Portman Road is a football stadium located in Ipswich, Suffolk, England. It is the home ground of the Ipswich Town Football Club, which was founded in 1878. The stadium has a seating capacity of just over 30,000 spectators and is the largest football stadium in the East Anglia region. Portman Road has been the home of Ipswich Town since 1884, although the current stadium was built in the early 2000s after extensive renovation and modernization. The stadium features four main stands: the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand, the Cobbold Stand, the Sir Bobby Robson Stand, and the East of England Co-operative Stand.
The stadium has hosted several important football matches and events over the years, including FA Cup semi-finals, England internationals, and European competitions. It has also been used as a concert venue, with performances by bands such as R.E.M. and Elton John. In addition to its use as a football stadium, Portman Road also has conference and event facilities, with a range of meeting rooms and spaces available for hire. The stadium also has several food and beverage outlets and retail shops, selling a range of Ipswich Town merchandise and memorabilia.
Overall, Portman Road is an important part of Ipswich’s history and culture, as well as a popular destination for football fans and visitors to the region.
Portman Road Stadium History
Portman Road Stadium has a long and rich history as the home of the Ipswich Town Football Club. In 1878 Ipswich Town Football Club is founded and played its first matches on various fields around the town. In 1884 Ipswich Town moves to Portman Road, which becomes its permanent home. The first stand at Portman Road is built, providing covered seating for spectators in 1936. Ipswich Town wins the Third Division championship, the first major trophy in the club’s history in 1957.
Between 1961-62 Ipswich Town wins the Second Division championship, earning promotion to the First Division for the first time. Ipswich Town wins the FA Cup, defeating Arsenal in the final at Wembley Stadium in 1978. Ipswich Town wins the UEFA Cup, defeating AZ Alkmaar in the final in 1981. The current Portman Road Stadium is built, with extensive renovation and modernization of the existing stands and facilities between 2001-2002. Ipswich Town is relegated from the Championship to League One, the third tier of English football in 2019.
Throughout its history, Portman Road has been an important part of Ipswich’s community and culture, as well as a source of pride for Ipswich Town fans. The stadium has hosted several important football matches and events over the years and continues to be a popular destination for football fans and visitors to the region.
Portman Road Stadium Seating Plan 2024
The Portman Road Stadium seating chart shows the four main stands with the Sir Bobby Robson Stand located on one side of the pitch and the East of England Co-operative Stand located on the opposite side. The Sir Alf Ramsey Stand and Cobbold Stand are located behind each goal. Each stand is divided into sections, with each section labeled with a letter and each row within the section labeled with a number. Seats are numbered sequentially within each row, with lower numbers located closer to the center of the stand.
The seating chart also shows the location of the family enclosure, which is a designated area for families and young children located in one corner of the stadium.
- Sir Bobby Robson Stand: This is the largest stand at the stadium, located along one side of the pitch. It has a seating capacity of just over 8,000 spectators and is named in honor of Sir Bobby Robson, a former Ipswich Town player and manager.
- East of England Co-operative Stand: This stand is located opposite the Sir Bobby Robson Stand and has a seating capacity of just over 7,000 spectators. It is named after the East of England Co-operative Society, a local retailer.
- Sir Alf Ramsey Stand: This stand is located behind one of the goals and has a seating capacity of just over 4,000 spectators. It is named after Sir Alf Ramsey, a former Ipswich Town player and manager who led England to victory in the 1966 World Cup.
- Cobbold Stand: This stand is located behind the other goal and has a seating capacity of just over 4,000 spectators. It is named after the Cobbold family, who were instrumental in the founding of Ipswich Town Football Club.
In addition to these four main stands, there is also a small family enclosure in one corner of the stadium, which is designated for families and young children. Overall, Portman Road Stadium has a total seating capacity of just over 30,000 spectators, making it one of the largest football stadiums in the East Anglia region.
Portman Road Stadium Ticket Price
The ticket prices for Portman Road Stadium vary depending on the opponent, the competition, and the location of the seat within the stadium. Generally, prices range from around £25 to £40 for league matches and can be higher for cup matches and matches against popular opponents.
Here is a general guide to the ticket prices at Portman Road Stadium:
- Sir Bobby Robson Stand (Adult): £30 – £40
- Sir Bobby Robson Stand (Concession): £23 – £34
- East of England Co-operative Stand (Adult): £28 – £38
- East of England Co-operative Stand (Concession): £21 – £32
- Sir Alf Ramsey Stand (Adult): £25 – £35
- Sir Alf Ramsey Stand (Concession): £18 – £28
- Cobbold Stand (Adult): £25 – £35
- Cobbold Stand (Concession): £18 – £28
- Family Enclosure (Adult): £28 – £38
- Family Enclosure (Concession): £21 – £32
It’s worth noting that the club may offer discounts for certain matches, as well as special pricing for season ticket holders and members. It’s also recommended to check the official Ipswich Town FC website or ticketing platform for the most up-to-date information on ticket prices and availability.
