Here’s everything you need to know about Palace Women’s new home…
Ground guide: Palace Women at the VBS Community Stadium
Palace Women are targeting progression in the 2023/24 Barclays Women’s Championship at a new home this season: Sutton United’s VBS Community Stadium.
Getting to the VBS Community Stadium
By Car
Postcode: SM1 2EY
There will be limited matchday parking available on site at the VBS Community Stadium which must be booked in advance for each fixture, and will not be available to reserve on the day.
Travel along the M25 to junction 8, then north on the A217 for about 15-20 minutes. Stay on the A217 to the traffic lights with the Cheam Road (A232) and turn right toward Sutton.
If you have booked matchday parking, follow the A232 until you make a left turn into Gander Green Lane. Follow the road up past West Sutton train station, and follow the signs right into the ground.
If you have NOT booked parking, keep going until you reach the Sutton one-way system and turn left into St Nicholas Way and then left again into the Gibson Road municipal car-park. It is then a relatively short walk down Collingwood Road.
It takes no more than 15 minutes to walk from Gibson Road to the Stadium. Supporters should still aim to walk via Gander Green Lane, as all supporters will be admitted via Entrance A on the west side of the Stadium.
How do I book parking?
Matchday parking can be booked via the Crystal Palace ticketing website.
By Rail
It is recommended that supporters use Sutton station, which is on the main lines out of Victoria and London Bridge, and is at the top end of Sutton High Street, about 20 minutes’ walk from the ground.
Alternatively, West Sutton railway station is adjacent to the ground. It is served by Thameslink trains via Wimbledon or Sutton. Come out of West Sutton station and turn right into Gander Green Lane and the ground is about 100 yards further along.
Supporters are, as ever, advised to check their route before travelling.
By Bus
Two buses between Morden and Sutton stations run conveniently close to the stadium: route 413 bus goes down Gander Green Lane, which leads to Entrance A on the west side of the Stadium.
Bus number 80 runs along Collingwood Road. Supporters can then reach entrance A by following the path through Collingwood Rec and circling around up Gander Green Lane.
Supporters are, as ever, advised to check their route before travelling.
By Bike
We happily encourage supporters to cycle to the stadium where possible. Parking is available via Gander Green Lane, opposite the ground's VIP entrance – stewards will be able to guide you on the day.
What other parking is nearby?
If you are unable to reserve parking at the ground, the nearest available parking is the Gibson Road multi-storey car-park.
It takes no more than 15 minutes to walk from Gibson Road to the Stadium. Supporters should still aim to walk via Gander Green Lane, as all supporters will be admitted via Entrance A on the west side of the Stadium.
There is also street parking available on the surrounding residential roads, but please be respectful of our neighbours.
Ticketing/Seating
How do I buy a match ticket or Season Ticket?
Palace Women’s tickets can be bought for future home fixtures – or in bulk as Season Tickets – by visiting the Palace Tickets website.
A variety of prices are available for all fixtures, with advance booking encouraged. Fans should note that, for home fixtures, prices will increase when purchased on the gate.
What does a Season Ticket include?
A 23/24 Women’s Season Ticket covers all home Women’s Championship games, regardless of stadium – meaning any matches at Selhurst Park are also included.
Home matches in the Continental League Cup group stages – with Palace’s opponents revealed last week – are also included.
Supporters should note that League Cup knockout matches and FA Cup ties are not covered by 23/24 Season Tickets.
Can I reserve a seat?
All Palace Women’s tickets (including Season Tickets) allow general admission only.
Seating is first-come-first-served (with the exception of accessible seating – please see below), and supporters are encouraged to arrive early to take their pick of the seats.
On Palace Women’s matchdays, we anticipate that up to 700 seats will be available in the Main Stand.
Should seating fill up on the day, supporters are welcome to stand to watch the match.
Can I reserve an accessible seat?
Please contact our dedicated Disability Liaison Officer, Rhianna Odartey, on 0208 768 6080 or email dlo@cpfc.co.uk, as far in advance of the match as possible.
There are accessible toilets at both ends of the ground, and in the Main Stand.
Can I reserve a space for a wheelchair?
Yes. We have space for 11 wheelchairs plus 11 carers, which can be reserved by contacting our dedicated Disability Liaison Officer, Rhianna Odartey, on 0208 768 6080 or email dlo@cpfc.co.uk, as far in advance of the match as possible.
Where do supporters enter?
All supporters – both home and away – will be admitted via Entrance A on the west side of the Stadium, just off Gander Green Lane.
Are seats segregated between home and away fans?
No. Palace encourage a convivial atmosphere between sets of supporters, as we come together to celebrate the game we all love.
Are there any discounts for Members or Season Ticket Holders?
For most home fixtures, Season Ticket holders and Members can grab tickets for just £5 in advance – but supporters should check for this deal on an individual match basis.
Are there any discounts for Under-16s?
For most home fixtures, Under-16s pay just £2 for admission – but supporters should check for this deal on an individual match basis.
Are there any discounts for Families?
For most home fixtures, a family of four (two adults and two children) can take advantage of a group offer and buy their tickets for only £25, regardless of Membership status – but supporters should check for this deal on an individual match basis.
Other questions
Are there any restrictions on bags?
No bags larger than an average-sized rucksack will be admitted.
Will bag checks be in operation?
Spectators may be asked to be searched as a condition of entry; refusal may lead to them being refused entry.
When does the Stadium open?
The Stadium will open approximately an hour before the allotted kick-off time.
Is ID required for match days?
It is always best to bring a form of ID with you, as you may be asked to validate the ticket type you have purchased (Adult, Season Ticket Holder/Member, Under-16 etc.).
Will food be available?
Yes. At least two catering outlets will be available at each match, serving a variety of food, drinks and refreshments.
Are there bars available?
Yes – bars are available inside the Main Stand. However, supporters are forbidden by law from consuming alcohol except within these concourses.
The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985 prevents the consumption of alcohol within view of the playing area.
What can families do at the game?
Details of specific matchday activities will be revealed in advance of each match individual – but Palace Women intend to provide a fantastic day out for the whole family at every game, with activities including face-painting, outdoor games and entertainment planned.
How do I apply for press accreditation?
If you need to make an enquiry to our media team, please use this email address.
What is the maximum capacity of the VBS Community Stadium?
The VBS Community Stadium has a maximum capacity of just over 5,000 supporters.
On Palace Women’s matchdays, we anticipate that up to 700 seats will be available to supporters, with these available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Where are the toilets located?
The Stadium has accessible toilets at both ends of the ground and in the Main Stand.