Making The Most
Unfortunately, not all Chelsea fans are fortuitous as those who live nearby to Stamford Bridge and enjoy the luxury of attending most home games.
Those fans that don’t go to watch the Blues as often as they like want to enjoy their experience at the stadium as best they can. Here are a few tips of how to make the most of a visit to the home of the Cup Kings.
Getting to the Stadium
Tourists and fans not that familiar with West London find that getting to the ground itself is a bit of a problem. Very just a couple of car parks being within one mile of Stamford Bridge, the club insists fans make use of 
public transport. However, for those who want tomake their own way to the game, you should use the secure parking at Chelsea Wharf. The few car parks charge premium rates, but you will be spared from the Congestion Charge and parking fines. If possible, you should check with the car parks if you can book up front, as there is a chance you may not get a space. Remember to park up at least an hour before the game, but you should aim to get to Fulham in the morning so you can enjoy the match build-up with fellow supporters.
Dull stuff to think about, but you don’t want your day spoiled by a £50 parking fine.
Once in the Ground
After a brief walk down the Fulham Road, you will be met by the awe-inspiring sight of Stamford Bridge. Whilst massaging your jaw, you should immediately head for one of the matchday magazine stands. Even if you’re not an avid reader, for £3, you are supplied with a brilliant souvenir of your day. You may want to take a brief look around the stalls outside the ground before entering, but feel free to browse around to your heart’s content. If you arrived early, you should take advantage of the megastore’s early-morning opening. Once the kick-off approaches, it will be bedlam inside the megastore, so your shopping is best done prior to the game. Just make sure you don’t leave your bag under your seat whilst celebrating a win at full-time – you might forget it. After a brief shopping spree, you may be incredibly fortunate to have an early stadium tour on the matchday. It is very rare that the tour is open during home games, but if you are lucky and arrive early, you may catch atour. The tour is well worth the small fee paid, and last a hour and fifteen minutes. If you’ve seen a bird’s nest on the way down to the Bridge, you might even have a familiar face leading you around.
After the megastore, or tour if you are lucky, to the Britannia Gate and watch as the Chelsea stars arrive for the game. Get there early to get some shots of John Terry and Frank Lampardarriving!
Following this, you are advised to head into the ground. Once you have your seat, you may wish to read through the programme as you wait for the players to come out for their warm-up. Thestadium is usually only half-full during the warm-ups, and stewards are a little less strict, so you may be lucky and get a few good shots of the starslimbering up.
If you chose to wander around the stadium and take a few picturesof the fabulous architecture, make sure you are in the stadium at least 30 minutes prior to kick-off for the game. In need of half-time refreshment? Beer is available for £3, and a variety of foods for very good prices.
Then, prepare to sing your heart out for the Blues for the game and celebrate yet another Chelsea victory!
After the Match
The megastore is always packed after the game, so as earlier advised, do your shopping sooner rather than later. If you have a need to buysomething, head to the smaller store at the Britannia Gate – whilst nowhere near the standards of the megastore, you may find whatever you are looking for there.
You may chose to go to one of local Fulham publichouses afterwards – the Prince Of Wales and the SO Bar (at the Bridge) are recommended. Make sure not to go overboard if you face a long journey home!
