Tranmere head back to Wembley Stadium on Saturday for our third play-off final in as many years. After the sensational success in 2018, this time the prize of League One football is on the line.
We will cover the match in more detail in the coming days, but what about the planning for this year’s visit? There are quite a few changes from the last two years.
Here’s a few things you need to know:
- We’re at a different end of the stadium
The last two years Tranmere have been allocated the west side of the stadium. It’s all change for 2019 as we are seated in the opposite side of the stadium. That means there are a few different things to be aware of. - Yellow Car Park for Tranmere fans
The first thing to note is that our car park is different this year as a result of the change of ends. Rather than being in Red Car Park (multi-storey), we will be in Yellow Car Park. This is located nearest to the turnstiles on the east side – it’s also the car park where official supporter’s coaches have parked for the last couple of years.Parking can be pre-booked at wembleyofficialparking.com. Yellow Car Park is £30, although there are slightly cheaper bookable options on Lonsdale Avenue (£20) and Preston Road (£10). Both are a little further afield. - Allocated pub
I previous years the SWA has met at The Green Men pub for pre-match festivities. This year, we’ve been allocated a different pub; The Torch. This is located on Bridge Road, just over the bridge from Wembley Park tube station.Tranmere Supporter Liason Officers have put this great little map together showing pub locations; Link: TRSLO Scribble Map - Tranmere to wear home strip
We will be in the standard home kit; white shirts, blue shorts, white socks. This will be the existing home kit, not the new Essar-sponsored strip which comes in next season. - Train nightmares
As is standard, EFL play-off finals are held across the Bank Holiday weekend at the end of May. As such, it’s high time for railway engineering works. If you’re braving the train, good luck. The link below on the National Rail website is a good place to begin your checks on service status.
Link: National Rail Planned Works - Friday meet-up
As is now tradition, the Southern SWA will be having a meet-up near Euston Station on Friday evening, 5pm. All TRFC fans welcome. Venue is Somers Town Coffee House. More info here: Link: Somers Town Coffee House - The Fan Zone is back
Two years ago, there was a great Fan Zone for Tranmere supporters located next to Wembley Stadium. On a sub-baked afternoon, it was brilliant in there with ex-players on stage, games and activities, beer and food all on offer. Well, there is an official Fan Zone just for Tranmere fans this year in the same location (Arena Square, directly in front of the Wembley Arena). We have no idea what will be on offer this year, but it’s a meeting/social/drinking option much closer to the stadium. - This is Tranmere podcast: Wembley Edition
The guys at the This is Tranmere podcast have once again done a Wembley Edition, this time featuring 1991 goalscoring hero Chris Malkin. It’s a perfect listen for that drive down to London. Information on how to download is available here; Twitter – This is Tranmere - Large flags and banners
Wembley’s regulations when it comes to taking banners and large flags in to the stadium have tightened once again. If you are planning on taking a large banner or flag, you will need to contact TRFC beforehand to receive permission. If you turn up with a large flag or banner and don’t have permission, it WON’T be allowed inside the stadium. - Bags
If you need to take a bag in to the stadium, then you need to be aware of regulations again. They’ve changed since last year. All bags must be the equivalent size of an A4 piece of paper, or smaller. If you need a larger bag for medical purposes, contact Wembley Stadium BEFORE SATURDAY for prior authorisation.
