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First Time at The Hawthorns
Is this your First Visit to The Hawthorns?
We are delighted you have chosen to join us for your first West Bromwich Albion home match.
Whether you're planning your journey, deciding where to sit or wondering what to expect on matchday, we've put together everything you need to help make your first visit to B71 as enjoyable as possible. You can find all the relevant information relating to your matchday experience below.
If you're under 16 and attending your first Albion match, we'd love to know! Please complete the form below to register your first visit, and our Fan Experience team will be in touch ahead of matchday to help make your visit as memorable as possible.
Getting to The Hawthorns
The Hawthorns is well connected by road and public transport.
By train or tram: The Hawthorns station is less than a 10-minute walk from the stadium, with both train and West Midlands Metro services stopping nearby.
By car: The Hawthorns is located close to Junction 1 of the M5. We recommend planning your journey and parking arrangements before travelling, particularly for busy fixtures.
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Where Should I Sit?
The Hawthorns is made up of four stands, each offering a slightly different matchday experience.
East Stand
The East Stand offers a range of food and drink kiosks and is also home to several of the club's hospitality facilities. Supporters in the lower section may be more exposed to the elements, while the upper section provides greater protection from the weather.
Birmingham Road End
Located behind one of the goals and home to some of the most vocal Albion supporters, the Birmingham Road End is a great choice if you want to be at the heart of the matchday atmosphere.
Smethwick End
Situated behind the opposite goal, the Smethwick End accommodates both home and away supporters, with designated sections separated accordingly.
West Stand
Running alongside the pitch, the West Stand provides excellent views of the action and is home to our designated family stand making it a great option for families and younger supporters.
Not sure which area is right for you? Please email experience@wbafc.co.uk and we will be happy to assist
Arrive Early and Enjoy Matchday
We recommend arriving at The Hawthorns around 90-minutes before kick-off. This gives you plenty of time to find your way around, visit the Club Shop, grab something to eat or drink and enjoy the build-up to the game.
The atmosphere around the stadium gradually builds as kick-off approaches, so arriving early gives first-time visitors the opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of an Albion matchday without feeling rushed.
Don't forget your Albion colours (blue and white) – and get ready to make some noise for the Baggies!
Food & Drink at The Hawthorns
There's plenty of food and drink available inside The Hawthorns, with kiosks located throughout all four stands.
Supporters can choose from a selection of matchday favourites alongside soft drinks, hot drinks, snacks and other refreshments.
Selected kiosks also offer special food options throughout the season, giving supporters something different to try on matchday.
We recommend checking the latest matchday information before your visit, as available products and kiosk locations can vary.
Dietary Requirements
We want supporters with dietary requirements to be able to plan their visit with confidence.
If you have an allergy, intolerance or specific dietary requirement, please speak to a member of our catering team before purchasing food. Information regarding ingredients and allergens is available at our catering locations.
Accessibility at The Hawthorns
We want every supporter to feel welcome and comfortable when visiting The Hawthorns.
A range of accessible facilities and services are available around the stadium for supporters with accessibility requirements.
If you or somebody attending with you has specific accessibility requirements, we recommend getting in touch with the club ahead of matchday so our team can provide the appropriate information and support.
ACCESSIBILITY TRAVEL INFORMATION
Before the Match
There's plenty to do before taking your seat.
The Club Shop is the place to pick up the latest Albion shirts, trainingwear, gifts and souvenirs from your first trip to The Hawthorns.
Our Fan Zone also operates on selected matchdays, offering supporters another place to enjoy the pre-match build-up. Opening times, entertainment and activities may vary by fixture, so check the club's matchday information before travelling.
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Award-winning Hospitality Offering
Supporters looking to make their first visit extra special can also experience Albion's triple award-winning matchday hospitality, with a range of packages available across The Hawthorns.
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From premium dining and padded seating to relaxed lounges and private executive boxes, there are options available for different occasions and experiences.
Your Matchday Timings
Matchday timings can vary depending on kick-off time and the fixture, so always check the club's website and official social media channels before travelling.
For a typical 3pm kick-off, your day could look something like this:
| Time | What's happening |
|---|---|
| 9am | Club Shop opens* |
| 1.30pm | Turnstiles and concourse facilities open* |
| 1.45pm | Team news announced |
| 2.30pm | Look out for Baggie Bird around the stadium |
| 2.45pm | The final pre-match build-up begins |
| 3pm | Kick-off |
| Approx. 3.45pm | Half-time |
| Approx. 4.45pm | Full-time |
*Opening times and matchday activity are subject to change. Please check the latest fixture information before travelling.
Look Out for Baggie Bird
You can't come to The Hawthorns without meeting Baggie Bird!
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Keep an eye out around the stadium before kick-off as our mascot meets young supporters, poses for photographs and helps build the atmosphere ahead of the game.
You'll also see plenty happening on the big screens and hear from our stadium announcer as we get closer to kick-off.
Matchday Programmes
Pick up an official matchday programme as a souvenir of your first visit to The Hawthorns.
Programmes are available from various locations around the stadium and are packed with exclusive Albion content, interviews, features and activities for younger Baggies.
It's the perfect keepsake from your first Albion match.
After the Final Whistle
Your visit doesn't necessarily have to end at full-time.
On weekend matchdays, supporters can continue their day by visiting the Post-Match bar located within the East Stand.
The bar is open immediately after full-time and will remain open for around 90 minutes after full-time and offers Food, Drinks and Entertainment.
The area will be open to all supporters with a valid match ticket, regardless of which stand they are seated in. East Stand ticket holders can remain in place after the final whistle, while fans from other areas of the stadium can access the space via Gate 12.
The post-match bar will not be in operation during evening fixtures.
Discover the Albion
If it's your first time at The Hawthorns, why not discover a little more about the club you're visiting?
Founded in 1878, West Bromwich Albion is one of the founding members of the Football League and has a proud history stretching back more than 145 years.
Discover the stories, players, moments and achievements that have shaped the Baggies.
Ready for Your First Match?
Before you set off, remember to:
- Check your match ticket and which stand you're sitting in
- Plan your journey to and from The Hawthorns
- Check the latest matchday and travel information
- Arrive early and allow yourself plenty of time before kick-off
- Check any accessibility or dietary information you need
- And most importantly, enjoy your first Albion match!
We hope you have a fantastic first visit to The Hawthorns.
Come on you Baggies! 💙