Roots Hall Football Stadium guide
Roots Hall Football Stadium is a football stadium located in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England. The stadium is the home ground of the Vanarama National League team Southend United. With a capacity of 12,392, Roots Hall is the largest football stadium in Essex.
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The stadium was opened on 20 August 1955 with a match between Southend and Norwich City. The ground was declared open by the Secretary of the Football Association, Sir Stanley Rous. The ground remained the youngest in the Football League until the opening of Scunthorpe United’s Glanford Park in 1988. Roots Hall’s construction had not been completed when the ground was opened, with some stands only running for a short distance along the touchline and others waiting to be concreted over. In addition to these problems, the pitch’s drainage was unsuitable and by the end of the 1955–56 season it had to be completely relaid.
Roots Hall is a popular venue for other events besides football, including concerts, festivals and conferences. The stadium has also been used for filming on a number of occasions, including the BBC soap opera EastEnders.
Roots Hall is a well-known and respected stadium in the English football pyramid. It is a popular venue for both home and away fans, and it has a strong atmosphere on matchdays.
Pubs near Roots Hall Football Stadium, home of Southend United FC
- The Spread Eagle is a traditional pub located just across the road from the ground. It is a popular spot for both home and away fans, and offers a good selection of real ales and food. Address: 267 Victoria Ave, Southend-on-Sea SS2 6NE. Phone: 01702 808953.
- The Blue Boar is another traditional pub located within a short walk of the ground. It is also popular with both home and away fans, and has a large outdoor seating area. Address: Southend-on-Sea SS2 6EQ. Phone: 01702 341999.
- The Railway Tavern is a pub located in the nearby area of Prittlewell. It is a popular spot for both locals and visitors, and offers a good selection of real ales and food. Address: 108 East St, Southend-on-Sea SS2 6LH. Phone: 01702 616214.
If you are looking for a pub that is a little further away from the ground, but still within walking distance, you may want to consider:
- The Last Post is a Wetherspoons pub located in Southend town centre. It is a popular spot for both locals and visitors, and offers a wide range of drinks and food at affordable prices. Address: Weston Rd, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1AS. Phone: 01702 431682.
Hotels near Roots Hall Football Stadium in Southend-on-Sea, England
- Travelodge Southend on Sea – Bright, pared-back rooms in a down-to-earth property offering complimentary Wi-Fi.
- Muthu Westcliff Hotel – Traditional Victorian hotel offering modern rooms, some with estuary views, plus a restaurant & bar.
- Park Inn by Radisson Palace, Southend-on-Sea – Unassuming rooms, some with river views, plus free Wi-Fi, a colourful restaurant & a casino.
- The Last Post Hotel – Lively pub offering warmly decorated rooms, plus a restaurant & a terrace with seating.
All of these hotels are within a short walk of Roots Hall Football Stadium, making them ideal for fans attending matches. They also offer a variety of amenities and price points to suit all budgets.
How to get to Roots Hall Stadium, Southend United football ground
There are a few different ways to get to Roots Hall Stadium, depending on where you are coming from.
By car:
From the M25, take Junction 29 and follow the A127 to Southend. Continue towards the town centre, through the lights near to the Bell Pub. At the next roundabout turn right (3rd turning), continuing on the A127. The ground is on the right just past the next traffic lights.
By train:
The closest station to the ground is Prittlewell, which is about a five-minute walk away. It is served by trains from London Liverpool Street.
Southend Central station is also nearby, but it is about a 20-minute walk to the ground.
By bus:
There are a number of bus routes that serve Roots Hall Stadium. These include the 7, 8, 9, 20, 21, 25, and 29.
On foot:
If you are staying in the Southend town centre, you can walk to Roots Hall Stadium in about 25 minutes.
Once you arrive at Roots Hall Stadium:
The main entrance to the stadium is on Victoria Avenue. There is also a secondary entrance on Roots Hall Avenue.
Parking:
There is limited parking available at the stadium itself. However, there are a number of car parks nearby, including the Victoria Avenue Car Park and the Southend Central Car Park.
Please note that traffic can be heavy around the stadium on match days, so it is best to arrive early.
Things to do near Roots Hall Stadium, Southend-on-Sea, England
- Visit the Southend Central Museum & Planetarium. This museum has exhibits on local natural history, archaeology, and astronomy. It also has a planetarium with regular shows.
- Go for a walk or bike ride along the seafront. Southend has a long seafront promenade with stunning views of the Thames Estuary. You can also rent bikes and ride along the cycle paths.
- Visit Adventure Island. This free-admission amusement park has rides and attractions for all ages, including roller coasters, water rides, and a ghost train.
- Take a walk around Prittlewell Priory. This historic priory was founded in the 12th century and is one of the best-preserved examples of its type in England.
- Visit the Cliffs Pavilion Theatre. This theater hosts a variety of performances, including musicals, plays, and concerts.
- Take a boat trip to the Mulberry Harbour. This artificial harbor was built during World War II and is now a popular tourist destination.
- Visit the Southend Pier & Railway. This historic pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world. You can take a ride on the railway to the end of the pier and enjoy the views of the coastline.
- Visit Old Leigh. This picturesque fishing village is located just a short walk from Roots Hall Stadium. There are a number of seafood restaurants and pubs to choose from, as well as a variety of shops and galleries.