Deepdale Sports Fan Tips
Deepdale is a venue in or near Preston that is most often used for Soccer
What to expect from the Deepdale crowd?
There's a little-known phenomenon called "the Deepdale experience” which describes the friendly, welcoming and high-energy atmosphere unique to Preston. Their home fans are energetic and maybe a little rowdy, just like all passionate sports fans, but it all adds up to a fun and tangible vibe in the stadium, as opposed to the aggressive, or even threatening, presence felt at many other football grounds.
Things to check out around Deepdale?
If you want to blend your trip into something a bit more well-rounded – or just want to continue breathing in the fresh Lancashire air – then there's an abundance of outdoor activities and walks. The Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary performs flying displays with the birds, and the staff are exceptionally knowledgeable. There's also the Avenham and Miller parks, which are just exquisite: gorgeous gardens and views as far as the eye can see (or near enough!).
Best Insider tip at Deepdale?
Preston North End offer a special promotion where kids under the age of 8 can enter and watch the game for only £2! The 'Mini Whites' is basically a scheme by Preston to encourage young children to get involved in watching the game, and to make them fans for life. Every club needs its fans, and you can register your child for free, so why not? If you're a season ticket holder, then even the £2 is wiped and your kid can watch all the season's games for free!
Best restaurants near Deepdale?
The options closest to the stadium are mostly inexpensive, tasty and filling, like pizza joints! However there's also a Nandos; who could say no? For me, Nandos is one of the best restaurants to hit up either before or after a game: the menu is quite extensive (my favourites are on the veggie menu, so it's not all chicken) and the portions are hearty enough to keep you going for hours. For something more formal, or perhaps exotic, carry on into the middle of Preston!
Best Food and Drink at Deepdale?
There's sadly no draught lager or ale at Deepdale; not even the cheap stuff! There are bottles/cans of cheap lager/cider/bitter (well, cheap anywhere else!) at £3.50 each or a small bottle of wine at £4. There's also tins of Guinness at £4, which isn't too bad. For whatever reason, Deepdale wins the "best pie variety” competition, from what I've seen so far:Meat & potatoChicken BaltiSteak & KidneyPotato & ButterAll for £2.80! You can get a 'pint and a pie' for £5.70 and the other classics like cheeseburgers and hot dogs are around £3.50.
Deepdale seating?
Away fans pay £24 for the privilege of a game, situated up at the Bill Shankly Kop, right behind one set of goals. Unlike most teams, Preston are willing to give this whole stand (6,000 seats) to teams with a large traveling support, though it is usually only half.If you've nabbed a home ticket, then the price can reach £30, but access to the Sir Tom Finney or 'Invincibles' stands, you'll be happy to pay every penny. Undoubtedly the best seats in the house: comfortable and a great view of the pitch.
How do I get to Deepdale?
Parking at Deepdale costs an outrageous £12.50 per car. For a team that's halfway up the Championship right now, that's pretty audacious. However, you can park elsewhere for a fiver while contributing to a good cause at Moorfield's School, where the money funds the school.The train station (Preston Railway Station) is about 1.5 miles from Deepdale, so you might fancy a taxi or Uber (probably around £8) over the 25 minute walk!
Best Pubs around Deepdale?
It's a sad repetition of a lot of grounds, but there aren't very many pubs in town suitable for visiting fans. There's Sumners which has positive reviews from everyone, but if it's a rival game then you'll be refused entry.Unusually, there are a lot of local 'clubs' which open their doors to visiting fans for weekend and weekday matches! Fulwood Conservative Club, St Gregory's Catholic Club and Frenchwood Social Club all welcome away fans and serve good beer and maybe some food. Worth checking out, though Frenchwood is about 25 minutes' walk from the stadium.