Tickets
These went off sale in advance on Thursday 21st but tickets will be on sale on the day via cash only. You can use turnstile numbers 13, 14, 15 and 16. There will be subject to a £3 increase so will be priced at:
Adults: £25
Over 60s: £18
Students: £17
U23s:£17
U17s: £13
U9s: £7
Turnstiles
Roots Hall has transformed a bit since our legendary visits 24 and 25 years ago, which included a quite magnificent Carl Leaburn goal.
We are behind the goal in what is admittedly the not so majestic ADSI North Stand, as it is essentially the needs must seats on a terrace. Leg room is not brilliant but normally they are quite lenient about standing, although in mitigation a significant proportion of the stand is below pitch level.
We enter at ground level before descending below it on the turnstiles on Fairfax Drive, at the opposite end to the A127 which provides the main access route, so it is a case of walking slightly away from the ground then circumnavigating it initially with the main entrance with the big car park to your right, then hanging a left.
Upon entrance there is a small recess but no concourse of note and the access to the stand is singular and quite narrow with steps so exercise a bit of care. The toilets are covered but small.
Food and Refreshments
Inside the ground is one of the most unique catering facilities in the EFL. Along the access route from the entrance to the stand is a somewhat dark and small area that hosts the only refreshment facility within the away end, serving pretty much what you would expect.
Within here you can find a couple of sets of tables and chairs more suited to a back garden, but it's well managed and pleasant, classic tea bar stuff. There are normally burger vans in the main car park, whilst the chippie just over the road from the main entrance is highly rated.
Roots Hall seems to have become a bit of a jinx for pubs within the vicinity as along with the previous demise of the Red Lion, The Blue Boar and its excellent Jukebox has now gone as well.
The Shrimpers Bar inside the East Stand does admit away fans, whilst The Railway by Prittlewell Station seems to change its mind quite regularly. The town centre is not too far away, with a nice Wetherspoons just beside Southend Victoria station.
Travel
Quite straightforward by car, the Post Code is SS2 6NZ. The simplest route is to leave the M25 at Junction 29 and hit the A127 (or indeed join it earlier) towards Southend and the ground is situated on this, being well signposted. There is a big car park which is total pot luck, otherwise it's street parking (though Bank Holiday restrictions may apply) or the town centre.
Public Transport. It is doable, albeit a challenge. There are express buses run by Ensign on route X10 from Lakeside Shopping Centre to Southend at 00 and 30 past the hour that take an hour and five minutes. These return from Southend Victoria at 24 and 54 past the hour. Cost is £7 return for adults, £4 juniors, with Concessionary Pass holders paying a fiver. Getting to Lakeside? The District Line is running, take this either to Elm Park and catch a 372 or Upminster and catch a 370 to Lakeside. Both operate Sunday services, details visit tfl.
A number of rail disruptions will be in place around London so plan your journey in advance and give yourself some extra time.