Well, we came, we didn't play too well, but we did win; so the away fans were buzzing. Are Iranian schoolgirls being poisoned by toxic gas? Away fans are put at one end of a side stand next to the open end, which never saw a fourth stand constructed. How the Oxford fans put up with that each home game is beyond me as I wouldn't want to do it. . Click here for details and online booking. Obviously, it never happened but there is still a special buzz in the air when the Royals visit the Kassam. SmokingThe stadium is a smoke-free zone: and smoking or the use of electronic cigarettes is not permitted inside the stadium. The atmosphere was great from the Argyle fans throughout the game and the Oxford fans could be heard at times too, although there were only about 6,500 of them. Parking was also free, which was a very welcomed surprise. The match was surprisingly competitive despite the sweltering conditions. Obviously, you can see inside the ground before you are in the ground quite unusual. The OX postcode area, also known as the Oxford postcode area, is a group of 26 postcode districts in south-central England, within 17 post towns.These cover most of Oxfordshire (including Oxford, Banbury, Abingdon, Bicester, Witney, Didcot, Carterton, Kidlington, Thame, Wantage, Wallingford, Chipping Norton, Chinnor, Woodstock, Watlington, Bampton and Burford), plus very small parts of . The atmosphere was obviously good in the Southend section and Oxford fans made themselves heard in the 2nd half as they fought for a goal. By this time there was a lot of traffic and a queue to get into the car park. 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. There was a lot of traffic on the main roads leading up to the turn off to the ground. Arrived about 1:10pm and found the car park nearly full. As you can see in the team supported above, that there were a mixture of reasons for me going to this game: 1) I live in Northampton and my wife's family support the cobblers (NTFC) and so are a kind of adopted team 2) Local derby with a near sell out crowd would be a good atmosphere. Take the bus towardsthe city centre or walk straight to the sports complex (15 mins). The game was great for us we were 3-0 up after 20 mins so the atmosphere was as good as you'd expect. Overall this was a perfect Good Friday for us as we stopped the rot of losses and picked up a fantastic point away to a side challenging for automatic promotion, all the more impressive as this was only the second time we had not lost an away game since before Christmas. For further information on how to get to the parks, please use the button below to visit the parks website. From the North-park at Redbridge Park and Ride. 4 January 2017. We were 7 points clear of York pre-match but I could only see them reducing it to 4 points by 5pm. After a 20 minute walk back to the car, I was quickly back on the M40 and home for 8.30pm another ground-hopping day safely negotiated and with plans already formulating to get the last 3 done asap! Flood lights. This wasn't. It would have been a decent day out if the scoreline hadn't been so bad. I even saw a tweet from a home fan asking "Why are there so many Stewards in the away section?" There is loads of car parking available at the stadium and it is free but be prepared for a long wait getting out of the car park after the match. Not been to the Kassam Stadium before, so I was interested to see what their modern football ground was like. It was a good atmosphere to start off with but Oxford were awarded a controversial penalty just before half time, where I am still not sure whether the player was in the box. The Kassam Stadium should be used as a lesson for all stadium planners as how NOT to do it. 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. Most of them looked like they'd come from an agency and would rather be somewhere else. You need to buy tickets from the ticket office in advance of going in and mine was 22 for the South Stand upper quite expensive for League Two and especially considering I was nowhere near the halfway line. We couldnt stop chanting for the first 12 minutes bringing 639 fans. 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. Staff were decent and friendly serving which makes a change as an away fan and the range of food and drink was good as well. There really is no excuse for not finding it by car. I journeyed down by supporters coach. Councillor Linda Smith, Deputy Leader of Oxford City Council, said: I am delighted that we have reached agreement with Oxford United for the new Oxford Sports Park to become the home of the clubs training facility. It was a sunny day and we were only going 30 minutes down the road, so it was no hardship whatsoever for us, but if you were in a rush or popping back to somewhere further afield then it might have been a bit less enjoyable. The Holiday Inn Express has a bar, a business centre, a meeting room and a free buffet breakfast on offer. There are a couple of hospitality packages available for Oxford United matches. The home fans didn't sing much until the last quarter of the game. The Kassam Stadium