Hull advice

[HalifaxSeagull]

Morning all, tickets for Hull arrived this morning, all very exciting...

Never been to the new ground, will be travelling the 1hr 23 minute jolly by car with my equally excited 62 yr old dad.

1st things 1st, what is the parking like? Is there any safe on street parking, or is it best to park in a secure car park (Hull has its fair share of dodgy areas)...

Where are the pubs that service the away fans? Any around the ground or best in town?

If anyone is taking kids and staying over, the Deep is pretty good, if pricey entertainment for them. I'd also recommend a drive over the Humber Bridge too!

2-0 to BHA, Barnes & Crofts. Swindon all forgotten by 6pm!

 

[Set of Tracksuits]

Last season there was loads of street parking available and I got there just before kick-off. I parked on Boulevard which is a long street heading up towards the ground and there are loads of side streets off it which also offer parking. Just be a bit careful because if you go too far towards the ground there is a residents parking scheme in place.

That was obviously a Tuesday night game though, so I'd expect it to be a bit busier this time.

 

[HalifaxSeagull]

Cheers, will park up once I see a few fans walking to the ground on that road.

 

[The Merry Prankster]

Download the ground guides app. tells you all you need to know about every ground.

 

[Fungus]

Download the ground guides app. tells you all you need to know about every ground.

For those of us without the technology to download apps, can you tell us any relevent points for Hull? Cheers.

 

[Notters]

Seems to be plenty of street parking between the new and the old grounds.

 

[The Merry Prankster]

For those of us without the technology to download apps, can you tell us any relevent points for Hull? Cheers.

Okay. I'm only going to do this once as it's not fair on the guys who's app this is but it's a very useful guide and this should serve as an indication of what you get.





Contents
What's The KC Stadium Like?
Future Ground Developments
KC Stadium (photo)
What Is It Like For Visiting Supporters?
MKM South & Cranswick plc (West) Stands (photo)
Where To Drink?
North and Neil Hudgell Solicitors (East) Stands(photo)
How To Get There & Where To Park
Looking Towards The MKM South Stand (photo)
By Train
Local Rivals
Cranswick plc (West) Stand (photo)
Admission Prices
Fixtures 2012-2013
Ground Layout
Programme Price
Disabled Facilities
Record & Average Attendance
Fans Ground Reviews
Boothferry Park
Hotel Accommodation
KC Stadium Location Map


What's The KC Stadium Like?
The Club moved to the KC Stadium in December 2002 after leaving their former Boothferry Park home where they had been resident for 56 years. It cost almost £44m to build, by Birse Construction and is home to both Hull Football & Rugby League Clubs. I'm not a fan of most of the bland new grounds, but the KC Stadium is an exception to this rule. Built in a parkland setting, the stadium can be seen for some distance around and has won a number of awards for its impressive design. It cost almost £44m to build, by Birse Construction and is home to both Hull Football & Rugby League Clubs. I'm not a fan of most of the bland new grounds, but the KC Stadium is an exception to this rule. Built in a parkland setting, the stadium can be seen for some distance around and has won a number of awards for its impressive design.

The stadium is totally enclosed, with the West Stand being around twice the size of the other three sides. The roof rises up and curves around the West Stand, giving the stadium an interesting look. Inside the curves continue as each of the stands slightly bow around the playing area, drawing the eye to sweep panoramically around them. Apart from the West Stand, each of the other three stands is single tiered. The West Stand also benefits from having a row of executive boxes running across its middle. There is a large video screen at the North End of the stadium, where the Police Control Box is also situated. The P.A system within the stadium is also excellent.

Future Ground Developments
Craig Harper informs me; 'The Club have plans to add an additional tier to both the East & South Stands, which will increase the capacity of the KC Stadium to around 34,000'. However, no firm timescales have been announced as to when this may take place.

KC Stadium






What Is It Like For Visiting Supporters?
Away fans are located in the North Stand End of the ground, where up to 4,000 supporters can be housed, although the normal allocation is half that number. The facilities available are good, plus there is not a bad view of the playing action to be found anywhere (although you are a little set back from the pitch). On the concourse alcohol is available, plus burgers, Hollands pies etc.. I found the atmosphere to be good within the stadium, but unfortunately there is an element of Hull support that feel the need to berate away supporters throughout the game, which was somewhat unsavoury.

Dave Winsor a visiting Nottingham Forest fan adds; 'Our seats were roomy and comfortable with a raised behind the goal view. Plenty of leg room and helpful stewards along with a nice fat matchday programme and a really good selection of food and drink from the concourse all contributed to the favourable impression. An interesting ground with much more to it than the usual depressing flat pack stadium of some other designs'. Phil a visiting West Ham United fan tells me; 'The stadium is great with good facilities on the concourse. I was located right at the back of the away section and the view was very good with no obstructions'.

