Wednesday, 11 Dec 2024

Selhurst Park: Crystal Palace FC

Located in the borough of Croydon in South London, Selhurst Park is the beloved home stadium of Crystal Palace FC. With a rich history dating back to 1924, Selhurst Park has become a symbol of the club’s legacy and identity. Let’s take a closer look at this iconic stadium and everything it has to offer.

The History of Selhurst Park

Selhurst Park was built on the site formerly owned by the Brighton Railway Company, which the club purchased for £2,570. Designed by renowned stadium architect Archibald Leith, the stadium officially opened on August 30, 1924, with the Lord Mayor of London in attendance. Since then, Selhurst Park has been a witness to countless memorable moments in Crystal Palace’s history.

Crystal Palace FC itself was founded in 1905 and had three previous home venues before settling permanently at Selhurst Park. The club originated at the Crystal Palace Exhibition building and played their home games there until 1915. They then moved to the Herne Hill Velodrome and later to The Nest, officially known as the Croydon Common Athletic Ground. It’s worth noting that Norwich City also had a stadium named The Nest, although it’s unrelated to Crystal Palace’s former home.

Selhurst Park Stats

  • Year Opened: 1924
  • Capacity: 25,486
  • Average Attendance: 25,451
  • Record Attendance: 51,801 (Crystal Palace vs. Burnley, 1979)
  • Pitch Size: 100 x 67 (6700)
  • Owner: CPFC 2010
  • Clubs Hosted: Crystal Palace, Charlton Athletic, Wimbledon
  • First Fixture: Crystal Palace vs. Sheffield Wednesday, August 30, 1924

Selhurst Park Photos

Selhurst Park Photos

Selhurst Park Seating Plan and Where to Sit

Selhurst Park features four stands, one on each side of the pitch, creating an intimate atmosphere that can be quite intimidating when the passionate Palace fans are in full voice.

  • The Holmesdale Road Stand: Located on the South side of the stadium, this two-tiered stand was constructed in 1994-1995 and has a capacity of over 8,300.
  • The Arthur Wait Stand: This stand is dedicated to away supporters, offering nearly 10,000 seats. It was named after former chairman Arthur Wait and opened in 1969.
  • The Main Stand: This stand houses the director’s box, offices, and the main entrance. Renovations are planned to transform it into a two-tier stand.
  • The Whitehorse Lane Stand: Known as the family stand, it has a capacity of over 2,200 and also includes 24 luxury executive boxes.

Crystal Palace Ticket Prices

Understanding ticket prices at Selhurst Park is straightforward, as they are categorized into Category A and Category B, and further divided based on stands and age groups.

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League Games:

  • Category A: Adults (£48-£58) / Concessions (£32-£45)
  • Category B: Adults (£40-£48) / Concessions (£28-£35)

Please note that there are restricted view seats available at a £2 discount for each category.

How to Get Crystal Palace Tickets

The best way to purchase Crystal Palace tickets is through the club’s official website. You can also visit the box office or call the booking line for assistance. However, it is strongly advised to avoid purchasing tickets from unauthorized sources outside the official channels to ensure the validity and adherence to the club’s ticketing regulations.

Where to Buy

Getting to Selhurst Park

Getting to Selhurst Park is convenient, as it is located in South London with easy access to various transportation options.

Train: Selhurst Station, Norwood Junction, and Thornton Heath are all within walking distance of the stadium. Trains from mainline stations such as Euston, Marylebone, and King’s Cross provide easy connections to these stations.

Bus: Numerous bus routes serve the Selhurst Park area from different parts of Central London. Check the Transport for London website for specific options based on your location.

Car: If you choose to drive, plan your route using Google Maps. Keep in mind that parking at the stadium itself is limited, but you may find parking spots on local roads, although restrictions apply.

By Air: London is served by multiple airports, including Stansted, Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, and London City. From each airport, you can use public transport to reach central London and then make your way to the stadium.

Taxi: Taxis are available, but keep in mind that some drivers may be reluctant to travel to South London. Pre-booking a taxi is recommended, and fares may vary depending on the starting point.

Parking Near Selhurst Park: While there is no parking available at the stadium, you may find limited parking on nearby local roads. Be mindful of time and permit restrictions. Large multi-storey car parks within a short walk are not available.

Useful Resources:

Selhurst Park Hotels

London offers a wide range of hotel options to suit various preferences. Here are some hotels located in close proximity to Selhurst Park for those who prefer to stay as near as possible to the stadium.

Pubs and Bars Near Selhurst Park

While Central London has numerous bars to choose from, those looking for a pre-match pint closer to the ground may want to consider visiting pubs and bars in the Croydon area.

Facilities

Selhurst Park offers a relaxed atmosphere, although some facilities may be in need of improvement. Seats in the away section can be cramped, and visibility may be limited towards the back. The concourses provide food and drink options, but at peak times, queues can be disorganized. Additionally, various kiosks offer betting services for those interested.

