Saturday, 5 Oct 2024

Tynecastle: The Heart of Midlothian

The Heart of Midlothian Football Club, affectionately known as ‘Hearts’, was established in 1874. Initially, the club played at various locations in Edinburgh until settling at Tynecastle Stadium in 1886.

Tynecastle has a rich and storied history. The stadium witnessed its inaugural match between Hearts and Bolton Wanderers in April 1886, and four years later, the first Scottish Football League match was played there, resulting in a 5-0 defeat for Hearts against Celtic. Throughout the early 20th century, the stadium underwent numerous changes, expanding its capacity. The record attendance of 53,396 was set in 1932 during a Scottish Cup tie against Rangers.

A Closer Look at Tynecastle

Tynecastle is a testament to the ‘British’ style of stadium architecture, featuring four separate stands on each side of the pitch. Let’s explore each stand:

  • The Gorgie Stand: Named after the area where the stadium is situated, the Gorgie Stand was completed in 1997. It houses The Gorgie Suite, one of the club’s main hospitality areas.
  • The Main Stand: As the principal stand in the stadium, the Main Stand encompasses the changing rooms, the dugouts, the Director’s Box, and the players’ tunnel.
  • The Wheatfield Stand: Known for its passionate atmosphere, the Wheatfield Stand is where the most vocal Hearts fans typically gather. Its unique design features an angle just shy of 34 degrees, the maximum angle permitted for a stand in a football ground.
  • The Roseburn Stand: Also referred to as the School End, the Roseburn Stand accommodates the away supporters. In 2005, its seating capacity decreased by 280 when the pitch was lengthened to meet UEFA requirements.

Ticketing Options for Heart of Midlothian Matches

Purchasing tickets for Hearts matches is straightforward. The league games are categorized into two tiers: Category A includes Celtic, Aberdeen, and Rangers, while the remaining teams fall under Category B. Additionally, the stadium is divided into four seating zones: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Your ticket price will depend on your preferred seating location, the opponent, and your age. Here are the cheapest and most expensive adult and concession tickets for each category:

  • Category A: Adults (£29 – £34) / Concessions (£20 – £29)
  • Category B: Adults (£19 – £30) / Concessions (£15 – £22)
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How to Obtain Heart of Midlothian Tickets

For convenient ticket purchases, visit Hearts’ excellent website. Alternatively, you can contact the club’s ticket office or visit the Ticket Centre on McLeod Street. The Ticket Centre is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm. On match days, it opens at 10 am until kick-off. Transaction fees amount to £1.50, with an additional 60p charge for postal delivery.

Getting to Tynecastle

As the capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh offers various transportation options for visitors. Here are a few common methods of reaching Tynecastle:

  • Train: A train journey from London’s Kings Cross Station to Edinburgh Waverley takes approximately four and a half hours. Tynecastle Stadium is a short walk from Haymarket, just one stop away from Waverley.
  • Bus: Several bus routes, including Lothian buses 1, 2, 3, 21, 25, and 33, as well as First buses 25, 27, 28, and 427, stop near the stadium in Haymarket.
  • Car: Situated in the western part of the city, Tynecastle Stadium is easily accessible by car via the A71, with clear signage indicating the way to central Edinburgh.
  • Air: Edinburgh Airport, located nine miles away from the city center, offers excellent tram connections to the city.

Parking Near Tynecastle

While there is no on-site parking at Tynecastle, limited on-street parking is available near Murrayfield Stadium. The Shandon area also offers potential parking options.

Explore Edinburgh and Beyond

While visiting Tynecastle, take the opportunity to explore the enchanting city of Edinburgh. Discover iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle and indulge in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. To make the most of your stay, here are some recommended hotels:

Pubs and Bars Near Tynecastle

If you’re in the mood for a drink, Edinburgh offers a range of pubs and bars. Enjoy a pint of Tennents lager, savour a dram of whiskey, or try Scotland’s famous Irn Bru. Here are some top options worth visiting:

  • Pub 1
  • Pub 2
  • Pub 3

Facilities at Tynecastle Stadium

Tynecastle Stadium provides all the amenities expected from a top-flight stadium. Numerous food and drink options are available before and during the game, and there are ample toilet facilities. Moreover, most sections of the ground offer excellent views.

