Capacity: 11,676 (Reduced to 7,012 for football)
Address: Newport, Gwent, NP19 0UU
Telephone: 01633 670690
Pitch Size: 112 x 72 yards
Club Nickname: The Exiles or Ironsides
Year Ground Opened: 1877
Shirt Sponsors: Mr.Tom
Kit Manufacturer: Macron
Home Kit: Amber and Black
Away Kit: Red and White
Bisley Stand
Hazell Stand
Looking Towards The Town End
South End
Town End
The Club moved to Rodney Parade, the home of Newport and Newport Gwent Dragons Rugby Clubs at the beginning of the 2012/13 season after spending eighteen years at Newport Stadium. Situated on the East bank of the River Usk, the stadium has seen some recent investment with the opening of two new stands. On one side is the Bisley Stand that was opened in 2011. This covered all seated stand has a capacity of just over 2,500 seats. It is single tiered and incorporates 13 executive boxes, that run along the back of the stand. The roof is situated quite high up above the spectators area and incorporates a television gantry and pleasingly there are no supporting pillars to obstruct your view of the playing action. One unusual aspect of the stand is that the seats comprise a number of different colours, making for an eye catching 'polka dot' effect. The stand has a row of four floodlight pylons protruding from its roof.
Opposite is the much older but classic looking Hazell Stand. This covered stand has seating to the rear (with windshields to either side) and terracing to the front. There are a row of thin supporting pillars running across the middle of this stand. It does not run the full length of the pitch and has a portion of open terracing on one side towards the North End. The team dugouts are situated at the front of this stand, to one side, near to the open terrace which is unused. It too has a set of four (rather older looking) floodlight pylons protruding from its roof. Beyond the stand you can clearly see the supporting steelwork of the nearby bridge over the river Usk.
The North or Town End as it is also known was rebuilt in 2010. It is a small open terrace which is quite set-back from the playing area. As it is small and uncovered it allows some good views across the centre of Newport and to the rolling countryside behind. In one corner between the North Terrace and Bisley Stand there is a separate structure, that incorporates corporate facilities, offices and club shop.
At the South is a small open temporary stand of seating, which is located on one side towards the Bisley Stand. This runs for only half the width of the pitch. Behind this area is a strange looking 'double decker' type structure which I assume is used for corporate hospitality. On the other side in the corner is another strange looking building with a large pyramid shaped roof. This houses the dressing rooms and the teams come onto the pitch from this corner of the ground. There is an electric scoreboard mounted on the front of this building.
As Rodney Parade is first and foremost a rugby ground, then the playing area is very long, meaning that the football pitch area seems to have been dropped into the middle of it. This has resulted in quite large distances between the spectators at each end of the pitch and the goal line.
Away fans are mostly housed on one side of the Bisley Stand, where around 580 fans can be accommodated. This stand is all seated and covered and being a relatively new stand the facilities inside are good. The stand is shared with home supporters who are separated by a portion of green netting, draped over the seats. In addition a small temporary block of open seating is also made available at the South End. This has a capacity of just over 400. As to be expected the seating in the Bisley Stand gives the better and more comfortable view of the game, but both areas share the same facilities. There is a food outlet just inside the ground by the turnstiles serving amongst other things; Hot Dogs (£3), a selection of Pies & Pasties (£2.50), Sausage Rolls (£1) and Chips (£2).
The entrance to the away supporters section is at the opposite end of the stadium to the home areas and is accessed along Corporation Road (so no need to go through the main stadium entrance). It is poorly signposted and is literally a small pathway situated in-between some residential houses. There are a couple of blue poles that mark the entrance, but that is about it. Outside the turnstiles there is a small portakabin that serves as the away ticket office. I noticed that supporters were being searched on entry. Even though the stand is rather new, the entrance turnstiles looked to be almost museum pieces!
I found the visit to be an enjoyable one, with the stewards certainly taking a relaxed and friendly approach. The atmosphere was good emanating from all sides and I noted a drummer in the Hazell Stand where most of the vociferous Newport fans seemed to congregate. In the under croft behind the Bisley Stand there is a flat screen television mounted on a wall showing Sky Sport News.
