Home Supporters Guide

14th April

Welcome to West Bromwich Albion Football Club. Your home supporter guide will help you with many of your questions about the Club as well as providing information to ensure you get the most out of your matchday experience at The Hawthorns.

We are always happy to receive feedback and comments from our supporters. If you have any views on how we can improve your matchday experience at The Hawthorns, please let us know by sending an email to enquiries@wbafc.co.uk

COVID-19

As of Thursday 27th January 2022 there are currently no legal requirements regarding COVID-19 and entry to the Stadium.

This means that you no longer require to show a COVID Pass to enter the Stadium.

We do still encourage supporters to wear face coverings while in the concourses and other indoor areas.

We also recommend that supporters take a Lateral Flow Test before attending the Stadium, and do not attend matches when testing positive or showing symptoms of COVID-19.

 

Match Tickets

From season tickets to memberships to match tickets and travel, our friendly Ticket Staff are here to help.

Tickets for all West Bromwich Albion matches are served on a priority basis, with Season Ticket Holders receiving priority over Members, who in-turn receive priority over General Sale. As a general rule tickets first go on sale around 5 weeks before the match is due to be played.

You can buy tickets all day, every day online here. You can also access information for on-sale dates and some handy video help guides to guide you around the website.

You can visit or call the Ticket Office on 0121 227 2227, click here to check Ticket Office opening hours.

You can also contact us at tickets@wbafc.co.uk. Click here to view our current ticket prices.

Matchday Searches

We are making some adjustments to our matchday search regimes following the increase to the UK threat level.

Supporters will be required to open their jackets and empty their pockets. Any bags brought in will need to be opened and there may be a need for a physical search if deemed necessary.

To ensure supporters can enter the ground quickly we would ask that they only bring a minimum amount of possessions with them, with the exception of required medical equipment.

Please note that there is no storage area for supporters with large bags so please do not bring any to the Stadium.

Accessibility

The Hawthorns is a fully accessible stadium with designated entrances around the ground.

The Club embrace all persons with any form of disability and employs designated Disability Liaison Stewards on a matchday to ensure that everyone has a positive experience.

All four stands have a number of designated wheelchair spaces. Supporters with disabilities wishing to purchase tickets* should contact our Disability Liaison Officer Liz Massey on: 0121 227 2227, or email: liz.massey@wbafc.co.uk

Extensive information for disabled supporters can be viewed here.

*The Club reserve the right to check a person’s eligibility under the Equality Act 2010. All supporters with disabilities purchasing tickets at The Hawthorns will be requested to provide an original copy of any of the following prior to purchasing tickets:

  • Confirmation of Middle or Higher rate of Disability Living Allowance
  • Confirmation of Middle to Higher rate of Personal Independence Payment
  • Confirmation of Middle to Higher rate of Attendance allowance
  • Certificate of being Registered Blind or Partially Sighted

Please Note; Receipt of a Blue Badge will not be considered sufficient to enable you to purchase tickets at the disability rate.

Hospitality

Here at The Hawthorns, we pride ourselves in delivering one of the best venue experiences in the West Midlands.

We offer a range of packages to suit different tastes and budgets from a bar package to a 4 course Boardroom-style VIP Experience.

Our hospitality facilities open three hours prior to Kick-Off and offer a number of included benefits such as cash bar facilities & car parking (1 car parking space per 4 hospitality places booked). Packages are available to businesses and individuals on a seasonal and match to match basis.

Click here to find out more or call our Hospitality team on 0121 524 3455.

The Hawthorns

The Hawthorns has been our home since 1900. The Stadium has four stands which currently offer a capacity of 26,850.

Access to the stadium is by:

  • a stilecard for season ticket holders 
  • an e-ticket which will be emailed to you and can be scanned on your smartphone or you can print it on A4 paper 
  • a paper ticket which will be posted by, or collected from, the Ticket Office.

Please check your ticket for details of which turnstile you need to use to gain access to the stadium.

Stewards will be on hand both outside and inside the stadium to provide a helping hand and answer any queries you may have.

Travel to The Hawthorns

The Hawthorns is located just 500m from Junction 1 of the M5 and can be accessed easily via public transport. Click here for more information on how to find us by car and public transport.

If you are a disabled supporter click here for more details on Accessibility information on the local public transport networks.

Metro service suspended for repairs

Albion supporters are reminded the West Midlands Metro service – including lines to and from The Hawthorns – is suspended until further notice in order to implement repairs.

West Midlands Metro confirmed earlier this month the line would be closed in both directions from Saturday, November 13.

Replacement bus and train services are in operation with Metro tickets and passes valid on the alternative modes of transport detailed below:

  • National Express bus service 74 between West Bromwich and Birmingham
  • National Express bus service 79 between Wolverhampton and West Bromwich
  • National Express bus service 16 between Birmingham city centre and Handsworth Wood
  • National Express bus service 101 between Birmingham city centre and Winson Green/Jewellery Quarter/Handsworth
  • ALL train services between Wolverhampton/Hawthorns and Birmingham

For more information on the suspension of Metro services, click here.

Car Parking

Fans travelling to The Hawthorns by car on matchdays can utilise a range of local car park providers. Please note: car parking is limited. 

