In October 2015 a new railway station serving Oxford was opened. Never got to see any of the facilities this time due to arriving late, but my recollection from previous visits is that they are nothing special but equally not as bad as in some older grounds. There is a special type of pitch, one of the first to have artificial grass woven into the live turf. At least having three sides makes it easier to ensure your car is still in the car park, however I did count five balls hitting windscreens during the coerce of the warm-up and the game, so it did make me wonder how many cars get damaged during the season. Don't park in the car parks next to the ground. Responsibly, Book A Trip To Watch Bayern Munich Play Schalke 04 In The Bundesliga, Click here for details and online booking, Map showing the location of the Kassam Stadium and listed pubs. FANS PARKING TIPArrive as early as possible to get a parking space there is only one road into the site, so the queues can become lengthy as kick-off approaches. It stocks the matchday programme plus a wide range of replica kit, leisure wear, scarves, hats and gifts. This was okay but the bar staff were swamped by 1.30pm and people were queuing for thirty minutes to get a drink. I was lucky in that I had a seat with a very good view of the ground in one of the lower rows. On arrival at the Kassam the coach was directed to park up in the large car park behind the open end. By this time there was a lot of traffic and a queue to get into the car park. From the South or London-use Thornhill Park and Ride, take the bus to St. Clements and walk to the sports complex (10 mins). Coming back after the game, it still took more than half an hour. The stadium can be found in between the Oxford Science Park & Blackbird Leys Estate. Oxford moved into Manor Ground where theyd remain for 88 years; only once did it go through a major development and expansion. I got the impression that they aren't so friendly if local rivals, Swindon are visiting. I would drive to the game next time, although from the bus you can see what a lovely city Oxford is. It was an easy drive. There is also the option of renting a private driveway near the Kassam Stadium via YourParkingSpace.co.uk. However due to my injury I went, with my normal companion, on the supporters trust coach. From the A423 Ring Road, take the A4074 towards Reading. We went a bit sloppy after that but won 4-2 in the end. The away concourse has an accessible toilet (stewards have RADAR keys), and low level counters serving hot and cold food and drink. There is no permanent tour running of Kassam Stadium, but Oxford United do run occasional tours of the grounds most exciting areas, such as the dressing rooms and trophy cabinet, on certain occasions. Oxford Sports Park will replace the current football pitches in Horspath Road, which are owned by BMWs MINI Plant Oxford and were previously run by the Rover Sports and Social Club. Youd be forgiven for thinking there are no developments planned at the Kassam Stadium; the last update, which saw the addition of 735 seats in the form of a small fourth stand took years to come to fruition. One was due to a slip by the goalkeeper, which as a neutral is always amusing. Storm Dennis coming so soon after the backlash Of Storm Ciara, made the journey south, a tad blustery. The Holiday Inn Express has a bar, a business centre, a meeting room and a free buffet breakfast on offer. The Kassam Stadium is three quarters of quite an impressive ground. There is no West Stand at the ground, with a car park standing in its place at the time of writing. Lloyd Jones then got sent off for a second yellow and to rub salt into the Swindon wounds. Not exactly first impressions as I've been to the Kassam around six times so high time I did a review! Oxford University Sports main complex is located off Iffley Road, South East of Oxford city centre at the following address: -, (OX4 1SR for driving to Jackdaw Lane entrance). Oxford Sports Park will provide the following facilities for the wider community: Oxford United FC, which has a 25-year lease to operate the facility, will host club pitch hire, competitions, leagues, childrens sports parties and events at Oxford Sports Park. Inside the stadiumAway fans are seated in the North Stand along the side of the pitch. A good battling result for the travelling Green army and the Oxford fans I spoke to on the day were friendly and welcoming. Oxford looked flat and we looked full of energy. The Kassam Stadium should be used as a lesson for all stadium planners as how NOT to do it. Oxford took a 6th minute lead, when Hendry drove in from the right past a couple of non-tackles from Southend players and fired in a good shot from the edge of the box. after senior councillors agreed the Mini plant could expand. The