What's The Ground Like?
After spending 93 years at their former Vetch Field home, Swansea have moved into the 21st Century, with a new stadium near to the former site of the Morfa Athletics Stadium on the West side of the River Tawe. The stadium was christened White Rock by the Swansea residents, but is now called the Liberty Stadium under a 10 year corporate sponsorship deal.
Built by Interserve for a cost of around £27m, the stadium saw its first game in July 2005. Although fairly conservative in its design, the stadium is still impressive. It is completely enclosed with all four corners filled with seating. Each of the four stands is two tiered and three are of the same height. The West Stand at one side of the pitch is slightly taller, having a row of 28 corporate hospitality boxes, situated above the upper tier. The Club's offices are also located behind this stand. An unusual feature is the great use of transparent roofing towards the South End of the stadium. This allows more natural light into this area, making for an interesting effect. Both ends have an electric scoreboard situated on the front of their roofs, although for some reason the scoreboard at the North End is larger than the one at the South End. Outside the stadium at the South West corner is a statue of former Swansea legend Ivor Allchurch. The stadium is shared with Ospreys Rugby Union Club.
What Is It Like For Visiting Supporters?
Away fans are housed in the North Stand at one end of the stadium, where (if demand requires it) up to 3,500 fans can be accommodated. The views of the playing action from this area are excellent as there is a good height between rows and the leg room is probably the most generous of any stadium that I have visited. The concourses are spacious, complete with television sets, for pre-match and half time entertainment. As you would expect from a new stadium the facilities are good. Away fans are separated from home fans by black netting spread over a block of seats to either side of the away section, with a line of stewards also in attendance. Interestingly, the main singing contingent of home fans, have, in the traditions of the Vetch Field, situated themselves along one side of the pitch in the East Stand, rather than at the South end of the stadium. The catering facilities offer the delicious 'Football's Famous Chicken Balti Pie', pasties (£1.80), cheeseburgers (£2.30) and hot dogs, plus beer is also available.
Surprisingly the Club have made the decision not to sell tickets or provide cash admission to the stadium for away fans on the day of the game. Away supporters are advised to purchase a ticket from their own Club's ticket office, before travelling to the stadium. It is also worth bearing in mind that the Swansea fans are passionate about their club and this can make for an intimidating atmosphere. Exercise caution around the ground.
Steve Griffiths adds; 'On the nearby retail park, there is a KFC & Pizza Hut – within 5 minutes walk. Opposite the stadium is a very nice chippy called ‘Rossi’s’. As well as the usual chips with fish, pies, sausages, etc.. they also do salads and jacket potatoes'.
David McNeil informs me; 'As a West Brom fan on holiday in Swansea I visited the new stadium for the first League game against Tranmere. The stadium is very impressive and the facilities inside the stadium are excellent. Large concourse and great views from the stands. The atmosphere generated by the Swansea fans was excellent throughout the 90 minutes and it will become an intimidating place just as the Vetch used to be. Pre match entertainment was enjoyed by my kids especially the antics of Cyril the Swan. Great day out, would love to visit the ground as a Baggie playing the Swans in the FA cup. This stadium and their support deserve to have football played at a higher level'.
Where To Drink?
With Swansea's promotion to the Championship, pubs near to the stadium have been instructed by the Police not to admit away fans. I just wonder whether if the club ever makes it to the Premier league whether they will instruct the rest of the pubs in Swansea to do the same!
So it is either drink on the way to Swansea, go into the city centre or drink inside the stadium. Merv Williams informs me; 'There are a number of pubs on Wind (pronounced as winding a watch) Street in the centre of town, such as SA1, Yates, the Bank Statement and the No Sign Bar (the latter being listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. Ask for Castle Gardens, and you'll see Wind Street'. There is also a large Wetherspoons outlet situated on the Kingsway.
Alcohol in the form of Carling and Worthington are served within the stadium, all costing £2.50 per pint. The Club open the turnstiles one hour before kick off, so that fans have the option to eat & drink within the stadium itself.
How To Get There By Car & Where To Park
Leave the M4 at Junction 45 and take the A4067 towards the City Centre (sign posted A4067 South). Stay on the A4067 for around two and half miles and you will reach the stadium on your left. Car parking at the stadium is for permit holders only and most of the immediate residential areas around the stadium now have 'residents only' parking schemes in place. However away mini buses and coaches can park behind the North Stand in a fenced compound, at a charge of £10 per vehicle.
Away supporters are being encouraged to use the Park & Ride Facility located at Swansea Vale, which is signposted off the A4067, shortly after leaving the M4. The cost of parking there including transport by bus to and from the stadium is £5 per car (away coaches and mini buses are parked at the stadium itself at a cost of £10 per vehicle). Away supporters have their own separate buses to the ground, with the buses waiting outside the away stand at the end of the game to take supporters back to the car park. Don't be tempted to park on the nearby Retail Park as you may well end up with a ticket for your trouble!
By Train
Swansea High Street Station is on the main line route from London Paddington. It is about two miles from the stadium. Regular local bus services (every ten minutes: routes 4, 4a, 120, 122, 125, 132) and taxis (around £3.50) are available from the train station to the stadium. Otherwise if you have time on your hands and wish to embark on the 25-30 minute walk, then as you come out of the station turn right and go up the High Street. At the traffic lights turn right into Neath Road. Proceed straight along Neath Road and you will eventually reach the stadium on your right. Thanks to Tom Evans for providing the directions.