Whaddon Road is a compact ground located on the north east side of Cheltenham with views of the picturesque Cotswold Hills in the distance. Some modernization has been carried out in recent years with new stands and new facilities.
The covered single-tier In2Print stand runs the length of one side of the pitch (capacity 2,000 seated). On the opposite side is the covered Stagecoach West Stand with terracing at the front and seats to the rear (capacity 1,068). Curiously it does not extend along the full length of the pitch but straddles the half way line. It houses the executive boxes, dressing rooms, Club’s offices and the social club.
At the Prestbury Road end of the pitch is the covered Cheltenham and Gloucester stand (capacity 1,980 standing) with the covered Carlsberg stand (capacity 1,100 seated) at the Whaddon Road end.
Away fans are located in the Carlsberg stand. With much of the roof covered in perspex, there’s plenty of light and with no pillars in the way, pitch views are excellent. With the ends of the stand enclosed, there’s no wind. If necessary, an additional 700 seats can be allocated to Away fans in the adjacent end of the In2Print stand.
Toilet areas are quite large with good access.
The stewarding and home fans are very friendly. Unlike at many other grounds, when their team is losing badly (3-0 down half-time) and relegation beckons, the home fans don’t leave but still vocally support their team.
Before travelling to Cheltenham, check whether horse racing is on at the nearby course. If so, allow plenty of additional time to get to and leave the ground as the town can get ‘gridlocked’ on horse race days especially if the famous Cheltenham Festival is on.
Data supplied by Ian Townsend - 1st February 2009