home fans didn't sing much until the last quarter of the game. As a Torquay United fan of far too many years and living in Berkshire this is a relatively easy trip. Spencer Matthews looks for brother's body on Everest, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61, Doctors want up to 262 an hour to cover strike, Johnson faces 'punishment' and his 'stitch-up', Sacred coronation oil will be animal-cruelty free. Before the game: After parking I walked towards the stadium to ask a steward about bars/gathering spots. We were going to drive and make a day of it with our wives. Parking was free and plenty of spaces behind the open end at ground i.e. A 10 minute walk to the stadium. On arrival there was a bizarre lack of direction for the coach driver, although he did make a bit of a drama out of the whole episode, especially as we ended up parking right by the away turnstiles. Oxford United Youth plus various OSL sides. 2001 Undersoil Heating: The Holiday Inn Express might not seem like the natural place to go for a pre-match pint, but if youre after somewhere to have a drink near to the ground then this is about the best youre going to find. A good day out despite the result. Oxford has much to offer. Thanks! We started brightly which was expected and we took the lead in the 40th minute and then doubled it four minutes later meaning it was 2-0 at half time. No problems at all back on the M40 within 20 minutes. In an idea world, the club would have kept the Oxford stadium as the Manor Ground but it wasnt in a state to easily bring up to modern spec. Councillor Linda Smith said creating a long-term training base for Oxford United at the sports park had been an "integral part of the development of the site". There were only just over 5,000 at the game and although it was slow going on the main road past the ground, once we were moving we were soon back on the M40 and got home in an hour and 10 minutes so cant complain at that. At the Memorial Stadium in Bristol, by 1pm the place is bopping multiple bars, all pints 3 before 1.30pm, multiple food outlets, friends and families gathering, face painting, kids activities, etc.. Oxford United should take note. However, the game made up for it, Oxford played some great football and were worthy 3-0 winners. Oxford Unitedare always tough to beat at their place so this would be a real test. They dont categorise their games, but they do charge different amounts depending on your age and for different parts of the ground. Full Time Result: Oxford United 1-1 Stevenage A smoke bomb was thrown into the field of play causing the visibility to temporarily disappear almost entirely. The number of pitches at the site has been increased by making more efficient use of the space to accommodate Oxford United, which will have exclusive use of four full-sized pitches and two goalkeeper training areas, as well as space to build a new pavilion. That came after the end of World War Two. I wasn't looking forward to this game at all given the fact we had lost our previous five league matches, were conceding goals for fun and had one of our main centre-backs suspended. Getting to the ground beforehand after 5 hours on a coach was shambolic. Offsite Parking There is some road parking near the ground with spaces between the stadium and the Watlington Road roundabout. We will arrange a quality city centre Munich hotel for you as well as coveted match tickets to the big game. A long drive from Lincolnshire but found the ground okay. Visitors to this venue by car are advised to allow plenty of time for parking! A section of the North stand had been cordoned off to accommodate 1,102 travelling Southend fans who were in party mood and many in fancy dress which has become traditional for final away games. I was a little concerned about the distance between us and the exits, but I guess in an emergency you would go on the pitch, it just meant a half time comfort break was not worth the effort. Overall theKassam Stadium is not a bad day out. Again back on the bus caught from the nearby estate. Photograph: PA Images . There is on-site car parking and it is then a 20-minute walk to the stadium (01865 779341). Pleased I've done it and gone, but I won't be going back to the Kassam. The club won the League Cup in 1986 but werent able to enter the UEFA Cup, the normal reward for the cup winners, because of the ban on English clubs entering European competition in the wake of the Heysel tragedy. I was staying in the hotel next door to the Kassam Stadium so parked for free there. Theres also free parking on site and the now almost ever-present free Wi-Fi. Richard Blackmore, Oxford Uniteds Head of Club Operations, said: It is an exciting move for the club. There is also some street parking available along Grenoble Road (going away from the