Cherry Red Records Stadium

🏟️ Brief Description

Cherry Red Records Stadium, also widely known as Plough Lane, is the modern home of AFC Wimbledon and one of the most emotionally significant football stadiums in London. Located in Wimbledon, South West London, the stadium has a capacity of around 9,300 and represents a rare modern success story rooted in supporter ownership and community values.

Primarily hosting league and cup football, the stadium also stages women’s football, youth fixtures, and community events. Unlike many newer grounds, Cherry Red Records Stadium was built specifically to return AFC Wimbledon to their spiritual home borough, restoring a connection that had been lost for nearly three decades.

📝 History of Cherry Red Records Stadium

The story of Cherry Red Records Stadium is inseparable from the history of AFC Wimbledon itself. After Wimbledon FC relocated to Milton Keynes in 2003, supporters formed AFC Wimbledon and began their journey from non-league football with the long-term goal of returning to Plough Lane.

Construction of the new stadium began in 2018, on land close to the site of the original Plough Lane ground. The stadium officially opened in 2020, marking an extraordinary milestone in fan-led football. It became one of the very few modern stadiums in England owned by a club whose supporters hold majority control.

Named after the independent record label Cherry Red Records through a sponsorship agreement, the stadium blends modern facilities with a deliberately compact, traditional feel. For AFC Wimbledon fans, the ground symbolises identity, resilience, and community — far beyond just matchdays.

🚇 How to Get to Cherry Red Records Stadium

Address: Plough Ln, London SW17 0NR

Train:

• Haydons Road (Thameslink) – 5 min walk
• Wimbledon Station (National Rail, District Line, Tramlink) – 20 min walk

Tube:

• Tooting Broadway (Northern Line) – approx. 20 min walk or short bus ride

Bus:
Routes 44, 77, 156, 270, 355 stop nearby

Car:
No public parking at the stadium; strict controlled parking zones operate locally

🚇 Travel Tip: Haydons Road station is by far the fastest option on matchdays, but trains can be busy immediately after full-time — waiting a few minutes often helps.

📌 Insider Tips / FAQs

Bag Policy:
Small bags only. Large backpacks, suitcases, and oversized items are prohibited. Bag searches are mandatory.

Best Seats:

• South Stand: Home supporters’ end and loudest atmosphere
• West Stand: Central views and media-facing seating
• East Stand: Family-friendly and good pitch proximity

Food & Drink:
Inside: Modern concourse catering with local food options
Outside: Popular pubs include The Leather Bottle, By the Horns Brewery, and venues around Wimbledon town centre

Atmosphere:
Intimate, vocal, and emotionally charged — particularly strong for local derbies and promotion battles.

Accessibility:
Step-free access available, with accessible seating, toilets, and assistance services across the stadium.

📊 Stadium Records & Facts

• Opened: 2020
• Capacity: ~9,300
• Primary Tenant: AFC Wimbledon
• Ownership: Club majority-owned by supporters
• Major Events Hosted:
  • League One & League Two football
  • FA Cup and EFL Cup fixtures
  • Women’s and youth internationals
• Historic Significance: First purpose-built stadium returning a fan-owned club to its original borough
• Nickname: Often referred to simply as “Plough Lane”