Preston North End are one of English football’s most historic clubs, founder members of the Football League and the original Invincibles. Based at Deepdale, the club have a proud Lancashire identity and a long second-tier tradition. Preston remain closely linked to the early story of league football in England.
Deepdale is one of English football's most historic grounds, but the modern stadium is far more uniform and redeveloped than its age might suggest. Preston North End have played at Deepdale since the 19th century, and the current stadium has been rebuilt into four single-tier stands: the Sir Tom Finney Stand, Alan Kelly Town End, Bill Shankly Kop and Invincibles Pavilion.
The ground has a clean, balanced appearance, with each stand named after major figures or moments in Preston's history. The Sir Tom Finney Stand is the main stand and carries the statue of Finney outside, while the Alan Kelly Town End is the principal home atmosphere end. The Bill Shankly Kop, named after the former Preston player and legendary Liverpool manager, is normally used for away supporters. Deepdale is compact, easy to understand and generally offers good views from all four stands.
A Lancashire rivalry between seaside Blackpool and city-club Preston, carrying long history, short travel and regular EFL intensity.
No upcoming rivalry fixture currently listed.
A historic Lancashire rivalry between two old Football League names whose meetings carry county pride and traditional support-base overlap.
Preston North EndBlackburn RoversDeepdale, Preston | EFL Championship
Blackburn RoversPreston North EndEwood Park, Blackburn | EFL Championship
A Lancashire rivalry with deep roots, given extra edge by Preston’s history and Burnley’s fierce local football identity.
Away supporters are normally housed in the Bill Shankly Kop behind one of the goals. Preston's own stadium plan identifies the Bill Shankly Kop as the away supporters' area, and away guide information confirms that visiting fans use that end of the stadium. The allocation can vary by fixture, but the Bill Shankly Kop is the standard away end.
Away supporters should head for the Bill Shankly Kop side rather than the Alan Kelly Town End, which is the main Preston home end. Visiting supporter parking has sometimes been available around the Bill Shankly Kop car park, but spaces are limited and must be checked in advance. The away end gives a direct behind-the-goal view and is part of the modern redeveloped stadium, so facilities and sightlines are generally good.
Use the M6 southbound and leave at Junction 31A for Preston, then follow signs for Deepdale and the city centre. The ground sits north of the centre and is fairly accessible from the motorway. Local roads around Sir Tom Finney Way and Blackpool Road can queue on matchdays, so plan parking before arrival.
Use the M6 northbound and leave at Junction 31 or 31A, depending on traffic, then follow signs for Preston and Deepdale. Junction 31A is often the most direct for the stadium side. Allow extra time after the match as traffic feeds back towards the M6.
Use the M65 westbound towards Preston or local A59/A677 routes, then follow signs for Deepdale once you reach the city. The approach through east Preston can be busy, especially if traffic is also heading for retail areas. Stick to main roads and signed parking routes.
Use the A583 or local routes from Blackpool, Lytham or the Fylde coast towards Preston, then head for Deepdale via Blackpool Road. This brings you close to the stadium side of the city, but matchday queues are common. Use official or recognised parking rather than residential streets.
Preston Station is the main rail station for Deepdale and the correct arrival point for most supporters. The ground is around 25 to 35 minutes on foot, or a short bus/taxi ride from the station. Preston is a major West Coast Main Line stop, so it is well connected from London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Scotland, Blackpool and the north-west.
From the north or south, most long-distance journeys are direct or involve one change at a major hub. Once in Preston, walk via the city centre towards Deepdale or use local buses/taxis for the final leg.
From Preston station, Deepdale is around 30 to 40 minutes on foot. Walk through or around the city centre towards Moor Park and then on to Sir Tom Finney Way. It is a manageable walk in good weather, but many supporters will prefer a bus or taxi from the station. If walking back after the match, leave extra time for city-centre traffic and station queues.
Manchester Airport is the best airport for Preston North End. The airport railway station has services towards Manchester Piccadilly, and from there or Manchester Oxford Road / Deansgate you can connect towards Preston on the West Coast corridor. Some direct or through journeys may be available depending on timetable.
From Preston station, Deepdale is a long walk or a short bus/taxi ride. A taxi direct from Manchester Airport to Preston is viable for groups but can be expensive and traffic-sensitive around the M60, M61 and M6.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport is a workable alternative for Preston. Use the airport bus to Liverpool South Parkway or Liverpool city centre, then rail towards Preston via Liverpool Lime Street or connections through Wigan.
This is less direct than Manchester Airport but still a sensible north-west option if flights are better. From Preston station, use a taxi, bus or long walk towards Deepdale.
Preston Bus route 19 is a useful local service for Deepdale and the north side of Preston. It can help supporters travelling from the bus station, city centre or local districts towards the ground. Alight near Deepdale Road / Sir Tom Finney Way and allow for matchday traffic around the stadium.
Route 23 is another local Preston option that can be useful depending on your starting point. Deepdale is walkable from the centre for many supporters, but local buses are helpful in poor weather or for those staying outside the city centre. Check evening and Sunday frequencies before relying on it.
Stagecoach service 125 links Preston with Chorley and Bolton and can be useful as a regional bus route into Preston before continuing to Deepdale. It is not a dedicated stadium bus, but it can suit supporters travelling from nearby Lancashire towns who do not want to use rail.
