Oxford United has called Kassam Stadium home since it opened its doors in 2001. This modern stadium replaced the Manor Ground, where the club had played for an impressive 75 years. However, the road to the completion of Kassam Stadium was not without its challenges.
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Construction took a total of four years due to financial issues that caused the initial builders to abandon the project temporarily. Despite these setbacks, the stadium stands proudly today, serving as a symbol of the club’s resilience and determination.
A United Stadium
Some supporters of Oxford United, feeling a disconnect with the club’s previous owner, tried to popularize the name ‘The United Stadium’ as an alternative to Kassam Stadium. They believed this change would reflect the unity of the fans and their desire for a different direction. However, the name Kassam Stadium remained widely used by both fans and the media.
Stadium Stats
- Year Opened: 2001
- Capacity: 12,500
- Average Attendance: 8,393
- Record Attendance: 12,243 (Oxford v Leyton Orient – 2006)
- Pitch Size: 102 x 71 (7,242 square meters)
- Nickname: The United Stadium
- Owner: Firoka Group
- Clubs Hosted: Oxford United, London Welsh
- First Fixture: Oxford United v Crystal Palace (04/08/2001)
Kassam Stadium Seating Plan and Where to Sit
If you’re attending a match at Kassam Stadium, the North Stand is where you’ll find the away supporters. Facing it is the Main Stand, a two-tier structure housing the changing rooms, dugouts, and the family section. The vocal Oxford United fans occupy the East Stand. Please note that there is currently no West Stand, as it has been replaced by a car park.
Oxford United Ticket Prices
Ticket prices for Oxford United matches vary based on your age and the area of the ground you choose. The East Stand offers the most affordable tickets, while the South Stand tends to be the most expensive. Here are the adult and concession prices for advance bookings:
- East Stand: £22.00 – £32.00
- South Stand: £15.00 – £26.00
Please be aware that on-the-day purchases will be £3 more expensive.
How to Get Oxford United Tickets
To secure your Oxford United tickets, the best option is to visit the club’s official website. Alternatively, you can contact the ticket office over the phone or in person, Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5.30pm. If you choose to buy tickets at the window or print them at home, you can avoid the £1 surcharge.
Where to Buy
Getting to Kassam Stadium
Oxford, located in the South of England, is easily accessible from London. Whether you’re traveling by train, bus, car, or air, here are the main transportation routes to consider:
- Train: Oxford Station, approximately four miles from the stadium, is a short journey from London Paddington.
- Bus: The Oxford Bus Company’s Route 5 and Stagecoach Services’ Route 1 both take you within a five-minute walk of the stadium. Thames Travel’s T2 service is also an excellent option.
- Car: If you’re driving from the North, take the M6 to the M42, then the M40 to Junction 9 and follow the A34 until you reach the stadium. From Central London, take the A4 to the M4, then the M40. Leave at Junction 7 for the A329, connect to the B480, and follow the signs.
- Air: Heathrow and Gatwick airports are reasonably close to Oxford. A bus service connects both airports to the city, with a travel time of approximately one hour and twenty minutes.
- Taxi: A taxi from the train station to the stadium takes just over fifteen minutes and costs around £20.
Parking Near Kassam Stadium
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Around 2,000 free car parking spaces are available near the stadium on a first-come, first-served basis.
Useful Resources
- Parking: Just Park
Kassam Stadium Hotels
As a student town, Oxford offers numerous hotels for visitors. Whether you’re dropping off a loved one or exploring the city, here are some recommended options:
Pubs and Bars Near Kassam Stadium
Oxford, a vibrant student town, boasts a wide array of pubs and bars to suit different preferences. Here are some popular establishments to check out:
Facilities at Kassam Stadium
As one of the newer stadiums in the Football League, Kassam Stadium offers impressive facilities. Though not state-of-the-art, they provide a comfortable experience for spectators. Here are some essential details:
Prices
- Programme: £3
- Pie: £4
- Cup of Tea: £1.80
- Beer: £3.50
Hospitality at Kassam Stadium
If you’re looking to enjoy a match in style, Oxford United offers a range of hospitality packages. Executive boxes provide padded covered seating, waiter service, and halftime refreshments. Alternatively, consider the Britannia Club, which offers a three-course meal, special guest speakers, including club players, and a match day host.
Private Hire
Kassam Stadium is the largest venue in Oxford for conferences, exhibitions, events, and meetings. With a capacity of up to 600 people, it is an ideal location for hosting a variety of occasions. Whatever your event requirements, Kassam Stadium can accommodate them with ease.
Stadium Tours & Museum
While there is no permanent tour of Kassam Stadium, Oxford United occasionally offers tours of the most exciting areas, such as the dressing rooms and trophy cabinet. These tours typically take place during half-terms and are available at a minimal cost. Keep an eye on the club’s website and local newspapers for tour announcements.
About Oxford United
Established in 1893 as Headington United, Oxford United adopted its current name in 1960. Two years later, they joined the Football League after winning the Southern Football League. In 1986, the club achieved a major milestone by winning the League Cup. Unfortunately, they were unable to participate in the UEFA Cup due to the ban on English clubs following the Heysel tragedy. Subsequently, Oxford United faced a decline, which culminated in their relegation to the Conference in 2006.
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Notably, Oxford United holds an unusual place in football history. They became the first team to win a major trophy and subsequently be relegated from the Football League. The Atkinson family has strong ties to the club, with Ron Atkinson, the appearance record holder, and his brother Graham, Oxford United’s all-time top scorer.
Kassam Stadium History
In 1995, Oxford United made the decision to leave the Manor Ground behind. The outdated stadium could no longer support the club’s ambitions. Initially, plans were made to construct a new 16,000-seater stadium in Blackbird Leys by the turn of the millennium. However, financial difficulties halted progress in December 1997, with construction only resuming in February 2000.
Between 2012 and 2015, Kassam Stadium also hosted the RFU Premiership games of the rugby union side London Welsh. In a quirky twist, the Bishop of Oxford, Richard Harries, performed an exorcism at the ground after Oxford suffered a string of defeats. Fans attributed these losses to a gypsy curse placed during the stadium’s construction.
Future Developments
The agreement for Kassam Stadium ends in 2026, and the club has found it increasingly challenging to remain at the current location due to its remote accessibility. With this in mind, Oxford United is actively seeking a new site to build a sustainable stadium that will serve as a sports, entertainment, and lifestyle landmark for the future.
FAQs
Q: Where can I buy tickets for Oxford United matches?
A: The easiest and most reliable way to purchase Oxford United tickets is through the club’s official website. Alternatively, you can visit the ticket office in person or contact them over the phone.
Q: How do I get to Kassam Stadium from London?
A: The most convenient way to travel from London to Kassam Stadium is by train. Oxford Station is reachable from London Paddington in about an hour. Alternatively, you can consider taking the bus or driving by car.
Q: Are there parking facilities available near Kassam Stadium?
A: Yes, there are approximately 2,000 car parking spaces near Kassam Stadium, and they are free of charge. However, it operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s advisable to arrive early.
Q: Can I host an event or conference at Kassam Stadium?
A: Absolutely! Kassam Stadium is the largest venue in Oxford for conferences, exhibitions, events, and meetings. With a capacity of up to 600 people, it offers a versatile space to cater to your specific requirements.
Q: Is there a museum or stadium tour at Kassam Stadium?
A: While there is no permanent museum or tour, Oxford United occasionally offers tours of the most exciting areas within the stadium, such as the dressing rooms and trophy cabinet. Stay tuned to the club’s website or local newspapers for announcements regarding these tours.
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