Chelsea v Stoke City, Saturday 28 August, 3pm
STAMFORD BRIDGE

Ground Name: Stamford Bridge
Capacity: 42,449 (all seated)
Address: Fulham Road, London, SW6 1HS
Main Telephone No: 0871 984 1955
Ticket Office: 0871 984 1905
Pitch Size: 113 x 74 Yards
Club Nickname: The Blues
Year Ground Opened: 1905

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THEGROUND

The site where today's magnificent Stamford Bridge Stadium and development stands was originally the London Athletics Club's new running track, opened in 1877. Taking its name from the bridge that spanned the nearby railway, the ground was initially constructed under the guidance of the renowned football architect and engineer Archibald Leitch and opened for business in September 1905 with just one stand on the East Side.

The ground was to suffer many years of under-development in such a prestigious area of West London, with many unfinished schemes but in 1972 the building of the three-tier East Stand to provide 11,500 seats began, a project that was to herald financial disaster for Chelsea. Chairmen and directors came and went until 1982 when Ken Bates took control - paying £1 for the club.

In 1987, the plans for the re-developed Stamford Bridge, to include three new two-tier stands and the "Chelsea Village" hotel, shopping and office complex were revealed. Many planning battles, huge issues with financial backers and construction delays followed, the money again ran out but Chelsea were financially rescued by the late Matthew Harding, after whom the North Stand is named.

The present stadium is now completely enclosed with the three new stands joining the huge East Stand. Visitors are seated in the Shed End on the south side of the ground, with seats in both Upper and Lower Tiers towards the corner adjoining the East Stand.The current stadium capacity is 42,449. Record attendance at "The Bridge" is 82,905 for the visit of Arsenal for a Division One fixture in October 1935.

GETTINGTHERE

Leave the M25 at Junction 15 and take the M4 towards London, which then becomes the A4 up to Hammersmith. Carry on over the Hammersmith flyover and after a further one and half miles, take the turning Earls Court. Continue past Earls Court station and down the one way system until you reach the junction with Fulham Road. At this junction, turn right at the traffic lights and after about half a mile, you will see the ground on your right. Sat Nav: SW6 1HS

CARPARKING

A number of local resident schemes are in operation around the ground, so you may well end up having to park some way from the ground itself. Or park outside of area and use the tube. Nearest Tube Station is Fulham Broadway.

TRAVELWATCH

There are a number of disruptions on the London Underground service over the bank holiday weekend. Supporters travelling via the Underground are advised to visit their official website prior to departure. Click HERE to find out the latest information.

Anyone travelling by rail is advised to check their train's arrival and departure times by visiting the National Rail website, by clicking HERE

Meanwhile, fans driving to the game will be pleased to hear there are no major roadworks planned within the vicinity of the stadium, although they are advised to check their routes through the AA or RAC websites before departure.

AWAYFANS

Away fans are located in the South East corner of the Shed End, where the normal allocation for league games is 3,000 tickets, with fans located in a portion of the upper tier of the Shed End Stand and the whole of the lower tier. If Clubs elect to take only 1,500 tickets then, fans will be located on the East side of the stand in both the upper and lower tiers.

DISTANCE

Stamford Bridge is 170 miles away from the Britannia Stadium and it takes approximately 3 hours ten minutes to complete the journey by car.

LOCALRADIO

BBC Radio London - 94.9 FM
Capital FM - 95.8 FM