Gateshead FC, International Stadium, Football Ground Guide

Contents
What's The Ground Like? Tyne & Wear Stand (photo) Future Developments North Stand (photo) What Is It Like For Visiting Supporters? South Stand (photo) Where To Drink? How To Get There & Where To Park By Train Admission Prices Ground Layout Programme Price Fixtures 2011-2012 Record & Average Attendance Local Rivals Fans Ground Reviews Hotel Accommodation Gateshead Stadium Location Map
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What's The Gateshead International Stadium Like?
The 11,800 capacity all-seater International Stadium is located in the east of Gateshead near the River Tyne. First built in 1955 it is primarily an athletics stadium that also houses the town's two major sporting clubs; Gateshead Football Club and Gateshead Thunder Rugby League Club. Until recently the only covered accommodation was in the Tyne & Wear Main Stand but a roof was constructed on the the adjacent East Stand during the summer of 2010. Behind both goals remain open and are usually unused on matchdays, although they have been utilised on big occasions. The stadium, which has a bowl-like effect, has a playing surface surrounded by an international standard athletics track The Tyne & Wear Main Stand on the west side is a large all seated covered stand, which has a capacity of 3,227. The angle of the stand is quite steep and it has windshields to either side. Although some distance from the pitch, the sight lines are very good. On one side of the Tyne & Wear Stand there is a covered Press Box while a new builiding was added to the south end of the stand in 2011. This incorporates a new stadium entrance, large cafe/bar area and, upstairs, new corporate and board room facilities. Opposite the Tyne & Wear Stand is the 4,044 capacity East Stand, which is another large sized bank of seating that is now under cover. Both ends of the ground are comprised of smaller banks of seating that are open to the elements. The stadium is completed by a set of four tall floodlights though further development will see this reduced to three. The International Stadium, while well appointed, is not a traditional British football stadium having the feel more of a European venue. Top Of Page
Tyne & Wear Stand
Thanks to Jeff Bowron for supplying the above photo. Top Of Page
Future Developments
The Club have announced their intention to build a new purpose built stadium on the former site of the North Durham Rugby & Cricket Club in the centre of Gateshead opposite the Civic Centre. The stadium will be covered on all four sides and of Football League standard, with a 7,000 capacity, including a 2,000 seated Main Stand. The stands on each side will be all seater with terracing behind both goals The Club hope to be in their new stadium by the start of the 2013/14 season, or possibly during the season before if all goes to plan. An artists impression of how the new stadium will look can be found on the official Gateshead FC website. Top Of Page
East Stand
Thanks to Owen Pavey for supplying the above photo. Top Of Page
What Is It Like For Visiting Supporters?
The location of away supporters is dependant on the projected size of the away following. If there is to be less than 400 fans, they are usually housed in North end of the Tyne & Wear Main Stand. Larger followings are allocated the opposite East Stand. If you find yourself in the Main Stand then you will find that this stand is free of supporting pillars and has an unobstructed view of the playing action. There are televisions on the concourses showing SKY TV. Plus catering in the Main Stand is pretty good offering a selection of pies, pasties and sausage rolls, plus hot dogs and a range of hot and cold drinks at reasonable prices. Alcohol is also available. However, the Main Stand is well set back from the pitch. Not only is there the eight lanes of the athletics track to contend with, but also a long jump run up and pit. So if you have sight problems, best bring those binoculars! The 4,000 capacity East Stand is also well setback, but for the first time since the stadium was constructed is now fully roofed. Adam Hodson a visiting Stockport County fan adds; 'We were allocated the East Stand, which I thought was pretty good with no obstructions and plenty of leg room. To get to the East Stand, walk anti-clockwise around the stadium from the main Tyne & Wear Stand, turn left and follow the pedestrian track until you get to the East Stand'. Top Of Page
South Stand
Thanks to Luke Crawford for supplying the above photo. Top Of Page
Where To Drink?
There is a bar located inside the Main Stand, called the 'Stadium Bar' but unfortunately this is for home fans only. Probably the closest pub is the Schooner, which sits on the Banks of the River Tyne. Continue down Neilson Road, away from Park Road and towards the Tyne, cross Saltmeadows Road and head down South Shore Road, and the pub is down this road on the left. It's only a few minutes walk away. If arriving by train then it maybe a better idea to drink in the centre of Newcastle and then get the Metro out to the Gateshead Stadium Metro. Top Of Page
How To Get There & Where To Park
From the South (Quickest route): At the end of the A1(M) Junction 65, take the A194(M) towards South Shields. At the end of the A194(M) take the A184 towards Gateshead. The stadium is situated three miles further along this road on the right hand side. From the South (Taking in the Angel of the North): Leave the A1 at the A167 turn off and take the A167 towards Gateshead South. You will pass the Angel of the North on your left hand side. On reaching the large roundabout at the junction with the A184, turn right onto the A184 itself. The stadium is further down the A184 on the left hand side. There are three free of charge car parks on the stadium site. Map showing the location of Gateshead Stadium (at the bottom of this page). Top Of Page
By Train/Metro
The stadium has its own Metro stop called Gateshead Stadium, which is a five minute walk away. This stop is around a ten minute journey away from Newcastle Central railway station, which is also the nearest mainline station. Adam Hosdon a visiting Stockport County fan adds; 'Trains for Gateshead Stadium are bound for South Shields. As you come out of Gateshead Stadium Metro station turn right and at the traffic lights, turn right again into Park Road. Cross over a pedestrian footbridge to reach the other side of the road and at the next set of traffic lights, turn left. The stadium entrance is down on the right'. Top Of Page
Admission Prices
Adults: £14 Concessions: £9 Under 16's £2 Concessions apply to Over 60's and Students. Top Of Page
Ground Layout
Top Of Page
Programme Price
Official Programme £2.50 Top Of Page
Fixtures 2011-2012
Gateshead FC fixture list (takes you to the BBC Sports Website) Top Of Page
Record & Average Attendance
Record Attendance: 11,750 v Newcastle United Friendly, August 7th 1995 Average Attendance: 2010-2011: 753 (Blue Square Premier) 2009-2010: 666 (Blue Square Premier) 2008-2009: 477 (Blue Square North) Top Of Page
Local Rivals
Blyth Spartans and Darlington. Top Of Page
Fans Reviews
Mark Hudson (York City) 25/8/09 Top Of Page
Hotel Accommodation
If you require hotel accommodation in the area then first try a hotel booking service provided by Late Rooms. They have a huge choice of places to stay and their booking facility is straightforward to use. Yes this site will earn a small commission if you book through them, but it will go to help with the running costs of keeping the Guide going. Access their Gateshead and general Newcastle Hotels and Guest Houses page. Top Of Page
Map Showing The Location Of The Gateshead Stadium, Railway Station And Listed Pubs
Instructions for using the map: - Use the bar on the left of the map to zoom in / out using the + / - keys. - Click and drag an area of the map to move around or use the up/down, left/right arrows - Click the Satellite button to see aerial view photograph. Top Of Page
Feedback
If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, please e-mail me duncan@footballgrounds.net and I'll update the guide


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Gateshead Gateshead International Stadium

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Gateshead International Stadium