The stadium has been improved recently with the constuction of the new Pondfield Road Stand at one end of the ground, which replaced a small open terrace. In a sponsorship deal, this end which was opened during the 2009-10 season, is now called the Marcus James Stand. This new all seated stand is a sizeable affair, housing 1,200 spectators. The stand is covered, raised above pitch level and has windshields to either side. Although only eleven rows high, it is free from supporting pillars and is quite steep, meaning that fans are kept close to the playing action.

On one side is the relatively modern Main Stand, which was opened in 2001. Sponsored by Carling, this 800 capacity stand, is covered and all seated, with the team dugouts situated at the front of it. The stand comprises of six rows of seating and has a small executive area at the back of it. The stand, which is free of supporting pillars, is elevated above pitch level which means that supporters have to climb small sets of steps at the front of it, to gain access. The stand though, only runs for three quarters of the length of the pitch and at one end towards the Marcus James Stand, another separate stand exists. This stand which is called the Barking College Family Stand, is a small covered, seated stand. It is smaller in height that the Main Stand and contains around 200 seats, with some supporting pillars running along the front of it. Again it is raised above pitch level and is accessed via a small staircase.

The rest of the ground is terracing, with a small open terrace behind one goal and a covered terrace along one side. The home end, the Bury Road End (aka the Clock End), has a small basic electric scoreboard situated above it. This area also contains the club shop and Police control box. The North Terrace, which runs along one side of the pitch, is known affectionately by the Dagenham fans as 'The Sieve' as apparently at one time it was famed for its leaking roof. This old fashioned looking terrace, is partly covered to the rear and has a number of supporting pillars. It also has a television gantry perched upon its roof. Unusually the teams emerge from not from the main stand, but from a tunnel located in the new Marcus James Stand at one end of the ground. The stadium is completed with a set of four modern looking floodlights.

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Carling Stand

Thanks to Owen Pavey for providing the photo above. 

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Away fans are housed in the new Marcus James Stand at one end of the stadium. Up to 1,200 fans can be accommodated in this area. As you would expect from a new stand the views of the playing action and facilities are both good. I experienced no problems, apart from outside the ground, it was not obvious (unless I missed the signs) showing where the entrance to the away section was. It is in fact at the other end of the ground to the main entrance. So as you go through the main entrance, walk straight on through the car park, past the supporters club to the right, and then walk along the back of the Main Stand. The entrance is down on the right at the corner of the ground. Away coaches are brought in at the back of the away section, but on the other side of a park, which can make for an interesting walk especially if it is a night match.

On my last visit I found Dagenham to be fairly friendly and the stewards generally relaxed. There wasn't many away fans in attendance, so the atmosphere with so few was failrly flat and I noticed that a fair number of balls were kicked out of the stadium during the game, as the stands are so small. The refreshments are quite good with a selection of Pukka Pies, Burgers and chips available.

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North Stand

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There is a fair sized Social Club at the ground, which apart from a few high profile games, welcomes away supporters and costs 50p to enter. It is fairly basic, but comfortable and shows SKY Sports television. It is also contains a local betting outlet and a programme booth. The beer is reasonably priced with hand pulled Youngs Bitter available at £2.25 a pint. Inside the ground alcohol is available to away supporters located in the Marcus James Stand.

If it is a pub that you prefer, then going further along Rainham Road and going past Golds Gym is the Eastbrook pub. Otherwise, to be honest, there is not much of interest in the area, so there is not much point in wandering off too far.

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Marcus James Stand

Special thanks to Mike Wainwright of the Diggerdagger website for supplying the above photo.

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From The North:

Leave the M25 at Junction 27 and take the M11 towards London. At the end of the M11 continue onto the A406 towards Docklands (A13) and London City Airport. At the intersection with the A13, turn onto this road in the direction of the Dartford Crossing. At the junction with the A1306, leave the A13 and join the A1306 towards Dagenham. At the third set of traffic lights turn left just before the McDonalds into Ballards Road. At the end of this road you will come to a large roundabout, (known as the Bull roundabout, after the public house of the same name) at which you turn left, into Rainham Road. Proceed up Rainham Road passing Dagenham East tube station on the left and Victoria Road is a quarter of a mile further on, on the same side of the road. There is a fair sized car park at the ground which is free, but is normally full one hour before kick off. Otherwise street parking, of which some is available on the main Rainham road .

From The South:

Leave the M25 at Junction 31 and take the A13 towards Central London. After approximately 4.6 miles, exit the A13 onto the slip road, signposted Dagenham/Dagenham East. At the end of the slip road at the double roundabout turn right, then going under the A13. At the T-junction turn left onto the A1306. At the second set of lights turn right onto the B178 (Ballards Road). At the end of this road you will come to a large roundabout, (known as the Bull roundabout, after the public house of the same name) at which you turn left, into Rainham Road. Proceed up Rainham Road passing Dagenham East tube station on the left and Victoria Road is a quarter of a mile further on, on the same side of the road. 

Car Parking

There is a fair sized car park at the ground which is free, but this normally needs to be booked in advance. However there is plenty of street parking, of which some is available on the main Rainham road.

For a map showing the location of the ground click here (to take you to the Streetmap website).

To go to a simplified page, containing the directions and pub info, which you can print out click here .

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Bury Road End

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Home Fans*:
Carling Stand (Seating): Adults £18, Concessions £12.
Carling Stand Family Area (Seating):
Adults £15, Concessions £9, Under 18's £7, Under 7's £2**
Barking College Family Stand (Seating): 
Adults £15, Concessions £9, Under 18's £7, Under 7's £2**
Terraces: Adults £14, Concessions £9, Under 18's £6, Under 7's £1**

Away Fans*:
Marcus James Stand (Seating): Adults £17, Concessions £11

* The prices quoted above are for tickets purchased prior to matchday. Tickets bought on matchday cost more; typically £2 on an adult ticket.

** When accompanied by a full paying adult (one under 7 per adult) and purchased prior to matchday.

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Ground Layout

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