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| What's
Pittodrie Like? Future Developments The Granite Ground Entrance (photo) What Is It Like For Visiting Supporters? The Main & Richard Donald Stands (photo) Where To Drink? How To Get There By Car & Where To Park By Train Local Rivals Looking Towards The Richard Donald Stand (photo) Admission Prices Programme & Fanzines Layout Of The Ground Fixtures 2012-2013 SEAT Aberdeen Disabled Facilities Fans Reviews Record & Average Attendance Stadium Tours Hotel Accommodation |
| What's Pittodrie Like? |
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At one end of the ground is the newest and largest stand, the impressive looking Richard Donald Stand, named after a former Club Chairman. It was opened in 1993 and replaced what was known as the Beach End. This is two tiered with a row of executive boxes running across the middle. There is a particularly large lower tier, with a smaller upper tier and overall this stand tends to dwarf the others around it. The other end is a much smaller older single tiered stand called the Merkland Stand. On one side is the old Main Stand, originally built in 1925. As you would expect from an older stand, it has a fair few supporting pillars running along the front of it. Opposite is a large single tiered cantilever stand, called the South Stand. The corner between this and the Merkland Stand is filled with seating, but this area is the only uncovered area of the ground. |
| Future Developments |
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The Club in partnership with Aberdeen City Council have announced proposals to build a new stadium near Loirston Loch. The proposed community stadium, which is very much still at the drawing board stage, would have an initial capacity of 22,000, which could be increased to 30,000 at a later time. Pittodrie would be sold off for residential re-development. |
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| What Is It Like For Visiting Supporters? |
| Away fans are housed on the one side of the South Stand. Up to 4,500 supporters can be accommodated in this part of the ground (although the normal allocation is around 2,500). Peter Llewellyn adds 'there is normally an excellent atmosphere within Pittodrie, although it is sometimes lacking for the smaller games'. I think Pittodrie gets the vote as one of the most coldest grounds in Britain. Even in spring the biting breeze off the North Sea which is only a few hundred yards away from the perimeter of the ground, can go right through you. Outside look out for the granite entrance to the Merkland Family Stand. Erected in 1928 they celebrate Aberdeen being known as the 'Granite City'. |
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| Where To Drink? |
| There are not that many pubs nearby, so consider drinking in the city centre before moving onto the ground. Scott McKenzie informs me; 'The nearest bar to the ground is the Broad Hill bar at the back of the Richard Donald Stand, but unfortunately this has a big sign up saying "home support only", although it hasn't always been that way. Next closest are the three Golf Clubs, all of whom operate a signing in/membership type thing, which some away fans do take advantage of and the atmosphere is invariably friendly. If travelling by coach, then all coaches are parked on the beach boulevard, which is close to a bar called 'The Saltoun' which is popular with away fans. Otherwise there are plenty of bars to chose from in the city centre'. |
| How To Get There By Car & Where To Park |
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The ground is located
in the North part of the city (close to Old
Aberdeen) and near to the coast line. It is close to
the A956. |
| By Train |
| Aberdeen
train station is over two miles from the ground and is
quite a walk (around 25-30 mins). Best to jump in a
taxi up to the ground. However if you want to brave
the walk: Upon leaving the station turn left and walk across the bridge and then turn right. This brings you into Union Street, where you should walk down until its end, where you will reach Castle Gate. Home supporters should bear left into King Street (A956) and continue down this street before turning right into Merkland Road for the ground. Away supporters should proceed through the Castle Gate and into Park Street. This street eventually becomes Golf Road and you will come to Pittodrie on your left. Thanks to Tom Widdows for providing the directions. |
| Local Rivals |
| Although not local in distance, Glasgow Rangers. |
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| Admission Prices |
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Home Fans: |
| Programme & Fanzine |
| Official
Programme £2.50 Ten Men Went To Mow (10MWTM) £1. |
| Ground Layout |
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| Fixtures 2012-2013 |
| Aberdeen FC fixture list (takes you to the BBC Sports Website). |
| SEAT Aberdeen |
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26 wheelchair spaces are available in front of the Richard Donald & Merkland Road Stands, plus seven more in front of the away section. These also include provision for one helper per wheelchair space. Disabled fans are admitted free, although helpers are required to pay. Disabled toilet facilities are available in these stands. Places need to be booked in advance by calling 01224 650423. For details of disabled facilities and club contact at the ground please visit the relevant page on the Level Playing Field website. |
| Fans Reviews |
| Martin McNab
(Dundee United) 3/1/13 James Kidd (Neutral) 11/8/12 |
| Record & Average Attendance |
| Record
Attendance: 45,061 v Heart Of Midlothian, Scottish Cup, March 3rd 1954. Average Attendance: 2011-2012: 9,296 (Premier League) 2010-2011: 9,072 (Premier League) 2009-2010: 10,461 (Premier League) |
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The Club offer weekly tours of the stadium on either a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday at 10.30am. For further information and to book call the club on 01224 650 400. |
| Hotel
Accommodation |
| If you
require hotel accommodation in the area then first
try a hotel booking service provided by Late
Rooms. They offer all types of accommodation to
suit all tastes and pockets from; Budget Hotels,
Traditional Bed & Breakfast establishments to
Five Star Hotels and Serviced Apartments. Plus
their booking system is straightforward and easy
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. The Hotels listing also includes
details of how far away the accommodation is
located from the football ground. Access their Aberdeen Hotels and Guest Houses page. Remember that you can use the above link or panel below to book any other hotels that you may need for business or leisure, either in the UK or abroad. |
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Feedback |
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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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Copyright
© Duncan Adams 2013.
All rights reserved.
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