Away day guide: Rochdale

Supporters’ Forum member Luke Searston has provided the following information for Tuesday’s game at Rochdale…

What kit will we be in?

The lads will be in orange shirts and blue shorts for this fixture.

Ticket information

Tickets are priced at adults £24, senior (65+) £19, young person (14-22) £14, 13 and under £7 (must be purchased with an adult ticket). Disabled supporters pay the age relevant price and get a carer’s ticket free of charge. Please contact the Rochdale ticket office for these tickets on 01706 644649 (option 1). All other tickets can be purchased from the following link: https://www.rafcshop.co.uk/tickets/visitor-tickets?ftredirect=1

Pay on the day is available. There is a cash sales cabin which is allocated facing the five-a-side pitch, which will be open from 6pm. Those who wish to pay by card will need to purchase from the ticket office. Please note though that this is a very busy window. The ticket office will be open from 9am on the day of the game.

True Blue Travel information:

Subject to availability, True Blue Travel spaces are priced at £18 adults/£10 under 16s (all under 16s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18+). Coaches depart the SMH Group Stadium (the HUB) at 4pm. (Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the departure time).

How do I get to the ground?

The address is: Crown Oil Arena, Sandy Lane, Rochdale OL11 5DR

Which stand will we be in?

Spireites fans will be housed in the Reside Estate Agency Stand (Willbutts Lane), up to 3500 fans can be housed in this stand.

Where can I park?

It’s permit holders only at the ground. So, its a case of finding some street parking. However, the streets in the immediate vicinity of Spotland are for ‘residents only,’ so if you are not careful you could end up with a parking ticket, so check first to see if there are street parking restriction signs, before deciding to park up.

There is street parking to be had along the main A680 (Edenfield Road) which can be found at the end of Willbutts Lane, only a 5-10 minute walk away from the stadium. Parking is also available at Oulderhill Community School (OL11 5EF), which is located about half a mile from the ground on Greave Avenue.

Which is the nearest train station?

Rochdale Railway Station is located just under two miles away from the Spotland Ground, which is served by direct trains from Manchester Victoria, Halifax, Bradford Interchange and Leeds. Rochdale station is around a 35-40 minute walk from Spotland.

Pubs for away fans:

At the ground itself, there are two bars to choose from, Studds & The Ratcliffe Arms. Studds is located underneath the Pearl Street Stand.

The Ratcliffe Arms is located at the car park entrance to the ground, on Sandy Lane. This pub has Sky TV, real ale, hot food and is family friendly. On my last visit (about seven years ago!) this pub had a mixture of home and away fans if I remember rightly. Otherwise, the Cemetery Hotel on the corner of Bury Road welcomes away fans. This is around a 15-minute walk or so from the ground. 

Is food and drink available?

Opposite the turnstiles to the away end, is Willbutts Lane chip shop. This chippy has proved extremely popular with both Rochdale fans and visiting supporters over the years.Inside the ground the usual offering of pies and hotdogs amongst other things are available. Hot and cold drinks are also available along with alcohol. 

Can I get a programme?

Yes, programme will be available, priced at £3.