is quite well signposted from the main routes into Oxford, with brown football signs pointing the way. It has taken a lot of hard work to get to this stage; not just over the last few years but also historically because the club never really had a permanent base until they got back into the Football League in 2010. If youre hoping to host an event in Oxford then this place should be top of your list of locations. It is ope from 1.30pm (6.45pm for evening games). U18s face Bristol Rovers at home on Saturday at the Oxford United Training Ground (11am) #OUFC. I found the ground easily via satnav and parked in thefree car park at the Kassam Stadium itself. The few home fans who were in there were welcoming enough. They dont categorise their games, but they do charge different amounts depending on your age and for different parts of the ground. Keep an eye out for the single lane right turn into Iffley Road Sports Centre (the second right hand turn after Bannister close). 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. The journey takes around 40 minutes and then it is a 15 minute walk to the stadium (see, https://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/services/OXBC/5?date=2022-07-18&direction=outbound). The journey was straightforward down the M40 and the ground is well signposted although one wonders whether it is quicker to continue down the M40 south than get off at the A34 as you are instructed by the signage. This is a popular place; all the tables in the restaurant area were booked, but there was space in the bar and also tables outside. Who doesn't love the FA Cup? I wandered around the outside of the Kassam Stadium andhad a cup of tea from a burger stand. Most of the chants and singing were were from the away section, but I guess the home fans didn't have much to sing about! As time was getting on and there are no pubs close to the stadium, we went straight inside. Overall theKassam Stadium is not a bad day out. Oxford got a penalty and went 1-0 up. This was quite an impressive sight at a League Two game. Both sets of fans generated a pretty good atmosphere considering the game was a fairly dull 1-1 draw. The club moved to the Kassam Stadium in 2001, after leaving the Manor Ground, which had been its home for 76 years. Access to the sports centre is via thepedestrian entrance from the Iffley Road (almost opposite Marston Street) Pederstrians have priority on this route but considerate cyclists are permitted. Getting away from the ground took some time, however, this was due to an accident nearby. 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). Here at Oxford United, we want to make your matchday experience as enjoyable as possible. Temporary and limited 3-hour permits may be approved for site bookings. With my parents living pretty close by, this was always going to be one of the 'easier' of the 92 to visit and one to look forward to due to the home connections. One of the principle aims of the City Council is to tackle inequality across Oxford, particularly in health. I got a programme inside the ground for 3. and a penalty was awarded to the home side. Training and workshops at the University are run by a variety of departments and divisions. 3) The Kassam Stadium is a ground I've not been to but I had been to the old "Manor Ground" 4) It was on Boxing Day and I try to get a match in as I'm not able get to many Saturday matches. 2017-2018: 7,376(League One), Unofficial Web Sites: Although it looked like a straight red at the time, replays did show Lundstram getting the ball, but I have no idea if that will be enough for him to win his appeal before their day at Wembley next week or not. Oxford vs Reading rivalry: The Oxford Reading rivalry is underpinned by an attempt club merger back in 1983. and a general wander around town. This limited carparking can accomodateapproximately 40 vehicles. For all ages. There was just about sufficient car parking, and the advantage is that it is free, but latecomers do have to park behind the Vue Leisure Complex on land that is muddy, unlit and unlined, which I imagine could cause some trouble finding your car after a night game. It was very well planned. The council said Oxford United, Oxford Cricket Club, and Oxford Softball would be provided with facilities. Here's the number. 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. The Kassam Stadium looks odd with one stand "missing" at one end which is open. Their games were always played in and around Headington but they switched regularly between four different venues. Plymouth were on a remarkable run after a terrible start to the season. Parking is free of charge and on a first come, first served basis. Otherwise, alcohol is also served within the ground in the form of Carlsberg Lager, Tetleys Bitter, Guinness and Somersby Cider (all 4). As a student town Oxford has a number of hotels used to housing parents dropping off their loved ones. 2018-2019: 7,315 (League One) It has only three sides, with one end remaining unused. If you are using SatNav to find us, set 'Holywell Street' as the destination rather than the postcode