Away Day Guide: Shrewsbury Town
Colchester United head to Shropshire to take on Shrewsbury Town at the Croud Meadow on Saturday, looking to bounce back after Tuesday night's 3-1 defeat away to Peterborough United.
Kick-off is 3pm on Saturday 26th September. Here's everything you need to plan another bumper away day – including one important thing to know before you set off: Shrewsbury's ticket office operates on a cash-only basis on matchdays, so make sure you're carrying cash if you plan to buy tickets on the day.
The Details
- Fixture: Shrewsbury Town v Colchester United
- Date: Saturday 26th September 2026
- Kick-off: 3pm
- Venue: Croud Meadow, Oteley Road, Shrewsbury, SY2 6ST
Ticket Office Is Cash Only
Shrewsbury's ticket office runs on cash only on matchdays – this applies to any tickets bought or collected on the day. If you're relying on picking up tickets at the ground, make sure you've got cash on you. The rest of the stadium (parking, concourse catering) may accept cards – Meole Brace Park & Walk is a specific cash-only exception, as noted below.
Getting To Shrewsbury
By car: It's a long one – around 190 miles from Colchester, typically 3 hours 30 minutes or more depending on traffic. Situated on the south side of Shrewsbury, the Croud Meadow is just off the A5 and A49. If arriving from the East (Birmingham direction), you'll come into Shrewsbury on the A5 – follow the signs to the football ground. Sat-nav users should enter the postcode SY2 6ST.
By train: There's no direct route from Colchester, so expect at least a couple of changes – typically via London and Birmingham. Journeys generally take around 4-4.5 hours, so this is very much a full-day trip if you're travelling by rail. Shrewsbury railway station itself is about two miles from the stadium.
Getting To The Stadium
From the train station: On leaving Shrewsbury railway station, head to the town's bus station (around 300 yards away) to pick up the Express Bus Service or an Arriva-operated service out to the ground.
By bus: A dedicated matchday bus service runs from the town's bus station to the Croud Meadow. For a 3pm kick-off, buses depart at 1:15pm and 2:15pm. The return service leaves from behind the South Stand ten minutes after full-time.
By car – parking: Parking at the Croud Meadow itself is mainly by permit, though a limited number of match-day passes are available from the ticket office at the ground for £10 (available up until 12 noon on Saturdays) – subject to availability. Alternatively, Meole Brace Park & Walk (SY3 9NB) is around a 10-15 minute walk from the ground, with matchday parking at £5 per car – cash only.
At The Ground
Away supporters are housed in the SY Communications North Stand, which holds 1,796 seats.
Fan Zone: Gates to the Fan Zone open at 1pm for a 3pm kick-off, with live music and food and drink on offer. It's situated by the Community Football Hub and is open to both home and away fans – a good spot to soak up the atmosphere before heading in.
Flags: Flags up to 2m x 1m are allowed without prior permission, on poles no longer than 1.5m and made of lightweight material (plastic, not wood or metal). Larger flags need permission and fire-retardant certification submitted in advance.
Instruments: Drums and other musical instruments are not permitted in the away end.
Accessibility
- The stadium has a wheelchair-accessible away disabled supporters' balcony. Provision is limited, but Shrewsbury say they will always consider reasonable adjustments, including pitchside accommodation for wheelchairs.
- Dedicated disabled parking bays are available within the stadium car park for Blue Badge holders – these need to be applied for in advance via the ticket office (tickets@shrewsburytown.co.uk or 01743 273943).
- Supporters living with sight or hearing loss, or any other condition requiring support, are encouraged to get in touch before the game or speak to a steward on arrival.
- For independent reassurance ahead of travelling, Shrewsbury's Disability Supporter Liaison Officer, Rich Pulford, can be contacted at dslo@shrewsburytown.co.uk.
What's Nearby
Shrewsbury is a genuinely beautiful, historic town, and worth making time for if your schedule allows – though note the town centre is around a mile from the ground, more than a comfortable walk if you're leaving it late before kick-off.
Right by the stadium, Meole Brace Retail Parkhas a number of food and drink options including McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Costa Coffee and Starbucks. For something a bit stronger:
- The Wild Pig: a 10-15 minute walk from the ground, serving beers, ciders, spirits and hot meals.
- The Charles Darwin: also a 10-15 minute walk away, similarly well-equipped with food and a range of drinks.
If you've got the time before or after the game, Shrewsbury town centre itself, set on the banks of the River Severn with buildings dating back to the 16th century, is well worth the visit, with plenty of pubs, restaurants and independent shops to explore.
Food & Drink At The Ground
Catering inside the concourse includes a selection of Wright's Pies, Rollover hot dogs, crisps, chocolate, and hot and cold drinks including alcoholic beverages. Exact payment options can vary, so it's worth having some cash on you just in case, alongside a card.
There's also the half-time Golden Gamble draw – tickets cost £1, with 50% of takings going to the winner, available from authorised sellers before the game.