Villa Park – Aston Villa

Although Villa Park has been completely rebuilt since the late 1970s, it has some individuality, as the four stands each have their own design, making it one of the more interesting in the Premier League.

The Holte End – Villa Park

At one end is the Holte End. This is a large two-tiered structure which replaced one of the largest covered terraces in the country. Opened in the 1994/95 season it has a capacity of 13,500 seated supporters.

North Stand – Villa Park

At the other end is the North Stand, which is older (being built in the late 1970s), but still modern looking. This is two-tiered, with a double row of executive boxes running across the middle.

Doug Ellis Stand – Villa Park

On one side of the pitch is the Doug Ellis Stand, which again is two-tiered and is roughly the same height as the other two stands. This stand was opened prior to the 1996 European Championships, for which Villa Park was a host venue.

Trinity Road Stand – Villa Park

Opposite is the latest edition, the impressive-looking Trinity Road Stand. Opened in 2001 , it is three-tiered, with a small tier at the front and then two larger tiers above separated by a row of executive boxes.

Although at the time many fans were disappointed to see the old Trinity Road Stand demolished, I think its replacement gives the ground a more overall balanced look, because the new stand, although the largest at Aston Villa’s Villa Park stadium, has roughly the same roof level as the other three sides. There are also two large video screens installed in opposite corners of the ground.

An unusual feature is that between the Trinity Road & Holte End Stands is a pavilion type structure that was built at the same time as the Trinity Road. This three-tiered building is used for corporate hospitality. On the other side of the Holte End is another similar looking structure that is used for police control. The only disappointment with Villa Park is that the corners of the ground are open, however, there are plans to fill in the corners at some point, at the North Stand end of the ground.

The club have received planning permission to re-develop the North Stand. This would involve building a new stand that would extend around the current open corners at that end of the stadium whilst there are plans to bring the entire place in line with the modern day. A recent update on Aston Villa’s ground works indicated the redevelopment would be broken into several smaller projects; these will take place from 2023 through to 2031 if all things go to plan.

In January 2023, it was confirmed that phase one of the redevelopment would see the North Stand torn down with a rebuild then taking place. The process will add a further 7,400 seats. Beyond that, work is expected on the Trinity Road Stand whilst the commercialisation outside of the Aston Villa ground and transport links are also under consideration.

Beyond the main revamp, another move the club are exploring the possibility of a ‘safe standing’ area at Villa Park. This however is a much wider issue and would require a change to the existing law, for this to be allowed.

The most commonly associated anthem with Aston Villa is “Lion Hearts”

What is the away stand at Villa Park?

Away fans attending Aston Villa’s stadium will be sat on one side of the Doug Ellis Stand, towards the North end of the stadium. Up to 2,972 fans can be accommodated in this area, split between both the upper and lower tiers of the stand. If only a small away following is expected then just the upper tier is allocated. The concourse at the back of the upper tier is particularly tight and easily becomes crowded, whereas there is more space behind the lower section.

Food on offer includes a selection of Pukka Pies; Chicken Balti, Steak, Chicken & Mushroom, Cheese & Onion, Sausage Rolls, Cheeseburgers, Hot Dogs and Chips. There are wide screen televisions on the concourse, showing past encounters between the teams before kick off. There are also betting facilities available in the form of  outlets in the lower tier. Entrance to the stand is gained by entering your match ticket into an electronic reader.

Is Aston Villa a good away day?

Normally the atmosphere at Villa Park is generally good. The facilities are adequate and the stewarding friendly. Although a modern stadium, visiting fans like the traditional feel of the ground.

If arriving by supporters coach then a couple of minutes walk away from the visitors turnstiles along Witton Lane is a fenced off compound where coaches drop off, park for the duration of the game and then pick up after the match has ended.

Which pubs near Villa Park for away fans?

Normally the main pub for away fans attending Villa PArk is the Witton Arms on Witton Lane (near the roundabout), which is only a few minutes walk from the visitors’ turnstiles and which you will walk past if arriving at Witton Railway Station. The pub has separate entrances and is split between home and away supporters, with visiting fans using a large tented area to the rear of the pub. It does though charge a small fee per person to enter. However when visiting teams are expected to bring a small following, then the whole pub reverts to being one for home fans only.