as the postcode will take you to the New College Lane entrance. Alternatively, please email ifollow@efl.com - note that live chat is recommended for the quickest response on a matchday. First impressions: We stayed in control and added a third from a well taken free kick to seal off a very good day. The three stands also sit completely unconnected to each other. In order to use the live chat functionality you need to opt into live chat cookies. My overall impression is that Oxford is a good place to watch football. Adults 20, Over 65s/Under 22s/Students 14, Under 18s 8, Under 13s 6, Under 7s Free** Comment on getting away from the ground after the game: Getting out was no problem, straight on to the coach and on our way. But as MK Dons had never played there and I had never been before, it was a chance to tick off the Kassam Stadium as another ground visited. The home fans were very good and no problems can be mentioned. The entrance for cars is located throughJackdaw Laneoff the Iffley Road. 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. Game finished 2-0. Oxford United v Torquay United I had one of the Chicken, Bacon and Leek Pies, which were definitely something to taste (8/10). Getting away: 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! Later customers had a long wait for chips but they were nice. It costs 4 and is available from the away ticket office (cash) or the club shop (cash or card). Oxford's London Road Stand, Manor Ground 1980 - Steve Daniels [, The East Stand under construction - Steve Daniels [. Obviously, by Rovers winning 2-0, I enjoyed the game, but despite the efforts of the Rovers fans, it was like watching football in a cathedral. Its in a nice location though if was coming via train can imagine it's a pain. After the roundabout with Sainsburys on one corner, take the left turning signposted Cowley/Wallington/Oxford Science Park and you eventually come to the ground on your left. It was decided in 1995 that Oxford United would leave the Manor Ground, with the cramped and out-dated stadium no longer suitable for the club take itself to the next level. Oxford Mail (East) Stand: I was looking forward to this game, as both Oxford and Port Vale were pushing for promotion. One good thing about an away ticket is that whilst in theory it is for a designated seat, they let you sit anywhere. They felt this would demonstrate the unity of the fans in their belief that Kassam was not the right man to take the club forward. We all knew this was a sell out and the problems this can lead to. Atmosphere was very good as local derby and 11,500 almost filled the entire ground. Return and day tickets bought from one operator can be used to return on the other. Our journey on the coach with East Bierley Bantams was pretty straightforward with little traffic so we arrived in good time, there is a huge car park next to the stadium so we're straight into the stadium from the coach. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium If you arrive at Oxford Parkway (OXP) we suggest you take a connecting train to Oxford. League Two Supporters should respect the residents only schemes that operate in the nearby streets, as well as the double yellow lines on approach roads. Find any zip code (including ZIP+4 - full 9-digit US zip codes) or postal code in the world by using our simple lookup function. From the city centre take the Oxford Bus Company City13 towards the John Radcliffe Hospital from Queen's Lane (stop K3). If I get the opportunity to go again I definitely will. A ground that I'd looked forward to going to for quite a while rather let me down. Oxford United are set to secure management of their training ground after being overlooked by the council during the site's development. 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. CAE Oxford has been training aspiring pilots since 1963. It stops at Grenoble Road on the south side of the stadium. 112 x 78 yards Pitch Type: I'd seen Leeds play several times at the Manor ground and had been frustrated in recent years by constantly passing signs for the Kassam stadium enroute to games on the south coast so was looking forward to finally getting this one ticked off. You cant get much closer to the ground than a hotel that is actually part of it. The stadium is signposted on all major approach roads to Oxford with the brown attraction signs and a football icon. For Tuesday night matches note that the last bus back to the city centre is currently at 9:50pm. Kevin Hulbert (Port Vale fan). The turnstiles opened at 2pm and there were quite long queues for us to get in, it didnt take long though, about 10 minutes I think. Where to Eat and DrinkAt the stadium there are concessions in each concourse selling hot and cold food (including burgers and excellent pies) and drinks. The Kassam Stadium is the largest venue in Oxford for conferences, exhibitions, events and meetings. 