Portman Road Stadium Ticket Booking Procedure
There are a few ways to book tickets for matches at Portman Road Stadium:
- Online: You can purchase tickets online through the official Ipswich Town FC website or through a third-party ticketing website.
- Visit the official Ipswich Town FC website or a third-party ticketing website.
- Select the match you wish to attend and choose the location and number of seats you require.
- Enter your payment information and confirm the purchase.
- Phone: You can call the Ipswich Town FC ticket office and book tickets over the phone.
- Call the Ipswich Town FC ticket office at the number provided on their website.
- Provide the ticket office representative with the match details and the number and location of seats you require.
- Provide your payment information and confirm the purchase.
- In-person: You can visit the ticket office at Portman Road Stadium in person and purchase tickets directly.
- Visit the ticket office at Portman Road Stadium during their opening hours.
- Provide the ticket office representative with the match details and the number and location of seats you require.
- Pay for the tickets and receive your tickets directly.
It’s recommended to book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment, as matches can sell out quickly. Additionally, it’s important to check the official Ipswich Town FC website or ticketing platform for the most up-to-date information on ticket availability and prices.
Parking at Portman Road Stadium
There are several car parks located within walking distance of Portman Road Stadium,. The Portman Road Stadium Parking map is available here with the following parking options :
- Portman Road Car Park: Located adjacent to the stadium, this car park is reserved for disabled supporters only.
- West End Road Car Park: Located a short walk from the stadium, this car park has 440 spaces available on match days.
- Cox Lane Car Park: Located a 10-15 minute walk from the stadium, this car park has 65 spaces available on match days.
- William Street Car Park: Located a 10-15 minute walk from the stadium, this car park has 39 spaces available on match days.
- Cardinal Park Car Park: Located a 10-15 minute walk from the stadium, this multi-story car park has 800 spaces available on match days.
It’s important to note that parking near the stadium can be limited, especially on match days. It’s recommended to arrive early and plan ahead to ensure you find a space. Additionally, some car parks may have restricted access or require pre-booking, so it’s important to check the official Ipswich Town FC website or the website of the car park operator for more information on availability and pricing.
How to Reach Portman Road Stadium
Portman Road Stadium is located in Ipswich, England, and can be easily reached by various modes of transportation:
- By Car: The stadium is located near the A14 and A12 roads, making it easily accessible by car. Follow the signs to Ipswich Town Centre and then follow the signs to the stadium.
- By Train: The nearest train station to the stadium is Ipswich Station, which is located about a 15-20 minute walk away. From the station, follow the signs to Portman Road or take a taxi.
- By Bus: There are several bus routes that stop near the stadium, including routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, and 13. The closest bus stop to the stadium is located on Handford Road, which is about a 5-minute walk away.
- By Bike: There are several bike racks located near the stadium, and the surrounding area is also bike-friendly.
It’s recommended to plan ahead and check for any service disruptions or schedule changes when using public transportation. Additionally, parking near the stadium can be limited, so arriving early or using alternative modes of transportation may be necessary.
Portman Road Stadium Facilities
Portman Road Stadium, the home of Ipswich Town FC, offers a range of facilities for supporters and visitors. Some of these facilities include:
- Concourse and Catering: There are several food and drink options available in the concourse areas of the stadium, including hot and cold snacks, drinks, and alcoholic beverages.
- Club Shop: The Official Ipswich Town FC club shop is located near the stadium and sells a range of merchandise, including replica shirts, scarves, hats, and other souvenirs.
- Hospitality: The stadium offers several hospitality packages, including executive boxes, suites, and lounges, which provide a premium match-day experience.
- Disabled Facilities: The stadium has designated areas for disabled supporters, including wheelchair-accessible seating, accessible toilets, and audio commentary for visually impaired fans.
- Family Zone: The stadium has a designated family zone, which includes activities and games for children, as well as a family-friendly atmosphere.
- Away Fans: The stadium has a designated area for away fans, which includes its own entrance and concourse area.
- Parking: As previously mentioned, there are several car parks located near the stadium that provide parking on match days.
It’s important to note that some facilities may have restricted access or require pre-booking, so it’s recommended to check the official Ipswich Town FC website or contact the stadium directly for more information.