There is a Clubhouse at the ground (inside the home main entrance) which admits away supporters. Next door to the club house is a hot food area which was doing a steady trade on my visit. Generally the area around the ground is not particularly great, with the nearest pub, the Victoria Hotel on Corporation Road looking particularly uninviting. A better bet would be the Wetherspoon pub on Chepstow Road called the Godfrey Morgan, which is listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. This spacious pub is only a 10 minute walk from the away turnstiles and for some unknown reason on my visit seemed to have few home fans in 
attendance. The pub has the added benefit that along Chepstow Road there areAway Bar number of food outlets including a couple of fish and chip shops and a Greggs Bakery. Otherwise the city centre is a 10-15 minute walk away where there are plenty of pubs to be found including three more Wetherspoons outlets. Two of these the John Wallace Linton in Cambrian Road and the Queen's Hotel in Bridge Street are located quite close to the railway station.
Inside the stadium away fans are treated to their own bar, that is situated at the top of the Bisley Stand and is accessed from steps at the front. With plush seating, Sky Sports television and great views across the stadium, you would have easily thought that you had walked into a corporate area by mistake. The only downside is that the bar is closed whilst the game is in progress (including 10 minutes before the first half kick off) and fans are not allowed to be in the bar whilst the match is being played. This is enforced (in a nice way) by a doorman.
From the North & East
Leave the M4 at Junction 24 (or from the A449 from Monmouth/Midlands) and take the B4237, signposted Newport (E). After approximately 2.5 five miles turn left at a set of traffic lights, signposted B4237 (there is also the George pub on a right hand corner). Go under a bridge and at the next set of traffic lights turn right into Corporation Road. After passing an ATS garage on your right, you will see the away supporters entrance on your left. For the stadium main entrance take the next left into Grafton Road.
From the West
Leave the M4 at Junction 26 and take the A4051 towards Newport. After going under a flyover (which is the A4042) you will reach a large roundabout where you take the 2nd exit keeping in the filter lane towards the City Centre/Railway Station (do not go up the adjoining slip road onto the A4042). At the next roundabout take the 1st exit going across the river onto the B4591 towards Maindee. At the traffic lights bear right onto Chepstow Road and then take the first right into Corporation Road. Take the next right into Grafton Road and the entrance is down on the left.
Car parking
There is no parking available at the ground for supporters and there is a 'residents only' parking scheme in operation in the street around the stadium. However it is a bit of an odd scheme as far as I could see, as most nearby roads seemed to have parking restrictions on one side of the road only. In fact arriving two hours before kick off I was able to park across the road from the away entrance. So street parking is possible but please pay attention to any parking restriction signs. Alternatively you can use one of the city centre car parks which are around a 15 minute walk away.
Post Code for SAT NAV: NP19 0UU
Newport railway station is situated around a quarter of a mile away from the stadium and is a relatively short walk. The station is served by trains from London Paddington, Bristol Temple Meads & Birmingham New Street. As you come out of the main station entrance turn left along the main (Queensway) road. Follow this road until you reach a large roundabout. Take the pedestrian underpass down underneath the roundabout and at the centre turn left towards Clarence Place/River Usk. After you have come back up to street level you should see a bridge in front of you going across the river. Cross the bridge and then take the first right hand turn into Rodney Parade and the stadium is down this road on the left.
Remember if travelling by train then you can save on the cost of fares by booking in advance.
Visit the the trainline website to see how much you can normally save.
Click on the trainline logo below:
Home Fans*:
Bisley Stand (Centre):
Adults £20, Senior Citizens/Students £16, Under 16's £11, Under 12's £8, Under 6's Free
Hazell Stand (Centre Seating):
Adults £20, Senior Citizens/Students £16, Under 16's £11, Under 12's £8, Under 6's Free
Bisley Stand (Wings):
Adults £18, Senior Citizens/Students £14, Under 16's £9, Under 12's £6, Under 6's Free
Hazell Stand (Terrace):
Adults £16, Senior Citizens/Students £12, Under 16's £6, Under 6's Free
North Terrace:
Adults £15, Senior Citizens/Students £11, Under 16's £5, Under 6's Free
Away Fans*:
Bisley Stand:
Adults £18, Senior Citizens/Students £14, Under 16's £9, Under 12's £6, Under 6's Free
South Stand:
Adults £16, Senior Citizens/Students £12, Under 16's £6, Under 6's Free
Home supporters are also able to purchase tickets online.
