Gillingham FC- Priestfield Stadium

Visits: 1
Gillingham 0-1 Colchester United (League One, August 3rd 2013)
Stands I’ve Been in: Rainham End
Ticket Price (1st Official Visit): £20
Attendance (1st Visit): 6,792
Address:  Redfern Avenue, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 4DD

Transport

I went by train as I managed to get fairly cheap tickets and it cut a hefty chunk of travelling time off. Couldnt be easier from London. Take the high speed train from St Pancras to Gillingham, takes about 45 minutes, the station is only a quick 10 minute walk away. Spot on. Given that the ground is hemmed in by houses and an absolute bloodbath of residents parking and double yellow lines, it looked a nightmare for parking!

Medway Stand exterior

Food & Drink

The station comes out right on the pedestrianised High Street, where there is absolutely loads of places to eat and and loads of pubs. And there is a pub on the corner right near Priestfield Road, which leads to the away turnstiles, for the away fans. Again, spot on!

Approaching the ground from behind the temporary away end 

Inside the Ground

The ground has a nice feel to it, as all 4 stands are so different, but it works. The single tiered Rainham End is incredibly steep, only about 20 rows, but it felt so imposing because it was so steep. The Medway Stand down the side is the only two tiered stand in the ground and holds all the boxes and executive facilities and so on. Opposite that the Gordon Road Stand is a small single tiered stand, while for the away fans, the ‘temporary’ Brian Moore Stand is a large uncovered end, that depending on the visitors, can be split with home fans, or given up entirely. There are good views from everywhere though, only a couple of pillars at the very back of the Gordon Road Stand.

The still 'temporary' Brian Moore Stand

Atmosphere

It was a bit inconsistent, but when it got going, it was very good. Its just a shame the away fans have no roof, as that never helps the atmosphere, even when they bring a good number like Colchester did.

Teams shaking hands in front of the Medway Stand

Anything Else

Another favourite anthem of mine belongs to Gillingham, The Last Waltz. It was a bit of a miserable rendition at the end of this game though having lost in the last minute!

The Gordon Road Stand

Overall

Cracking ground and away day. Cant imagine that away end is too nice in the bad weather, but that aside, its a good trip, pretty accessible given its location and distance, and a good location for the ground.

Priestfield Stadium Photos