Saturday, 5 Oct 2024

Loftus Road: Queens Park Rangers

Queens Park Rangers has a rich history, characterized by various changes in home grounds. From their formation in 1886 until 1963, the club played in fourteen different stadiums before finally settling at Loftus Road. Since being accepted into the Football League in 1920, Queens Park Rangers has played exclusively at Loftus Road and White City Stadium.

Loftus Road, the home of Queens Park Rangers, holds several distinctions. It was the first professional football stadium in Britain to have an artificial pitch, which it had from 1981 to 1988. Additionally, Loftus Road has been used by other teams as well. The Rugby Union team, London Wasps, played their home games there from 1996 to 2002. Likewise, Fulham, a Premier League side at the time, used the ground between 2002 and 2004 while Craven Cottage was undergoing reconstruction.

Stats

  • Year Opened: 1904
  • Capacity: 18,439
  • Average Attendance: 14,973
  • Record Attendance: 35,353 (QPR vs Leeds United in 1974)
  • Pitch Size: 102 x 66 yards (6732 square yards)
  • Nickname: The Loft
  • Owner: Queens Park Rangers Football & Athletic Club Ltd
  • Clubs Hosted: Shepherd’s Bush, QPR, Fulham, Wasps
  • Year Founded: 1886
  • Nickname: The Hoops, The Rs, QPR
  • Club Mascot: Jude the Cat
  • Rivals: Chelsea, Fulham, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Millwall, West Ham
  • Previous Stadiums: Welford Fields, London Scottish Ground, Brondesbury, Home Farm, Kensal Green, Gun Club, Wormwood Scrubs, Kilburn Cricket Ground, Latimer Road, Royal Agricultural Society showgrounds, Park Royal Ground, Kensal Rise Athletic Ground, White City Stadium
  • Kit: Blue & White Hoops (Home), Red & Black Hoops (Away)
  • Training Ground: Imperial College Sports Ground
  • Shirt Sponsor: Convivia
  • Team Owner: Tune Group, Total Soccer Growth
  • Record Goalscorer: George Goddard (172 goals)
  • Record Appearances: Tony Ingham (548 appearances)

Loftus Road Photos

Loftus Road Photos

Loftus Road Seating Plan and Where to Sit

Loftus Road is an “English Style” stadium with four distinct stands on each side of the ground. The stands are close to the pitch, creating an intense atmosphere when the passionate fans get behind their team. Here’s a breakdown of each stand:

  • The Ellerslie Road Stand: A single-tier stand running along the side of the pitch, known for housing the vocal QPR supporters.
  • The Loftus Road Stand: This two-tier stand, also called The Loft, is the Members area.
  • The School End Stand: This stand is designated for away supporters, with seating available in the upper tier.
  • The South Africa Road Stand: The largest of the four stands, it features two tiers separated by executive boxes. This stand is also where you’ll find the changing rooms, dugout, and tunnel.
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Queens Park Rangers Ticket Prices

Ticket prices for Queens Park Rangers matches vary depending on several factors, such as buying in advance, club membership, seat location, and age. Here are the ranges for non-member adults and concessions (not bought in advance):

  • Adults: £25 – £40
  • Concessions: £18 – £31

How To Get Queens Park Rangers Tickets

To purchase tickets, the official Queens Park Rangers website is the recommended starting point. They offer an interactive seating system, making it easy to choose your desired seats. Alternatively, you can call the ticket sales information line or visit the box office at Loftus Road. Postal applications are also accepted.

Where to Buy

Getting To Loftus Road

Loftus Road is situated in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, offering various transport options. Here are some popular routes:

Train

If you’re traveling to London from another part of the country, you’ll likely arrive at major stations like Euston, Victoria, or King’s Cross-St. Pancras. From there, you can use the London Underground to reach Loftus Road. Shepherd’s Bush, White City, and Wood Lane stations are all conveniently located close to the ground.

Bus

Bus numbers 283, 955, and 220 provide direct access to Loftus Road. Bus 283 stops behind the West side of the stadium, while buses 955 and 220 drop off at White City tube station.

Car

Depending on your direction of travel, various routes can lead you to Loftus Road. Follow the appropriate signs once you are in West London. However, it is important to note that parking in London can be challenging due to restrictions. It is recommended to use public transportation instead.

By Air

London is served by multiple airports, such as Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, and London City. Decide which airport is most convenient for your travel itinerary. Heathrow is often the best choice for those heading to the West of London.

Taxi

If you arrive at Euston station, a taxi to Loftus Road Stadium should take around 15 minutes and cost approximately £20. However, travel times and fares may vary depending on traffic conditions.