* The prices quoted above are for tickets purchased prior to matchday. Tickets bought on the day of the game can cost up to £2 more.
Official Programme: £3.50
Cardiff City, Merthyr Tydfil and from the Conference League; Forest Green Rovers.
Record Attendance:
6,615 v Grimsby Town
Conference Play Off Semi Final, April 28th 2013.
Average Attendance:
2013-2014: 3,453 (League Two)
2012-2013: 2,371 (Conference Premier)
2011-2012: 1,350 (Conference Premier)
Newport County FC fixture list (takes you to the BBC Sports Website)
If you require hotel accommodation in the area then first try a hotel booking service provided by Late Rooms. They have a huge choice of places to stay and their booking facility is straightforward to use. Yes this site will earn a small commission if you book through them, but it will go to help with the running costs of keeping the Guide going.
If you require hotel accommodation in the area then first try a hotel booking service provided by Late Rooms. They offer all types of accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets from; Budget Hotels, Traditional Bed & Breakfast establishments to Five Star Hotels and Serviced Apartments. Plus their booking system is straightforward and easy to use. Yes this site will earn a small commission if you book through them, but it will go to help with the running costs of keeping the Guide going.
Access their Newport Hotels and Guest Houses page.
Remember that you can use the above link or panel below to book any other hotels that you may need for business or leisure, either in the UK or abroad.
Official Web Site:
www.newport-county.co.uk
Unofficial Web Sites:
www.the-exiles.co.uk (Message Board)
Supporters Trust
Supporters Club
Thanks to Owen Pavey for providing the Rodney Parade stadium layout diagram
Thanks to Haydn Gleed for providing the YouTube video of Newport County AFC.
Newport County v Shrewsbury Town
League Two
Saturday, January 31st 2015, 3pm
Russell Teece (Shrewsbury Town fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
I had never seen Town play in Newport before and given that both teams were well placed in the league I was hoping for a decent game.
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
The journey took a little over 2 and a half hours due to a road closure on the A49. Most fans travelling from Shropshire were aware of this before travelling so it wasn't a massive issue. After reading another review on this site I did some research into car parking and found the Maindee pay and display on Chepstow Road (junction with Merriots Place) £1.50 for three hours and an easy five minute walk from the away entrance at Rodney Parade. There looked like there may have been on street parking in the same area but I did not check to see if these streets were permit controlled.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy.... home fans friendly?
Five of us travelled and with three being teenagers, we walked into the city centre (20 min walk) and found a Subway for lunch. There was a planned demonstration by some right-wing group going on that afternoon and there was a large police presence in the city centre. We didn't hang around in the centre for long and the only home fans we encountered were those walking to the ground. All were friendly enough.
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the stadium?
Rodney parade is definitely one of the oddest grounds I have been to. It's an obvious thing to say but even with football nets erected it still feels like a second grade rugby ground. The Hazell Stand has an elongated clubhouse look about it. I thought it more akin to a cricket pavilion. The bloke next to me suggested it was similar to the wooden grandstand at our agricultural society showground in Shrewsbury. The Bisley Stand looks incongruous opposite the Hazell, all shiny and new. It didn't rain on the day we were there, which is a good thing as the high roof on this stand probably only protects the lucky ones sitting at the very back. Mind you that is better than the protection offered to the away fans sitting in the temporary (cheaper) seats that have been plonked at the South end of the ground. I would have preferred if this had been terracing as at the North end of the stadium, at least I could have moved around a bit to try and stay warm!
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
I was pleasantly surprised by the look of the pitch when we walked into the ground. It looked level and green, well suited for our passing game and with a strong northerly wind that would have been the wise way to play. My opinion of the pitch changed as soon as the first ball was rolled along the surface, every attempted pass along the ground bobbled and hopped. Ultimately both teams opted for a more aerial style of play with the ball then being affected by the wind. This resulted in one of the poorest games of the season so far, with very little quality displayed by either side. A draw would have been a fair outcome but we managed to nick it in the last 15 minutes with a goal, the lead up to which summed up the days "entertainment" very well.
