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Approximately three sides of the ground were re-developed in the 1990's. On one side is the particularly attractive two tiered covered East Stand running along one side of the pitch. Opened in March 1993, this stand has a capacity of 7,500. Opposite is the classic looking West Stand, part of which dates back to 1904. It was made all seated in the mid 1990's, but is only covered at the rear. On its roof is perched an ugly precarious looking television gantry which obscures a probably more attractive gable. At the Pontefract Road End (now named the CK Beckett Stand) of the ground is an all seated, covered stand for home supporters, which has a capacity of 4,500. The other end, the North Stand, was previously an open terrace, but is now a relatively new single tier, covered stand, housing 6,000 supporters. This is the most recent addition to the ground being opened in 1999 and has greatly enhanced the overall look of Oakwell. The North Stand is shared between home and away supporters. The amount of seats given to away supporters varies according to demand. An unusual feature of the ground, is a purpose built stand for disabled supporters. This is a three floor structure that sits at the corner between the East & South Stands. There is also a new electric scoreboard at one corner of the North Stand, on top of a newly constructed security control room.
What Is It Like For Visiting Supporters?
Away fans are housed in the new North Stand, where the facilities are good. The normal allocation for away supporters is 2,000 tickets although, if demand requires it, then the whole of this stand can be allocated (6,000). This club I found to be particularly friendly from the car park attendant to the programme seller. However, I have reports of fans getting hassle at Barnsley (especially in the town centre) and stewards acting a little heavy handed, although I've never personally had any problems. It is advisable to keep colours covered especially around the town centre.
Where To Drink?
The Dove Inn on Doncaster Road has been recommended to me. This pub which is listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide, is an outlet for the Old Mill Brewery. It is only a five minute walk away from the ground down Oakwell Lane and is happily frequented by both home and away fans. Gary Holding a visiting Blackburn supporter adds; 'A few minutes walk from the away end is the Metro Dome - an all in one leisure centre, which has a bar inside which serves good food and ale'. Alcohol is available in the away end in the form of Carlsberg bottles (�3.40), when the whole stand is allocated to away fans. Unfortunately if the stand is split between home and away supporters, then the only bar on the concourse is situated on the home side.
How To Get There By Car & Where To Park
Leave the M1 at Junction 37 and take the A628 towards Barnsley. Stay on this road (the ground is well signposted) and you will eventually see the ground on your right. There are a couple of car parks located at the ground, but they are mainly for permit holders only. Inbetween the ground and the MetroDome is a car park for visiting supporters, called Queens Ground, which costs �3 Cars, �6 Mini Buses and �10 Coaches. Otherwise you can try parking at the MetroDome itself (although it can be slow to get out of after the game has finished) or street parking.
What Is It Like For Visiting Supporters?
Away fans are housed in the new North Stand, where the facilities are good. The normal allocation for away supporters is 2,000 tickets although, if demand requires it, then the whole of this stand can be allocated (6,000). This club I found to be particularly friendly from the car park attendant to the programme seller. However, I have reports of fans getting hassle at Barnsley (especially in the town centre) and stewards acting a little heavy handed, although I've never personally had any problems. It is advisable to keep colours covered especially around the town centre.
Where To Drink?
The Dove Inn on Doncaster Road has been recommended to me. This pub which is listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide, is an outlet for the Old Mill Brewery. It is only a five minute walk away from the ground down Oakwell Lane and is happily frequented by both home and away fans. Gary Holding a visiting Blackburn supporter adds; 'A few minutes walk from the away end is the Metro Dome - an all in one leisure centre, which has a bar inside which serves good food and ale'. Alcohol is available in the away end in the form of Carlsberg bottles (�3.40), when the whole stand is allocated to away fans. Unfortunately if the stand is split between home and away supporters, then the only bar on the concourse is situated on the home side.
How To Get There By Car & Where To Park
Leave the M1 at Junction 37 and take the A628 towards Barnsley. Stay on this road (the ground is well signposted) and you will eventually see the ground on your right. There are a couple of car parks located at the ground, but they are mainly for permit holders only. Inbetween the ground and the MetroDome is a car park for visiting supporters, called Queens Ground, which costs �3 Cars, �6 Mini Buses and �10 Coaches. Otherwise you can try parking at the MetroDome itself (although it can be slow to get out of after the game has finished) or street parking.
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