VISITORS GUIDE

Ramsbottom United were formed in 1966 playing local league football on an out-of-town pitch. In 1980, the club moved onto a spare plot of land alongside the town-centre based Ramsbottom Cricket Club, and in the intervening years have transformed this derelict land into a pleasant football stadium capable of holding over 2,000 spectators, with seating and covered accommodation. During that time, the club has risen through the non-league ranks via the Bolton Combination, Manchester League, North West Counties League and up to the much-respected Northern Premier League.

Whilst the main focus is on the First team, a thriving Junior section has flourished over the years, and now comprises over 40 teams, all playing under the Ramsbottom United banner.

With close links to the adjacent cricket club, Ramsbottom United’s base at Acre Bottom is very much the sporting hub of the east Lancashire town.

DIRECTIONS:
Approach to ground:

From South: M66 (North) to J1. Take A56 towards Ramsbottom. After 1 mile, turn left at traffic lights down Bury New Road. Follow road into town centre, and turn left immediately before railway level crossing. Ground at end of road.

From North: Leave the A56 (Edenfield by-pass) at start of M66. Follow signs for Ramsbottom into town centre. Turn left at traffic lights onto Bridge Street. Turn right immediately after railway level crossing. Ground at end of road.

ARRIVING:
By Car – see directions above. Car park at the ground is limited, and when full, ample parking is available either on town centre car parks (note certain supermarket car parks have restricted hours) or local streets, just a five-minute walk away.

By Coach – Notify the club in advance for arrangements to be made (tony.cunningham@ramsbottomutd.com)

By Train – The East Lancs Railway station is adjacent to the ground, and steam and diesel trains run regularly on Saturdays from Rawtenstall in the north through to Heywood in the south. The main base is Bury town centre, with a Metro Tramway from Manchester linking up. For details of times and prices see East Lancs Railway website.

By Bus – Services 472, 474 and B1 depart from Bury Interchange (linked to Metro from Manchester) and offer frequent reliable service. A41 express service runs from Manchester to Accrington, stopping in Ramsbottom. Please see websites for details of times, etc.

FACILITIES:
For those arriving early, the town of Ramsbottom has been described as being one of the best places in the country to live. Within a couple of minutes walk are numerous independent shops, bars and restaurants.

The cricket club bar is open from 1.30 on a Saturday and 6.30 on a Tuesday fully licensed, whilst the football club turnstiles open an hour before kick-off.

Inside the stadium is a Tea Bar serving pie and peas, confectionery and hot and cold drinks, with proper mugs! Cans of Beer, Lager and Cider are also available inside the stadium from opening until the beginning of the second half.

Freedom of movement around the stadium offers standing both open air and under cover, and covered seating, with no restrictions of movement.

PRICES (ALL CASH ONLY):
Admission prices:
Adults £9, Concessions (16+under, 65+ over) £5, Children 12 and under with an adult £1

Tea Bar:
Hot Pies – £2.50
Pie and Peas – £3.00
Pie and Gravy – £3.00
Pie, Peas and Gravy – £3.50
Chocolate Bars – 80p
Crisps – 60p

Cold Drinks:
Cans of Lager, Beer and Cider – £2.00
Cans and Bottled Water – £1.00
Lucozade – £1.20

Hot Drinks:
Tea and Coffee – £1.00
Hot Chocolate and Bovril – £1.50

Programme – £2.00
Golden Goal tickets – £1.00
Raffle tickets – £1.00 per strip

Replica shirts – £35.00
Bobble Hats – £9.00
Scarves – £9.00
Ties – £13.00
Pin Badges – £3.50

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE DO NOT HAVE CARD FACILITIES AT THE GROUND AND ARE THEREFORE CASH ONLY

ENTERTAINMENT:
Music is played over the PA system before the game, at half-time and after the final whistle. Also covered are forthcoming fixture details, half-time results from around the country, and any requests for Birthdays, etc just hand the details over in the PA booth within the Sponsors Lounge.

Any presentations (Player of the Month, etc) take place on the pitch usually before kick-off.