stadium), just make sure you use the marked bays. The stadium itself looks weird considering its a three-sided ground. The catering was fine, normal fayre. With only four of the current 92 left to do, and none of them near West Yorkshire and with watching Leeds every week, its proving difficult to get over the finishing line. To stagger departures, Oxford do suggest you stay on after the game to enjoy the facilities; but the away end facilities were all closed down and if you are a car driver the availability of bars is a non-issue. They were relegated from the First Division in 1988 and endured an eighteen year decline that eventually resulted in the clubs relegation to the Conference in 2006. And another thing. Marston Road Sports Ground is a 35 minute walk from the station through University Parks or utilise the bus directions below. Please check with the visiting club for details of availability. Also found it odd that one Oxford fan was filming Northampton fans after the goal obviously looking for people making obscene gestures should have pointed his mobile towards his own fans who were making more obscene gestures than Northampton fans and get his own house in order first. Credit to the Oxford United fans for really getting behind their team. It was my first ever trip to a Football League ground with my team Braintree Town. The entrance for cars is locateddown Edgeway Road, continue down the gravel pathway at the end of Edgeway Roaduntil reaching the gate (on the right hand side) to Marston Road Sports Ground. It took 30 minutes to get out although I've known worse than this. Your trip would not be complete without a copy of our award-winning programme, which has excellent in-depth features on the visiting team. Although the stand is covered it is quite exposed. A bit of sparring from both teams up to the last minute of the half. Oxfordshire weather: Forecast for snow and sleet next week, Street fighting in Bakhmut but Russia not in control, Messages show Hancock reaction after kiss photo, Senior doctors want up to 262 an hour to cover strike, Echoes of Hillsborough for Arena families. The ground is well signposted and our satnav was spot on. After two defeats, an away point ground out with considerable effort was most valuable in Martin Ling's opinion. For the first 20 years of their existence, Oxford lived a nomadic life with no home stadium as such. Obviously, it never happened but there is still a special buzz in the air when the Royals visit the Kassam. We was away in 10 minutes after boarding the coach and the Police escorted us to the motorway, then we was left to make our own way home. A lot of new builds have a statue of a former player outside as mentioned just now Oxford has chosen to have a statue of a bull at their stadium, not that they are without famous players of course! The 39-acre development is to be used as a training ground and academy base for the football club as well as for "some wider community use", the council added. I dropped the wife in Watford for a visit to Harry Potter World. Overall the Kassam Stadium is very nice considering there are only three stands with one end behind the goal missing. Across the road from the car park is the Ozone complex. Although Oxford took the lead early on (before many fans had entered the ground!) Reason for going: In the event the away end was over crowded so it would seem that the duplicate tickets and the original tickets had been used to admit fans. Walkers: What is the heart-shaped 100k challenge? Leicester kept their composure to win 2-1 and could perhaps have won the game by a wider margin. Although I hit it twice out of four shots, I didn't win a prize. It was a cold and damp day, more like winter than spring and windy, but both sides endeavoured to play a passing game helped by the good standard of the pitch. At least it wasn't a Tuesday night game with no buses running! To access the sports ground walk or cycle down Edgeway Road and continue down the gravel pathway until reaching the gate (on the right hand side) to Marston Road Sports Ground. TICKETSThe visiting club manages advance ticket sales for the away end, including tickets for the thirteen wheelchair bays. However I was still able to see a goal in the game as Greg Luer and Byron Harrison combined well, with the latter calmly slotting away the equaliser, and that's how it ended. Stadium and the game itself were good, but the bland location and the home fans rather left more to be desired. The ground interested me more, but couldn't understand where the missing stand is? Sue stocks the current matchday programme; 50/50 (half time draw) tickets; a wide selection of souvenir badges and many other items of OUFC memorabilia. I should have realised when I saw the half mile queue to get off the A34 northbound onto