The stewards I encountered were friendly and helpful and as we had use of the facilities in the newer stand they were more than adequate.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
With only 3,700 in attendance there were no problems leaving the ground. The car was parked on our route out of the city and we had no problems getting out and away. We were back in the 'Shire within a couple of hours.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
I enjoyed attending a new ground and seeing the team pick up three important points against a promotion rival. The ground is nice and easy to get to and there were no problems with the fans, stewards or anyone connected with the club. Heated seats would have been nice!
Newport County v York City
League Two
Saturday, October 11th 2014, 3pm
Chris Richards (Neutral fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
As it was international weekend, I targeted Newport due to the fact they were relatively recent returnees to the League and playing at a ground within easy reach from the West Midlands. I always look forward to visiting a new ground along with the local area. It’s only in hindsight when, sometimes, I’m not so keen. Fortunately, Newport was a good day out.
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
South Wales from the West Midlands in a car is a doddle. M5, M50 a straight run down to the M4 and off at J26. I did my homework on Google Street View and drove to the long stay car park on Godfrey Road. Lots of room but at £7.70 I should have hunted out somewhere cheaper. You live and learn. Also, you are not supposed to cross the railway lines through the station – annoying after you spent nearly £8 to park.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy.... home fans friendly?
As I was with wife, we took the opportunity to visit the City of Newport. Like most town centres these days it could be considered tired and has its fair share of boarded up shops but the main shopping areas are vibrant and busy. There’s a fantastic indoor market off the High Street which is well worth a look and the area on the riverside is a tidy place to stroll around and offers up fine views across the Usk.
There’s a fine choice of eating/drinking establishments in the city centre. We ended up at The John Wallace Linton on the Cambrian Road. If you’ve ever been to a Wetherspoons you will know what it was like.
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
Rodney Parade is a 10 minute walk crossing the River Usk from the town centre. We entered the ground on Beresford Road into a large open space with the ground about 100 yards from the gate. It looked trim and tidy and had a “busy” atmosphere as we walked up to the turnstiles.
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
On the way into the ground the weather was dull and drizzly – Now that’s the beauty of Wales. Give it 10 minutes and it was bright sunshine and as we were in the “West Facing” Bisley Stand the sun was in our eyes for the whole game. On entry to the ground, I stopped off to take a photo through some fencing. A steward approached me and I thought “this could be trouble” but he opened a gate for me and said I could get better photos from the side of the pitch. A refreshing change!
The game was entertaining enough – York made the running and were 1-0 up at half time. At the start of the 2nd half, York imploded with a sending off and Newport grew in confidence to rattle in 3 goals to secure the points.
The York fans were accommodated in the end of The Bisley Stand and the 200 or so die hards were in good voice until Newport started to go ahead. The more vocal Newport fans were in the terraces of the Hazell Stand but they were very intermittent throughout the game. The stewarding was friendly and relaxed and as the Bisley Stand is relatively new the facilities were very good. Food was reasonable and a good choice. I had a burger at £3 and a massive cup of tea for £1. Wifey had a pasty for £2.50 and said it was delicious.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
We crossed back into the City via the footbridge adjacent to the ground and within 10 minutes was back in the car and heading to the M4. No queues, minimal traffic lights and well signposted.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Newport County was a decent day out. With the grounds proximity to the City centre it’s always going to do well in the food and drink stakes. Also, parking is reasonably easy and for train travellers, the ground is within walking distance. One thing I did notice, unlike some other Welsh clubs, they didn’t go overboard with Welsh flags being displayed everywhere from the kit to the grandstands. Yes, you can see dragons and leeks around the city but it doesn’t take over. The friendliness of the locals also made for a good day but then again – I was a neutral supporter.
Newport County v Exeter City
League Two
Sunday, March 16th 2014, 3pm
Myles Munsey (Neutral fan)
1. Why were you looking forward to going to the game?
I had visited Newport before on New Year's Day 1987 (which if I recall was damp and dismal) in the old Newport County's final season at Somerton Park before their sad football league demise. 27 years later same opposition - the Grecians - , different ground and a lot warmer! The attraction of attending a Sunday fixture, my first in 45 years was a novelty.
2. How easy was your journey/fnding the ground:
A straightforward train journey from Newbury changing at Reading and waiting 10 minutes at Newport for my colleague from Gloucester. The ground was not that easy to get to owing to a spate of redevelopment round the town centre and at the ground itself, our way being repeatedly blocked by temporary fences. Even the locals were confused by this!
