🍊 BLOOMFIELD ROAD 🍊
Blackpool FC Complete Travel Guide – 2026-27 Season
ℹ️ 2026-27 Season Guide: All information has been researched and verified for the 2026-27 League One season. Always check blackpoolfc.co.uk for the latest ticketing and matchday updates before you travel.
🎡 ABOUT BLOOMFIELD ROAD
Bloomfield Road has been home to Blackpool FC since 1899, sitting right in the heart of this iconic Lancashire seaside resort, just a short walk from the Tower and the Golden Mile. The ground underwent a lengthy redevelopment between 2000 and 2010, replacing the old terraced stadium with three modern permanent stands – the Stan Mortensen North Stand, Jimmy Armfield South Stand, and Sir Stanley Matthews West Stand – plus a temporary East Stand that has remained in place since 2010. In early 2026, the council approved plans to demolish a row of houses behind the East Stand, clearing the way for a long-awaited upgrade to that stand and a new concourse, part of a wider regeneration of Bloomfield Road announced by the club at the end of the 2024-25 season.
Blackpool FC – The Seasiders or The Tangerines – were founded in 1887. The club’s golden era came in the 1950s, culminating in the immortal 1953 FA Cup Final, the “Matthews Final,” where Blackpool came from 3-1 down to beat Bolton Wanderers 4-3 at Wembley – Stan Mortensen scored a hat-trick, still the only one in a Wembley FA Cup final, while Sir Stanley Matthews inspired the comeback in his final Cup Final appearance. Blackpool reached the Premier League in 2010 via the Championship play-off final and produced one of the most entertaining top-flight seasons in years before relegation. Turbulent years under controversial previous ownership saw the club fall to League Two by 2018, before new ownership arrived in 2019 and began restoring the connection between club and community, culminating in promotion back to League One in 2024.
📊 STADIUM SPECIFICATIONS
| Capacity | 16,616 (all seated) |
| Opened | 1899 |
| Away Section | East Stand (temporary stand, side-on view of the pitch) |
| Away Allocation | Typically around 2,500 (can rise for bigger followings) |
| Record Attendance | 38,098 vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (FA Cup, 1955) |
⚠️ Redevelopment note: the East Stand is temporary and has limited facilities – away fans generally need to cross to the Armfield South Stand for food and toilets. Planning permission was approved in February 2026 to demolish houses behind the stand and build a proper permanent replacement, so this may change in future seasons.
🚗 GETTING TO BLOOMFIELD ROAD
Blackpool is brilliantly connected by train from across the North West and beyond. Blackpool South is the closest station (around a 10-minute walk), while Blackpool North has more frequent services and is around 20 minutes’ walk through the town centre. The stadium postcode is FY1 6JJ.
🗺️ STADIUM LOCATION MAP
Bloomfield Road Address: Seasiders Way, Blackpool, FY1 6JJ
🚂 BY TRAIN (RECOMMENDED ⭐)
Nearest Stations: Blackpool South (10 minute walk, hourly service, closest) or Blackpool North (20 minute walk, more frequent services, most away fans arrive here).
Journey Times to Blackpool North:
🔴 London Euston: 3.5-4 hours (via Preston)
🟠 Birmingham: 3-3.5 hours (via Manchester or Preston)
🟡 Leeds: 2-2.5 hours (change at Preston or Manchester)
🟢 Liverpool: 1.5-2 hours (direct or change at Preston)
🔵 Manchester: 1 hour 30 minutes (direct)
🟣 Preston: 25-35 minutes (direct, frequent)
Getting from the Station to Bloomfield Road
From Blackpool North: Exit onto Talbot Road, head south through the town centre, follow signs to Bloomfield Road. Around 20 minutes through the heart of Blackpool, passing plenty of pubs and chip shops.
From Blackpool South: Closer to the Pleasure Beach end. Exit onto Waterloo Road, head north towards the town centre, then to the stadium. Around 10-25 minutes depending on route.
Other Options:
🚋 Heritage Trams: Blackpool’s famous trams run along the Promenade – catch one from near either station towards town, then it’s a short walk inland to the stadium. A brilliant way to see the seafront.
🚕 Taxis: Readily available from both stations, around £5-8 to the stadium.
🔗 Useful Link: National Rail Journey Planner
🚗 BY CAR
Stadium Postcode: FY1 6JJ. Driving is straightforward via the M55, which connects directly to the M6 at Preston, but Blackpool gets congested on matchdays and parking near the stadium is very limited.
