The tickets, which are on sale from the club's ticket office now, are priced £21 for adults, £12 for concessions and £6 for under-12s.
OAKWELL
What's The Ground Like?
Approximately three sides of the ground were re-developed in the 1990's. On one side is the particularly attractive two tiered covered East Stand running along one side of the pitch. Opened in March 1993, this stand has a capacity of 7,500. Opposite is the classic looking West Stand, part of which dates back to 1904. It was made all seated in the mid 1990's, but is only covered at the rear. On its roof is perched an ugly precarious looking television gantry which obscures a probably more attractive gable. At the Pontefract Road End (now named the CK Beckett Stand) of the ground is an all seated, covered stand for home supporters, which has a capacity of 4,500. The other end, the North Stand, was previously an open terrace, but is now a relatively new single tier, covered stand, housing 6,000 supporters. This is the most recent addition to the ground being opened in 1999 and has greatly enhanced the overall look of Oakwell. The North Stand is shared between home and away supporters. The amount of seats given to away supporters varies according to demand. An unusual feature of the ground, is a purpose built stand for disabled supporters. This is a three floor structure that sits at the corner between the East & South Stands. There is also a new electric scoreboard at one corner of the North Stand, on top of a newly constructed security control room.
Future Developments
Scott Kilner informs me; 'The club are looking to replace the old West Stand. It is anticipated that the new development will be more or less identical to the existing two tiered East Stand. However no firm timescales have been set as to when this might happen'.
What Is It Like For Visiting Supporters?
Away fans are housed in the new North Stand, where the facilities are good. The normal allocation for away supporters is 2,000 tickets although, if demand requires it, then the whole of this stand can be allocated (6,000). This club I found to be particularly friendly from the car park attendant to the programme seller. Even the P.A. announcer had a sense of humour (although a little optimistic), when he announced that perhaps the visiting fans would like to come up again to see the next Barnsley home game, so that we could see a decent game of football! However, I have reports of fans getting hassle at Barnsley (especially in the town centre) and stewards acting a little heavy handed, although I've never personally had any problems. It is advisable to keep colours covered especially around the town centre. The delicious 'Football's Famous Chicken Balti Pie' (�2.30) is available inside the ground, along with cheeseburgers (�2.80), hot dogs (�2.70), sausage rolls (�2) and chips (�1.70).
Where To Drink?
Paul Sammon, a lifelong Tyke, recommends the Outpost on Sheffield Road. The pub is a ten minute walk from the ground. Gary Holding a visiting Blackburn supporter adds; 'A few minutes walk from the away end is the Metro Dome - an all in one leisure centre, which has a bar inside which serves good food and ale'. Drinking in the town centre is generally not recommended, especially near the Bus & Train Stations, although on my last visit I had a hassle free pint (or two) in the Joseph Bramah (Lloyds No.1) Wetherpoons in the centre of town, but I should point out that I wasn't wearing colours. Alcohol is available in the away end, when the whole of the stand is allocated to away supporters. Unfortunately if the stand is split between home and away fans, then the only bar on the concourse sits on the home side.
How To Get There By Car & Where To Park
Leave the M1 at Junction 37 and take the A628 towards Barnsley. Stay on this road (the ground is well signposted) and you will eventually see the ground on your right. There are a couple of car parks located at the ground, but they are mainly for permit holders only. Inbetween the ground and the MetroDome is a car park for visiting supporters, called Queens Ground, which costs �3 Cars, �6 Mini Buses and �10 Coaches. Otherwise you can try parking at the MetroDome itself or street parking.
By Train
Barnsley railway station is about a ten minute walk away. This station is served by trains running between Sheffield & Leeds.
From the train station turn left away from the town centre and head towards the bridge that the dual-carriageway runs over. Go under the bridge and turn left up the slip road and then take the first road on the right and head towards the Metro Dome leisure complex at the top of the hill. Oakwell is now clearly visible.