⚽ BROADFIELD STADIUM ⚽
Crawley Town Complete Travel Guide – 2026-27 Season
ℹ️ 2026-27 Season Guide: Crawley are back for a second consecutive League Two season after avoiding relegation in 2025-26. All information has been researched and verified for 2026-27. Always check crawleytownfc.com for the latest ticketing and matchday updates before you travel.
⚽ ABOUT THE BROADFIELD STADIUM
The Broadfield Stadium has been home to Crawley Town since 1997, when the club left Town Mead after 48 years and moved around two miles across town. Built at the end of Brighton Road, close to Junction 11 of the M23, the ground is owned by Crawley Borough Council and leased back to the club. It has a capacity of 6,134 across four stands: the West Stand (main stand, housing most facilities), the East Stand (running parallel to the touchline, home to away fans), and the North and South Terraces behind each goal, with South housing the loudest home support.
A 2,000-seat East Stand extension was added in 2012 to meet Football League ground criteria, completed in a remarkably quick single week of construction. The ground sits in the Broadfield area of Crawley, with a distinctive football sculpture on the roundabout outside.
Crawley Town were founded in 1896 and spent most of their history in non-league football before winning the Conference title in 2011. That same season produced the club’s proudest footballing moment – an FA Cup run to the fifth round, only the sixth non-league club to reach that stage since the war, narrowly missing out on a replay against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
More recently, Crawley enjoyed back-to-back promotions and a memorable 2024 Wembley play-off final win, beating MK Dons 8-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals along the way – an EFL play-off record. The Reds’ main rivalry is with AFC Wimbledon, a fixture with real bite whenever the two meet in League Two.
📊 STADIUM SPECIFICATIONS
| Capacity | 6,134 |
| Opened | 1997 |
| Address | Winfield Way, Broadfield, Crawley, West Sussex, RH11 9RX |
| Away Section | East Stand (covered, parallel to the touchline), plus part of the North Terrace for bigger followings |
| Away Allocation | Varies by fixture, typically a moderate allocation given the club’s overall attendances |
| Record Attendance | 5,572 vs Wrexham (League Two, 7 October 2023) |
ℹ️ Ownership has discussed longer-term ambitions for a larger 10,000-12,000 seat stadium, but as of 2026 the club’s focus has shifted towards gradual modernisation of the current ground rather than a quick redevelopment.
🚗 GETTING TO THE BROADFIELD STADIUM
Broadfield Stadium is genuinely one of the easier League Two grounds to reach, sitting close to Junction 11 of the M23 and around a mile from Crawley railway station. Crawley itself is on the Brighton Main Line, one of the busiest commuter corridors in the country, with Gatwick Airport just two stops away.
🗺️ STADIUM LOCATION MAP
Broadfield Stadium Address: Winfield Way, Broadfield, Crawley, West Sussex, RH11 9RX
🚂 BY TRAIN – Genuinely Convenient
Why Trains Work: Crawley sits on the Brighton Main Line, one of the busiest commuter routes in the country, with fast, frequent trains from London Victoria and London Bridge throughout the day. Three Bridges and Gatwick Airport stations are also usable alternatives, both with their own bus connections to the ground.
Journey Times to Crawley Station:
🔴 Birmingham New Street: Around 2 hours 30 minutes (change at London Victoria or Clapham Junction)
🟠 Manchester Piccadilly: Around 3 hours+ (change in London)
🟡 Bristol Temple Meads: Around 2 hours 30 minutes (change at Clapham Junction)
🟢 London Victoria: Around 45-50 minutes (direct, Southern/Thameslink)
🔵 Gatwick Airport: Just two stops away (direct)
Getting from Crawley Station to the Stadium
🚶 Walking (around 25 minutes)
Turn left out of the station onto Station Way, then left at the crossroads onto Brighton Road. Follow Brighton Road for just under a mile to the end, then turn right onto Southgate Avenue towards the ground.
🚌 Bus (around 15 minutes, £2-3)
Cross the road outside the station to Crawley Bus Station, head to Stop A, and catch the Fastway 10 towards the stadium. From Three Bridges, use Stop C and the Fastway 20. Adding a Plusbus ticket to your rail fare is usually cheaper than paying on the bus.