3. What did you do before the game pub/chippy?
With plenty of time of our hands, we walked through the town centre down to the River Usk to view the transporter bridge. This structure - one of only two in the UK - was closed for winter but is still an impressive sight. It is the sort of symbol that you might think would feature on the club badge. Sadly it doesn't. Afterwards there was time for a spot of lunch at Wetherspoons and then to the ground.
4. Thoughts on seeing the ground/first impressions:
Whilst accepting that Newport are new to league football after their prolonged forced absence, I didn't find the ticketing arrangements all that wonderful. Signage seemed very scant and I repeatedly had to seek guidance from the stewards and the police. We viewed the game from the Hazell Stand (to make sure we weren't facing the bright sun). Our seats afforded a good view but were cramped, nowhere near enough leg room. For convenience to local transport Rodney Parade is a winner, but there are very few features of note. It is functional and modern.
The Away End
5. Game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies
More than a quarter century on In a bizarre twist of fate it was the away side desperately needing points in their bid for league survival, yet Exeter did not resemble a side scrapping for every point. In warm sunshine, most welcome after all the rain, an open game ensued, not a classic, but entertaining enough. No score at half time the goal the game needed arrived on 50 minutes when Harry Worley inexplicably headed past his own keeper. Newport's response was immediate when Krysiak under pressure from Zebrowski dropped the ball conveniently at the feet of Lee Minshull who gratefully accepted the gift. Scarcely a minute later the Exiles were level. Afterwards both sides went for it. Krysiak atoned for his error with a fabulous stop from Zebrowski near the end. 1-1 was a fair result, but the point, whilst of some use to Exeter in the battle to avoid the drop was not a lot of help to Newport whose late push for the play-offs looks now as if it is over.
The resident drummer in the Hazell stand made for a somewhat light-hearted atmosphere and I barely noticed the stewards so no complaints there.
6. Getting away from ground:
Easy, and straight back to the station in 10 minutes.
7. Overall thoughts on day out:
Overall I enjoyed the whole day and the game itself. Playing soccer in a rugby ground has 'issues' I guess, but the redevlopment in and around the ground and the dodging about trying to locate the ticket office and the correct turnstiles regretably means I have to 'dock points'. Never mind - a good game and another ground 'scratched off'.
Newport County v Exeter City
League Two
Saturday, March 16th 2014, 3pm
Steve Ellis (Exeter City fan)
1. Why were you looking forward to going to this ground?
This is a new ground to visit in the Football League and like Exeter City they are a supporter owned club
2. How easy was your journey?
The journey was straight forward, travelling up on the supporters coach leaving Exeter at 11am, arriving in Newport just after 1pm.
3. What did you do before the game?
On arrival at the ground went through the turnstiles, picked up my match day programme for £3.50 before heading up to the away supporters bar at the back of the Bisley stand which gives good views of the stadium and has sky sports on a few screens. Pints of lager or cider priced at £3.80, glasses of wine I was told at just over £5.
4. First impressions on seeing the ground?
The Bisley Stand looks very modern and runs the length of the pitch, the Hazells Stand opposite is old with supporting beams at the front, then there is the old style open terracing at the North End. The Synter away stand at the opposite end, is all seated and open to the elements and set on unsteady staging. The pitch looked quite well cut up in places and the line markings from the rugby were not properly erased.
5. Comment on the game, atmosphere, refreshments, stewards and toilets?
The game was fairly even and at the end the 1-1 draw was about right. The refreshments are on sale in a wooden hut behind the Synter Stand offered amongst other fayre, burgers priced from £3. The toilets for visiting fans are under the away section of the Bisley Stand and were clean and modern. Some of the stewards were friendly and helpful but most were very heavy handed.
6. Comments on getting away after the game?
Very easy walk back to where the coach dropped us off and a straight forward journey home.
7. Summary of the day out?
A good day out but would of been better with the win that we needed.
Newport County v Southend United
League Two
Saturday, October 26th 2013, 3pm
John & Stephen Spooner (Southend United fans)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
Not been to this ground before. Went to the old ground at Somerton, but it was too long ago to remember details. The Newport manager is Justin Edinburgh who is fondly remembered at Southend where he started his careen before gaining fame at Spurs etc.