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. I'm not sure I would have found my way out of Oxford at night without the satnav, the dual carriageway suddenly becoming a single carriageway road doubling back on itself, but maybe that is Oxford road planning for you. The journey was great until we got about two miles from theKassam Stadium and then you will crawl all the way to the ground. Carrington Training Centre, sometimes referred to as Carrington, was the training ground of EFL League Two club Bury, leased from Manchester City.The League Two club moved into this complex in early 2015 when previous holders, Manchester City moved into a new 50 million training facility close to its Sportcity home in east Manchester. Bus - Route 5 from the Oxford Bus Company and Route 1 from Stagecoach Services both run to about five minutes from the stadium. Taxiswill take around 20 minutes to get to the ground from Oxford station and will usually cost around 15-20. 374m Unipart / Homebase . A steady journey down the M40/A34. Oxford United FC fixture list (takes you to the BBC Sports Website). 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. I spoke to an Oxford fan about the departure of Matty Taylor and their performance against Luton a few days before. Easy to get out after a little walk. We share the car park with other facilities on the complex, including a cinema and bowling alley, and there can be a wait to exit the car park after the match. However, the game made up for it, Oxford played some great football and were worthy 3-0 winners. The Pompey fans were full of singing as usual, but with the exception of the times when they scored you could have been forgiven for wondering if there were any Oxford supporters there! The away concourse has an accessible toilet (stewards have RADAR keys), and low level counters serving hot and cold food and drink. In the away section at one sideof thepitch, we were at the top of the stand next to the car park, however, the view of the pitch was superb. We had a tip from some West Ham fans on Twitter regarding a pub called the George Arms on Sandford Road so we went there and parked. www.oufcshop.co.uk 01865 747231. This Away Supporters Guide has been compiled by Oxford United Supporters Panel #bythefansforthefans. The stewards were friendly and willing to direct fans to their seats. Views from the away section are good Portsmouth following never sit down so again we stood, my boy on the back of the seats in front and me standing behind him holding him up. A good battling result for the travelling Green army and the Oxford fans I spoke to on the day were friendly and welcoming. Tuesday, October 22nd 2013, 7.45pm A good day out despite the result. We walked to the Kings Arms pub which is by the Thames River for some lunch, although note they dont open until 12 noon. Be very careful with road parking and do not park on the grass verges you will be very likely to get a parking ticket. Its also got an excellent cocktail selection and plenty of sprits too. Having been tipped off about the carpark being a nightmare we opted to park away from the ground and walked in. 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! Capacity: Theres also free parking on site and the now almost ever-present free Wi-Fi. One was due to a slip by the goalkeeper, which as a neutral is always amusing. The ground interested me more, but couldn't understand where the missing stand is? We offer a full range of pitches for training and tournaments including Six 3G pitches for five-a side Once the match kicked off, it only took 16 minutes for there to be a major talking point as Oxfords John Lundstram saw a straight red for a very heavy tackle on Michael Tonge. Cookies statement Picture credits Legal Accessibility statement Privacy statement, Casual Bookings - Activities & Facilities, https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1gvZYdFYV0BdWYeFBBuUpgD6AMvAPn1jA, Directions & Parking - Iffley Road Sports Centre, Directions & Parking - Marston Road Sports Ground, University Parks - Sports Pitches (OX1 3RF), Oxpens Car and Coach Park (beside Oxford Ice Rink - OX1 1RQ). Before the game started there was a minute's silence to remember the human sacrifice of two World Wars. There is no access for coaches and minibuses, nor space for turning around/dropping-off on Jackdaw Lane. We departed the Lamex Stadum at 12 noon and amazingly were pulling up outside the Kassam Stadium just before 2pm, not bad on one of the worst days of the year for traffic! The away section on one side is good with plenty of room and a good view with no supporting pillars in the way. In order to use the live chat functionality you need to opt into live chat cookies. There are also outlets in the car park, usually located by the south-west and south-east corners of the ground. Struggling for a Xmas present. As I didn't get there until 7.30pm so no chance to go to the pub. In 2001, Oxford moved into the Kassam Stadium and Manor Ground was demolished. Then in the second half Oxford capitalised on a goalkeeping mistake to make it 2-0. Swindon Town have never scored at the Kassam Stadium so I was hoping that this goalless streak would end. Oxford came out fighting in th second half and we're once again on top, their dominance showed with two goals in the 74th and 87th