Selhurst Park Sports Fan Tips
Selhurst Park is a venue in or near London that is most often used for Soccer
Things to check out around Selhurst Park?
A stadium tour is now offered (as of 2016) on non-matchdays and cost £12.50 for adults and £7.50 for under 16's, £10 for seniors and under 5's are free (although there are family tickets available to save on cost). It covers most of the stadium, changing rooms, dugout and trophy display for those who want to see some football memorabilia (although you have to book in advance).Although there are minimal tourist attractions in the surrounding area there is plenty to do a few miles away with Crystal Palace Park and a beautiful and quirky attraction that you can freely visit around two miles away. If you want to venture to Croydon before the matches there is plenty of shopping, a museum and Fairfield halls which is available for theatre shows and performances year round.
Best Pubs around Selhurst Park?
While there is a pub within 5 minutes from Selhurst called "The Clifton Arms” it is not recommended for tourists or away supporters as it is a local pub that are not very welcoming and just don't like outsiders. Instead there are plenty of options 10-15 minutes up the road near Thornton Heath Railway Station there is the "Flora Sandes” which is a favorite pub for away supporters but is generally quite mixed with home fans as well as it is such a nice atmosphere (and the prices are really reasonable!). It has outdoor seating and a lot of space for groups while selling real ales and it is names after the only WW1 female soldier in Britain.In the same vicinity is "The Railway Telegraph” which is around 15 minute walk from the stadium that serves many of the locals on match day and is quite spacious with TV's for watching live matches. It is definitely a favorite for a pre or post-match pint before heading off to the game but also serves food and snacks.
How do I get to Selhurst Park?
The easiest way to get to get to the venue is on the train and if you are coming from central London you simply need to hop on a train to Selhurst or Thornton Heath station which are between 5-10 minute walk away and should not cost you more than £6 return. Alternatively, if you are travelling regionally or nationally you should aim for London Victoria, London Bridge or Clapham Junction which are normally 30-50 minute journeys where you can change for one of the above stations.You can also catch the 468 bus from Elephant & Castle or the X68 from Waterloo Station which pass the stadium on their route. Taxis are available to pre-book from the stations or you can normally hail one from outside although they are more expensive. Although coaches are available there are very limited spaces and it is recommended to book via Crystal Palace in order to guarantee a space for large groups.
Selhurst Park seating?
With over 26,000 seats there is ample seating at Selhurst Park and the tickets are split into two categories depending on the type of matches (A or B). The most expensive and considered some of the best seats in the house for a category A match cost around £35 to £45 in the main stand while cheaper or restricted lower-tier seats or behind the goal are around £25.For atmosphere and view you should consider booking seats in the Arthur Wait stand in Block V-W but some of these seats are only available to season ticket holders. Holmesdale Road is also excellent for atmosphere although the view isn't as good but you should always check because there are restricted view seating in all of the stands due to the pillars and construction of the stadium.Away supporters should also be careful booking their tickets because in the away stand (near the Croydon Advertiser Family Stand) there is limited leg room and restricted views if you are too far back in the last rows fur to the overhanging roof (and an odd pillar) so you should aim to sit in the lower half of the away stand.
Best Food and Drink at Selhurst Park?
This stadium also has strict guidelines on what can and cannot be brought into the venue including no alcohol, glass or cans and they only permit soft drinks under 1 Litre in size in a plastic bottle with sealed lid. That being said, there is a wide array of food available on site including hot and warm drinks, handmade pies, massive burgers, hotdogs, potato wedges, vegetarian options as well as Korma or Tikka curry or Thai noodles if you fancy something more substantial. You will be looking at £4 per pint or pie, £3.50 for hot dogs and the larger burgers are around £10. Tea will cost around £2 as well as snacks and light options which are about the same.You should always take your ID to purchase alcohol and if you are an away supporter then be prepared to queue because there is only one small refreshment area that caters to all of the away stand which can lead to large queues so get in there quickly and plan ahead!
Best restaurants near Selhurst Park?
If you are looking for something cheap and cheerful there are plenty of kebab or takeaway shops from Selhurst Park back to the local train stations and further into town that you can get some food at. You can also opt to get traditional Fish and Chips served restaurant style at the aptly named "Doneagles Fish and Chip Restaurant which is less than a 10 minute walk from the stadium but it can get quite busy at turn out after match day.If you are looking to make an evening of it you can opt for Thai food at "Mantanah Thai Cuisine” which is also less than 10 minutes away from the stadium, is reasonably priced and have friendly staff with great reviews. Blue & Orange is the other local restaurant close to the stadium and has a friendly atmosphere catering to many of the Selhurst fans with their large portion sizes, value for money and traditional pub food!Alternatively if you make your way to the train stations and get off at East Croydon which is a short 10-15 minute train journey away you can enjoy a Nando's or Wagamamas if you want something familiar, although you should definitely book on the weekends or a Friday as they get busy very early on.
What to expect from the Selhurst Park crowd?
Crystal Palace fans are known for their noise and enthusiasm and at Selhurst Park it is no different as they have music playing at the beginning of the games that the crowd can sing along too. One of the most common songs that is joined in with is "Glad all Over” by the Dave Clarke Five and is a favorite for when the players come on the pitch.Recently the away supporters have been relocated near the "Croydon Advertiser Family Stand” and can accommodate over 2,000 away tickets however this have smaller leg room. While CP fans can be passionate, many away fans have said they are non-intimidating and are always up for good banter and friendly gamesmanship. That being said, their biggest rivals are Milllwall and Charlton Athletic which means you should avoid those colors and kit, particularly if you want to get into a local pub afterwards.You can buy mementos or souvenirs on site on the day and if you want to purchase proper kit you should look at using the online shop as there are more options and sizes available. You should also purchase a program at the stadium for an insider look and information as a first timer because you might find it interesting. There are many chants that CP use at Selhurst Park but one of the common ones is "You are my Palace” set to the melody of "You are my sunshine” and if you want to get involved it goes like this:You are my Palace,My only Palace,You make me happy,When skies are grey.You'll never know just,How much I love you,Please don't take my Palace away,La la la la la, Oooh!La la la la la,La la la la la, Oooh! Oooh!
Best Insider tip at Selhurst Park?
Many are unaware that you can hire the hospitality suites within Selhurst Park for corporate events, weddings or other events you may be hosting. They provide catered services and can include parts of the stadium tour in the package for guests as well as providing memorabilia in the room to display during the event.Students in Secondary school can also apply to do their work experience within Selhurst Park although you should get in there early as they often have a waiting list and a lot of interest.