Opponents: Leeds United
Date: Sunday 5 December
Kick-off: 2pm
Capacity: 37,890
Post code for sat-nav: LS11 0ES
Built on a plot of land previously owned by Bentley’s Brewery – similar to Griffin Park’s origins – Elland Road started out life as the Old Peacock Ground, with Holbeck Rugby Club the first tenants in 1897.
Leeds City rented the stadium from 1904 and made their maiden appearance in the Football League a year later, before dissolving in 1919 due to extreme financial worries. As City folded, the stadium was saved from redevelopment by Yorkshire Amateurs, who assumed the tenancy before the newly-formed Leeds United purchased the freehold for a princely sum of £250 in 1920.
Sparked by a devastating fire in 1956 that caused £100,000 of damage, Elland Road underwent various extension works – including the 1974 erection of the largest floodlights in Europe - up until 1982 when Leeds sold the stadium to Leeds City Council for £2.5m. Several ambitious plans to liven up the surrounding area have since been scrapped, including former chairman Peter Risdale’s impressive plans to relocate the club to a site in Skelton
In conjunction with the upturn in the club’s fortunes over the past few years, Owner Andrea Radrizzani bought Elland Road in the summer of 2018 from Teak Trading for £20m to return operation of the stadium to the club.
For those who enjoy stadium trivia, Rugby League and Union fixtures are often hosted at Elland Road, while the club are able to pump their own water from wells situated under the West and North Stands. Fans may also be interested to find prominent statues of club legends Don Revie and Billy Bremner on the outer ring of the stadium.
Did you know?
Elland Road featured in two films over the last 10 years. The Damned United, starring Michael Sheen, was filmed in older parts of the stadium, while it also doubled as the old Wembley Stadium in the production of the Oscar-winning King’s Speech, starring Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter.
How to get there
By Car
Leave the M1 at Junction 43 and take the M621 towards Leeds City centre. Having passed the ground on your left, you will then need to leave at the next junction and turn left on to the A6110 ring road. Take the next left on to Elland Road for the stadium. Just as you go under a railway bridge, there are entrances on either side to a couple of large car parks controlled by Leeds City Council.
The current charges for parking are; cars £6, mini coaches £12, coaches £20. Street parking is restricted due to resident permits. Disabled parking is available for use by Blue Badge Holders.
Brentford fans should note that away fans are directed to Car Park A, which is usually an apt location should you desire a swift getaway following the full-time whistle.
By Train/Bus
From Leeds station, which is two miles from the stadium, fans will be able to pick up the R2 matchday shuttle operated by First Leeds Buses, which departs from Sovereign Street, adjacent to the station, and costs £3 for adults and £1.50 for children and OAPs. The service departs 90 minutes before kick-off and runs at frequent intervals, single tickets are priced at £2 for adults and £1 for children/OAPs.
Bus numbers 51 / 52 / 55 also travel from Leeds city centre along Elland Road and stop outside of the stadium. Along Elland Road, please note that bus stops outside the ground are suspended one hour before and one hour after a home match.
Stadium Information
Supporters should be prepared to show a valid NHS COVID Pass ahead of entering the stadium if you are over 18. If you are unable to produce an NHS COVID Pass you should be able to show other proof of full vaccination or negative PCR or rapid lateral flow COVID test no more than 48 hours prior to kick-off.
View Leeds' Covid Code of Conduct
Where to eat/drink:
With the closest pub a brisk ten-minute walk away, perhaps the most convenient establishment for away fans to grab a pre-match pint is Howard’s Bar, nestled on the corner of the stadium’s South and West stands. Formerly a restaurant, Howard’s is a dedicated away fans bar and is open two hours before kick-off with the presentation of a valid away ticket. Drysalters pub, just off Crow Nest Lane, has a decent mix of both home and away supporters and shows Sky Sports before and after the game. Finding Drysalters requires fans to pass the Old Peacock pub, a staunch home supporters’ pub, which is not recommended for travelling support. In terms of food, a popular chip shop by the name of Graveley’s is situated a few doors down from the Old Peacock, while a McDonald’s outlet can be found opposite the East Stand.