minute to send the home fans wild, deep into added on time with literally the last touch of the game Vincelot headed to equalise for the bantams earning a good point. The Club offers a version of the programme, specifically for away fans. Although Oxford took the lead early on (before many fans had entered the ground!) Would I go again? Oxford United Youth plus various OSL sides. Had a beer and walked through the estate to the ground. Book your seat now to see one of the worlds greatest football teams German giants Bayern Munich! There is normally a 5-10 minute wait to get out of the car park at the Kassam, but that besides it was an easy ride home and we were back at 'chez Newbury' for the local fireworks display at 7.30pm. At least three coaches didnt get into the game until 15-20 minutes had gone. I seem to curse the game, they've lost at least the last 5 I've been to! Therefore, where possible, we ask members and visitors to make use of walking, cycling and public transport. Graham Carey was Argyle's best player in the first half setting up Antoni Sarcevic but he could'nt find the back of the net. ). 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. By Air - Heathrow and Gatwick airports are both reasonably close to Oxford and linked to the city by a bus service that takes around an hour and twenty minutes. Oxford were the better side and frankly deserved to win today. 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. Please note there is a fee for using this machine. There was a chip shop in the leisure complex so we went and sat in there. The Kassam Stadium is a new ground for me so I was looking forward to seeing this one as I missed out when we played them in the cup last year. 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. Saturday 8am to 1pm. I wish I knew that you could watch the game through the fence before buying my ticket. Oxford is a lovely city and it was a decent game, although a rubbish result for us and another ground ticked off. Visitors to this venue by car are advised to allow plenty of time for parking! Leicester kept their composure to win 2-1 and could perhaps have won the game by a wider margin. Nigel Cox [ CC BY-SA 2.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons. And we sat in the car waiting for at least 15 minutes before even bothering to join the non-moving queue. I was lucky in that I had a seat with a very good view of the ground in one of the lower rows. Getting away was horrific. It is quite compact, even if it only has 3 sides. Full Time Result: Oxford United 1-1 Stevenage The car park wasn't full outside the ground when we arrived at 1pm. On arrival the ground looks good with a bronze looking figure of a bull which is impressive and offers a good point for photographs adjacent to the car park. Before long it was time to get the Oxford bus Company/Stagecoach joint service 3A from the High Street up to the Kassam Stadium. Storm Dennis coming so soon after the backlash Of Storm Ciara, made the journey south, a tad blustery. I didn't interact with home fans mainly due to the horrendous rain and conditions of the day. Oxford United v Exeter City BusesFrom Oxford City Centre the 3A runs every half hour from bus stop E1 near the new Westgate shopping centre (https://w3w.co/trendy.lush.owls). 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! It took over 50 minutes to get out of car park. The Rovers area was sold out. Fortunately I only missed the opening few minutes of the game. The weather was beautiful so I got a hotdog outside the ground and ate it on the grass. Check out this list of stops closest to your destination: Nene Park Academy; Herlington Centre; Peterborough. The Oxford Sports Park is situated just off the Oxford Ring Road near Horspath, by the MINI Factory. If you were further into the car park I would expect it to be a bit slow getting out but its not far to the A34. Oxford looked flat and we looked full of energy. At least it wasn't a Tuesday night game with no buses running! This elevates it in my estimation and the fact that one end is open (a West Stand never having been built), makes it unusual amongst British stadia. Kim Rockall informs me; There is a cinema and bowling alley complex located adjacent to the stadium, called Ozone. Overall: Oxford vs Swindon rivalry: There are just 30 miles of A420 separating these two clubs; theyve long held contempt for one another but the seventies and eighties are when things really kicked up a notch. Oxford University Sport is committed to reducing our impact on the environment and reducing congestion in and around Oxford. Read about our approach to external linking. I think quite a few people drive to the ground due to its location and the number of spaces for parking is great but the ability to get away is dreadful. The new facilities will significantly improve sports provision in the area. The food and beer choices here were excellent. We arrived at 11:15am so, as you would expect, there was no issue getting a parking space although there were already several cars there, some football supporters and some for the bowling/cinema.