David Hopkin's Bantams take on Rochdale this afternoon in Sky Bet League One action, at the Crown Oil Arena (kick-off 3.00pm).
We've pieced together an Away Day Guide to ensure you enjoy a great day's entertainment...
ADDRESS
Rochdale AFC
The Crown Oil Arena
Rochdale
Lancashire
OL11 5DR
THE GROUND
The Crown Oil Arena – also known as Spotland - has the capacity of 10,000.
Visiting supporters are housed in the Willbutts Lane Stand (Reside Estate and Lettings Agency). This is a covered stand and offers the best view of the action on the Crown Oil Arena pitch.
The capacity of the away end is around 3,700. Turnstiles open an hour before kick-off.
TICKETS
City supporters snapped up over 1,000 of the pre-advanced tickets. Those who did not purchase a ticket can pay on the gate - more than 2,000 seats are available.
In addition to cash turnstiles, you can also pay for your ticket by card at the Rochdale Ticket Office. All bank cards, with the exception of America Express, are accepted.
Please note, there are no cash machines at the ground. The nearest cash points are:
The Co-operative, Edenfield Road, OL11 5AQ. This is 0.4miles from the Crown Oil Arena, and around a 20-minute round trip walk.
Prices are as follows:
Adults - £22
Seniors (65+) - £16
Young Person (Under-21s) - £16
Junior (Under-16s) - £5
Junior (Under-11s) - £5
Infants (Under-2s) – FREE (ticket must be obtained from the Ticket Office before going to the turnstiles)
Ambulant disabled supporters pay the relevant price (as above) according to their age band category, with carer free of charge.
Wheelchair disabled supporters will pay concessionary prices, with carer free of charge (£16).
PLEASE NOTE: Separate turnstiles apply to Adults, Concessions and Juniors, however, the club recognises that some adults may wish to have their children go through the same turnstile, to accommodate this club requests that the adult purchases a ticket for their child from the ticket office.
GETTING THERE
By Road (Please use OL11 5DR for Sat Navs)…
From either the East or West via the M62: The Crown Oil Arena is just over two miles from junction 20 of the M62. Follow signs for Rochdale along the A627(M). At the first set of traffic lights keep left, sign posted Bury and Rochdale Town Centre. Bunnings Warehouse will be on your right hand side, follow this road until the next set of traffic lights. Here you need to be in the second lane of four lanes, to head straight across (sign posted Blackburn). Follow this road (Roch Valley Way) until the next set of traffic lights, remaining in the left hand lane. At the traffic lights go straight ahead on to Sandy Lane (the Cemetery pub should be on your right hand side). Continue along this road and the Stadium is on your right hand side after approximately half a mile.
By Rail…
Rochdale train station, which is served by trains from Manchester Victoria and Leeds, is around 2.5 miles and a 40-45 minute walk from the Crown Oil Arena. Taxis are available outside the station at a cost of around £7/£8.
By Bus…
You can find our local bus time tables HERE.
By Foot...
The Crown Oil Arena is around a 20-25 minute walk from Rochdale Town Centre.
PARKING
The Crown Oil Arena has a small car park which can accommodate guests and staff only. Street parking is available around the stadium, however, please be aware that parking restrictions are in place in the yellow coned areas – these are monitored by traffic control.
Parking is also available at a local high school, which is around half a mile from the ground: Oulder Hill Community School, Greave Avenue, Rochdale, Lancashire, OL11 5EF.
Please note that Rochdale do not take any responsibility for vehicles left on the street, or at Oulder Hill Community School.
ENTERTAINMENT & REFRESHMENTS
The Pubs…
At the ground itself, there are two bars to choose from, Studds & the Ratcliffe Arms.
Studds is located underneath the Pearl Street Stand and is worth a visit if only to sample the large range of tasty pies & pasties on offer at £2.50 (which are also available inside the ground). No real ales here, but the bar has lots of memorabilia/pictures on the walls.
The Ratcliffe Arms is located at the car park entrance to the ground, on Sandy Lane. This pub has SKY TV, real ale, hot food and is family friendly.
The Cemetery Hotel, which is located at the bottom of Sandy Lane and on the corner with Bury Road, is also worth a visit. This comfortable historic pub has a range of real ales on offer and again friendly clientele.
Inside The Ground…
You'll find kiosks within the concourse of the away end, which sell a range of hot and cold food and drinks, including alcohol.
MATCHDAY MAGAZINE
The Voice of Spotland, priced at £3 for league games, is available to purchase from the Club Shop/ from programme sellers around the ground.