is the Doug Ellis Stand, which again is two-tiered and is roughly the same height as the other two stands. This stand was opened prior to the 1996 European Championships, for which Villa Park was a host venue. Opposite is the latest edition, the impressive-looking Trinity Road Stand. Opened in 2001 it is three-tiered, with a small tier at the front and then two larger tiers above, which are separated by a row of executive boxes. Although at the time many fans were disappointed to see the old Trinity Road Stand demolished, I think its replacement gives the ground a more overall balanced look, because the new stand, although the largest at Aston Villa’s Villa Park stadium, has roughly the same roof level as the other three sides. There are also two large video screens installed in opposite corners of the ground.
An unusual feature is that between the Trinity Road & Holte End Stands is a pavilion type structure that was built at the same time as the Trinity Road. This three-tiered building is used for corporate hospitality. On the other side of the Holte End is another similar looking structure that is used for police control. The only disappointment with Villa Park is that the corners of the ground are open, however, there are plans to fill in the corners at some point, at the North Stand end of the ground.
The Club have received planning permission to re-develop the North Stand. This would involve building a new stand that would extend around the current open corners at that end of the stadium whilst there are plans to bring the entire place in line with the modern day. A recent update on Aston Villa’s ground works indicated the redevelopment would be broken into several smaller projects; these will take place from 2023 through to 2031 if all things go to plan.
In another move the Club are exploring the possibility of a ‘safe standing’ area at Villa Park. This however is a much wider issue and would require a change to the existing law, for this to be allowed.
Away fans attending Aston Villa’s stadium will be sat on one side of the Doug Ellis Stand, towards the North end of the stadium. Up to 2,972 fans can be accommodated in this area, split between both the upper and lower tiers of the stand. If only a small away following is expected then just the upper tier is allocated. The concourse at the back of the upper tier is particularly tight and easily becomes crowded, whereas there is more space behind the lower section. Food on offer includes a selection of Pukka Pies; Chicken Balti, Steak, Chicken & Mushroom, Cheese & Onion, Sausage Rolls, Cheeseburgers, Hot Dogs and Chips. There are wide screen televisions on the concourse, showing past encounters between the teams before kick off. There are also betting facilities available in the form of outlets in the lower tier. Entrance to the stand is gained by entering your match ticket into an electronic reader.
Normally the atmosphere at Villa Park is generally good. The facilities are adequate and the stewarding friendly. Although a modern stadium, visiting fans like the traditional feel of the ground.
If arriving by supporters coach then a couple of minutes walk away from the visitors turnstiles along Witton Lane is a fenced off compound where coaches drop off, park for the duration of the game and then pick up after the match has ended.
Normally the main pub for away fans attending Aston Villa’s stadium, Villa Park, is the Witton Arms on Witton Lane (near the roundabout), which is only a few minutes walk from the visitors’ turnstiles and which you will walk past if arriving at Witton Railway Station. The pub has separate entrances and is split between home and away supporters, with visiting fans using a large tented area to the rear of the pub. It does though charge a small fee per person to enter. However when visiting teams are expected to bring a small following, then the whole pub reverts to being one for home fans only.
Alex Alexander a visiting Norwich City fan adds; ‘We found a pub approximately 15 minutes walk from Aston Villa’s ground where away fans were made welcome. It is called the Yew Tree. Although they don’t serve real ale, they had a good range of beers and Magner’s on draught. It is on the same road as the Witton Arms, but with this pub on your left carry straight on up the road, passing Witton Railway Station on your right. After about half a mile you will see the pub on the right hand side’. However this pub charges £2 to enter and is rather basic inside, so probably it is only worth a visit if you can’t get in anywhere else.
A couple of train stops further on from Witton Station and only a six minute train ride is the Beaufort Arms, in Hamstead, which welcomes visiting supporters. Away fans if driving can also leave their car there and coaches can be accommodated (see advert below).
If you arrive a bit earlier then you may wish to visit the historic Bartons Arms, located about a 15 minute walk away on High Street Aston (A34). This Grade II listed building, is one of Birmingham’s finest pubs, with a superb Victorian decor, serving Oakham ales and Thai food is also on offer. It is a regular entry in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide.
