Selhurst Park

Selhurst Park is the passionate home of Crystal Palace FC, renowned throughout English football for its electric atmosphere and the famous Holmesdale Fanatics ultras group. With a capacity of 25,486, this south London stadium has been the Eagles' home since 1924 and is considered one of the most intimidating venues for visiting teams in the Premier League. The roar from the Holmesdale Road End, combined with flags, banners, and coordinated displays, creates matchday experiences that rival Europe's best supporter cultures.

Located in the Selhurst area of south London, the stadium sits in a residential neighbourhood that comes alive in red and blue on matchdays. Whilst plans for a major Main Stand redevelopment will transform the stadium's capacity and facilities, Selhurst Park's current character - intimate, loud, and uncompromising - makes it a unique Premier League experience. Whether witnessing a south London derby or simply experiencing the famous atmosphere, Selhurst Park offers something different from the more corporate environments of Emirates Stadium or Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Selhurst Park opened in 1924 when Crystal Palace moved from the Crystal Palace athletics ground. The stadium was designed with a Main Stand by the legendary Archibald Leitch, whose work graced many of Britain's finest football grounds. For a century, the stadium has been the heart of Palace's south London identity.

The Holmesdale Legend

The Holmesdale Road End became famous as one of English football's most atmospheric stands. In the 2000s, the formation of the Holmesdale Fanatics transformed Palace's support, introducing ultras-style elements including coordinated displays, flags, banners, and non-stop singing. This grassroots movement created one of the Premier League's most distinctive atmospheres, regularly praised by visiting fans and managers.

Premier League Establishment

Under Steve Parish's co-ownership from 2010, Palace stabilised after near-extinction and established themselves as a Premier League club. Managers including Ian Holloway, Tony Pulis, Alan Pardew, Roy Hodgson, Patrick Vieira, and Oliver Glasner have all experienced Selhurst's unique matchday atmosphere. The stadium's intimidating environment has contributed to memorable home victories against top clubs.

Future Development

Ambitious plans for a new Main Stand will transform Selhurst Park, potentially increasing capacity to over 34,000 whilst adding modern facilities. The development, designed to preserve the famous atmosphere, represents the biggest investment in the stadium's history. Until completion, Selhurst Park remains a throwback to a more traditional era of English football.

How to Get Crystal Palace Tickets

There are three main ways to attend a Crystal Palace match at Selhurst Park:

1. Official Club Tickets (Best Value)

Purchase directly from cpfc.co.uk. Tickets go on sale to members first, with general sale approximately 2-3 weeks before matches. Prices range from £35 (upper corners) to £70 (Main Stand central). Membership provides priority access.

⚠️ Note: The limited capacity means tickets can be difficult for popular matches. Membership recommended for regular attendance.

2. Official Hospitality (Guaranteed Access)

Palace offer hospitality packages guaranteeing tickets:

• Eagles Lounge - Matchday dining from £150+
• Executive Boxes - Private suite experience for groups
• Premium packages - Various dining options

Book through cpfc.co.uk/hospitality.

3. Third-Party Platforms (Sold-Out Matches)

When official tickets sell out, established platforms offer alternatives:

• LiveFootballTickets - Premier League specialists
• SeatPick - Comparison platform

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Stadium Tours

Selhurst Park offers behind-the-scenes stadium tours.

What You'll See

• Home and away dressing rooms where Premier League players prepare
• Tunnel area walking out to the famous Selhurst atmosphere
• Pitch-side access standing on the touchline
• Press conference room where managers face the media
• The Holmesdale Road Stand experiencing the famous terrace
• Club history and trophy displays

Practical Details

• Duration: Approximately 60-75 minutes
• Schedule: Tours run on non-matchday dates throughout the season
• Price: Adults from £12, concessions available
• Accessibility: Tours have limited accessibility due to stadium age

Booking

• GetYourGuide - Stadium tours
• Viator - Tour experiences

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Quick Tips

• Book early: Limited capacity means tickets go fast
• Holmesdale: Get there early to experience the pre-match displays
• Arrive early: Compact concourses mean arriving late is frustrating
• Transport: Selhurst station is closest (5 min walk)

Best Seats at Selhurst Park

Selhurst Park offers an intimate, intense matchday experience. Here's the comprehensive guide to seating options.

Holmesdale Road Stand (South Stand)

The legendary home of Crystal Palace's most passionate supporters and the Holmesdale Fanatics. This two-tier stand creates the majority of Selhurst's famous atmosphere with flags, banners, and non-stop singing. Lower Tier puts you closest to the action and the heart of the atmosphere (£40-55). Upper Tier provides elevated views whilst still being part of the famous wall of noise (£35-50). Prices typically £35-55 for Premier League games. Essential for experiencing the true Palace atmosphere. Standing throughout is common despite being all-seater.

