All you need to know if you are travelling up to Milton Keynes on Saturday.
Postcode:
MK1 1ST
By car:
You should probably note that Milton Keynes is based on the American grid pattern, so if you haven't experienced driving on such a system before you are in for an eye-opening experience!
Leave the M1 at junction 13 and take the second exit (A421) which runs parallel with the M1 for a mile before bending left. After 3 miles as you approach a roundabout on the edge of the city take the second exit, this is called H9 Groveway, stay on this road going straight over 4 roundabouts, you will now approach the roundabout over the A5, and the stadium is in front of you slightly to the left, take the second exit. The entrance to the stadium is first left at the traffic lights.
Parking:
There are 2,000 parking spaces at the stadium priced at £5.00. Don't waste time looking for on-street parking as it basically doesn't exist in Milton Keynes, certainly not in the area of the stadium. There are dozens and dozens of complexes and mini-retail parks scattered throughout the town, some of which are in the vicinity of the stadium. All have a parking provision and are generally free, however, you should probably pop in and buy a chocolate bar to validate the fact you are a "customer" and not just using the car park free of charge whilst you pop off to the footy. . .
By train:
The nearest station is Bletchley which is around about two miles away from the stadium. The Club operate a bus service from the station, commencing at 1pm. The cost is £1 each way. Otherwise there is a taxi rank outside the station, or you can embark on the 35-40 minute walk to the stadium. The station is served by trains from London Euston & Birmingham New Street.
Pubs:
Not the sort of trip to get excited about if you enjoy the traditional pre-match beverage, unless an Asda café tickles your fancy. The nearest (in fact only) pub is around 15 minutes away, and by all accounts "The Beacon" isn't much to write home about. There are mixed messages regarding the on-site hotel bar "Red Dot Bar", it appears you may be able to sneak in, but only if you aren't in colours.
The Stadium itself:
After four years at the National Hockey Stadium, Dons have now moved to a new purpose built stadium on the outskirts of Milton Keynes. At a cost of around £50m, the 22,000 all seated stadium certainly looks a quality one and offers something a little different to other identi-kit stadia. It was in fact designed by the same people as Wembley Stadium (and with MK Dons having an average attendance of around 10,000 there will even be the obligatory 20,000 empty seats!)
Saints' travelling fans will be housed in the North East corner of the stadium, which can accommodate up to 3,000. Those fans who made the trip to MK for the JPT Area Final will know that the facilities are extremely good, offering unrestricted views of the pitch from extra wide and extra comfy seats.
Last time at stadium:MK :
Saints last visit to stadium:MK came just two months ago as the teams squared up in the first leg of the Area Final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. Michail Antonio's fine strike after 26 minutes was enough to give Saints a vital aggregate lead going into the second leg, despite the late sending off of Morgan Schneiderlin.
The Dons' form has fallen away slightly in recent weeks, something that many may put down to Alan Pardew's side! If recording a resounding 4-1 aggregate victory over Paul Ince's men in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy wasn't enough to dent their play-off ambitions, the signing of Jason Puncheon who was on loan at the Dons at the time, has certainly had an effect. Ince's side have stuttered since, losing out to Carlisle, Millwall and Yeovil, essentially writing off any play-off hopes.
Travel Club Info:
Travel is available priced at £17.50 per person and with a departure time of 10.30 from St. Mary's, and collections en-route from Eastleigh and Winchester.