🚕 Taxi (around 5 minutes, £8-10)
A taxi rank sits outside Crawley station, with some wheelchair-accessible options – charged by the mile.
🔗 Train Times & Tickets: nationalrail.co.uk | thetrainline.com
🔗 Crawley Town Official Site: crawleytownfc.com
🚗 BY CAR – Easy M23 Access
Broadfield Stadium is close to Junction 11 of the M23, making it one of the most straightforward League Two grounds to drive to.
If You’re Driving:
- From the M23 (Junction 11): Follow signs into Broadfield and towards the stadium – well signposted from the roundabout, which itself features a football sculpture.
- From Gatwick/North: Follow the M23 southbound to Junction 11, then as above.
Parking Options:
- Stadium Car Park: Around £2 per vehicle, with additional overspill spaces nearby (around 350 more).
- Street Parking: Some available around the Broadfield area, though check for restrictions.
💡 Top Tip: The car park exit can be slow after the final whistle, especially for bigger crowds – allow extra time or be patient.
🍺 PUBS & DRINKS NEAR THE STADIUM
⚠️ Important Advice: There isn’t a huge selection of traditional pubs right by the ground, but the club’s own fan zone and bar are genuinely good options open to both sets of supporters.
🍺 At the Stadium
🍺 Away Fan Zone (next to the away turnstiles)
A dedicated pre-match area for travelling fans right by the away turnstiles, with music, food, and both alcoholic and soft drinks available before kick-off and at half-time. A great, welcoming addition for visiting supporters.
Distance to Stadium: On the footprint | Price: ££
🍺 Redz Bar (behind the South Terrace)
A small social club at the ground itself, generally accepting of away fans though leaning towards a home crowd – keep colours low-key. Drinks, a small food selection and TVs showing early kick-offs.
Distance to Stadium: On the footprint | Price: ££
🍺 Nearby Options
🍺 The Imperial (Broadfield town centre)
Situated right in the centre of Broadfield, around 5 minutes’ walk from the ground – a straightforward, popular option for a pre-match pint.
Distance to Stadium: 5 minutes’ walk | Price: ££
🍺 The Downsman
A Hungry Horse pub a short walk from the ground, known locally for a surprisingly good curry alongside reliable pub food and a solid drinks selection. Away fans have used this without issues.
Distance to Stadium: Short walk | Price: ££
🍺 Crawley Town Centre (More Choice)
🍺 Crawley Town Centre Pubs
Around 1.5 miles from the ground, the town centre is the most popular choice for away fans wanting a wider selection before kick-off, and is easily reachable by bus or taxi.
Distance to Stadium: 1.5 miles | Price: ££
🍔 Food Options: Inside the stadium, six snack bars serve hot and cold food and drinks, including options like peri chicken and halloumi wraps. There’s a McDonald’s less than five minutes from Crawley station, and a Tesco Express near the ground on Downland Drive.
💡 Local Tip: If you fancy Indian food, locals rate the curry at The Downsman highly – worth a visit if you’re eating before the match.
🏨 WHERE TO STAY IN CRAWLEY
Crawley’s proximity to Gatwick Airport means there’s a genuinely good range of accommodation nearby, much of it geared towards travellers – useful for away fans too.
£ Budget Options
Premier Inn Crawley
Reliable budget chain comfort, with several locations around Crawley and Gatwick to choose from depending on price and location.
Book: premierinn.com
Travelodge Crawley
A straightforward budget option in the town, handy for both the stadium and Gatwick Airport if you’re travelling on afterwards.
Book: travelodge.co.uk
££ Mid-Range Options
Ramada by Wyndham Gatwick
Around a mile from the ground, with 84 rooms, two restaurants, laundry service, free parking and Wi-Fi. A solid, comfortable choice close to the stadium.
Book: wyndhamhotels.com
Mock Tudor 4-Star Hotel (Local Independent)
Just over half a mile from the ground, a characterful 17-room hotel with free parking, breakfast available and Wi-Fi in reception.