Main Stand (West Side)

The oldest stand, scheduled for redevelopment. Currently offers traditional matchday experience with limited facilities. Central sections provide good views (£50-70). Houses directors' box and limited hospitality. Character-filled but dated compared to modern stadiums.

Arthur Wait Stand (East Side)

Opposite the Main Stand, this covered stand offers good touchline views. Central sections (£45-65) provide excellent sightlines. Family sections located here. Generally quieter atmosphere than the Holmesdale.

Whitehorse Lane End (North Stand)

Allocated primarily to away supporters, this stand faces the Holmesdale. Away fans experience the full force of Palace's atmosphere directed at them. Home sections may be available for lower-demand matches. Prices similar to other ends (£35-50).

VIP & Hospitality

Palace offer hospitality packages primarily in the Main Stand. Eagles Lounge provides matchday dining from £150+. Executive Boxes available for groups. Options are limited compared to newer stadiums but will expand with redevelopment.

Accessibility

Selhurst Park provides accessible facilities with wheelchair platforms in all stands. The ageing infrastructure means facilities are more basic than modern stadiums. Contact Palace's accessibility team when booking for current arrangements.

Pro Tips

• Best atmosphere: Holmesdale Road Stand Lower Tier - unmissable for atmosphere
• Best views: Arthur Wait Stand central sections
• Family area: Arthur Wait Stand designated family sections
• Away fans: Whitehorse Lane End
• Note: Selhurst is compact - arrive early as concourses get crowded

A matchday at Selhurst Park is one of English football's most intense experiences - loud, passionate, and uncompromising in its support.

What to Bring

⚠️ Important: Crystal Palace operates standard Premier League security. Bags larger than A4 size (21cm x 30cm) are subject to restrictions. Prohibited items include large backpacks, umbrellas, professional cameras, selfie sticks, and alcohol. Recommended items: match ticket (mobile preferred), phone, wallet, layers for all weather. Arrive 60-90 minutes before kickoff - Selhurst has limited concourse space.

Pre-Match (2-3 hours before)

The area around Selhurst Park offers traditional matchday atmosphere. The Cherry Trees on Whitehorse Lane is the main home pub. The Pawsons Arms and The Railway Telegraph are also popular. Thornton Heath high street offers food options. The streets fill with Palace fans as kickoff approaches. Less corporate than central London venues - this is authentic south London.

Inside the Stadium

Gates open 2 hours before kickoff but the Holmesdale fills early for displays. The pre-match atmosphere builds steadily, with flags unfurled and chants beginning well before teams emerge. 'Glad All Over' by the Dave Clark Five is the signature anthem. The wall of noise from the Holmesdale is genuinely intimidating for opposition. South London derbies create particularly ferocious atmospheres.

Food & Drink

Concessions offer basic matchday fare - pies, burgers, hot dogs. Expect £4-6 for food and £5-6 for drinks. Facilities are older and concourses cramped - many fans eat before arriving. Quality is standard but space is limited at half-time.

After the Match

Post-match, fans fill local pubs or head to Selhurst/Thornton Heath stations. Cherry Trees remains busy. Transport can be crowded - consider waiting for the initial rush to clear. Crystal Palace (the area) has more options if you're willing to walk.

International Visitor Tips: Selhurst Park is served by Selhurst and Thornton Heath railway stations (both 5 minutes walk) with trains from London Victoria (25 minutes) and London Bridge. Norwood Junction is also close. The area is residential south London - different from touristy central areas but offers authentic football experience.

Where to Stay for Selhurst Park

Near the Stadium

Search hotels near Selhurst Park

The Selhurst area is residential with limited hotel options. Most visitors stay in central London or Croydon.

Croydon Park Hotel (Croydon, 3 km)

Largest hotel near Selhurst with conference facilities. Good transport links to the stadium via East Croydon. Modern rooms and facilities.

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Premier Inn Croydon South (3 km)

Reliable chain hotel with good value. Easy access to Selhurst via train from East Croydon.

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Croydon Area

Search hotels in Croydon

Croydon offers more hotel options with good transport links to Selhurst Park.

Aerodrome Hotel (Croydon)

Historic hotel near Croydon Airport with character. Comfortable rooms, restaurant, and easy access to Selhurst.

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Central London (Recommended for Tourists)

Search hotels in Central London

Central London offers the best hotel choice with trains to Selhurst taking 25 minutes from Victoria.

The Zetter Clerkenwell or similar boutique hotels allow you to combine Palace with London sightseeing. Trains from Victoria or London Bridge reach Selhurst quickly.

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Our Recommendation

For tourists, stay in central London (Victoria or London Bridge areas) and take the train to Selhurst - it's quick and convenient. For those wanting proximity, Croydon offers more hotel options with short train journeys to the stadium.

The Selhurst area itself is residential with few hotels, but transport links mean you can stay almost anywhere in London and reach the ground easily.