FAQs

If you grew up calling it the Reebok, you're not alone, and you're not wrong. Sponsorship deals come and go. Reebok, Macron, the University, Toughsheet, but the building itself has been here since 1997, and to most fans of a certain age, it will always be the Reebok. The official name is the Toughsheet Community Stadium until at least 2028, when the current five-year deal expires.

A few fans will have heard "Middlebrook" as a reference point, but that’s the retail park the stadium sits next to. Most of us just say "the Reebok" and trust that everyone knows what we mean.

This guide is a living thing. If you've spotted something out of date, know a great pub we've missed, or have a tip for visiting fans, send it to thefanzonepod@gmail.com, and we'll add it in.

By the fans, for the fans.

1

Where to park

Most fans park on Middlebrook (the retail park) opposite the ground. The car park is free of charge and plenty big enough for all of us, but don’t be surprised when it takes you an hour to get out (no, seriously). Alternative parking is available at the club’s official car park, but this is charged for.

Where To Eat

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Middlebrook offers a range of places to grab something to eat, whether you’re after a sit-down meal or a quick bite. You can choose from McDonald’s, KFC, Chopstix, Nam Ploy, Greggs, Subway, Wagamamas, Popeyes, WingStop, Nandos, and loads more. You can also enjoy pasties, pies, hot dogs, burgers, and the other usual suspects on the concourse.

Where To Drink

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The designated pub for away fans is The Beehive, 991 Chorley New Rd, Horwich, Bolton BL6 4BA, which is just a 15-minute walk from the Toughsheet Community Stadium. You can, of course, enjoy a pint on the concourse, and some spots on Middlebrook will take away fans, but your best bet is The Beehive.

Getting to The Toughsheet Stadium

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Exterior of a large sports stadium with the words "WE HOPE BOLTON" displayed on windows, a sign for Toughsheet Community Stadium, and a logo for Bolton Wanderers Football Club. There is a large white sphere sculpture and a grass area in the foreground.

The Nat Lofthouse Stand (East Stand)

The stand opposite the players' tunnel is named after the club's greatest ever player, Nat Lofthouse, the Lion of Vienna. Scorer of 255 goals in 503 appearances for Bolton between 1946 and 1960, and a one-club man for life. His statue, a 2.7-metre bronze by sculptor Sean Hedges-Quinn, stands proudly outside the stadium.

The Bolton Kia (West) Stand

The main stand, housing the dressing rooms, players' tunnel, dugouts, press box and hospitality. Bolton Kia first sponsored the stand in 2017 and extended their partnership in February 2024. The Fanzone, capacity around 1,000, sits outside this stand near the Lofthouse statue but is for home fans only.

The Carrs Pasties (North) Stand

Opposite the away end, home to the family section. Sponsored by local Bolton bakery Carrs Pasties since 2017, with the deal recently extended to 2026/27. Yes, the stand at one of the country's better-known stadiums is named after a pasty shop, and yes, that is one of the most Bolton things imaginable.

The Franking Sense (South) Stand

Behind the opposite goal. The traditional away end, with a typical ticket allocation of 3,000 expandable to 5,000 for bigger fixtures, one of the most generous in League One.

Seating chart for a football stadium showing sections labeled South, North, East, and West, with numbered and lettered zones in red and blue around a central green field marked 'Football Tripper - Football and Travel'.

From the North — M6 to Junction 30, onto the M61 toward Manchester/Bolton, leaving at Junction 6. Take the first exit onto the A6027 (De Havilland Way), then left at the next roundabout onto Burnden Way. The stadium is signposted from the motorway exit.

From the South — M6 to Junction 21a, M62 toward Manchester, M60 at Junction 12 toward Preston, then M61 northbound. Leave M61 at Junction 6 and follow the route above. Do not take the A666 toward Bolton.

The stadium is roughly 4 miles west of Bolton town centre and 15 miles northwest of Manchester. Allow extra time on matchdays, the Middlebrook Retail Park complex around the ground produces serious traffic before and after kick-off.

By train

Horwich Parkway is the closest station, just 200 metres from the away turnstiles, you can see the stadium from the platform. The line runs between Manchester Airport, Bolton, Preston and Blackpool North. Trains run roughly every 30 minutes from Manchester Piccadilly and Bolton, and on match days, the platform is rammed in both directions.

Important warning for away fans: return services from Horwich Parkway can thin out significantly after evening kick-offs. Check return times before you travel and have a contingency. Bolton station has more frequent late services and is a 10-minute taxi from the ground.

For long-distance travel, the easiest route is generally:

  • Manchester Piccadilly → Bolton (15–20 mins) → Horwich Parkway (10 mins)

  • Or direct Bolton/Manchester to Horwich Parkway, where available

Bolton has built one of the most thoughtfully accessible matchday experiences in the EFL, and it's worth knowing the full picture.

  • 75 wheelchair spaces across the stadium

  • 158 easy-access / amenity seats

  • Changing Places facility — located in the south-east corner opposite the Club Shop, with a hoist, changing bench, shower and accessible toilet, open both on matchdays and during the week

  • Quiet Room — next to the Changing Places facility, designed for fans who experience sensory overload

  • Wellbeing Hub — next to the Ticket Office, a permanent space staffed by Bolton Wanderers in the Community

  • Accessible toilets across all stands

  • Lifts to upper tiers for fans with Lift Passes

  • Audio commentary for visually impaired supporters via headsets, bookable in advance through Daniel Scott (Disability Liaison Officer) on 01204 673652 or dscott@bwfc.co.uk

  • UK Healthcare Suite — premium accessible viewing area on Level 2, between the North and East stands, watching from behind glass out of the elements

  • Accessible blue-badge parking in Car Park A

For specific needs not covered above, contact the Disability Liaison Officer directly.

Hotels nearby:

  • The De Vere Whites Hotel — built into the stadium itself, some pitch-view rooms

  • The Bridge Hotel — 121 Church Street, Horwich, BL6 7BR

  • Premier Inn Bolton — close to the ground, easy walking distance

  • Holiday Inn Bolton Centre — closer to the town, 15 minutes from the ground

Worth a detour in Bolton itself:

  • The Man and Scythe — one of the oldest pubs in Britain, serving since 1251

  • Bolton Steam Museum — fascinating industrial heritage

  • Smithills Hall — a manor house dating from 1335

  • The West Pennine Moors — striking countryside on the doorstep