Darren Williams a visiting Manchester City fan adds; ‘We have always park at an entertainment complex called Star City. It is just off Junction 6 of the M6, going towards Aston Villa’s stadium, Villa Park. Huge free car park, plus plenty of food and drink outlets. It is then about a mile and a half walk to the ground’. Alcohol is normally available to away supporters but only in the lower tier of the Doug Ellis Stand. This is in the form of Carlsberg and Somersby Cider, Greene King IPA. However, for some high profile games, the Club decides not to sell alcohol to away fans.
If arriving by train into New Street Station then there are plenty of pubs to be found in the City Centre. Just outside the main entrance to the station, is the Shakespeare pub, which is popular with away fans, normally with the local Police keeping a watchful eye over proceedings. On Bennetts Hill, which is only a few minutes further walk away (pass the Shakespeare on your left, turn left at Tescos, then take the next right hand turn by Ask Italia onto Bennetts Hill) are a number of pubs including the ‘Sun On The Hill’ pub, which also shows televised sports and a Wetherspoons pub called the Briar Rose (although colours are not allowed). A little further up the hill is the Wellington pub which is a mecca for real ale drinkers. The Wellington does not provide food but has no objections to you bringing in your own. There are a couple of taxi ranks nearby that you can use if you wish to get you to Villa Park or hop back on the train.
Beaufort Arms
The Beaufort Arms in nearby Hamstead welcomes away fans visiting Aston Villa’s stadium. This family-friendly pub has BT Sports and serves the normal range of beers. You can if you wish, leave your car in their car park for the duration of the match, free of charge. The pub is conveniently located not far from Junction 7 of the M6 and Junction 1 of the M5, which can make for a quicker getaway after the match has ended. The pub is also only a six-minute train ride from Witton Station and a one minute walk from Hamstead Station. Coaches can also be accommodated as long as the coach organiser advises the pub beforehand. Similarly, food can also be provided if booked in advance.
Address: 42-46 Old Walsall Road, Birmingham. B42 1NP (Location map)
Telephone: 07973295652
Opening Hours: Midday – 11 pm
Aston Villa’s stadium, Villa Park, can be seen from the M6 if you are coming from the North side of Birmingham. Leave the M6 at Junction 6 and take the slip road signposted Birmingham (NE). At the roundabout below the motorway, turn right (the fourth exit), towards City Centre/Aston/Star City, Villa Park is well signposted from here. However to be on the safe side, turn right along Lichfield Road, at the second set of traffic lights on to Aston Hall Road. This road will take you down to the ground.
Car Parking
Mostly street parking (don’t be surprised though if you are approached by kids wanting to ‘mind your car’), although this is not as plentiful as it once was due to a local residents only parking scheme now in place in the streets around the Witton roundabout area. Street parking is also available in streets around Aston Railway Station (which you will pass if you continue along Lichfield Road towards the City Centre). Alternatively, free parking is available, but around 1.5 miles away (or a 30 minute walk) at the Star City leisure complex which is also well signposted, on leaving the M6. There is also the option of renting a private driveway near Aston Villa’s ground via YourParkingSpace.co.uk.
Post Code for SAT NAV: B6 6HE
Take the short train journey from Birmingham New Street (around 10-15 minutes) to either Aston or Witton station. Witton Railway Station is nearer to the away section and is only a few minutes walk from Aston Villa’s ground. Turn left out of the station exit and continue down to a roundabout. Turn left at the roundabout into Witton Lane and the entrance to the away section is down this road on the right. Aston station is about a ten minute walk away from Villa Park. Extra trains are laid on to the ground on matchdays.
Zeelo is running direct coach services for home fans travelling to Villa Park. With the long and crowded train or tiring drive, Zeelo offers a hassle free service straight to the stadium. Travel in a comfortable coach, with a guaranteed seat and soak in the atmosphere with other fans. This family-friendly service has special rates for seniors and children with prices starting from as little as £6.50 return.
Check the Zeelo website for more details.
If you’re planning on attending Villa Park then you’ll want an idea of how much you’ll need to shell out. Adult prices start from a little over £20.
You can find more information directly from the Aston Villa ticket office.
If you’re looking for something to remember your day at Aston Villa’s stadium then you have two options. You can either grab an official programme for circa £4 or, the cheaper alternative, the Heroes & Villans Fanzine.
