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Sixfields was built in
1994 following Northampton Town's departure from the County
Ground, which they shared with the county cricket and bowls
clubs. It is a council-owned community stadium with an athletics
track behind the East Stand. American football used to take
place at the stadium but the club are no more. Sixfields was
also host to a Super League game a few years ago.
Sixfields is criticised by visiting
fans for being soulless, it's in the middle of a retail park. The ground can suffer from a lack of atmosphere, a
characteristic most new grounds seem to have. However, tell that to fans who were at the 'Claret Day'
vs. Mansfield last season and at the Bristol Rovers play-off second leg, and you'll get a stunned look in reply! So I suppose it's like most teams, a big game and there's generally a good atmosphere.
Away fans are accommodated in the South Stand behind one of the goals, which is an exact replica of the home fans' end, the Dave Bowen Stand. It holds about 950 but there is an overspill area in the East Stand for when teams bring large away followings that takes the visiting capacity up to around 1300.
Cobblers' vocal fans are generally found at the top of the West Stand (the largest) near the away fans, and of course behind the goal in the North Stand.
As far as food goes your best bet is to visit the burger van outside the West Stand by the steps, great burgers for only £1.50, much better value than what is on offer inside the ground. If you're planning on staying longer then there's a massive choice of eateries around the complex. Choose from McDonalds, Burger King, TGI Friday's and Frankie & Benny's, but be warned the latter two are expensive.
Pub-wise you won't get into them near the ground with colours on, so either stop on the way or dress wisely. 'The Rover' on the Weedon Road in St' James is a popular choice amongst Cobblers fans, but has been a target for Millwall and Cardiff fans in the past, so they are generally wary of away fans. For those
traveling on the train, the Old Black Lion is next to the station, a mile and a half away from Sixfields.
There's plenty of parking available at the ground but it can take up to an hour to leave after a sell-out so pick your parking spot well! The train station is on the London to Birmingham (Northampton loop) line, with trains in and out every hour. Connections are available at Rugby, Birmingham New Street, Bletchley and London Euston. Turn right out of the station, follow the road and take the left fork past Franklin's Gardens (Northampton Saints rugby ground). Keep going along this road, heading out of town past Halford's and you're there. Alternatively a taxi costs around £4.
David Nikel
Editor, Green Balls. |