Alex Alexander a visiting Norwich City fan adds: “We found a pub approximately 15 minutes walk from Aston Villa’s ground where away fans were made welcome. It is called the Yew Tree. Although they don’t serve real ale, they had a good range of beers and Magner’s on draught. It is on the same road as the Witton Arms, but with this pub on your left carry straight on up the road, passing Witton Railway Station on your right. After about half a mile you will see the pub on the right hand side.” However this pub charges £2 to enter and is rather basic inside, so probably it is only worth a visit if you can’t get in anywhere else.

A couple of train stops further on from Witton Station and only a six minute train ride is the Beaufort Arms, in Hamstead, which welcomes visiting supporters. Away fans if driving can also leave their car there and coaches can be accommodated (see advert below).

If you arrive a bit earlier then you may wish to visit the historic Bartons Arms, located about a 15 minute walk away on High Street Aston (A34). This Grade II listed building, is one of Birmingham’s finest pubs, with a superb Victorian decor, serving Oakham ales and Thai food is also on offer. It is a regular entry in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide.

Darren Williams a visiting Manchester City fan adds: “We have always park at an entertainment complex called Star City. It is just off Junction 6 of the M6, going towards Aston Villa’s stadium, Villa Park. Huge free car park, plus plenty of food and drink outlets. It is then about a mile and a half walk to the ground.”

Does Villa Park sell alcohol?

Alcohol is normally available to away supporters but only in the lower tier of the Doug Ellis Stand. This is in the form of Carlsberg and Somersby Cider, Greene King IPA. However, for some high-profile games, the Club decides not to sell alcohol to away fans.

If arriving by train into New Street Station then there are plenty of pubs to be found in the City Centre. Just outside the main entrance to the station, is the Shakespeare pub, which is popular with away fans, normally with the local Police keeping a watchful eye over proceedings. On Bennetts Hill, which is only a few minutes further walk away (pass the Shakespeare on your left, turn left at Tescos, then take the next right hand turn by Ask Italia onto Bennetts Hill) are a number of pubs including the ‘Sun On The Hill’ pub, which also shows televised sports and a Wetherspoons pub called the Briar Rose (although colours are not allowed). A little further up the hill is the Wellington pub which is a mecca for real ale drinkers. The Wellington does not provide food but has no objections to you bringing in your own. There are a couple of taxi ranks nearby that you can use if you wish to get you to Villa Park or hop back on the train.

Beaufort Arms

The Beaufort Arms in nearby Hamstead welcomes away fans visiting Aston Villa’s stadium. This family-friendly pub has BT Sports and serves the normal range of beers. You can if you wish, leave your car in their car park for the duration of the match, free of charge. The pub is conveniently located not far from Junction 7 of the M6 and Junction 1 of the M5, which can make for a quicker getaway after the match has ended. The pub is also only a six-minute train ride from Witton Station and a one minute walk from Hamstead Station. Coaches can also be accommodated as long as the coach organiser advises the pub beforehand. Similarly, food can also be provided if booked in advance.
Address: 42-46 Old Walsall Road, Birmingham. B42 1NP (Location map)
Telephone: 07973295652
Opening Hours: Midday – 11 pm

Aston Villa’s stadium, Villa Park, can be seen from the M6 if you are coming from the North side of Birmingham. Leave the M6 at Junction 6 and take the slip road signposted Birmingham (NE). At the roundabout below the motorway, turn right (the fourth exit), towards City Centre/Aston/Star City, Villa Park is well signposted from here. However to be on the safe side, turn right along Lichfield Road, at the second set of traffic lights on to Aston Hall Road. This road will take you down to the ground.

Where is the best place to park at Villa Park?

Mostly street parking (don’t be surprised though if you are approached by kids wanting to ‘mind your car’), although this is not as plentiful as it once was due to a local residents only parking scheme now in place in the streets around the Witton roundabout area. Street parking is also available in streets around Aston Railway Station (which you will pass if you continue along Lichfield Road towards the City Centre). Alternatively, free parking is available, but around 1.5 miles away (or a 30 minute walk) at the Star City leisure complex which is also well signposted, on leaving the M6.

Post Code for SAT NAV: B6 6HE

Take the short train journey from Birmingham New Street (around 10-15 minutes) to either Aston or Witton station. Witton Railway Station is nearer to the away section and is only a few minutes walk from Aston Villa’s ground. Turn left out of the station exit and continue down to a roundabout. Turn left at the roundabout into Witton Lane and the entrance to the away section is down this road on the right. Aston station is about a ten minute walk away from Villa Park. Extra trains are laid on to the ground on matchdays.

