Portman Road Sports Fan Tips
Portman Road is a venue in or near Ipswich that is most often used for Soccer
Things to check out around Portman Road?
There's a Riley's just up the road (literally a few hundred yards) and snooker/pool halls have always been one of my favourite places to unwind after a game. It's a relaxed, chatty atmosphere inside and the bar isn't too expensive. Can't recommend it highly enough! If you're more classy than me, then perhaps a visit to New Wolsey Theatre will satisfy your thirst for brilliant live entertainment! It's about a hundred yards more walking than Riley's, which is ideal.
Best Pubs around Portman Road?
If you're an away fan, there's nowhere better to get ready for matchday like the Riverside Hotel; it's just by the train station and 5 minutes' from the stadium! Perfect, right? For a quieter venue – perhaps with the family – Punch & Judy is a great shout: it's warm, friendly and allows both sets of fans to mingle amicably. Even better, it's just by the stadium!
How do I get to Portman Road?
When the floodlights are visible from the train station, you know you're in for an easy journey! Portman Road sits barely 5 minutes' walk from the station and you can hardly get lost – everyone with you will be heading the same way!For those crazy individuals who drive to football games (I'm just sad I don't have a car) there are numerous Pay & Displays in the area, costing around £4 for 4 hours. Though it may cost more, it's worth getting parked early and guaranteeing a space!
Portman Road seating?
The seats leave a lot to be desired. They're not terribly comfortable and the minimal legroom can actually be distracting over the course of a game. Another point is that right up the back of the stands (for the Cobbald Stand, at least) there are numerous supporting pillars and, accordingly, seats with obstructed views. Might be worth checking with the venue in advance to see if your tickets offer a quality view or not.
Best restaurants near Portman Road?
You have to go to Nicholas Street. It's not a rule, perhaps, but if you want quality food before or after your game, that's where you go to be spoiled for choice. 'At Twenty5' is British/European style restaurant with friendly staff and a warm atmosphere. The food, it has to be said, is delicious. A more exotic (but equally tasty) option would be Trongs: a fancy Chinese restaurant next door to At Twenty5!
What to expect from the Portman Road crowd?
They're a friendly bunch. There's very rarely any trouble at Portman Road, and most travelling fans report that everyone is friendly, helpful and loves a good bit of rivalrous banter! It's a big stadium which isn't always full, however the atmosphere is usually top notch. Good acoustics: there's a huge amount of noise generated by the away fans in the Cobbold Stand, so the home crowd has to respond in kind!
Best Insider tip at Portman Road?
Not all Championship sides still offer a stadium tour, but Ipswich Town have too much history not to show it off! Their "Behind the Blues” tour takes you on an adventure around the changing rooms, tunnels and all the other restricted area reserved for players, managers and support staff! For me, a stadium tour helps me feel truly feel part of the team, and the crowd, so it's a perfect addition to visiting the ground for your match.
Best Food and Drink at Portman Road?
I'll let you guess…correct! The stadium does sell pretty much exclusively pies, hot dogs, sausage rolls and pasties! Well done. The price for any of them is £3-£3.50 so while you could do worse, it ain't cheap. You can probably smuggle in a sandwich if you don't fancy what's on offer, but no guarantees the stewards won't take it off you.You can buy alcohol before the game (lager, cider, bitter and wine) but not at half-time.