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Prices:

  • Programme: £5
  • Pie: £4.50
  • Cup of Tea: £2.20
  • Beer: £5

Hospitality

Selhurst Park offers a range of hospitality packages for those seeking an elevated matchday experience. Options include lounges such as the 2010 and Malcolm Allison lounges, combining the prestige of a private members’ club with the excitement of Premier League football. These packages typically include drinks on arrival, VIP seating in the director’s box, complimentary beverages, pre-match food, halftime refreshments, and the opportunity to meet club legends.

For a unique experience, consider Julian Speroni’s restaurant at Crystal Palace. This package includes a three-course pre-match meal, hosted by a club legend, entry into a raffle with exclusive prizes, refreshments at halftime and full-time, and VIP seating in the director’s box.

Private hire options are also available at Selhurst Park, catering to a range of events from intimate gatherings to large celebrations. The Boardroom is suitable for executive meetings, private dinners, and presentations. The Wright & Bright Lounge and Speroni’s are ideal for parties and weddings. Executive boxes offer a private setting for business meetings or breakout discussions, while the 2010 Club and Coppell 2010 Lounge are perfect for cocktail parties and corporate events.

Stadium Tours & Museum

Experience the magic of Selhurst Park through a guided tour, which provides access to lounges, the press area, changing rooms, and the iconic player’s tunnel. These tours, priced at £22 for adults, £18 for seniors, and £12 for children, take place regularly, offering fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the club’s rich heritage.

Additionally, Selhurst Park is home to The Study Centre, a state-of-the-art facility aimed at young people, and a museum that showcases the club’s history and memorabilia.

About Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace has a storied past, achieving success in various leagues throughout their history. The club won the Southern Football League in their inaugural season and became the first champions of the Football League Third Division. Although they have never won the top-flight title, their third-place finish in 1991 stands as their best performance to date. As a founding member of the Premier League, Crystal Palace has established itself among the top teams in English football.

Selhurst Park History and Future Developments

Selhurst Park has evolved over the years, with its official opening featuring just one stand due to ongoing industrial action. In the early 1980s, financial difficulties led to the sale of a portion of land near the stadium to Sainsbury’s. Charlton Athletic became temporary residents in 1985, marking the first-ever ground-sharing agreement in the country. Wimbledon later replaced Charlton as co-tenants until 2003.

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Looking ahead, Selhurst Park is set to undergo significant redevelopment. With plans to invest approximately £80 million, the Main Stand will be expanded to accommodate 13,500 seats with a striking glass frontage. The Arthur Wait Stand is also set for improvements. These renovations are expected to commence at the end of the 2023/24 season, ensuring that Selhurst Park remains a modern and iconic venue for future generations.

Q: Where can I buy Crystal Palace tickets?
A: The official Crystal Palace website is the best place to purchase tickets. The box office at the stadium and the booking line are also available options. It’s important to avoid purchasing tickets from unauthorized sources outside the official channels to ensure their validity.

Q: How do I get to Selhurst Park?
A: Selhurst Park is conveniently accessible via various modes of transportation. Train services connect to Selhurst Station, Norwood Junction, and Thornton Heath, all within walking distance of the stadium. Buses to Selhurst Park operate from different parts of Central London, and car travel is possible with route planning. Airports serving London provide options for long-distance travel, and taxis are available with booking.

Q: Are there parking facilities near Selhurst Park?
A: There is no parking available at the stadium itself. However, limited parking may be found on nearby local roads, although permit and time restrictions apply. Large multi-storey car parks within a short walk are not available.

Q: What hospitality options are available at Selhurst Park?
A: Selhurst Park offers various hospitality packages, including lounges such as the 2010 and Malcolm Allison lounges, providing a private members’ club experience with VIP seating, complimentary drinks, and pre-match and halftime refreshments. Visitors can also enjoy Julian Speroni’s restaurant with a three-course meal and the chance to meet club legends. Private hire options are available for a range of events, from business meetings to weddings and celebrations.

Q: Can I take a tour of Selhurst Park?
A: Yes, guided tours of Selhurst Park are available. Visitors can explore lounges, the press area, changing rooms, and even walk through the iconic player’s tunnel. These tours offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the club’s history and heritage. The stadium is also home to The Study Centre and a museum showcasing Crystal Palace’s rich legacy.

Selhurst Park is more than just a stadium; it’s the beating heart of Crystal Palace FC. With a fascinating history, passionate supporters, and ambitious future developments, Selhurst Park continues to provide an unforgettable matchday experience. From the thrilling atmosphere in the stands to the behind-the-scenes tours and top-notch hospitality, Selhurst Park truly embodies the spirit of Crystal Palace. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious visitor, a trip to Selhurst Park is an experience you don’t want to miss!