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Prices

  • Programme: £3.50
  • Pie: £2.20
  • Cup of tea: £2.00

Experience Premier Hospitality

Recently, Tynecastle introduced five new hospitality suites along with its new stand. Here’s an overview of each suite:

  • The Skyline Restaurant and Lounge: This suite offers a fine dining experience with a three-course meal, complimentary drinks, and premium seating next to the Director’s Box. It is open to the public on non-match days as well.
  • The Big Matchday Experience: This package provides a welcome drink, a three-course meal with wine, half-time refreshments, a post-match drink, entertainment, and a complimentary bar throughout the day.
  • The Executive European Lounge: Offering a more formal atmosphere, this suite provides panoramic views outside the ground over Foundation Plaza. Guests enjoy freshly cooked gastro-pub style food in a modern setting.
  • The Heritage Lounge: Embracing a relaxed, cozy ambiance, The Heritage Lounge pays homage to the club’s history. Food and drink options are available.
  • The Strongbow Legends Lounge: This sponsored area celebrates club heroes and resembles a private sports bar. Expect a lively atmosphere, accompanied by food and drink.

Private Hire

With its five main suites, Tynecastle Stadium can accommodate events ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale conferences. Whether you’re planning a conference, seminar, private party, or seeking a unique wedding venue, Tynecastle offers flexible options for hosting.

Stadium Tours & Museum

Experience the behind-the-scenes magic of Tynecastle Stadium by embarking on a fascinating tour. Sit in the manager’s seat in the dugout, explore the dressing room, and walk down the players’ tunnel onto the pitch. The tour also includes visits to the manager’s office and the director’s suite. Please note that tour availability varies, so it’s advisable to check with the club beforehand. Standard tour prices are £11 for adults and £9 for concessions or juniors.

A Glance at Heart of Midlothian

Heart of Midlothian Football Club, commonly known as Hearts, is the oldest football club in the capital of Scotland. Established in 1874, the club originated from the Heart of Midlothian Quadrille Assembly Club, a dancing club in Edinburgh. Hearts have won the Scottish Football League top-flight on four occasions, including a league and cup double in the 1959-1960 season.

Throughout its history, Hearts have achieved notable successes, winning the Scottish Cup eight times and the Scottish League Cup four times. In 2006, they became the first non-Old Firm club to compete in the UEFA Champions League. Earlier European campaigns include their first participation in 1958 and a UEFA Cup quarter-final appearance in 1989.

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The Evolution of Tynecastle

Tynecastle is the sixth-largest stadium in Scotland, with a capacity that shouldn’t be underestimated, considering the three larger stadiums are Celtic Park, Hampden Park, and Ibrox. The stadium’s development began in 1891 after Hearts’ Scottish Cup triumph, which provided the necessary funding. Subsequently, significant improvements took place in the early 1900s, including the construction of a small stand and a pavilion, as well as the expansion of the terracing banks in 1906.

Tynecastle earned the distinction of being Scotland’s first all-concrete stadium in 1954. Floodlights were installed in 1957. Following the introduction of safety regulations in the 1970s, further changes were made. However, it was the 1990 Taylor Report, following the Hillsborough Disaster, that brought about significant transformations. Tynecastle became an all-seater stadium in 1994 when the Western and Northern sections were completely rebuilt.

Future Developments

Although previous attempts to sell Tynecastle were unsuccessful, Hearts currently focus on developing the stadium rather than relocating. The most recent addition is the new Main Stand, which opened at the end of 2017 and increased the stadium’s capacity to over 20,000.

FAQs

Q: How do I purchase tickets for a Heart of Midlothian match?
A: Tickets can be conveniently purchased through Hearts’ official website. Alternatively, you can contact the ticket office or visit the Ticket Centre on McLeod Street.

Q: Is parking available at Tynecastle Stadium?
A: There is no on-site parking at the stadium. However, limited on-street parking can be found near Murrayfield Stadium, and the Shandon area may offer additional parking opportunities.

Q: Can Tynecastle Stadium be hired for private events?
A: Yes, Tynecastle Stadium offers five main suites suitable for events of varying sizes, accommodating up to 600 people. Whether you’re hosting a conference, seminar, private party, or wedding, Tynecastle can cater to your needs.

Q: How can I book a stadium tour of Tynecastle?
A: Tynecastle Stadium tours are available, but availability may vary. It’s recommended to check with the club prior to your visit. Standard tour prices are £11 for adults and £9 for concessions or juniors.