Balmoral Stadium is on Wellington Circle in the Altens industrial estate, on the southern edge of Aberdeen, and it is the home of Cove Rangers. Visiting supporters will find a compact ground, opened in July 2018 after the club left Allan Park, and also used by Aberdeen Women. Capacity is 2,602, with about 410 seats. The pitch is a UEFA-certified 4G surface measuring 105 by 68 yards, so the ball runs true and rain rarely postpones a match.
Most League One games are not segregated. When they are, away fans are placed in the East End, on half of the North Side, and in some Main Stand seats. The East End is open hard standing behind the right-hand goal on the diagram. Cover there is limited to a small North Side terrace, so bring a waterproof from October. Apart from any Main Stand seats, the rest of the visitors’ area is uncovered. The welcome is usually straightforward, and the home support is not large enough for the ground to feel hostile.
The Main Stand, on the south side, is the only substantial building. It straddles the halfway line for about a quarter of the pitch and holds roughly 324 seats in four blocks, under a high roof. Dressing rooms, offices and a hospitality suite sit behind a glazed front. The dugouts are on this touchline. Flat standing runs either side of the stand. Opposite, three small covers are spaced along the north side: a central block of about 86 seats, and a short terrace over each half. The rest of that side is open standing. The West End, behind the left-hand goal, is the home terrace. Four floodlight pylons run down each flank.
Aberdeen station is about three miles away and mostly uphill, so take the First Aberdeen number 3 towards Cove. Alight at the roundabout by the Shell garage and Burger King, then walk through the retail park into the industrial estate. The ground is at the end of the road. Buses run about every fifteen minutes by day. Drivers from the south leave the A92 for the A956 towards Altens and take the first exit at that roundabout. From the north, cross the Dee on the A92 and join the A956 via the B9077. There is a small car park, plus street parking on the estate. The address is Wellington Circle, Aberdeen, AB12 3JG.
Spudz R Us runs the refreshment kiosk at the away end, reached through the Main Stand. A small fan-zone bar welcomes visiting supporters. For a pint beforehand, the Wellington Hotel on Wellington Road is about a ten-minute walk, and the Landykes in Cove is a little under a mile east. There are few other pubs on the estate itself.
Tickets are on the Cove Rangers website or by calling 01224 392111. Adults pay £15 on the terraces and £17 in the stand, concessions £9 and £10, and ages 12 to 17 pay £6 and £7. Under-12s must be with an adult. The programme costs £2 online. Wheelchair spaces are limited, and a helper is admitted; email the disability access officer if you need a visiting space. Follow the away signs to the East End and you will be behind the goal, with the Main Stand on your right as you face the pitch.