
Chesterfield are a historic Derbyshire club, known as the Spireites and now based at the SMH Group Stadium. The club has experienced Football League promotions, cup runs and a spell outside the EFL before returning strongly. Their support remains closely tied to the town and its famous crooked spire.
The SMH Group Stadium is one of the smarter modern grounds in League Two. Opened in 2010 after Chesterfield left Saltergate, it is a purpose-built all-seater stadium on Sheffield Road, north of the town centre. It has a clean, balanced layout and feels noticeably more modern than many older lower-league grounds.
The stadium is made up of four single-tier stands of similar scale, giving it a neat and enclosed feel without being a full bowl. The main stand contains hospitality, club offices and media areas, while the other sides provide regular home and away seating. The stands are close enough to the pitch for the ground to carry noise well when Chesterfield have a strong crowd in.
Although some supporters still miss the old character of Saltergate, the SMH Group Stadium is comfortable, easy to navigate and well suited to EFL football. Sightlines are generally strong throughout the ground, concourses are modern by lower-league standards, and the stadium feels more polished than many venues at this level.
A rivalry carrying social history from the miners’ strike era, with Chesterfield and Mansfield representing communities on different sides of a bitter local divide.
Chesterfield
Mansfield TownSMH Group Stadium, Chesterfield | EFL Trophy
Away supporters are usually housed in the East Stand, although allocations can vary depending on the fixture and expected travelling numbers. For many league games the visiting allocation is seated in blocks on that side of the ground, giving away fans a good side-on view rather than being tucked away in a corner.
The away stand is modern, covered and all-seater, with its own concourse facilities. Entry is normally from the away turnstile area on the East Stand side of the stadium, with stewarding and signage in place around Sheffield Road. For bigger followings, visiting clubs normally issue specific arrival and collection instructions, so it is worth checking those before travelling.
The away experience at Chesterfield is one of the more comfortable in the division. The view is good, the facilities are decent, and the ground is easy to understand once you arrive. The main issue is parking and traffic around the stadium, especially for larger away followings, so arriving early is sensible.
Use M1 southbound Junction 30 then A619, then follow signs for SMH Group Stadium and the north Chesterfield area. The stadium is north of town and easy to find; use signed parking and avoid retail-only areas. Allow extra time for the final local roads around kick-off and check current matchday traffic or parking instructions before setting off.
Use M1 northbound Junction 29/29A then A617/A61, then follow signs for SMH Group Stadium and the north Chesterfield area. The stadium is north of town and easy to find; use signed parking and avoid retail-only areas. Allow extra time for the final local roads around kick-off and check current matchday traffic or parking instructions before setting off.
Use A617 from Mansfield/Newark, then follow signs for SMH Group Stadium and the north Chesterfield area. The stadium is north of town and easy to find; use signed parking and avoid retail-only areas. Allow extra time for the final local roads around kick-off and check current matchday traffic or parking instructions before setting off.
Use A619/A623 or M1 routes, then follow signs for SMH Group Stadium and the north Chesterfield area. The stadium is north of town and easy to find; use signed parking and avoid retail-only areas. Allow extra time for the final local roads around kick-off and check current matchday traffic or parking instructions before setting off.
Chesterfield station is the correct rail station for the SMH Group Stadium, with services from Sheffield, Derby, Nottingham, London St Pancras, Leeds and the wider East Midlands network. It is a realistic walking station and a good rail option.
Leave Chesterfield station and head north towards Sheffield Road and the stadium area. The walk usually takes around 20 to 25 minutes. Follow signs for the football ground and allow time for the final roads near the stadium retail area.
East Midlands Airport is the closest realistic airport for Chesterfield, but it needs a bit of planning because there is no station at the terminal. The usual route is bus or taxi to Derby, then train to Chesterfield.
From Chesterfield station, the SMH Group Stadium is north of town and is best finished by taxi or local bus. A direct pre-booked taxi from the airport may be worth pricing up if there are several of you, as it avoids the airport-to-rail shuffle.
Manchester Airport is a strong alternative for Chesterfield because it offers more flights and decent rail connections across to Sheffield and Chesterfield. It is not the nearest airport, but it can be easier to build a journey around.
Use this option when the flight choice beats East Midlands. Once you are at Chesterfield station, do not leave the stadium transfer too tight, as the ground is not right in the town centre.
Stagecoach local buses serving Sheffield Road and the north side of Chesterfield are useful for reaching the SMH Group Stadium. They are most useful if you are travelling from the town centre, Chesterfield station or nearby villages.
The stadium is north of the centre, so walking is possible but not always ideal with bags or bad weather. Check current Stagecoach times before travelling, especially after midweek games.
A taxi from Chesterfield station to the SMH Group Stadium is a straightforward option. The journey is short but saves a fair walk, especially if you arrive close to kick-off.
