"The Dripping Pan 20/2/2016"

Lewes FC have played at the Dripping Pan since 1885 apart from 2 seasons prior to the First World War. A lot of modernisation has taken place in the last ten years, essentially to bring the ground up to Conference Standard.
The ground is quite unique in non-league terms as the pitch is sunken below street level, the main turnstiles being at the top of the Philcox Terrace. The path to the Rookery Stand is at the base of the Philcox, so people wishing to sit in the former stand have to walk down to the front and along to take up their seats. Opposite the Rookery Stand (the Main Stand), along the other long touchline is a long grass bank. Spectators may watch the action from a pathway along the top but are not allowed on the bank itself. This gives them an elevated view of the matches as the bank is about 30 feet high. At the far end of the ground is the small Ham End Terrace which was used for away support in Conference days.
Due to the 'bowl' effect of the ground there can be quite a good atmosphere at 'the Pan'. Overall, it is one of the best non-league grounds to watch a football match at.

Location

The ground lays on Mountfield Road in the south of the town centre, just a matter of 100 yards from Lewes Station. There is a small pay and display car park adjacent to the club and the local college also provides parking. There is another pay and display car park (free on saturdays) in Cockshut Road, which is a 5 minute walk through the grounds of the ruined Priory

View

The Rookery Stand contains 600 seats which are reasonably spaced and comfortable - unfortunately, the floodlight pylons pitchside do obscure the view slightly. The Philcox Terrace is about 20 steps high and give a great view behind one goal. The grass bank give a good elevated view - if it isn't raining ! On the corner of the Philcox and the bank there are three traditional Sussex beach huts which can be hired much the same way as an executive box

Facilities

Several toilets are located at the clubhouse end of the ground. The Rookery Stand contains spaces on the walkway at the rear for disabled fans.
A well stocked and popular club shop can be found at the top of the Philcox, just to the left of the turnstiles

Food & Drink

Food / drink can be purchased at various outlets at the clubhouse end - normal non-league fayre and prices

Police & Stewards

Lewes get reasonably sized crowds for non-league (445 on my visit for a league game against Grays) so there are a few stewards around, but they go about their job in an unobtrusive manner

Atmosphere

Most Ryman grounds lack atmosphere - the crowds simply aren't big enough. Whilst there wasn't much in the way of singing at the Dripping Pan, there was certain quite a lot of crowd noise. I would put it aongside the likes of Longmead for atmosphere

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