Stevenage FC’s history is turbulent, action-filled – despite it being one of the country’s newer football clubs. It has its fair share of dramatic ups and traumatic downs; stepping into the spotlight more than the vast majority of their peers. Away from the club, the town is in a wonderful part of the country. It not only boasts very good transport links, but a good range of sights away from the football.
Are you on a mission to tick off the 92? Maybe you’re following your team the length and breadth of the country? Or perhaps you’re eager to visit the site of a team whose exploits you can easily slot in alongside any of the greatest underdog stories in the sport? Either way, this guide will tell you everything you need to know when planning your visit to the Lamex.
The Ground
Broadhall Way, or the Lamex Stadium as it is currently known, is a neat, modern ground with a capacity of 7,800 (seated 6,268). Built in the 1960s, several modifications and developments have made it into the ground it is today. A big catalyst for change was to allow their promotion into the league. But that work continued into the new century; most notably a new million-pound North Stand that opened in 2020.
Away fans will be behind one of the goals at the opposite side of the ground; housed in the appropriately named South Stand. Again, this is a relatively new development and as such provides visitors with a comfortable experience with decent facilities and a good, unrestricted view of the action on the pitch. The South Stand holds 1,400 fans in total. If there is the need, away fans can also get a section of the Main Stand; bringing the allocation to 2,000.
The stadium has a well-deserved reputation as being one of the most welcoming grounds in the country. Fans and staff alike go out of their way to make the experience an enjoyable one for all involved.
Getting Here
The Lamex is accessible by car or train. 500 free parking spaces are available on matchdays at Fairlands Valley Carpark, located just to the north of the stadium. The ground is clearly signed from Junction 7 of the A1(M).
Stevenage itself is served well by train; on the East Coast Mainline between London Kings Cross and Peterborough, Leeds, York, Newcastle, and Edinburgh. It is a relatively simple walk of about a mile from the train station to the ground. Full directions from the station, as well as more detailed driving directions, are available here.
A shuttle bus service runs on matchdays between the ground and the train station. At the time of writing, that costs £1.50 each way. For the same price, fans can also use the local Arriva No.5 service, where they should alight at Monkswood Way.
Away Fan Pubs
The Broadhall Suite is a large bar located on the corner of the South Stand and East Terrace. It is a lively, friendly and welcoming bar that is always busy pre match. It opens at 12 noon on Saturdays, 6pm for evening kick offs. Away fans are normally welcome. Be aware, however, that only home fans can enter for very busy or high-profile matches.
If you don’t fancy that – or if it is only allowing home fans in – there are several other options. Away from the town centre, there is the Our Mutual Friend on Broadwater Crescent and The Roebuck Inn on London Road. Both of those welcome away fans and have a reputation for serving a good selection of real ales.
In the town centre itself there is more choice including a Wetherspoons (The Standard Bearer) and The Chequers. Nearer the ground in the Roaring Meg retail park, you will find a Harvester. Several chain restaurants and fast-food outlets are also on hand.
Entertainment
Besides the entertainment provided by the players on the pitch (not guaranteed…), the club have begun a couple of initiatives to bring people into and around the ground earlier. These include a kid’s zone, which operates from 1pm until 2.45pm on Saturdays; such attractions including games, face painting and meet and greet sessions with the players. There is also music, provided by Boro Buskers, a selection of local musicians who entertain the older match goers.