Please note that the stadium has been designated a no standing area, which on the face of it seems a little ridiculous. This has led to some unpleasant confrontations between away fans and stewards, so you have been warned. Craig Waites a visiting Bradford City fan adds; 'On my last visit I felt the Policing was over the top. It was like going back to the 1980's'. Owen Robson a visiting West Ham United fan informs me;
'The West Ham fans stood up throughout the entire game, without any hassle from stewards or Police. I presume this was because of the huge away support on that day.'


MKM South & Cranswick plc (West) Stands






Where To Drink?

Tim Jones a visiting Aston Villa supporter informs me; 'The Brickmakers pub virtually opposite the stadium car park entrance allows in away fans. It has a good atmosphere and the Hull fans there were friendly. It also has a big screen showing Sky Sports and a burger van outside'. Whilst fellow Villa fan Neil Tate adds; 'There is also the nearby Walton Street Social Club that also admits away supporters. Although it costs £1 to go in, it has good cheap beer, is of a good size and offers a separate area for sale of food such as burgers and chips etc.. There were plenty of fellow Villa fans in there during our recent visit. Turn right out of the main car park entrance and it is down the road on the left hand side.'

There are a number of other pubs within a few minutes walk of the stadium, but these are all designated as being for home supporters only. Most Hull fans still seem to be heading for pubs situated around Boothferry Park. These are best avoided by away fans particularly the Silver Cod pub. Otherwise you can head for the nearby City Centre, where there are plenty of pubs to be found. Sam Carroll suggests the 'Linnet & Lark' on Princes Avenue. As Sam says; 'It has lots of TVs showing Sky Sports, making it perfect to watch the early or late kick off games. It is a 15 minute walk away from the stadium, going across the pedestrian footbridge over the railway line. Also there are a number of other bars dotted along Princes Avenue, which should be okay for away fans to drink in. These include PAVE, which has a great selection of beers from all around the world and quality food. Look out for their "matchday special" pint, pie, peas and mash for just £6. There is ample parking in the streets off the avenue. Closer to the stadium around a 15 minute walk up Walton Street, is the Avenues pub on Chanterlands Avenue, that welcomes both home and away supporters.'

Robert Walker adds; 'If you are walking to the stadium from the City Centre there are several pubs on Spring Bank, including the Editorial and the Tap and Spile. Or there is the Admiral of the Humber (a Wetherspoons outlet) on Anlaby Road near Hull Paragon Railway Station'. This Wetherspoons pub is listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. Andy Beill adds; 'I'd recommend The Punch Hotel pub. It is situated in thetown centre next to the Princes Quay shopping centre, so not far from the train station. It does great homemade food'.

Otherwise alcohol, Carling & Marstons are served within the stadium at £3.20 per pint. However for some high profile matches, the club do not provide alcohol to away supporters.




How To Get There & Where To Park

From The West:
At the end of the M62, continue onto the A63 towards Hull. Stay on the A63 and the stadium is clearly signposted (KC Stadium and a football symbol) as you approach Hull. About one mile from the centre of Hull leave the A63 (just after you pass B&Q on the opposite side of the carriageway and is sign posted Local Infirmary Infirmary) and take the 2nd exit at the roundabout. Turn left at the lights and then over the flyover, right at the next lights and the ground is down on the right.

From The North:
Leave the A164 at the Humber Bridge Roundabout and take the first exit into Boothferry Road. The stadium is 3 miles down this road on the left.

Car Parking

Jo Johnson informs me; 'the stadium has its own massive car park right next to the stadium, with access from Walton Street. It is floodlit, with a covered surface (that is, not a mud bath) and open to home and away supporters alike. If you get there early and want to go into the City centre, there is a park and ride bus to and from the car park. The cost of parking at the stadium is £5. It's easier to park at Hull than at any ground I know of - but there is one drawback, namely, getting away again at the end of the game. It can take up to half an hour or more, if you park a long way from the exits'. Tony adds; 'There are two exits from the car park onto Walton Street after the game. The right hand exit is often the quickest to leave by. As you turn right out the car park, this leads to Spring Bank West, where you have to turn left. Follow this road onto the next roundabout and turn left into Calvert Lane. Cross one set of traffic lights into North Road then at the next set of traffic lights turn right onto Boothferry road (you'll see the old Boothferry Park floodlights just off to your left). This takes you onto the A63'.

Alternatively there is a Park & Ride facility signposted off the A63 (shared with home supporters). Many fans opt to park in one of the many town centre car parks and then walk out to the stadium. Chris Bax adds; 'It is perhaps easiest is to park at the Infirmary (clearly signposted from the A63) where parking is only £5 for 4 hours. It's a 10-15 minute walk to the ground from there'.

Whilst Robert Walker adds; 'The most convenient car park in the city centre is the Pryme Street multi-storey car park, which is open to 7.30pm. Leave the A63 at the Myton Street exit and head North towards the city centre. You will pass Paragon station on your left. At the next traffic lights turn right into Spencer Street and then immediately left into Prospect Street and follow road round to the right into Pryme Street. Car park entrance is on right. There is also an NCP car park at the end of Pryme Street and Council surface car parks off Freetown Way. To walk to Stadium cross over Ferensway and walk along Spring Bank. Turn left onto Derringham Street by Polar Bear pub and then right onto walkway to the stadium'. Marcos Brown-Garcia tells me; 'The housing estate directly opposite the Hull Royal Infirmary offers lots of free on street parking spaces. This estate has no parking regulations.'