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
My son and I travel to games from North Wales as exiled fans so it was about 140 miles each way and 3½ hours along A5, A49, A40 and A449 though Wales using trusted satnav. The journey was straightforward via Hereford passing their football ground, despite constant drizzly rain. We used the M4 for about 3 miles and it was very slow with I guess rugby fans heading for Cardiff for the Wales v Italy Rugby League World Cup match, as well as traffic heading to Cardiff airport. We found free street parking at the rear of the Hazell Stand where 3 storey houses are being constructed and no yellow lines yet, but we did arrive early and parking around the ground is severely restricted due to permit only areas.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy.... home fans friendly?
We parked up and had a walk round the ground and found staff at the club friendly, advising us where toilets were and how we could collect our tickets from the away turnstiles. We then had our usual picnic prepared by wife/mum in the car listening to commentary of Crystal Palace v Arsenal match. We also met the Southend kit man who found a parking spot next to us and had a chat with him. The Newport chief executive even found time to talk to us whilst we waited for tickets from team bus.
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
The ground is hidden by houses and is small used mainly for the local rugby club. The away Synter end looks better in photographs than it actually is, being temporary seating of 8 rows of small plastic seats with rusting from the fixing bolts and no cover. This seating is limited to half the end from corner flag to about centre of the goal. The ground is neat enough with the 2 side stands but the home end is just concrete terracing. There is provision for covered seating for away fans in the end of the Bisley stand. The pitch looked good considering rugby is played on it. Stewards said that there had been investment last season to upgrade the pitch.
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
The game was scrappy initially and a blunder after 30 minutes by the Southend keeper gave Newport the lead, then a cracking free kick levelled it with 5 minutes of the first half to go. With injury time being played and everyone thinking about the interval Southend switched off and Newport took a deserved lead. Newport then stamped their obvious authority by scoring a 3rd in the 2nd half and could have scored more after hitting the post and forcing our keeper into several good saves. The atmosphere was good mainly due to the Newport fans enjoying a good performance and taking their goals well to ensure 3 points and carrying on their progress after promotion last season. Nearly 500 Southend fans turned up, being a new ground to visit, I guess, but left dispirited after a poor showing by the team. I found the stewards helpful and friendly, being relaxed about us standing in the uncovered end. I would urge fans to avoid the uncovered Synter end in cold or bad weather. The hotdogs seemed to sell well and prices for all food appeared reasonable. The match program of 100 pages for £3-50p was good too.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
The away fans were ushered away from the ground to keep them away from home fans and police did check us as we walked away but once satisfied we were going to our car and not to confront the home fans it was easy enough to get away. The roads were clear, and our satnav sent us under the M4 rather than along it which made for a quicker journey home despite almost constant rain.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
The result always determines our thoughts so a bad team performance and loss didn’t help our mood, but another ground ticked off our list and we had to be impressed by Newport County. The city area can be seen from the ground and on reflection we were disappointed that we had not visited and explored the city centre across the river Usk.
Newport County v Dartford
Conference National League
Saturday, March 30th 2013, 3pm
Gideon Birch (Dartford fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
It was my first ever Dartford game outside of Kent, and there was good weather. I'd looked up the stadium on football ground guide beforehand and liked the look of the Bisley Stand
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
I took the supporter's coach to Newport so finding the ground of course wasn't a problem. There was a bit of a walk to the away turnstiles from where the coach parked, but that wasn't a problem.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy.... home fans friendly?
I stayed in the away bar in the Bisley Stand before the game. It was modern and had the Sunderland v Man United game on TV.
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
The Bisley Stand was very modern and eye catching. The other stands, not so much. The Hazell stand particularly looked as if it has seen better days and both ends were uncovered.
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
It finished 0-0 but it was still a good away day. The stewards were much more pleasant and helpful than at some grounds I've been to since. The only downside of the day was that they were only expecting 20 Darts fans (or at least that's what I heard) but 119 of us turned up. They ran out of food at half time.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
There was no problem getting away. Bit of traffic but that's what you'd expect after a football game.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Excluding the boring game, it was a great day out. Great stadium and a good-ish atmosphere.
Newport County v Luton Town
Conference Premier League
Tuesday, December 11th 2011, 7.45pm
Paul Willott (Luton Town fan)
This was a fixture I had been anticipating for nearly 20 years, ever since I listened to my uncle regale us with a tale of travelling to watch this fixture down the then recently built M4 circa 1964. At said time, Newport County were still in the non-league wilderness, and with the Hatters in the second tier of the professional game, so such a fixture seemed a long way off in the dim and distant future.
