Elland Road Sports Fan Tips
Elland Road is a venue in or near Leeds that is most often used for Soccer
Best Insider tip at Elland Road?
Leeds fans love a sing-a-long. To help you get in the mood, check out this amazing site with 365 different chants that you might carry to Elland Road. It's the best way to really immerse yourself in the crowd, so check out a few of the most popular ones and get an idea for the lyrics. Trust me, you'll love belting it out as part of a thousands-strong footie choir!https://transcribe.wreally.com/
Best restaurants near Elland Road?
There's nothing better before, or after, a game than a top-quality bite to eat and minimal walking. Well, if you agree, check out The Old Peacock which is only a few hundred steps from your seat! It's a timeless, rustic interior with loads of space. The drinks selection suits every thirst and the menu is extensive. In fact, for the reasonable pricing, it's just perfect! If you head into town there are other options, but they aren't as good. Maybe book in advance as there will be lots of passing trade on a matchday.
Best Pubs around Elland Road?
Leeds have done everyone a favour here and dedicated a bar at the corner of the stadium specifically to home fans. It's called Howards and opens up shop two hours before kick-off. This is plenty of time for most fans, though you'll need your (away) ticket to get in. The other main away venue is Drysalters. The name is horrendous if you ask me, but the quality ales, decent food and big TV more than make up for it!
How do I get to Elland Road?
It's a matter of preference, really. Many fans get the train to Leeds station, from where shuttle buses run to/from the stadium for £2.50 return. Note that you'll be picked up at the Hilton (2 mins away) rather than at the station itself. It's walkable as well, but the 30-35 minute trek deters most fans.As for drivers, there are huge, accommodating car parks by the stadium for £5 per car. The traffic isn't too bad on the way out (impressively!) so just whack your car in there.
Things to check out around Elland Road?
Something that is already great fun if you're going to the game with a squad is to lay off the beers during the day and book a pitch at the local Leeds Sports Centre near the ground. Get a game of 5, 7 or more aside and play the game like your stars just did during the game. If you're on your own (or just not with a group of lads wanting to play football) then there's the Jump Inc. trampoline park which is perfect for the family as well.
Best Food and Drink at Elland Road?
There's an insanely popular fish and chip shop just by the stadium called Graveleys, where many home fans grab a bite before kick-off. Away fans should not head there, as it's known for being a bit aggressive. Inside the stadium proper, there is a thriving trade on burgers, pies, pies and more pies! They're pretty decent though. On the drinks front, Elland Road offers its finest Strongbow, John Smith's and Fosters by the pint - £3.60.
Elland Road seating?
The parking, on-site bar and everything else is great, but the away seating is woefully lacking. There's space for plenty of fans (some 3,000 seats) but that's where the 'space' ends. The legroom is minimal, to put it politely, and the chairs are an uncomfortable blend of cheap plastic and old wood! Given the size and reputation of the stadium, I'd expect better. There are also quite a few obstructed views, with supporting pillars in the way.
What to expect from the Elland Road crowd?
There's no love lost between Leeds and a number of rivals (like local side Bradford or old enemies Manchester United) so expect a bit of aggression from the home fans. Don't go showing your club colours off away from the stadium (either in town or just outside) as you could attract the wrong kind of attention.However, for all that, once you're in your seat and the game has started, the atmosphere can be electric. It's not quite like the old Premier League days, but it's a great day of football nonetheless.