With football clubs regularly increasing and adjusting ticket prices and categories, check club websites for the very latest information. Head here for information on Aston Villa ticket prices.

Despite the history attached to Aston Villa, tickets to their ground are actually very reasonable in the context of being a Premier League club. As you’d expect, prices range depending on where exactly you sit in the stadium but the below will give you a feel for what you should expect to pay. Prices indicated are the minimum and maximum ticket prices but exclude seats like VIP lounges.

Adults: £40.50 – £51

You can also book your tickets with SeatPick.

• Official Programme, £4

• The most established Aston Fanzine was the Heroes & Villains Fanzine, however, they stopped publishing hard content in 2020.

Aston Villa vs Birmingham City rivalry: The main derby match Aston Villa’s stadium plays host to is their clashes with Birmingham City. It’s hardly surprising that those affairs can become rather tasty with just a couple of miles separating their stadiums.

Aston Villa vs West Bromwich Albion rivalry: Both Aston Villa and WBA have bigger rivalries to worry about than each other but their games are still rather tasty. Again, it’s all about bragging rights in the region with the two separated by a very minimal four mile distance.

For the official Aston Villa fixture list click here.

Click here for press conferences & news

For details of disabled facilities and club contact at the ground please visit the relevant page on the Level Playing Field website.

Outside the Trinity Road Stand Reception is a statue of William McGregor, who in the late 19th Century was a President of the Club and also one of the founders of the Football League.

Find the most up-to-date information on the Aston Villa club website, here.

As you might expect with such a historic stadium, the Aston Villa ground is accessible for tours. The tours are split into three different categories with pricing varying depending on the tour you choose. The pricing below is the known adult price:

• Weekday Tour, £17
• Weekend Tour, £20
• Legends Tour, £40

Tours can be booked on 0333 323 5353 or can be booked online with the club.

Record Attendance

76,588 v Derby County
FA Cup 6th Round, March 2nd, 1946.

Average Attendance

• 2022-2023: 41,707
• 2021-2022: 42,005
• 2020-2021: N/A
• 2019-2020: 41,661
• 2018-2019: 36,027

If you plan on making your experience at Aston Villa’s stadium extend beyond a single day then you’ll be pleased to hear you’ve got a couple of options for where to rest your head.

The nearest choice you’ll find is the Aston Inn located on Aston Hall Road; it’s a budget friendly option at around £50 per night and is walking distance to Aston Villa’s ground in just five or so minutes.

Beyond that, you’ve got two well known brands offering reasonably priced accommodation at circa 1.5 miles from Villa Park; that’s a Travelodge located just off the M6 and a Holiday Inn Express on the A47.

What is Villa Park famous for?

Villa Park is an enormous part of England’s footballing heritage but it’s more than that to Aston Villa; it’s been their home for 124 years. From the very early days development was front and centre of the clubs thinking with numerous tweaks being made from as early as two years after move in. Prior to World War One, plans were drawn up to take the capacity over the 100k mark. Obvious non-football related events caused major delays but, in time, major works were completed. It wasn’t all about more seats though with Aston Villa’s Stadium becoming the first in England to contain a restaurant.

Even with that, things have never stood still though with big changes regularly taking place; another notable moment was in the lead up to the 1966 World Cup. Aston Villa’s ground, Villa Park, was chosen to host several matches but they had to ensure the Witton Lane Stand was made all-seated. The changes kept coming – one of which saw the Witton Lane Stand renamed the Doug Ellis Stand – with the latest change being shortly after the millennium; that was the rebuild of the Trinity Road Stand.

Official websites and socials:

AVFC.co.uk

Twitter

Instagram

Online Fanzines:

Aston Villa Blog

Heroes & Villans

Villa Talk

Vital Villa

If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, please e-mail me at: [email protected] and I’ll update the guide.

Thanks to Owen Pavey for providing the ground layout diagram.

The Awaydays video of Southampton fans at Villa Park was produced by the UglyInside and made publicly available for distribution via YouTube.

The Villa Park Stadium tour was produced by Stadia Mania  and made publicly available for distribution via  YouTube.

The External Villa Park Stadium was produced by Damian Brown and made publicly available for distribution via  YouTube.