The years rolled along, and Newport County eventually won their way back to the Conference, and with Luton finding themselves unceremoniously deposited there after a 30 point deduction, this became a fixture I highlighted.
There was the added bonus too that the club had moved lodgings to the more centrally located Rodney Parade, so I was looking forwarded to seeing this club's latest home following its nomadic and not entirely happy history since it fell out of the league in the late 1980s.
The day in question dawned bright but very frosty, and with warnings of freezing fog and temperatures barely rising above zero across vast swathes of the UK, I did question my sanity in even making the trip, but all the early indicators were that the match was still going ahead. Hence I started to head west along the M4 mid-afternoon, and as the temperatures dropped below freezing in wiltshire I must admit I started to believe I was wasting diesel, but I pressed ahead.
Once being relieved of the £6 entry tax into Wales I soon left the M4 and headed along the A48, passing the Newport Stadium, the clubs last lodgings en route. I guess I also passed the clubs spiritual home somewhere to my right, as I saw "Somerton" signed off to the right along the A48. Once at the junction with the A4042, I turned right, and started to keep my eyes peeled for a ground to my right from the A4042.
I soon recognised the 2 sets of 4 fllodlights, and encountered my only real problem of the night. Having located the ground, getting to it proved a little tricky as it is not immediately apparent where to exit said A4042 with a view to getting across the river to the stadium. I nearly ended up back at the M4 before I could turn around and have another go!
In the event it was 3rd time lucky, and I was across the river and I found a place to ditch the car right next to the ground on Rodney Road. This I must add was perhaps comparatively easy being as firstly, I was early and secondly, many I suspect decided to give it a miss for weather and mid-week reasons. In the event of crowds any significantly bigger than the 2,200 that turned up that night, parking would become a real headache. If it wasn't a midweek match, trains would be a real option too, as the railway station is nearby, and well connected.
The ground itself gives an interesting feel on first inspection; rather than a case of positives or negatives, I would say its more positives and quirkiness as the the ground clearly isn't "used" to football . . . . at least not yet. That said, there are two good covered stands alongside the pitch. The more modern one, the Bisley stand is partly given to away support. The seating is a most striking in appearance being multi-coloured and reminding me of the moquette on old london double deck buses.
Opposite is the "Hazell" stand, with a terraced paddock in front of the seated area, complete with a quaint almost seaside promenade railing type of frontage across the seated area. Interestingly, the seats were either unwanted by the home support or closed off , as the considerably noisy Newport fans congregated on that terraced area.. Although there is an open terrace behind one of the goals, few fans seemed inclined to use it, and the double deck executive box affair behind the other goal was only used by a solitary camereman.
It did indeed seem quirky to have the vast majority of all fans alongside the pitch, and almost no stmosphere behind either goal , but the aforementioned home support on the Hazell Stand paddock more than made up for that. The pitch itself when viewed from ground level clearly undulates quite considerably, and this may be an area the club looks at improving on. Once seated, another tell-tale sign of the real origins behind the ground are the rugby lines that no-one appeared to have bothered to properly erase before the evenings match ; That said, I suspect we were all grateful that we even had a match on at all given the viciously sub-zero temperatures.
Most of the stewarding was very friendly and had a wealth of knowledge on the oval balled game, and the much needed pasties of the meat and potato variety at £3 a throw were devoured a plenty by myself, complete with a coffee at £1 a cup.
The game itself was a goal-fest with the home side running out 5-2 winners returning to the top of the table in the process and no-one from a Luton perspective could really complain as Newport were the better side in all departments, complete with a physical presence that could well prove telling in the final run-in.
Although the result was disappointing from a Luton perspective, i thoroughly enjoyed my evening not only was it a bonus to even get a match played in such cold temperatures, and all credit to the ground staff at Newport for that. It was also warming from a football purists point of view to see Newport doing well. Those who remember their sudden drop from 3rd tier to 5th tier of the english game in two seasons in the 80's, followed by being clearly adrift in the conference before being wound up, will I'm sure like me not begrudge the club its hard won return to the league should they get there.
Updated 15th April 2015