Parking Near Loftus Road

Parking in London can be difficult due to limited on-street spaces and restrictions. It is advisable to explore alternative transportation options and utilize nearby public car parks.

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Useful Resources

Loftus Road Hotels

There is no shortage of hotels in London, including those near Loftus Road. Depending on your preferences, here are some recommended options to consider:

  • Hotel 1
  • Hotel 2
  • Hotel 3

Pubs and Bars Near Loftus Road

When it comes to pubs and bars, London offers an abundance of options. Here are a few favorites near Loftus Road:

  • Pub 1
  • Pub 2
  • Pub 3

Facilities

Although the facilities at Loftus Road are slightly dated, they still offer the essentials. Fans can purchase food, drinks, and official matchday programs. The ground has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, accompanied by a notable police presence. However, tall individuals may find the legroom limited.

Prices

  • Programme: £4
  • Pie: £4.20
  • Cup of Tea: £2.40
  • Beer: £5

Hospitality

In addition to executive boxes and match sponsorship opportunities, Loftus Road provides two main hospitality options:

The C Club

Described as “The jewel in the QPR crown,” The C Club combines a private members club atmosphere with a restaurant experience. Guests can enjoy a four-course dinner before the game, complimentary drinks, half-time refreshments, and padded seats with excellent views of the pitch.

The W12 Restaurant

Reflecting the local area’s postcode, The W12 Restaurant offers a more relaxed lounge environment. Guests receive a three-course meal, half a bottle of wine per person, access to a cash bar, half-time refreshments, and padded seats on the halfway line. Before the match, a club legend often shares stories from the club’s history.

Private Hire

Loftus Road is an ideal venue for conferences, banquets, and business meetings. With a capacity of up to 200 guests, the stadium can accommodate various events. The executive boxes are perfect for breakout meetings. Additionally, the club is licensed to host weddings, offering a unique opportunity for passionate QPR fans.

Stadium Tours & Museum

Fans can experience behind-the-scenes access at Loftus Road through stadium tours, available on match days and non-match days. These tours provide insights into both home and away dressing rooms, the press area, hospitality sections, the trophy cabinet, and the tunnel leading to the pitch. Standard tours cost £15 for adults and £7.50 for juniors. Occasionally, there are special tours led by club legends, with different pricing.

As of now, there is no official club museum at Loftus Road or elsewhere.

About Queens Park Rangers

Founded in 1886 through the merger of Christchurch Rangers and St. Judes Institute, Queens Park Rangers derived their name from the Queen’s Park area of West London. The club participates in the West London Derby, competing against Chelsea, Fulham, and Brentford. Notable former players include Les Ferdinand, Rodney Marsh, Gerry Francis, and Trevor Sinclair.

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Loftus Road History

Queens Park Rangers initially moved to Loftus Road in 1917 when their former ground, Park Royal, was requisitioned by the army. At that time, Loftus Road had only a pavilion in an open field. The club transported a stand from Park Royal and erected it at the Ellersie Road end of the ground, where it remained until 1968. Queens Park Rangers relocated between Loftus Road and White City Stadium multiple times before settling permanently in 1963. Despite being the first team in England to use an artificial pitch, it was met with mixed feelings. The goalkeeper at the time, Peter Hucker, complained about the discomfort of diving on the surface, likening it to third-degree burns.

In 2019, the naming rights of the stadium were given to the Kiyan Prince Foundation, honoring the memory of a young QPR player tragically stabbed in 2006.

Future Developments

Initially, Queens Park Rangers planned to move to a new stadium called New Queens Park in 2018. However, the project encountered numerous obstacles, forcing the club to reconsider. Currently, discussions are underway regarding the possibility of relocating to the Linford Christie Stadium. If successful, this could result in a new home for Queens Park Rangers, boasting a mixed-use 45,000-seat stadium. If not, the club may need to explore options outside the borough.

FAQs

  • Will Queens Park Rangers offer stadium tours on match days?

    • Yes, the club provides stadium tours on both match days and non-match days.
  • How much do the stadium tours cost?

    • Standard tours cost £15 for adults and £7.50 for juniors. Prices may vary for tours led by club legends.
  • Is there a museum at Loftus Road?

    • As of now, there is no official club museum at Loftus Road or elsewhere.

Conclusion

Loftus Road is not just a stadium; it is the heart and soul of Queens Park Rangers. With its rich history, unique features, and passionate fanbase, Loftus Road provides an unforgettable experience to all who visit. From stadium tours to enjoying matches in luxury hospitality, there are options for fans of all ages and interests. As Queens Park Rangers continue to evolve, the future promises exciting potential developments, ensuring the club remains a pillar of West London football.