the Southern Ring Road, but a journey that would normally take just under an hour took nearly three! So I sat in my car from 21:50 to 22:40 waiting for the cars in the car park to start moving, then I joined the queues but it took another half hour before I even got out of the car park. Fortunately I only missed the opening few minutes of the game. The day was great with a sound 3-0 win. The stewards were fine, but they did seem a bit nervous towards the end of the game. Theres also a free continental breakfast included in the price of your stay, free Wi-Fi and, of course, free parking. Behind this area is the large stadium car park. Ross Hitchcock informs me; Oxford Bus Company/Stagecoach route 3A runs half hourly from the city centre (Westgate stop E1 and High Street stop T2), Iffley Road and Sandford-on-Thames direct to the ground on Saturdays only. I took the supporters coach so the journey was very easy. We have a team of uniformed Matchday Ambassadors to help you with your visit when you arrive. I enjoy the day regardless of the result. Manchester United (Aon Training Complex) is located in Carrington, Manchester (M31), and offers Grass Pitches, and Artificial Grass Pitch. Away end if half of the North Stand on the opposite, and is quite far away from the more vocal home fans, who were congregated behind the far goal. Another couple of pubs 'The Bear' and 'Chequers' before getting the bus to ground. ). It was a shock as I normally go to Leicester (my first team) and get away with a crowd of over 30,000 easier than this. You cant get much closer to the ground than a hotel that is actually part of it. Are there any Covid restrictions at the stadium? Inside the bowling alley there is a bar, which also has Sky television and a fast food outlet. The Club offers a version of the programme, specifically for away fans. So no complaints from me. Train travelers were all whinging about the 30 minute ride into town. That is because in 2001 the Bishop of Oxford, Richard Harries, did an exorcism on the ground after Oxford lost thirteen out of seventeen games there. At the time of writing, Oxford United lie seventh in the League One table, with ambitions of gaining promotion to the Championship. The postcode for Kassam Stadium is OX4 4XP. It was very well planned. There is a roundabout by the second entrance, which will take you back to the first entrance if the other half is full. There really is no excuse for not finding it by car. What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly? White With Navy & Yellow Sash. Its also got an excellent cocktail selection and plenty of sprits too. Ed Murray adds; I visited the Kassam Stadium for a Tuesday evening game, I took the number 5 bus from the station just before 7pm and, even though the traffic was fairly light, I didnt arrive at the ground until 7:50pm. Oxford Sports Park will provide fantastic new facilities for people of all ages to get into sport in Oxford, but I think this new partnership, with community teams training right next to Oxford Uniteds stars, will be particularly impactful and inspiring for the citys children. Open on matchdays from 11-3 and for an hour after the final whistle (10-19:45 for evening matches). Anti-Social BehaviourOxford United Football Club operates a zero tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour in any form and expects all supporters to treat each other with respect at Grenoble Road. Whether you are a small group planning a dream sports break or seeking wonderful hospitality for your company clients, Nickes.Com has 20 years of experience in providing unforgettable sporting trips. There are no public parking facilities at University Parks, however the site is easily accessed by public transport and is in walking distance of the city centre. Their restaurants and bars are for closed to non-residents on matchdays. For all bus journeys, disembark at Ferry Road and walk 5 minutes down Edgeway Road, following the walking and cycling instructions. There are about 2000 car parking spaces that are free and filled on a first come first served basis. Oxford University Sport is committed to reducing our impact on the environment and reducing congestion in and around Oxford. Return and day tickets bought from one operator can be used to return on the other. A disadvantage for the home fans is that if they leave early (as they did when losing 2-0), they are in clear view of the away fans as they cross the car park, meaning they have to endure a good ribbing from the visiting supporters! An easy 3 hour trip saw me arrive at the ground at 1.45pm but already the car parks were full and all the streets close by seemed to be permit holders only. I knew it was unusual to have stands on just three sides of the ground, but overall the Kassam Stadium looked quite a reasonable ground (I have been to East Fife and that has only one stand and three open sides so not that weird). This was impeccably observed. The new ground was hit by numerous problems and issues during the building phase, with the construction taking four years to complete because of financial issues causing the company that was building it to abandon work when they were not getting paid. We then headed back to the ground, its an easy 30-minute walk, arriving at about 1:45pm. One of the principle aims of the City Council is to tackle inequality across Oxford, particularly in health. Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm. After a clear run round the M25 from Sussex, I arrived earlier than planned at around 12.45. From a Northampton Town point of view the game was great, we battled and played our way to a 2-1 victory (told you we had a good record against them) The stewards were very helpful, even helping my son put his flag up but they do insist you sit in the seat that is on the ticket which is very annoying. Outside the stadium at the West End, there is a statue of an Ox. Thu, Feb 17, 17:00. We drove from Milton Keynes and the journey took us a little over an hour, a fairly straightforward journey with not much traffic either. Parking is free of charge and on a first come, first served basis. This was the first away ground I have done this season given that Bury are.ahem buried. Parking was also free, which was a very welcomed surprise. The pitch looked well cared for and good enough for the highest standards of football. Copyright Football-Stadiums.co.uk 2015-2023 - Do Not Reproduce Without Permission | About - Contact - Advertising- Privacy, Grenoble Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, OX4 4XP. Danny Hylton was apparently wrestled to the ground by Stevenage keeper Jamie Jones. Those in the know would get there really early and get a space near the leisure complex. From stop R2 at the railway station Stagecoach route 1 and Oxford Bus Company route 5 run at frequent intervals (combined every 4-5 minutes on Saturday and 7-10 minutes evenings and Sunday) throughout the week to Knights Road in Blackbird Leys, a short walk from the ground. Training and workshops at the University are run by a variety of departments and divisions. If a match is not designated all-ticket, any remaining tickets can be purchased on match day from the away ticket office in the North Stand, which is also the collection point for pre-ordered tickets. Your email address will not be published. I had a fantastic view from the top of the away section and the ample height between rows ensured no ones head was in my way. Singha Kit A steady journey down the M40/A34. As one of it's fryers wasn't working, only chips and burgers available. Plus it has a number of TV screens to watch the early game on Sky/BT and it also a burger van outside on match days for food. In 2020 Sale Sharks Rugby Union Team would become the new . The away end is at the North side of the ground with the away fans housed on the right-hand side as you view the pitch. Also be careful with the car park. Another highlight was a bunch of children standing outside the ground in the car park "giving it out" to the away fans, probably the most entertaining part of the game! We first went to the Jam Factory near the railway station. The ground seems a bit smaller than it actually is, which all adds to the atmosphere that even a relatively small crowd engendered; but as mentioned elsewhere the fact that the corners are open also adds to the atmosphere cold wind, that is. Ron Atkinson, who would later go on to manager Manchester United, is the clubs appearance record holder and his brother Graham is Oxford Uniteds top scorer. I had one of the Chicken, Bacon and Leek Pies, which were definitely something to taste (8/10). We arrived quite early, so we headed into the Hollywood Bowl bar where they were screening the Arsenal game. "We believe they are well placed to manage the site and, like us, they are keen to ensure that the community use of the site remains a key element of any future tenancy," she said. An idea was floated of a team Thames Valley Royals being created through a coming together of Reading and Oxford. What's the least exercise we can get away with? We have a long association with Oxford United and look forward to an even closure relationship in the future.. The stewards were indifferent rather than friendly. Leicester fans had around a third of the North Stand, on one side of the stadium, which was ample enough for the turnout on the evening, Both of the other stands were reasonably full and appreciated the sight of Gary Lineker (fully clothed!) Temporary and limited 3-hour permits may be approved for site bookings.
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