Please note that some residential areas near to the stadium have been made residents only parking zones, so don't park there as you may well end up with a parking fine. John Womersley adds; 'There is some street parking less than five minutes walk away. Leave the A63 at the Humber Bridge Roundabout and take the first exit into Boothferry Road. Pass Boothferry Park and forward onto Anlaby Road towards the Hull Royal Infirmary, You will pass the KC stadium on your left. Go over the flyover, and turn right at "The Eagle" pubinto Coltman St then take the 2nd right into Cholmley St then 4th right into the Boulevard. There are manyside streets without parking restrictions. To get to the ground simply walk to the top of the Boulevard and go up the pedestrian walkway to the stadium. To Get home simply go the other way down the Boulevard, then left into Hessle Rd, after 1/4 mile you'll come to a roundabout which takes you onto the A63 (Clive Sullivan Way) and M62.



By Train
The Stadium is around a 20 minute walk away from Hull Paragon station. Turn left at the end of the railway station platform and then left into the bus station (without going outside the station). Exit the bus station at the far end. Walk past Tesco on your right, cross over Park Street at the traffic lights. Following blue pedestrian signs to KC Stadium go along Londisborough Street (where there is a handy fish and chip shop). Cross Argyle Street and onto pedestrian walkway and bridges over railway lines to stadium. For away end turn right at the bottom of steps. Thanks to Brian Scott a visiting Ipswich Town supporter for the directions.


Local Rivals
Leeds United, Scunthorpe United and Grimsby Town.


Admission Prices
Home Fans:
Cranswick plc (West) Stand:
Adults £26, Over 60's/Under 23's £16, Under 16's £12, Under 11's £5*
Neil Hudgell Solicitors (East) Stand
Adults £24, Over 60's/Under 23's £14, Under 16's £10, Under 11's £5*
MKM South Stand: Adults £24, Over 60's/Under 23's £14, Under 16's £10, Under 11's £5*
Family Areas: Adults £26, Over 60's/Under 23's £16, Under 16's £5, Under 11's £3*, Under 5's Free**

Away Fans:
North Stand: Adults £24, Over 60's/Under 23's £14, Under 16's £10, Under 11's £5*

* Under 11's tickets are only available to be purchased prior to matchday.
** Free tickets must be claimed prior to matchday.


Programme
Official Programme: £3.


Disabled Facilities
Paul Robinson informs me; 'The disabled facilities are state of the art. Every stand in the stadium has a purpose built Disabled user platform, easily accessible from the wide concourse that circumnavigates the inside of the whole stadium. Stewards patrol every Disabled access area on the outside of the stadium, and if assistance is required it’s there on hand. Once through the entrance and up the lifts, the concourse awaits with its bars, food kiosks and betting shops. Throughout the concourse are TV’s showing Sky Sports as well as highlights of Hull City games. Once through the entrance into the arena, (curiously titled ‘Vomitories’) the Disabled platform awaits with plenty of space for wheelchairs, and seats for their companions. The St Johns ambulance are stationed at the platforms which is also a good idea, as they are immediately on hand.
The platforms themselves have a great position in each of the stands. Each stand has two platforms, and there is easy access seating and space for a wheelchair at pitch side. The Kingston Communications Stadium has arguably the top facilities in the country for disabled supporters and provides 304 spaces for wheelchair users and their helpers. There are also a further 300 spaces for the ambulant disabled. Wireless audio commentary is also available. Admission is free for wheelchair users while the carer pays the admission price for the relevant area of the stadium. Wheelchairs can also be hired if required to assist from their car to the seating area. Proof of ID, car registration number, and a refundable £5 deposit are required. Half time refreshments can be pre-ordered and delivered to the disabled areas. For home fans who are in receipt of DLA a parking space immediately outside the stadium is available, and visiting fans who wish to book a space should contact the club.' Admission prices for wheelchair and helper are £16 in the West Stand and £14 for other areas.

For further details of the disabled facilities and club contact at the ground please visit the relevant page on the Level Playing Field website.


Record & Average Attendance

At The Kingston Communications Stadium:
25,030 v Liverpool
Premier League, May 10th 2010.

At Boothferry Park:
55,019 v Manchester United,
FA Cup 6th Round, February 26th, 1949.

Average Attendance:
2011-2012: 18,790 (Championship League)
2010-2011: 21,169 (Championship League)
2009-2010: 24,390 (Premier League)

 

[Fungus]

Okay. I'm only going to do this once as it's not fair on the guys who's app this is but it's a very useful guide and this should serve as an indication of what you get.

Okay, thanks. So, it's the same info as the website.

 

[SeagullinExile]

Thinking of travelling up at the last minute. Anybody know if it's gonna be POTG yet?