The Stadium is now complete following a total redevelopment that has resulted in the completion of a 23,404 all-seater arena to match any.
In 1996 the 8,100-seater Sir Tom Finney Stand was opened followed by the 6,000-seater Bill Shankly Kop two years later. Plans are well advanced for the development of the remainder of the ground and in October 2001 work was completed on the Alan Kelly Town End, also with a capacity of just over 6,000.
The Pavilion Stand was finally closed following the league game against Barnsley on Friday 23rd September 2006 and has been replaced by the new 5,000 seater Invincibles Pavilion, which opened its doors for the first time when Crystal Palace provided the opposition on Saturday 16th August 2008.
How To Get To Deepdale
By Car: From North, South and East: Exit M6 at junction 31. At the roundabout take the first exit (s/p Preston A59) onto the A59. At mini-roundabout after 1.0 miles, by the Hesketh Arms, take the second exit (s/p Ring road, Blackpool A583, Football Ground) onto the Blackpool Road A5085. Carry straight on for 1.2 miles, then filter left before the lights (s/p Town Centre, Football Ground) into Sir Tom Finney Way. The ground is on the left-hand-side.
From The Railway Station: It is about 1.6 miles from the station to Deepdale. If you catch a taxi from outside the station it will cost approximately £5.
By Foot: You should come out of the station and turn left in front of the Fishergate Centre, passing The Railway pub. Turn right at the T-junction. The road forks left and becomes Corporation Street, which you should ignore. Instead walk straight down Fishergate - the main shopping thoroughfare - After 0.75 miles the road becomes Church Street - with the Parish church on your right-hand-side. Carry on until you reach the junction with the A6. Cross over the road, the prison will be on your right-hand-side and a demolition site (formerly the County Arms public house) on the left. Turn left so the demolition site is now on your right - this is Deepdale Road. The Ground is on the right-hand-side after 0.75 miles.
By Bus: All buses from the train station go to the bus station. From there, numbers 5, 6 and 19 run a long Deepdale Road. The number 19 is the most frequent, running every five minutes or so. It will cost approximately 80 pence to get to the ground from the bus station but have plenty of change because the bus drivers ask for the exact money. The Soccerbus and Footyrider services, mentioned below, provide direct services to Deepdale on matchdays.
Parking: There is currently no official club parking for away supporters, however, Moor Park High School offers parking for £5 per game. For home fans you can purchase season parking tickets at the beginning of the year, but they sell out almost immediately. Away fans are welcomed and groups can be accommodated on request. Those fans who can't get places on the car parks are advised to use public transport, with the club joining forces with two local companies to provide dedicated bus services to Deepdale - Traveline's 'Soccerbus' and Stagecoach's 'Footyrider'. An excellent bus network also provides connections in all areas of the city.
Pub Guide
The Sumners is the most popular for home fans, found on the corner of Watling Street Road and Deepdale Road. It is very welcoming for both home and away fans with plenty of room inside and a beer garden, if the sun is out. It opens at 11am on matchdays. An increasingly popular away supporters' venue is the Norman Jepson, directly adjacent to junction 31A off the M6 (turn left off the slip road; drive back under the motorway and take the first left) - one group of Cardiff supporters liked it so much one year that they made a detour for a return trip the next time they went to Burnley! Adjacent to the Norman Jepson is a Premier Inn, which has a sister outlet on Ringway in the city centre, just two minutes' walk from Preston railway station. On the way to the ground from the M6 (junction 31) you pass the Hesketh Arms, another welcoming pub. A favourite matchday venue but coaches and large parties must book in advance. A bit further away, on the A6 if you are arriving from junction 32, is The Withy Trees. An excellent pub with good beer and good food. A favourite watering hole for the more discerning supporter who wants to discuss tactics and former glories. Beer is served within Deepdale via our concourse outlets, but supporters are respectfully reminded that alcoholic drinks cannot be consumed within sight of the playing surface.
Food Guide
The best food in the ground can be found in our hospitality areas, which offer dining options to suit your taste during the matchday experience. Whether you want a formal three course meal, a plentiful buffet or just a couple of strategically timed snacks, our menu can be tailored to appease your taste buds. Speak to our commercial department on 01772 693311 to book your place for the best culinary experience in the stadium. The concourse food services at Deepdale are operated on three sides of the ground (STFS, Kop, Town End) by Lindley Catering, while The Invincibles Caterers are the in-house caterers in the Invincibles Pavilion. There is a huge variety on offer around the ground. The most popular are the pies - currently supplied until the end of the 2010/11 season by award-winning Hollands Pies - burgers and drinks. Refreshment options outside the ground are provided by Willow Catering, who are also contracted to a number of England's Champions League representatives.