1. Getting to Portman Road

By Car

• Address: Portman Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2DA.

• Parking:

  • On-Site Parking: There is limited on-site parking at Portman Road, mainly reserved for staff and VIPs.

  • Nearby Parking: There are several car parks in Ipswich within walking distance of the stadium:

    • St. Mary’s Car Park: Close to the stadium, usually a good option for matchdays.

    • Ipswich Town Centre Car Parks: Several public car parks located around the town centre, such as the Crown Car Park or The Waterfront Car Park, both a short walk from the stadium.

    • Street Parking: Available on nearby roads, but be mindful of matchday restrictions.

By Train

• Ipswich Railway Station:

  • Distance: Approximately a 10-minute walk from Portman Road.

  • Trains to Ipswich: Ipswich Railway Station is well-connected to London and other parts of the region. You can take a direct train from London Liverpool Street to Ipswich, with a journey time of around 1 hour 15 minutes.

  • Train Tips: Ipswich Station is a major railway hub, so trains can get busy on matchdays. Try to plan ahead to avoid delays.

By Bus

• Bus Routes: Ipswich has good local bus services. Several routes run to the town centre and close to Portman Road:

  • Route 4: Connecting Stoke Park to the Town Centre, stopping near Portman Road.

  • Route 7: Running from Rushmere St. Andrew to Ipswich Town Centre, and stops close to the stadium.

By Bike

• Cycling: Ipswich has several cycle paths, and Portman Road is accessible for cyclists. There are bike racks available near the stadium if you choose to cycle. You can also make use of Ipswich’s NextBike system for public bicycle hire.

 

2. Where to Stay

If you're staying overnight in Ipswich, there are various accommodation options for all budgets.

• Budget-Friendly:

  • Travelodge Ipswich Central: A budget option located a short walk from the town centre and the stadium.

  • Premier Inn Ipswich Town Centre: Another affordable hotel, located near the town centre, offering comfortable rooms and easy access to Portman Road.

• Mid-Range:

  • The Salthouse Harbour Hotel: A stylish hotel located on Ipswich’s waterfront, offering great views of the marina, just a short distance from the stadium.

  • Novotel Ipswich Centre: A modern hotel in the heart of Ipswich, located within walking distance of Portman Road and the town's attractions.

• Luxury:

  • The Ickworth Hotel: A beautiful and luxurious country house hotel, located a short drive from Ipswich, offering a peaceful retreat after the match.

  • Milsoms Kesgrave Hall: A high-end option offering stylish accommodation and a relaxing atmosphere, just a 20-minute drive from Portman Road.

 

3. Matchday Tips

Gates Open:

• Gates at Portman Road typically open 1.5 to 2 hours before kick-off. This gives you time to explore the stadium, grab some food, and enjoy the matchday atmosphere.

Ticket Collection:

• If you’ve pre-purchased tickets, you can either print them at home or collect them from the ticket office at the stadium on matchday.

• Ticket Tips: If you're collecting tickets in person, make sure to bring ID and your booking confirmation.

Fan Zones:

• Portman Road doesn’t have a large designated fan zone, but there are several pubs and local areas where fans can gather:

  • The Spread Eagle: A popular pub near the stadium where Ipswich fans often meet before matches.

  • The Kings Arms: A traditional pub with a welcoming atmosphere, located close to the stadium.

  • The Waterfront: A lively area near the Ipswich marina with several bars and restaurants, just a short walk from Portman Road.

Merchandise:

• Club Shop: Ipswich Town’s official club shop is located at Portman Road, selling a variety of merchandise including shirts, scarves, hats, and other club-related items.

Food and Drink:

• Inside the Stadium: There are several food stands and kiosks inside Portman Road offering matchday snacks, including:

  • Pies (a classic football food), Burgers, and Fish and Chips.

  • Vegetarian and Vegan options are available.

  • Soft Drinks and Alcoholic Beverages are available inside the ground.

• Pre-Match Dining: If you’re looking for food before the match, you might want to check out:

  • The Spread Eagle: Serving hearty meals and drinks before the match.

  • The Waterfront area offers several options for dining with views of the marina.

 

4. Exploring Ipswich

If you have some extra time before or after the match, Ipswich has plenty to offer in terms of local attractions.

Christchurch Mansion:

• Distance: 15-minute walk from Portman Road.

• What to Do: A beautiful historic building with art galleries, including works by famous British artists. It’s a great place to explore Ipswich's history.

Ipswich Waterfront:

• Distance: 10-minute walk from the stadium.

• What to Do: Explore the waterfront area with its bars, restaurants, and shops. It’s a relaxing spot to take in the views of the marina and the surrounding buildings.

The Cornhill and Ipswich Town Centre:

• Distance: 10-minute walk.

• What to Do: Ipswich town centre has a number of historic sites, independent shops, and local markets. Don’t forget to stop by The Cornhill, the heart of Ipswich’s town life.

The Ancient House:

• Distance: 10-minute walk.

• What to Do: A beautiful example of Tudor architecture, located near the town centre. It’s a lovely spot to explore and learn about Ipswich’s history.

 

5. Post-Match Tips

• Getting Back to the Train Station: After the match, Ipswich Railway Station is just a short walk from the stadium. You can also head back to The Waterfront area to grab a drink and relax before heading home.

• Post-Match Drinks: Many fans head to The Spread Eagle or The Kings Arms after the match to discuss the game with fellow supporters.

 

6. Additional Useful Information

• Weather: Ipswich can experience cold, rainy weather in the winter months, so be sure to dress warmly and bring an umbrella.

• Safety: Ipswich is a generally safe town, but always stay alert, particularly if walking back after dark. Stick to well-lit routes, especially around the town centre.

• Emergency Contacts:

  • Ipswich Town FC Ticket Office: If you have any issues on matchday, call the ticket office on +44 (0) 1473 400 500.

  • Emergency Services: Dial 999 for emergencies in the UK.

 

Conclusion

Portman Road offers a fantastic football experience with its rich history and passionate fanbase. Whether you're a visiting supporter or a home fan, Ipswich is a charming place to explore and enjoy a great match. We hope this guide helps make your visit to Portman Road unforgettable!

Enjoy your matchday, and COYB (Come On You Blues)!