Thursday, 21 Nov 2024

Meadowbank: Dorking Wanderers FC

Meadowbank, located in the heart of Surrey, serves as a vibrant community hub. One distinguishing feature of this English football ground is its 3G artificial grass pitch, which meets the FIFA Quality Pro standard. In addition to being the home of Dorking Wanderers, Meadowbank also hosts various community activities and the Surrey FA County Cup finals. Although the facilities at Meadowbank are relatively basic, the Main Stand has undergone significant improvements since its opening in 1953.

Dorking Wanderers, one of the youngest clubs in the National League, was founded in 1999 by businessman Marc White and a group of friends with a shared passion for football. Dissatisfied with the management of Wimbledon FC at the time, they decided to form Dorking Wanderers as an amateur recreational team. The club initially competed in the Crawley & District League before progressing through the non-league system to reach their current status.

Statistics

  • Meadowbank:

    • Year Opened: 1953
    • Capacity: 3000
    • Average Attendance: 1962
    • Record Attendance: 3732 (Dorking Wanderers vs. Woking, 7th April 2023)
    • Pitch Size: 100 x 64 (6400)
    • Owner: Mole Valley District Council
    • Clubs Hosted: Dorking Wanderers FC
  • Dorking Wanderers:

    • Year Founded: 1999
    • Nickname: Wanderers
    • Club Mascot: The Dorking Cockerel
    • Rivals: Ebbsfleet United, Woking
    • Previous Stadiums: Big Field Brockham, Westhumble Playing Fields
    • Kit: Red, White & Blue (Home) / White (Away) / Green (Third)
    • Training Ground: Westhumble
    • Shirt Sponsor: Hex.com
    • Team Owner: Marc White
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Meadowbank Photos

Meadowbank Photos

Meadowbank Seating Plan and Where to Sit

At Meadowbank, the majority of the ground consists of terraces, resulting in a standing experience for most spectators. A limited number of seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis in both the home and away areas. Supporters seeking seating should arrive early to secure a seat. The Main Stand also offers seats but is reserved exclusively for season ticket holders.

Dorking Wanderers Ticket Prices

Ticket prices for Dorking Wanderers matches are the same for both home and away fans, except for the Family Bundle option, which includes two adult and two child tickets for £45. Here are the general admission prices for the 2023-2024 season:

  • Adult: £18
  • Concession*: £16
  • Under 18: £9
  • Under 8: £5

*Concession prices are available to those over the age of 60, students with valid IDs, and disabled supporters. Disabled supporters are entitled to a free ticket for their carer.

How To Get Dorking Wanderers Tickets

To purchase tickets for Dorking Wanderers matches, visit the Dorking Wanderers website. The website provides comprehensive information, including details about the first-come, first-served seating policy and the restriction on away fans purchasing tickets for the home end. Tickets can also be purchased at the turnstile on match day if necessary.

Where to Buy

  • Ticket Compare

Getting To Meadowbank

Train – Dorking has three train stations: Dorking Main, Dorking Deepdene, and Dorking West. All three stations are within a ten-minute walk of the ground, providing convenient access to Meadowbank.

Bus – Limited bus routes stop near the stadium due to its location. However, bus services such as 21, 22, 32 Xplorer, 50, 93, 433, 522, 533, and 669 have stops in close proximity to Meadowbank.

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Car – If you plan to drive to a Dorking Wanderers match, the best route is to follow the A24. The A24 runs near Dorking and provides easy access to Meadowbank. Follow the signs once you are in the vicinity of the ground.

By Air – Dorking is located near London, so choosing the most convenient London airport is recommended. London Gatwick Airport is the closest, less than ten miles away. From Gatwick, a train ride of just over 20 minutes will take you to Dorking.

Taxi – Most fans attending matches at Meadowbank prefer to walk the short distance between the various Dorking train stations and the stadium. However, if you require a taxi, expect to pay between £5 and £10, depending on traffic conditions.

Parking Near Meadowbank

There is no parking available directly at the ground, as the limited spaces are reserved for club officials and staff. However, parking is available next to the stadium at St Martins Walk. Additionally, the proximity of Dorking town center provides alternative parking options for those in need.

  • See Available Parking Near Meadowbank

Useful Resources

Pubs and Bars Near Meadowbank

Tavern

About Dorking Wanderers

As one of the youngest teams in non-league football, Dorking Wanderers has experienced a rapid ascent through the English football pyramid. Initially established in 1999 by a group of friends dissatisfied with the direction of Wimbledon FC, the club’s formation was driven by social motivations. Starting in the Crawley & District League, Dorking Wanderers achieved three consecutive promotions, reaching the Premier Division in 2006.

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The club’s steady progress transformed a recreational activity into a more serious endeavor, culminating in Dorking Wanderers’ historic promotion to the National League in the 2021-2022 season. Finishing in second place in the National League South, they secured promotion by defeating Ebbsfleet United in the play-off final. In addition, Dorking Wanderers won the Surrey Senior Cup against Kingston, requiring a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.

Meadowbank History

While Meadowbank, the home ground of Dorking Wanderers, may appear quite basic, it has a rich history dating back to its opening in 1953. Initially, the club played its early games at Big Field Brockham before moving to Westhumble Playing Fields on London Road in 2007. In 2018, Dorking Wanderers relocated to Meadowbank, which had recently undergone refurbishment. The stadium was previously used by Dorking Football Club before their disbandment, providing a ready-made venue for the Wanderers.

Upon its opening, Meadowbank featured a 200-seat stand, which was later expanded to meet health and safety standards in 2013. Subsequently, a new 300-seat stand was constructed, a 3G pitch was installed, and the stadium was converted into a community sports facility. The transformation, costing around £5 million, saw the Surrey County Football Association relocate their headquarters to the stadium. In 2020, Meadowbank received Grade B status recognition, and in 2023, a 1,200-capacity terrace was unveiled at the west end of the ground.