After the match, the roads around Sheffield Road can be slow. Walking a little towards town before booking may make the return easier.
A-Line Taxis are a Chesterfield taxi company and are useful for the short run from Chesterfield station or town-centre hotels to the SMH Group Stadium. The ground is north of the centre, so a taxi can save a fair walk.
After full-time, walking towards town before booking can make collection easier.
Veezu, formerly City Taxis in Chesterfield, are another local option for trips to the SMH Group Stadium. They are useful for supporters staying outside the centre or travelling from nearby villages.
Pre-booking is sensible for evening fixtures and group travel.
The stadium has matchday parking around the ground and nearby commercial areas, but availability can vary and it may fill for bigger fixtures. Approach from Sheffield Road and follow matchday signage.
Expect a small matchday charge where spaces are available. It is convenient, but leaving straight after the final whistle can be slow.
Chesterfield town-centre car parks are a sensible alternative if you want food, pubs or a more flexible exit. The ground is north of the centre, so allow a 20 to 30 minute walk or take a short taxi.
Normal council/private tariffs apply. Check maximum stays and evening charging before leaving the car.
A well-regarded real ale pub north of Chesterfield town centre, useful before heading towards the SMH Group Stadium. It is a better choice for those who like proper beer rather than chain pubs.
A lively bar and food venue in the town centre, useful for groups before taking a walk or taxi to the stadium. It suits supporters arriving early and wanting a central base.
A convenient central hotel for pubs, food and transport. The stadium is a longer walk or short taxi from the town centre.
Chesterfield is a straightforward away day if planned properly. The stadium is north of the town centre and is walkable from Chesterfield railway station for many supporters, although the walk can take around 25 to 30 minutes depending on pace and route.
Parking at or near the stadium can be limited on matchdays. Official and nearby parking arrangements can vary by fixture, and spaces close to the ground may need to be booked or paid for in advance. Supporters driving should avoid assuming they can simply park outside the stadium at kick-off time.
For neutral supporters, side-on seating gives the best all-round view and comfort. The livelier home atmosphere is usually generated behind one of the goals, while away supporters are normally placed in the East Stand. The stadium is modern and generally easy to use, but give yourself time if collecting tickets, parking, or visiting for the first time.
Chesterfield tickets are normally sold through the club’s official ticketing channels, including online and through the ticket office. Advance purchase is recommended, especially for fixtures with stronger demand, local interest or limited matchday sales.
Away tickets are normally sold through the visiting club once Chesterfield has issued the allocation. Visiting supporters should follow their own club’s ticket information for prices, collection arrangements, disabled tickets, coach details and whether any pay-on-the-day option is available.
For neutrals, the best choice is usually a central side-on seat for the clearest view. Supporters wanting more atmosphere should look towards the main home singing areas, while families or first-time visitors may prefer quieter blocks away from the loudest sections.
Standard EFL ground regulations apply at the SMH Group Stadium. Supporters should expect normal checks around bags, alcohol, pyrotechnics, discriminatory behaviour, offensive chanting and entering the field of play.
Steward instructions should be followed around the away turnstiles, car parks and any segregation routes. The club also places emphasis on supporter safety and safeguarding, so younger supporters may be expected to attend with a responsible adult depending on ticket category and age.
Supporters driving to the stadium should respect parking controls and nearby businesses or residential areas. Do not block access roads, driveways or emergency routes around the stadium.
The SMH Group Stadium has better accessibility than many older lower-league grounds because of its modern design. Chesterfield provide wheelchair viewing platforms, accessible toilets and disability access information, with specific arrangements depending on the stand and fixture.
Away disabled supporters may be accommodated in areas used by visiting fans, but tickets for wheelchair platforms and accessible spaces should be arranged in advance. The club advises supporters to contact the ticket office or Disability Liaison Officer for access enquiries.
Accessible parking is limited, so blue badge holders and supporters with mobility needs should not travel assuming a space will be available on arrival. It is best to confirm parking, entry point, wheelchair position, companion ticket and any step-free route before matchday.
There does not appear to be a regular, year-round public stadium tour programme at the SMH Group Stadium in the way larger clubs often provide. Chesterfield and the club’s community trust have offered occasional tour-style events and special access in the past, so it is worth checking club announcements if you are specifically interested in a visit.
For most supporters, though, the stadium should not be treated as having a standard bookable tour available every week. Any behind-the-scenes access is more likely to be through community events, hospitality, school visits or one-off club activity.
The Crooked Spire is the town's most famous landmark and worth a quick visit if you arrive early. It is central and easy to combine with food before heading to the match.
Official club website. Use this for the latest club news, fixture information, tickets, supporter notices and matchday updates.