One of the most eagerly anticipated ‘away days’ for ‘Well fans, read all you need to know for the trip to Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen.

Stadium & Club Information

Ground Name:	Pittodrie Stadium	Nickname:	“The Dons”
Address:	Pittodrie Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5QH	Phone:	(01224) 650400
Capacity:	22,431 (All seated)	Fax:	(01224) 644173
Record Attendance:	45,061 (13th March 1954)	Ticket Office:	0871 983-1903
Pitch Size:	115x72 yards	Website:	www.afc.co.uk

Ground History

Pittodrie's existence as a football ground can be traced back to 1899 when the original Aberdeen FC occupied the land. When this club amalgamated with Orion and Victoria United in 1903 the new larger club continued to play at their current home. The land had originally been used by the local corporation as a dung hill for police horses and Pittodrie is actually a Celtic place name which means "place of manure".

On the 1st of July 1979 Pittodrie became the first planned all-seated stadium in Great Britain after the south terracing, known locally as 'the ground', was fitted with bench style seating. This improvement predated the Taylor Report on British football grounds by eleven years and coincided with a distinct upturn in the fortunes of the home team.

The south side became the South Stand in 1980, following the installation of a cantilever roof which covered most of the seats, and enabled Aberdeen to claim the title of Britain's first all-seated, all-covered ground, even if spectators at the ends of the South Stand were still somewhat exposed to the elements.

The most recent development of the stadium came in 1993 when the Beach End stand on the east side of the ground was demolished with the new Richard Donald stand constructed in its place. The stadium has remained relatively unchanged since then, although some minor improvements, such as the introduction of an electronic stadium entry system have been carried out.

The site of the stadium is only 500 meters away from the North Sea, and with only the King's Links golf course between the stadium and the beach, Pittodrie is one of the coldest football grounds in Britain

Future Developments

It is reckoned that both the Main and Merkland Stands are close to reaching the end of their lifespan. For some time now however the Aberdeen board have been of a mind that redevelopment of Pittodrie is not financially viable, nor does the position of Pittodrie lend itself to redevelopment. As such the Dons have been investigating the possibility of locating elsewhere, the most recent site suggested being in Cove where envisage building a stadium of around 22,000 capacity with the possibility of a 30,000 seater stadium should the SFA consider bidding for Euro 2016.

Visitors Section

Though at one time housed in the Beach End travelling ‘Well fans are housed in the section of the South Stand towards the Richard Donald Stand.  This section has a capacity of around 2500 and is an ample size for the regular visiting Motherwell support. It is one of just a handful of opposition grounds who offer touchline views rather the regular sections behind the goals.

Disabled Information

Wheelchairs: Seven spaces available in the South Stand for away fans. Twenty-six spaces in total for home fans although twenty-one of these are currently held by season ticket holders leaving just five spaces available on general sale.

Helpers: One helper admitted per wheelchair

Prices: Free of charge for wheelchair disabled and helpers

Disabled Toilets: Available in the Richard Donald Stand, the Merkland Stand, in the Away Section and in a new toilet block at the Richard Donald Stand entrance.

Contact: 0871 983-1903 (Bookings are necessary)

2008 / 2009 Prices:

Adults: £22
Concessions: £16 (Under 18's, Over 65's and Full Time Students)

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Getting there by Car

On reaching Perth signs for Aberdeen will became regularly visible.  Follow the A90 towards Aberdeen. Just south of Aberdeen join the A956. Keep on the A956 through Aberdeen and Pittodrie will be on your right.

AA Route Planner:

http://www.theaa.com/travelwatch/planner_main.jsp

Parking

There is a large car park at the ground but this is for pass holders only. There is street parking available in the side streets around the stadium and on the Esplanade along the sea front, which is on the other side of the golf course.

Getting there by Rail

Aberdeen station is a half hour walk from Pittodrie but remains a popular and affordable way of getting to the Granite City thanks to First ScotRail’s ‘Friends Fare’ deal.  

Directions to the stadium from the station:

On leaving the station turn left, walk across the bridge and then turn right. This brings you into Union Street. Walk down to the road end, where you will reach Castle Gate. Proceed through the Castle Gate and into Park Street. This street eventually becomes Golf Road and you will come to Pittodrie on your left.

First ScotRail Journey Planner:

http://www.firstgroup.com/scotrail/index.php

Getting there by Bus

Regular services to Aberdeen from Glasgow are run by Scottish Citylink.

Traveline Scotland Journey Planner:

http://www.travelinescotland.com/cms/welcome.xhtml

Citylink:

http://www.citylinkonlinesales.co.uk

MAGIC MOTHERWELL MOMENT

Aberdeen were Scottish Cup holders and were mounting their first genuine Championship assault in several years when Motherwell travelled to face them in the 3rd round of the Scottish Cup in 1991.  The home side dominated from the start and had a goal disallowed as they looked to book their place in the next round.  Gradually though Motherwell got a foothold in the game and Aberdeen became frustrated.  Midway through the second half substitute Stevie Kirk took a pass from Davie Cooper and with his first touch lashed the ball past Theo Snelders from outside the box to put Motherwell ahead and start a run which would see them finish the season as Scottish Cup winners.

FORM GUIDE

Last five visits to Pittodrie: