When the A46 road shuts down for three weeks starting just days before Good Friday, it’s not just commuters who’ll feel the pinch—it’s nearly 2,500 West Bromwich Albion fans trying to reach CBS Arena in Coventry for a pivotal Championship clash on April 18, 2025. Coventry City Football Club issued the warning on April 11, 2025, urging supporters to plan ahead, but many are questioning whether the club did enough to help them—not just with traffic, but with price.
Why This Closure Hits Hard
The A46 is the most direct route between West Bromwich and Coventry—a 28-mile stretch that normally takes under 40 minutes. For away fans, it’s the lifeline. Now, with the road closed until May 9, 2025, they’re being rerouted through the A452, A445, A423, and A45. That’s a 60- to 90-minute drive, depending on traffic. And it’s not just inconvenient—it’s exhausting. Many West Brom supporters travel by car, some in organized coach groups. Others are families making the trip for the first time. Now, they’re facing an extra hour on the road, with no clear signage or real-time updates from the club.
Coventry City’s statement, while technically accurate, offered little beyond a link to a map that hasn’t been publicly published. “Drivers are asked to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys,” the club said. But planning ahead requires information—and that’s what’s missing.
Ticket Prices Spark Outrage
Even before the road closure, the real flashpoint was the ticket pricing. West Brom fans were charged up to £45 for a seat at the CBS Arena, with Under-18s priced at £35. For a journey that’s barely longer than a commute from central London to Milton Keynes, fans are furious.
“It’s disgraceful,” said Dawne Astle, a West Brom supporter since 1992 who makes the trip every season. “We’re not flying across the country. We’re driving 28 miles. And now we’re paying nearly £50 just to watch a game, on top of fuel, parking, and an extra hour on the road? It feels like they’re punishing us for being loyal.”
The pricing stands in stark contrast to other Championship rivalries. In the 2024-2025 season, Birmingham City charged just £30 for away tickets against local rivals Aston Villa. Even Stoke City, who play in a larger stadium, capped away tickets at £35. Coventry’s decision—made without public consultation—has drawn criticism from the Football Supporters’ Association, which called it “a step backward for fan inclusivity.”
A Match With Stakes Beyond the Pitch
This isn’t just any game. Coventry City FC, managed by Frank Lampard, sits top of the Championship table with a seven-point lead over second-placed Middlesbrough. Their nine wins in ten matches—including a stunning 3-2 comeback victory over West Brom in March—have fans dreaming of promotion after decades in the shadows.
That match, at the CBS Arena, saw Josh Eccles, Ellis Simms, and Victor Torp score after West Brom’s Jayson Molumby was sent off. The result was a turning point. Now, with the reverse fixture looming, West Brom, under Carlos Corberán, are desperate to claw back momentum.
History isn’t on Coventry’s side here. In the past 17 meetings, they’ve won just four. The last time they beat West Brom at home? April 2025—2-0, with Jack Rudoni and Matt Grimes on target. But that was before the A46 closure, before the ticket backlash. Now, the pressure is on.
What’s Next for Fans and the Club
Coventry City has not announced any special transport arrangements—no discounted parking, no shuttle buses, no reduced ticket pricing for the affected fixture. Local councils have offered to help with signage, but the club has declined additional funding for public transport coordination, citing “operational independence.”
For fans, the options are grim: drive longer routes, pay for train tickets from Birmingham to Coventry (which require multiple changes and cost up to £32 one-way), or stay home. Many are choosing the last.
“I’ve supported West Brom for 35 years,” said David Kavanagh, a 58-year-old mechanic from West Bromwich. “I’ve been to Wembley, I’ve traveled to Cardiff, to Sheffield. But this? This feels like the club doesn’t want us here. And that’s worse than any road closure.”
Broader Impact: More Than Just a Football Match
The A46 closure isn’t just about football. It’s a disruption to the entire West Midlands region. Commuters, delivery drivers, and emergency services are all affected. Local businesses near the CBS Arena—pubs, cafes, parking lots—rely on matchday traffic. The club’s failure to coordinate with city planners has left them scrambling.
And the timing? Perfectly awful. The closure began April 8, 2025—just three days before the club’s warning. Fans had less than a week to adjust. For a club that prides itself on community, it’s a misstep.
Coventry City says it’s “focused on delivering a safe, enjoyable matchday experience.” But safety and enjoyment require more than a map link. They require empathy. And right now, fans aren’t feeling either.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the A46 closure affecting travel to the CBS Arena on matchday?
The A46 closure forces drivers from West Bromwich to take detours via the A452, A445, A423, and A45, adding 20–50 minutes to what’s normally a 40-minute journey. Public transport options are limited, with no direct shuttle services from Birmingham to Coventry for the match. Train travel requires a change at Coventry station, then a 15-minute bus ride to the stadium—making it impractical for many families.
Why are West Brom fans upset about ticket prices?
West Brom supporters are paying up to £45 for tickets—significantly higher than rival clubs charge for similar distances. For a 28-mile trip, many see this as exploitative, especially since Coventry City has only beaten West Brom in four of their last 17 meetings. The Football Supporters’ Association has called the pricing “out of step with Championship norms,” noting that Birmingham City charges £30 for away fans to Aston Villa.
What’s the historical context of this fixture?
Coventry City won the last meeting 2-0 at home in April 2025, with goals from Jack Rudoni and Matt Grimes. But over the past 17 encounters, Coventry has won just four. West Brom have won six, and seven have ended in draws. The current season’s 3-2 comeback win by Coventry—after being 2-0 down—was a major psychological turning point, making this fixture even more charged.
Is Coventry City offering any support for affected fans?
No. Coventry City Football Club has not provided shuttle services, discounted parking, or reduced ticket pricing for this fixture. While local councils have offered to improve signage, the club has declined additional funding for transport coordination, stating it’s an “operational matter.” Fans have responded by organizing informal carpooling networks through social media groups.
What does this mean for Coventry’s promotion chances?
With a seven-point lead over Middlesbrough, Coventry are clear favorites for promotion. But a loss to West Brom on April 18 could open the door for rivals like Sheffield United and Middlesbrough. More importantly, fan discontent—over tickets and travel—could hurt matchday revenue and atmosphere. A subdued crowd could impact performance, especially in high-stakes games later in the season.
When will the A46 reopen, and what’s the long-term impact?
The A46 is scheduled to reopen on May 9, 2025. But the damage to fan trust may last longer. This incident has exposed a disconnect between Coventry City’s commercial ambitions and its community obligations. With more roadworks planned across the West Midlands in 2026, fans are demanding a formal transport policy for future away fixtures—before it’s too late.
