The Bantams will be looking to record their first away win of the Sky Bet League Two season as they travel to the Suit Direct Stadium this afternoon to face Hartlepool United.
We have compiled a handy Away Day Guide – packed full of useful information ahead of the 1.00pm contest!
STADIUM ADDRESS
The Suit Direct Stadium
Clarence Road
Hartlepool
County Durham
TS24 8BZ
ABOUT THE GROUND
Victoria Park, now known as the Suit Direct Stadium for commercial reasons, was originally a limestone quarry owned by the North-Eastern Railway company before it was bought by West Hartlepool RFC.
When the rugby team liquidated in 1908, the ground was registered to The Hartelepools United Football Athletic Company Limited, a unification of the Hartlepool settlements football teams.
In 1916, the ground was bombed by a German Zeplin, destroying the main stand on Clarence Road.
The ground was host to one of the most exciting games football legend Matt Busby had ever witnessed, a third-round FA Cup tie which saw the Monkey Hangers lose 4-3 to Manchester United in 1957.
TICKETS
Supporters are reminded away admission for today’s 1.00pm clash is entirely SOLD OUT.
Just short of 700 supporters will make the trip to The Suit Direct Stadium, with no more tickets available.
Tickets will not be available to purchase on the day of the game, nor will admission be available on turnstiles, though tickets which have been purchased but not collected from Valley Parade can be picked up from Hartlepool on the day.
For full details, please CLICK HERE.
CAR PARKING
Parking at the ground is limited and bookable in advance by calling 01429 272584.
There is also limited street parking around the ground and pay and display car parks at the transport interchange and Middleton Grange Shopping Centre which are a short walk away.
Parking in some town centre car parks is free for the first three hours so is worth the walk if you are able.
There is parking available in the Millhouse Car Park, which is situated behind the Teesside Airport Stand at The Vic on Rium Terrace, off Raby Road. Spaces are charged at £3 each and are on a first-come, first-served basis.
ENTERTAINMENT AND REFRESHMENTS
To drink:
Away fans are welcome to enjoy a pre-match drink in the club’s Centenary Bar, which is situated on Clarence Road.
The Centenary Bar provides a friendly atmosphere for home and away supporters, where you can enjoy a pre-match drink while watching live football on TV (subject to availability).
The Dugout Sports Bar and Hornsey’s Bar are both located in the centre of Hartlepool and boast perfect matchday facilities, with screens and affordable drinks available.
To eat:
Victoria Park has a catering outlet inside the away end which serves a selection of hot and cold snacks - including their famous foot-long hot-dogs.
There are also several fast-food restaurants within the town centre, such as McDonald's and Subway.
GETTING THERE
By car:
The 93-mile journey should take just under two hours to drive, with the bulk of it driven along the A1(M).
To get to the A1(M), following the M606 south to the M62 which will take you to the M1.
Take the M1 north to the A1(M), following that until you reach the A168 which will take you directly onto the A19.
Exit the A19 onto the A689 which will lead you directly to The Suit Direct Stadium.
By train:
Direct trains run from York to Hartlepool, with the station located around a 10-minute walk from the stadium.
WEATHER
City supporters can expect a cloudy start to the day changing to sunny intervals. The day will bring highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C.