Brief Directions by Road:
Easy peasy, from the A1(M) exit onto the A194(M) just North of Washington Services, which is a very long way. Follow this road until the junction with the A184. Turn left towards Newcastle/Gateshead where after approx three miles you will see the stadium to your right.

Car Parking:
There are numerous pay and display car parks in and around the stadium – basically take your pick. Street parking is unrestricted too.

Directions by Train:
The Stadium is accessible via the very efficient Tyne and Wear Metro link from Newcastle Central. A mid morning train from Kings Cross to Newcastle will take around 3 hours.

Coach Travel:
Supporters Coach will leave from The Hive at 7.00am and cost is £35. Earlier pick up points starting from 6.00am are Potters Bar, Barnet (3 separate points), Whetstone and Edgware. Call 0208 381 3800 for details or see opposite)

Eating and Drinking Locally:
According to my spies the café/bar at the ground is away friendly!  Another spy informs me that most Gateshead fans drink in the Nags Head on Gateshead High Street and we will be made welcome to have a few beers there. The Schooner is the pub that many I have spoken to mention as it overlooks the river and also welcomes away fans. It can be found on South Shore Road, Gateshead, NE8 3AF. But then there is honestly very little else unless you hit the town centre. For drivers arriving early the Reckless Recommendation is:

The Malting House Carlisle Street, Felling, Gateshead NE10 0HQ. An old haunt of Gazza and Chris Waddle I am informed by one of my spies. Great beers and top food too with pool table and a nice garden.

Ground Description:
An athletics stadium always gives me a European ground feel and watching the beautiful game from a distance isn’t popular. However the 12,000 capacity stadium has been the clubs’ home since 1972. It was built in 1955 and hosts not only Gateshead FC but also Gateshead Thunder RFC. The main Tyne and Wear stand is the only one of four areas normally open on matchdays and an area in the north west corner is given up to visitors. It has room for over 3,000. If the visiting club brings more than 1,200 fans  they are then housed in the East Stand opposite which is fully covered. The main stand rake is very steep and a famous story from 1983 involves long time supporter Keith Morris (how are you doing fella?) who while over zealously celebrating, after Steve Mahoney had scored, tumbled down the steps head over heels at an alarming rate – I believe he was a tee totaler too!

Admission Prices:
Adult: £15,  Over 60s & Students: £10, 16 & 17-Year-Olds : £8, U16s: £3.

Thanks to Messrs McInness and Goodwin from Gateshead for their help with this guide.