Away Days - Travel Guide: Mansfield Town vs. Cardiff City
The Bluebirds head to Field Mill for the first time since 2004 to settle the Emirates FA Cup Third Round tie, with the winner hosting Manchester City in the next round.
Travel Tips
Located in the town of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, travelling City fans should expect a three-and-a-half-hour car journey to the stadium, via the M50, M5, M42 and M1. Although there is some car parking at the stadium, fans should look for alternative car parking spaces. The Müller Depot/Dairy Crest on Quarry Lane has been recommended by our hosts, as has the Robin Hood Line car park.
Alternatively, Bluebirds fans could travel via train to Mansfield Station in the town centre. From Cardiff Central, the journey takes between four and five hours, depending on the number of changes. Some journeys involve a single change at Nottingham, whilst others include additional changes at Bristol Parkway and Birmingham New Street before reaching Nottingham. From the station, the stadium is roughly a seven-minute walk away, via the A6009/Portland Street.
Away End
Traditionally known as Field Mill, the One Call Stadium has a capacity of 9,186, which makes it the twelfth biggest ground in League Two this season. The stadium is the oldest ground in the world that still hosts professional football, having first been used in 1861. The stadium was modernised between 1999 and 2001, with three stands being demolished and completed rebuilt.
City fans will be located in the North Stand, which was traditionally used as a home end in the past. The capacity of the North Stand is 1,910. Tickets are available for this fixture now, and all information can be found here. An Emirates FA Cup edition of the club’s matchday programme, The Stag, will also be available around the away concourse.
Pies and Pints
Within the stadium complex, travelling Bluebirds are welcomed to the Sandy Pate Bar, underneath the Ian Greaves Stand. The bar has been recently refurbished, and offers a wide range of alcoholic and soft bevarages, as well as a variety of food options – including beef or pork cobs, and the Stag Burger.
Other options for food or drink before the match include the Il Rosso bar on Nottingham Road, which welcomes visiting supporters. Closer to the town centre, the Midland Hotel on Station Road is another venue where City fans can go before or after the match. Please note that the Talbot pub and Victoria Hotel admit home fans only.
Food for Thought
In the nearby Portland Retail Park, travelling Bluebirds can take advantage of the various food outlets available, including Frankie & Bennies and Burger King.
Slightly further out than the city centre, the Red Bar offers high-quality takes on classic pub meals, whilst the highly rated Jolly Fryer is the town’s favourite fish and chip outlet. For those looking for some fine dining, head to the Refined Restaurant, offering a number of high quality winter warmers on their menu.
Tourist Time
If you plan to visit the surrounding area prior to our 7:45pm kick off, why not head to Langwith Brewing Company on Hermitage Way. The company brews a range of signature, core and limited edition real ales, and offer Brewery tours, brew days and practical brewing courses. Call 01623 655772 for more details.
Alternatively, check out the nearby, Wildlife and Falconry Centre or the Go Ape Sherwood Forest Pines course if planning a day with the family.