- From M6: Exit at Junction 32 onto the M55 westbound, follow to the end (becomes A583), then follow signs for the town centre and stadium.
- From East Lancashire: M65 to the end, then A6063/A583 to Blackpool.
Parking: Very limited at the stadium itself; street parking in surrounding residential streets is restricted and monitored. Better options include town centre car parks near the Promenade (£4-8 for 4-5 hours), Houndshill Shopping Centre, or Talbot Road car park near North Station – all around a 15-minute walk to the ground.
💡 Tip: Park near the Promenade or town centre and enjoy exploring Blackpool before and after the match – far better than fighting for spaces near the stadium.
🚌 BY COACH
Official supporters’ coaches typically drop off at or near the stadium. Blackpool Central Coach Park is on Central Drive near the Tower, and private coaches can use various drop-off points around the town centre, all within reasonable walking distance of Bloomfield Road.
🏨 WHERE TO STAY IN BLACKPOOL
Blackpool is one of Britain’s premier seaside resorts with hundreds of accommodation options at very reasonable prices compared to big cities – from budget B&Bs to seafront hotels.
£ BUDGET & MID-RANGE OPTIONS
Premier Inn Blackpool Central (Seasiders Way)
Right next to the stadium – perfect if you want minimum walking on matchday. Reliable modern chain comfort.
£ Booking: premierinn.com
Travelodge Blackpool South Shore
Budget option towards the South Shore/Pleasure Beach end of the Promenade. Basic but reliable, good if you’re mainly out exploring.
£ Booking: travelodge.co.uk
Seafront B&Bs
Literally hundreds line the Promenade. Quality varies enormously so check reviews, but excellent value can be found – the traditional Blackpool stay.
£££ MORE UPMARKET OPTIONS
The Imperial Hotel (North Shore)
Historic Victorian hotel near the North Pier – the traditional grand choice for Blackpool visitors, with real character and sea views.
The Big Blue Hotel (South Shore, by Pleasure Beach)
Modern family-friendly hotel right by the Pleasure Beach – a good choice if you’re combining the match with a day at the rides.
💡 BOOKING TIP
Blackpool gets very busy during Illuminations season (September-January) and school holidays – book early if visiting then. Midweek matchday stays are usually easier and cheaper than weekends. Check Booking.com or Visit Blackpool for comprehensive options.
🍺 PUBS & FOOD IN BLACKPOOL
Blackpool offers an incredible range of pubs and bars, from traditional boozers to seafront bars. The town centre and Promenade are packed with options, and there are a handful within easy walking distance of Bloomfield Road itself.
🍺 PUBS NEAR THE GROUND
The Bridge
A 3-minute walk from the stadium and a 10-minute walk from Blackpool South station. Actively encourages coach drop-offs right outside, so it’s well set up for away fans.
The Waterloo (Bloomfield Brewhouse)
On Ansdell Road, close to the ground. Known for live music and a wide selection of beers – a good pre-match option with a different vibe.
📍 Location: 47 Ansdell Road, Blackpool FY1 6PW
The Auctioneer (Wetherspoon)
Wetherspoon pub near Blackpool South station. Reliable choice with typical Spoons pricing and range, popular with away fans – can get busy pre-match.
⚠️ Note on the Armfield Club
The stadium’s own supporters’ bar at 9-17 Bloomfield Road is a great atmosphere on matchdays, but switches to members-only entry on home game days, so it’s generally not accessible to away fans.
🍺 TOWN CENTRE & PROMENADE PUBS
If you’d rather drink in town before heading to the ground, these are solid, welcoming options:
The Pump and Truncheon
Wetherspoon pub on Bonny Street, a quiet oasis just off the Prom. It closed for a period but reopened in March 2026 – well worth a visit, though cask ale wasn’t available at time of writing.
The Counting House
Beautiful historic pub on Talbot Square near North Station. Stunning Victorian interior and a great real ale selection – worth visiting for the architecture alone.
Promenade Bars
Numerous bars along the seafront, mostly welcoming to away fans and great for soaking up the Blackpool atmosphere with sea views.
🐟 FISH & CHIPS (MANDATORY BLACKPOOL EXPERIENCE)
You have to have fish and chips in Blackpool – the town is famous for it, and quality is outstanding.
Harry Ramsden’s
Britain’s most famous fish and chip name, now inside the Blackpool Tower building on the Promenade. Yes, it’s touristy, but the quality is good and it’s a proper Blackpool experience.