White Lion pubLocated 15 minutes drive from Junction 9 of the M42 the White Lion pub is located in the leafy suburbs of Four Oaks, the pub is the perfect stop off point for fans on their way to Villa Park. A Thwaites pub it is popular with drinkers and those who enjoy watching sports with a number of large screens showing the early kick off. The pub is friendly and the landlord Andy Thompson has had plenty of experience of entertaining large groups of visiting fans in the pub trade. The large car park has ample space for coaches, food is available too and breakfasts can be arranged on request. Villa Park is then a 20 minute drive away. Alternatively fans can leave their car at the pub and catch a train direct to Aston from Butlers Lane Station which is around a five minute walk away, with the railway journey to Aston taking 15 minutes. Give Andy a call on 0121 308 2313 or email him to discuss your requirements. White Lion Location Map The post code of the pub is B75 5HL.
Aston Villa Birmingham City rivalry: The main derby match Aston Villa’s stadium plays host to is their clashes with Birmingham City. It’s hardly surprising that those affairs can become rather tasty with just a couple of miles separating their stadiums.
Aston Villa West Bromwich Albion rivalry: Both Aston Villa and WBA have bigger rivalries to worry about than each other but their games are still rather tasty. Again, it’s all about bragging rights in the region with the two separated by a very minimal four mile distance.
Aston Villa FC fixture list (takes you to the BBC Sports Website).
For details of disabled facilities and club contact at the ground please visit the relevant page on the Level Playing Field website.
Outside the Trinity Road Stand Reception is a statue of William McGregor, who in the late 19th Century was a President of the Club and also one of the founders of the Football League.
Tours are available on Wednesdays, Fridays and some Sundays. However if any of these coincide with a matchday then tours will not be held on that day (plus the afternoon before and the morning after).
Weekday tours start with an adult price of £15 with weekend tours at £20. A legends tour, which will see a former Villa hero join the tour are due to be released; prices are currently being kept under wraps.
Tours can be booked on 0333 323 5353 or can be booked online with the club.
Record Attendance
76,588 v Derby County
FA Cup 6th Round, March 2nd, 1946.
Average Attendance
- This season: 42,005
- 2020-2021: N/A
- 2019-2020: 41,661
- 2018-2019: 36,027
If you plan on making your experience at Aston Villa’s stadium extend beyond a single day then you’ll be pleased to hear you’ve got a couple of options for where to rest your head.
The nearest choice you’ll find is the Aston Inn located on Aston Hall Road; it’s a budget friendly option at around £50 per night and is walking distance to Aston Villa’s ground in just five or so minutes.
Beyond that, you’ve got two well known brands offering reasonably priced accommodation at circa 1.5 miles from Villa Park; that’s a Travelodge located just off the M6 and a Holiday Inn Express on the A47.
Villa Park is an enormous part of England’s footballing heritage but it’s more than that to Aston Villa; it’s been their home for 124 years. From the very early days development was front and centre of the clubs thinking with numerous tweaks being made from as early as two years after move in. Prior to World War One, plans were drawn up to take the capacity over the 100k mark. Obvious non-football related events caused major delays but, in time, major works were completed. It wasn’t all about more seats though with Aston Villa’s Stadium becoming the first in England to contain a restaurant.
Even with that, things have never stood still though with big changes regularly taking place; another notable moment was in the lead up to the 1966 World Cup. Aston Villa’s ground, Villa Park, was chosen to host several matches but they had to ensure the Witton Lane Stand was made all-seated. The changes kept coming – one of which saw the Witton Lane Stand renamed the Doug Ellis Stand – with the latest change being shortly after the millennium; that was the rebuild of the Trinity Road Stand.
Official Web Sites and Socials:
Online Fanzines:
If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, please e-mail me at: contact@footballgroundguide.com and I’ll update the guide.
Thanks to Owen Pavey for providing the ground layout diagram.
The Awaydays video of Southampton fans at Villa Park was produced by the UglyInside and made publicly available for distribution via YouTube.
The Villa Park Stadium tour was produced by Stadia Mania and made publicly available for distribution via YouTube.
The External Villa Park Stadium was produced by Damian Brown and made publicly available for distribution via YouTube.
Content retrieved from: https://footballgroundguide.com/leagues/england/premier-league/villa-park-aston-villa.html.