£££ Gatwick Airport Hotels
Gatwick Airport Hotels
Around a mile from the ground and technically part of the Gatwick Airport hotel cluster – several large 4-star options with health clubs, restaurants and bars, ideal if combining the match with travel.
Search: booking.com
⚠️ Booking Advice
Prices can rise around Gatwick Airport during peak travel periods, so book ahead if visiting during summer holidays. Brighton, around 30 minutes away by train, offers a livelier alternative base if you want a proper night out.
🎯 THINGS TO DO IN CRAWLEY
Crawley itself is a modern new town, but it’s brilliantly placed for exploring the wider Sussex countryside and coast.
🌳 Tilgate Park (Must Visit!)
A large, beautiful park with lakes, walking trails, a nature centre and a golf course – genuinely one of the best green spaces in the area, and a lovely spot for a pre or post-match walk.
Cost: FREE (charges for some activities) | Time: Allow 1-2 hours
✈️ Gatwick Airport Aviation Viewing
If you’re an aviation enthusiast, Gatwick’s proximity means good spots to watch planes take off and land – an unusual but genuinely enjoyable extra for the right kind of away day.
Cost: FREE | Time: Allow 30-60 minutes
🛍️ Crawley Town Centre & County Mall
A modern shopping centre with a good range of shops, cafes and restaurants – a straightforward option if you want to combine the match with some shopping.
Cost: FREE entry | Time: Allow 1-2 hours
Nearby Attractions
Brighton:
Around 30 minutes by train – the Royal Pavilion, the seafront and a fantastic nightlife scene make it well worth combining with your trip.
Leonardslee Gardens:
A stunning woodland garden estate a short drive away, particularly beautiful in spring and autumn.
✈️ THE CRAWLEY EXPERIENCE
✈️ Gatwick Gateway: Crawley effectively is Gatwick’s home town – genuinely convenient if you’re combining the match with air travel.
🏙️ Brighton on the Doorstep: Just 30 minutes by train – well worth combining with your trip for a proper night out.
🌳 Green Spaces: Despite being a modern new town, Crawley has genuinely lovely green spaces like Tilgate Park close by.
⚽ THE MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE
🏆 FA Cup Heroics: Crawley’s run to the FA Cup fifth round in 2010-11, narrowly missing out on a replay against Manchester United, remains the club’s proudest footballing moment.
🏟️ Pillars in the Stands: Both the East and West Stands have support pillars, though relatively thin – worth bearing in mind when picking a seat if given the choice.
🎶 Away Fan Zone: Make use of the dedicated fan zone by the away turnstiles – a genuinely good pre-match addition with music and food.
💭 FINAL THOUGHTS
The Broadfield Stadium is a compact, functional ground that’s genuinely easy to reach, whether by train, car or even via Gatwick Airport. The East Stand gives away fans a decent, covered view running the length of the pitch, and the club’s Away Fan Zone by the turnstiles is a welcome recent addition that makes the pre-match wait considerably more enjoyable than at many similar-sized grounds.
Crawley itself is a modern new town without huge amounts of traditional character, but its location is a genuine asset – Gatwick Airport is on the doorstep, Brighton is just 30 minutes by train, and Tilgate Park offers a genuinely lovely green space if you fancy a walk before or after the match.
Our advice? Get the train to Crawley, grab a pint and a curry at The Downsman or explore the town centre, then head to the ground in good time to enjoy the Away Fan Zone before kick-off. If you’ve got the time, extending the trip to Brighton afterwards makes for a genuinely great weekend.
Get the train to Crawley, enjoy the convenience of one of League Two’s easiest away days, and maybe extend the trip to Brighton while you’re at it!
⚽ Come On You Reds! ⚽
📞 USEFUL CONTACTS
⚽ Crawley Town: crawleytownfc.com
🎫 Ticket Office: 01293 410 000 | crawleytownfc.com/tickets
🚂 National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 | nationalrail.co.uk
🚌 Metrobus (Fastway): metrobus.co.uk
ℹ️ Visit Crawley: crawley.gov.uk
🌳 Tilgate Park: crawley.gov.uk/tilgate-park
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⚽ Part of the Football Nonsense League Two Away Days Collection
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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.