Saturday, 5 Oct 2024

Abbey Stadium: Cambridge United

Abbey Stadium, home to Cambridge United, is a unique football ground with a rich history. Built in 1923, it wasn’t until 1932 that football matches were played there. Over the years, it has undergone various developments to become the satisfactory home ground it is today.

Stadium Facts

  • Year Opened: 1932
  • Capacity: 8,127
  • Average Attendance: 6,199
  • Record Attendance: 14,000 (Cambridge Utd v Chelsea in 1970)
  • Pitch Size: 100 x 67 (6,700)
  • Nickname: The Abbey
  • Former Name: R. Costings Abbey Stadium
  • Owner: Grosvenor Estates
  • Clubs Hosted: Cambridge United, Cambridge Regional College
  • First Fixture: Cambridge United v Cambridge University Press (31/08/1932)

Abbey Stadium Photos

Abbey Stadium

Abbey Stadium Seating Plan and Where to Sit

The Main Stand is a single-tier section of seating running along the length of the pitch, housing the family area and the dugouts. The North Terrace, known to fans as The Newmarket Road End, is a terraced section of the ground. The Habbin Stand, also terraced, occasionally hosts away fans. The Mead Plant & Grab South Stand, the newest part of the stadium, is predominantly occupied by home fans but also used for away supporters.

Cambridge United Ticket Prices

Ticket prices for Cambridge United matches are determined primarily by age and seating location. Adult tickets range from £19 for terrace seats to £25 for The Community Stand. Concession prices range from £16 to £21, while junior tickets are priced at £6 for terrace seats and £18 for The Community Stand. Children under 12 can attend for £5. It is worth noting that an additional £2 surcharge is applied to all tickets not booked in advance.

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How To Get Cambridge United Tickets

To purchase tickets to see Cambridge United play, you have several options. You can visit the ticket office in person, buy tickets online, or contact the club over the phone.

Getting To Abbey Stadium

Cambridge is easily accessible from various locations, making it straightforward to reach Abbey Stadium. Here are the usual travel routes:

  • Train: Cambridge Railway Station is less than an hour from London King’s Cross and about an hour and a half from London Liverpool Street. From there, it’s a thirty-minute walk to the ground.
  • Bus: The Citibus C3 runs regularly from the train station to the stadium.
  • Car: From the South, take the M11 to Junction 14, then get on the A14. Leave at the fourth Junction and follow the A1303 towards Cambridge. From the North, follow the A14 and then the same instructions as above.
  • By Air: Cambridge International Airport is the closest airport to the city.

Parking Near Abbey Stadium

While there is no on-site parking available at the stadium, on-street parking can be found nearby. Be sure to pay attention to any parking restrictions in place.

Abbey Stadium Hotels

Cambridge, as one of the world’s most renowned university cities, offers a range of hotel options suitable for various preferences. Whether you’re a parent dropping off your university-bound child or a tourist exploring the city, you’ll find excellent accommodation choices.

Pubs and Bars Near Abbey Stadium

Given its status as a university city, Cambridge boasts numerous bars where you can enjoy a drink before the game. Here are some of our favorite recommendations:

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Facilities

Abbey Stadium provides good facilities throughout, ensuring a comfortable experience for visitors.

Prices at Abbey Stadium

  • Programme: £3.50
  • Pie: £3.00
  • Cup of tea: £2.00
  • Beer: £3.95

Hospitality

Abbey Stadium offers two main match day experiences: Executive Hospitality in the Layrd Lounge and the more lively Club Cambridge package in the Signature Event Suite. The former provides a sophisticated experience with a three-course meal, visits from first team members, a Q&A session with the head coach, and club officials. The latter package includes food, a match day host, half-time refreshments, and access to first team players.

Private Hire

The stadium’s hospitality suites have recently been refurbished, making them an attractive choice for businesses looking to host conferences or events. With a capacity of up to 100 delegates and top-class facilities, Abbey Stadium offers a fantastic venue.

Stadium Tours & Museum

While there is no museum at Abbey Stadium, supporters can arrange a tour via the supporters club. The club chairman will guide you around the stadium, sharing the club’s story along the way. To organize a tour, please email [email protected]

About Cambridge United

Formed as Abbey United in 1912, the team later changed its name to Cambridge United in 1951. The club didn’t join the Football League until 1970 and remained there for 35 years until their relegation in 2005. After spending nine years in the Conference, Cambridge United returned to the Football League in 2015.

Cambridge United’s highest league finish came in 1992 when they placed fifth in the second-tier of the Football League. They reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup in 1990 and 1991 and won the FA Trophy in 2014. Additionally, they reached the League Cup quarter-finals in 1992.

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Abbey Stadium History

Since 1932, Abbey Stadium has been the home ground of Cambridge United. The stadium takes its name from the Abbey district of the city. From 2006 to 2014, Cambridge Regional College also played their home games there. However, the regional college has since dissolved.

The stadium gained recognition in 1970 when Cambridge United played a friendly against Chelsea to mark the first use of the stadium’s floodlights. The match attracted a record attendance of 14,000, setting a precedent for friendly matches as well.

Future Developments

In recent years, plans for the development of Abbey Stadium have been on hold due to financial challenges. However, in 2022, the club owners invested enough money to buy back the ground, marking its return to being club-owned after 20 years. Discussions are underway with the supporters club regarding redevelopment plans, and small improvements are being made. While plans for a new 12,000-seater stadium were previously released, funding was not secured. Development of the current stadium is now more likely.

Abbey Stadium continues to be a historic and beloved home for Cambridge United, with further developments on the horizon.