Newport only moved into Rodney Parade at the beginning of the 2012/13 season and the ground is a much smarter one than the old Newport Stadium the club moved out of. Rodney Parade has a capacity of just over 5,500 for football matches. The main stand and Bisley stands are all seated whilst there is a terrace behind the town end goal. The opposite end is a rather unusual affair with a three tiered executive unit and another unit that houses the dressing rooms Despite the South end it's a nice relatively smart stadium and is a traditional lower league English football ground with many quirks. The capacity is more double the amount allowed in for football matches which is a shame and seems like a waste.
Around 600 away fans can be accommodated in the Bisley Stand toward the South End of the stadium. Being a new stadium, the views and facilities in this area are fantastic. The stand is shared with home fans separated by segregation netting and there's generally a nice atmosphere created.
Rodney Parade seating plan:
Rodney Parade has its own clubhouse which welcomes in visiting supporters and does a selection of hot and cold drinks and a small range of food. If you're after something more substantial, there is a Wetherspoons situated along Chepstow Road. Alternatively, the town centre is less that 15 minutes away and you'll find the usual fare of McDonalds, Burger King, KFC etc.
Be aware that the surrounding area is mainly residents only parking and so you'll need to allow some time to find a space. There a plenty of car parks in the town centre.
Need cheap and convenient parking near the stadium? Rent a local resident's driveway and book Rodney Parade parking with YourParkingSpace.Co.Uk
Get directions to the Rodney Parade from your house by entering your post code or location below:
Newport railway station is just a quarter of a mile away from the stadium and as a result its just a short walk.
Rivals - Cardiff City, Hereford United
Travel: My younger daughter spent 3 years at Cardiff University, so the route was very familiar. I chose to use the A46 rather than the normal M5 way, due to lots of roadworks. I parked in the multi storey in the town centre, then walked across the footbridge to the ground.
Refreshments: Arriving just after 2pm, I went into the ground and had a pint in the bar whilst watching the end of the Wolves v Man City game. Very civilised.
Impressions: Rodney Parade is a strange ground, two decent stands on each side, an open terrace at one end which was empty, then an open seating area at the away end. We were in the left-hand side of the Bisley Stand.
Atmosphere: After a tough away game at MK Dons in midweek, we were a little jaded in the first half, and went behind to a decent free kick. Second half we improved, but rarely threatened the home goal, and ended up losing 1-0. To cap it off, we had a player sent off in stoppage time, wrongly in most people's view, which the club is appealing. Stewards were very friendly, the facilities were fine, I didn't try the food.
Exit: Back across the footbridge to the car park, and heading for home by 5.15pm.
Enjoy: A long journey to do, and ultimately a disappointing day, but another ground ticked off the list.
Ground Name: Rodney Parade
Capacity: 11,676 (5,511 for football games last season)
Address: Rodney Parade, Newport, South Wales, NP19 0UU
Main Tel No.: 01633 670690
Team Nickname: The Exiles or Ironsides
Year Ground Opened: 1877
Site: www.newport-county.co.uk