Road Closures on Matchdays

Sandwell Council have amended the event day traffic order which is used to control traffic flow around The Hawthorns on matchdays.

The following road closures are now in place to further ensure the safety of supporters visiting the stadium. 

PRE MATCH

From 95 minutes before kick off:

- Halfords Lane closed to vehicles from Hawthorns Railway Bridge to the Birmingham Road junction, with the exception of users of club operated car parks and residents of Halfords Lane

- Albion Estate residents can only access or leave the estate via Middlemore Road

- Inside lane of the Westbound carriage (towards M5 Junction 1) closed

POST MATCH

- Halfords Lane closed to vehicles from Hawthorns Railway Bridge to the Birmingham Road junction until up to 40 minutes after full time

- Albion Estate residents can only access or leave the estate via the gated entrance on Middlemore Road

- Birmingham Road Westbound carriage (towards M5 junction 1) will be fully closed between Park Lane and Screwfix from 10 minutes before full time for up to 40 minutes after the final whistle

- Users of club car parks will not be able to access or leave the facilities from 10 minutes before full time until all pedestrian traffic has left the area.

Car Parking

Supporters who would like to book car parking close to the Stadium can do so by visiting www.hawthornsparking.co.uk. Passes for individual matches or seasonal passes are available to purchase directly from the provider.

What's Nearby?

Outside of the Stadium we have a number of outlets serving a variety of food and drink, as well as a Greggs, McDonalds, Subway and Starbucks, each just a couple of minutes walk from the Stadium.

The Hawthorns is a card payment only Stadium but if you do require a cash machine the closest one is at the BP Petrol station just a short walk from the Stadium.

West Bromwich town centre is a 10-15 minute walk away, and Birmingham city centre is less than 10 minutes on the train or tram.

WBA Merchandise & Retail Outlets

We have a Megastore located in the East Stand of the Stadium. There is also a dedicated kiosk outside of the Megastore offering 'while you wait' shirt personalisation.

You can shop online 24/7 at shop.wba.co.uk with delivery and in-store click and collect available. If you choose to order online - to collect at the Stadium on a matchday - please ensure you complete your order at least three days prior to the match.

Click here to view our store and mail order opening times.

Junior Mascots

What better experience for any Junior Baggie than a matchday Junior Mascot experience?

To find out more about our mascot packages click here

Away mascot places are subject to being made available by the opposition club and are an exclusive opportunity for our junior season ticket holders. Find out more about how to become an away mascot here.

Matchday Programme

Albion’s award-winning matchday programme release a new edition every matchday. Including news, interviews and a walk down memory lane as well as activities and competitions for younger supporters.

Programmes are available to buy from sellers located inside and outside the ground, as well as at the Stadium Megastore for just £3.50.

If you can't make it to the game you can still buy a programme online here.

Concourse Kiosks

All of our stands offer a number of refreshment outlets serving a wide selection of food and drink.

Options range from the traditional Pasty and a Bovril, or Pie and a Pint, to Burgers, Pizza, Hot Dogs and Chips. Our drinks selection includes soft drinks, hot drinks and a selection of alcoholic beverages.

Look out for posters advertising ‘specials of the day’ like Roast Pork baps with stuffing and apple sauce, Jacket Potatoes or Hot Cider.

The Hawthorns is a cashless Stadium, with all stands taking contactless payments for orders less than £30. Orders over £30 can be paid for using chip and pin.

Countdown to Kick Off

The timings below are based on a 3pm Kick-off and are intended as a guide for you to plan your matchday. Please note all timings are subject to change and should be adjusted accordingly for different Kick-Off times.

9am Ticket Office & Stadium Megastore open
12 noon Hospitality facilities open
1.30pm Turnstiles open
2.15pm Teams are announced
2.45pm Take your seats for the pre-match build-up
3.00pm Kick-Off
3.45pm Half-Time
4.00pm Second half begins
4.45pm Full-Time
5.15pm Stadium Megastore closes
5.45pm Hospitality facilities close
Away Match Travel

For supporters who attend away games, we have an official travel facility available for the most convenient way to follow Albion around the country.

52 seater coaches will take you from The Hawthorns to the opposition Stadium and then back after Full-Time. Car parking at the Stadium is free on a first-come, first-served basis for away travel users.

Pre-booking of away travel is essential and can be done via the Ticket Office or online here.

Safeguarding

We take the responsibility of safeguarding very seriously at the Club, with all activities overseen by Head of Safeguarding, Chris Elliott.

Chris ensures that all children attending the football club or any of our activities are safe and free from harm. All concerns can be presented to Lisa directly and confidentially at lisa.reynolds@wbafc.co.uk or buy calling 07976 660 953.

If you have an urgent matter that requires immediate attention then please contact your local police station or the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.

The Albion Foundation

The Albion Foundation is a registered charity that works in partnership with West Bromwich Albion Football Club. The Foundation operates under the motto ‘Inspire to Achieve’.

To find out more about the Albion Foundation please click here.

Keep Up To Date

To keep up to date with all things Albion, give us a follow on social media. We have official accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

For live match updates visit the Live Match Centre on the website and on our-free-to-download app, search for West Bromwich Albion in your app store.