AFC Wimbledon has finally come home. After years of yearning for their spiritual home, the club returned to Plough Lane in 2020. The new stadium, which opened its doors in November 2020, is a testament to the club’s resilience and the dedication of its fans. It’s not just a football ground, it’s a beacon of hope for the future of the club.
A Welcoming Atmosphere for All
Plough Lane is a stadium designed with the modern fan in mind. The four stands offer excellent views and comfortable seating, with a familiar blue and yellow color scheme. The East Stand proudly displays the club’s nickname “The Dons” in a striking 3D design. While the original Plough Lane was notoriously difficult for visiting supporters, the new ground provides a warm welcome. The North Stand is dedicated to away fans, offering ample space and excellent facilities. The stadium is easily accessible by public transport, with nearby bus stops and London Underground stations. With a banqueting and conferencing space that accommodates 800 people, Plough Lane offers the largest such space in the borough.
A Long Journey Home
The road to Plough Lane was a long and winding one. After AFC Wimbledon’s formation in 2002, the club was forced to make do with Kingsmeadow Stadium, the former home of Kingstonian. The dream of returning to Plough Lane remained a distant one until 2014, when planning was finally sought. After three years of construction, the club’s dream became a reality in 2020. The journey back to Plough Lane was filled with challenges, but the club’s determination and the unwavering support of their fans kept the flame of hope alive.
Getting to the Stadium
Plough Lane is easily accessible by car, with the A24 leading to the stadium from the south. Those travelling from the west can opt for the M3 or M4. As in any part of London, finding parking near the ground can be a challenge. Taxis are readily available but be prepared for high fares, especially during peak times. If you’re flying in, expect to pay around £50 for a taxi ride from Heathrow Airport.
Public Transport Options
Plough Lane is well-connected by London’s extensive public transport network. Bus routes 156, 77, and 493 pass through the stadium. You can also get to Thameslink station, which is just a short journey from Plough Lane. A train journey from Waterloo and London Eye takes around 45 minutes. The Underground is another convenient option. The Northern line to Tooting Broadway Station or the District line to Wimbledon Park Station are the best choices. The average tube journey time is around 50 minutes, depending on your starting point.
Ticket Information & Rivalries
Ticket prices for AFC Wimbledon games will be announced soon. Membership discounts will be available, with prices starting at around £20. The final cost depends on your chosen seat location.
AFC Wimbledon’s most heated rivalry is with MK Dons. The club considers MK Dons as the illegitimate successor to Wimbledon FC, a club that was controversially relocated to Milton Keynes. The animosity towards MK Dons is palpable, and the matches between the two clubs are always highly charged.
AFC Wimbledon also has a rivalry with Crawley Town. While not as intense as the MK Dons rivalry, there’s a definite spark in their encounters. This rivalry dates back to the non-league days when both clubs fought for promotion.
Exploring Plough Lane
The postcode for AFC Wimbledon’s home stadium is SW17 ONR. Access the stadium via the A24 from the south. Due to London’s limited parking, it’s recommended to use public transport whenever possible.
Away fans are accommodated in the North Stand, accessed through Gate 7. This gate can be found via Maskell Road and St Martin’s Way. Home fans with tickets in the South and East Stands can enter the stadium via Greyhound Parade.
Plough Lane is a modern stadium with excellent facilities for disabled spectators. Wheelchair-accessible seats are scattered throughout the ground, with easy access to restrooms. Dedicated parking spots are available for disabled fans.
Stadium tours are currently unavailable, but information about their availability will be updated here once it becomes available. These tours will offer fans a chance to walk down memory lane, exploring the stadium’s rich history and its modern amenities, including the new dressing rooms and dugouts.