Seniors Fish & Chips
A well-loved local chippy chain with several branches around Blackpool (Normoss, Bispham, Poulton and more) rather than one seafront spot – ask locals which is nearest, and you won’t go wrong.
Notarianni’s Ice Cream
Family-run ice cream parlour on Waterloo Road, South Shore, serving the same homemade vanilla recipe since 1928. A proper Blackpool institution – note it’s seasonal, typically open March to autumn.
🎡 THINGS TO DO IN BLACKPOOL
Bloomfield Road is really the excuse to visit Blackpool – Britain’s most famous seaside resort, with entertainment heritage dating back to Victorian times.
🏆 MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
Blackpool Tower
The iconic landmark, built in 1894. The Tower Eye viewing platform, Tower Ballroom, Circus and Dungeon can easily fill 2-3 hours.
Website: theblackpooltower.com
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
One of Britain’s best amusement parks, with over 40 rides including the legendary Big One rollercoaster and the historic wooden Grand National coaster. Allow a full day.
Website: blackpoolpleasurebeach.com
Blackpool Illuminations
The world-famous light display runs September through January – six miles of seafront transformed, best viewed from a heritage tram in the evening. A tradition since 1879.
Blackpool Zoo & SEA LIFE Blackpool
The zoo (2.5 miles from town centre) has over 1,500 animals and an African savanna area – allow 3-4 hours. SEA LIFE on the Promenade is perfect for a rainy day, 1-2 hours.
🎪 BLACKPOOL EXPERIENCES
The Three Piers: North Pier (Victorian, traditional theatre), Central Pier (family entertainment, big wheel), South Pier (adventure rides). Each has its own character.
Heritage Trams: Historic double-decker trams along the Promenade, some dating to the 1930s – one of Britain’s last traditional tram systems.
The Comedy Carpet: A huge public artwork opposite the Tower celebrating British comedy, with over 160,000 letters embedded in granite. Free to view.
Winter Gardens: Stunning Victorian entertainment complex – check what’s on, from concerts to shows at the beautiful Opera House theatre.
⚽ MATCHDAY TIPS
✅ DO: Try the fish and chips • Ride the heritage trams • Visit the Tower • Embrace the kitsch seaside charm • Bring layers – the wind off the Irish Sea can be brutal even in summer
🎵 Listen Out For: “Glad All Over” by the Dave Clark Five is the traditional entrance music at Bloomfield Road.
🎡 Make a Weekend of It: Friday night for the Illuminations (if in season), Saturday matchday, Sunday at Pleasure Beach – accommodation is plentiful and reasonable.
💭 FINAL THOUGHTS
Bloomfield Road is one of English football’s most unique away days, because it’s not just about the football – it’s about experiencing Britain’s most famous seaside resort. The stadium’s temporary East Stand away end lacks the character of the permanent stands, but a proper rebuild is finally on the horizon following February 2026’s planning approval. Blackpool fans are generally friendly and up for a laugh, reflecting the town’s hospitable seaside spirit.
From the iconic Tower to the Pleasure Beach, world-class fish and chips to heritage trams, three magnificent piers to the world-famous Illuminations, Blackpool offers an away day experience like nowhere else in English football. Yes, it’s brash and wonderfully tacky in places – that’s part of the charm. This is proper British seaside culture, and the connection between club and town feels genuinely restored under recent ownership.
Our advice? Get the train to Blackpool North or South, grab a pint at The Bridge or The Waterloo near the ground, and make time to walk the Promenade with fish and chips in hand. Make a weekend of it, embrace the kitsch, and enjoy one of football’s most memorable locations.
🍊 Come On You Seasiders! 🎡
📞 USEFUL CONTACTS
🏟️ Blackpool FC: blackpoolfc.co.uk
🚂 National Rail: nationalrail.co.uk
🚋 Blackpool Transport (Trams & Buses): blackpooltransport.com
ℹ️ Visit Blackpool: visitblackpool.com
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🍊 Part of the Football Nonsense League One Away Days Collection
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© 2026 Football Nonsense. All rights reserved. No part of this guide may be reproduced without permission.
John Herman is a Leeds-based, would-be football writer and founder of Football Nonsense. Blending fan passion with sharp opinion, attempting to tackle the game’s biggest debates, from the terraces to the boardroom, with honesty, (attempted) humour, and heart.