Millers Taxis are a local Preston taxi firm. A taxi from Preston station, bus station or city-centre hotels to Deepdale is short and normally affordable, but the stadium-side roads can be slow just before kick-off. Arrange pick-up a short walk away from Deepdale after full-time.
Moor Park High School is a popular alternative close to Deepdale, often priced around £8 and stewarded on matchdays. It is within a short walk of the stadium and is a good choice if official stadium spaces are sold out. Book ahead where possible, although pay-on-entry may be available if spaces remain.
Preston North End have on-site car parks at Deepdale, with matchday parking sold in advance subject to availability. Recent guide pricing has ranged around £12.50 to £15 per vehicle. This is the most convenient option but can be slow after the match; book through the club/ticket office where required and follow your allocated car park instructions.
City-centre parking around Preston station, Fishergate and the bus station can work if you are spending time in town before the match. The walk to Deepdale is longer, typically 25 to 35 minutes, or you can continue by bus/taxi. This option avoids the tightest post-match queues around the stadium.
A well-known away-friendly pub close to Deepdale and one of the main matchday choices for visiting supporters. It is convenient for the stadium and usually a better away option than searching for pubs immediately at the ground.
A pub close to Moor Park and within walking distance of Deepdale. It is useful for supporters parking or staying on the north side of the city, but check matchday entry rules for bigger fixtures.
The streets around Moor Park and Deepdale have simple takeaway and fast-food options for supporters wanting something quick before the match. Choices are practical rather than destination dining, so arrive early if eating near the ground.
Preston city centre gives a wider choice of food around Fishergate, Friargate and the station side. Eat centrally, then continue to Deepdale by bus, taxi or a longer walk.
A reliable city-centre hotel close to Preston bus station and within reach of Deepdale by taxi, bus or a longer walk. It suits supporters arriving by rail or coach.
A straightforward central hotel option close to the station and city-centre food. Deepdale is not on the doorstep, but onward travel is simple by taxi or local bus.
Deepdale is north of Preston city centre and can be reached on foot from Preston railway station, though the walk is long enough that many supporters prefer a taxi or bus. Drivers should plan parking before travelling because stadium-area parking is limited and matchday roads around the ground can become slow.
The stadium is simpler to navigate than many older grounds because the four stands are clearly defined. Away fans should aim for the Bill Shankly Kop side and leave time for ticket checks, searches and any collection arrangements. If travelling by car, check whether official away parking is available for the fixture, because some visiting supporter information has referenced spaces in the Bill Shankly Kop car park being advance-purchase only and limited in number.
Home tickets are sold through Preston North End's official ticketing channels, with online, phone and ticket office arrangements depending on the fixture. For a neutral, the Sir Tom Finney Stand or Invincibles Pavilion usually gives the best side-on view of the pitch. The Alan Kelly Town End is the main home atmosphere end and is better suited to Preston supporters wanting to be among the louder home support.
Away supporters should buy through their own club once Preston release the allocation. Visiting fans are normally issued tickets for the Bill Shankly Kop. Collections, duplicate tickets and any matchday sales should be confirmed with the travelling club before setting off. Disabled away supporters should also arrange accessible tickets and parking in advance, as away accessible provision is limited and tied to the away allocation.
Deepdale operates standard football ground regulations, including ticket checks, searches where required, segregation controls and bans on pyrotechnics, pitch incursions, throwing objects and discriminatory behaviour. Supporters should use the correct turnstiles for their stand and should not attempt to enter home areas with away tickets or vice versa.
Preston's matchday arrangements can include specific guidance on parking, ticket collection, flags, banners, bag sizes and away coach arrival, so supporters should check the latest guide for their fixture. The Bill Shankly Kop is the visiting section and away supporters should follow steward instructions around that end of the stadium, especially after full time when the car parks and nearby roads become busy.
Preston North End publish disabled supporter information for Deepdale. The club identifies front-row access via NX07 in the Bill Shankly Kop as the accessible pitch-level entrance for visiting supporters. Level Playing Field also records away wheelchair user spaces in the Bill Shankly Kop, including pitch-side and platform positions.
Visiting supporters requiring wheelchair spaces, easy-access seating, accessible parking, personal assistant tickets or other matchday support should arrange this before travelling through their own club and Preston's ticket office where required. Some away guide information has referenced disabled parking bays in the Bill Shankly Kop car park, but these are limited, bookable in advance and subject to availability. Supporters needing help with kiosk access may also be able to request assistance depending on their seating location.
Preston North End do not appear to advertise a regular public Deepdale stadium tour programme as a standard bookable attraction. The stadium has significant history and may be accessible through club events, hospitality, education, community activity or occasional special openings, but there is no clear evidence of a routine public tour schedule comparable with clubs that run weekly tours.
Supporters wanting behind-the-scenes access at Deepdale should check Preston North End's official website or contact the club directly before making a special trip, as any tours or visits are likely to be occasional rather than constantly available.
A large public park right by Deepdale and useful for a walk before the match, especially for families. It is the easiest low-key thing to do close to the stadium.
A central Preston landmark and good wet-weather option before travelling to Deepdale. Check reopening and exhibition arrangements before planning around it.
Official Preston North End ticketing page for match tickets, membership sales, hospitality, accessibility information and fixture-specific ticket updates.