Whether you’re an away fan, a newcomer supporting the Bluebirds or just fancy a little reading about Holker Street, this guide will provide useful information and tips.
Transport
the 3 main ways fans get to Holker Street is via away supporters bus, car or train. If you’re coming by away supporters bus, you’ll be dropped off right by the stadium and normally right next to the away turnstiles. Coming by car I would recommend using the ASDA/Stollers car park, as the time limit is 4 hours and is very close to the stadium, however, this car park does tend to get full very quickly, so the alternatives would be the Costa/Dominos car park which is located just across the road from Wilkie Road, or Hollywood park which will be mentioned later but is slightly further away from the stadium being about a 20-minute walk from the stadium, however, has a very large car park. Finally, if you are travelling via train you will want to get off at the Barrow-in-Furness train station (you won’t miss it, it’s the terminating station), once leaving the station, all you need to do is walk out to the main road (you’ll see the Furness Building Society) and head in the opposite direction to the traffic lights, keep heading in that direction and you’ll reach the stadium in about 15 minutes.
Accommodation
The go-to hotel for away fans or home fans from afar is usually the Travelodge, as it is located in the Costa/Dominos car park and is very affordable compared to other hotels. Other options would be the Premier Inn Which is a 22-minute walk away from the ground, or the Holiday Inn which is a 25-minute walk away, both are popular and affordable hotels in the area.
Food and drink
Most of the time you’ll arrive in Barrow a little while before kick-off, so you’ll most likely want something to do before the match. The Fan Zone would be my recommendation, located right next to the reception, simply follow the path down (the ticket office is on the way if you haven’t bought a ticket beforehand), there are plenty of TVs to watch the early KO’s, a burger van and bar for a pre-match pint (or soft drink, all are welcome), as well as being directly next to 2 turnstiles and toilets. The Fanzone is also to away supporters but the turnstiles only lead to the home end. If you don’t fancy the Fanzone, there is a Spoons right next to the train station which is a common place for away fans to congregate and have a drink before the game. Previously mentioned Hollywood Park is also an option, having McDonalds and KFC in the park, and a Burger King across the road. For home fans, a big meeting place is at the Soccer Bar which is located between the stadium and the Costa/Dominos car park, the Soccer Bar has plenty of TVs and a selection of drinks, and it is also situated right next to Furness Rovers’ pitch where they often play their matches before kick-off so feel free to go and support the Rovers. In the ground, there are also many huts and shops, serving a selection of sweets, drinks and pies sourced from a local butcher.
Seating
Holker Street is a terrace-heavy stadium and it used to be the same for the away end, but following work being done over this past summer, the away end is now mostly seated in the west stand (unreserved) and the terrace tickets being in the Holker Street end, just next to the goal.. in terms of where certain fans go, the hardcore home fans normally stand behind the goal at the Holker Street end, as close to the away fans as possible, the committed but less aggressive fan tend to stand in the Ray Wilkie Popular stand. Most fair-weather fans or fans with children tend to stand at the Crossbar End or sit in the Main Stand. In terms of capacity, the stadium holds 6,500, with 2249 being seats and around 930 being for away fans with 632 being seated and 298 being terraced.
When at the ground
So you’ve made it to Holker Street in one piece and are ready to support your team, just do exactly that! Sing your songs, support your players, talk to the locals, and make some friends. Barrow is a very welcoming town and are happy to treat any visitors with the famous Northern hospitality. Enjoy your time here and have a safe journey home.