1. Getting to St Mary's Stadium

By Car

• Address: St Mary's Stadium, Britannia Road, Southampton, SO14 5FP.

• Parking:

  • On-Site Parking: St Mary's Stadium has limited parking available for matchday, primarily for season ticket holders and VIPs. If you're not a season ticket holder, it’s advisable to arrive early to find a spot.

  • Nearby Parking:

    • The Quadrant Car Park: A large car park located near the stadium.

    • West Quay Shopping Centre Car Park: Around 15-20 minutes’ walk from the stadium, this shopping centre offers ample parking.

    • Street Parking: You can find some street parking around the stadium, but make sure to check for matchday restrictions.

By Train

• Southampton Central Railway Station:

  • Distance: About a 20-minute walk from St Mary's Stadium.

  • Trains to Southampton: Southampton is well-served by trains from various cities:

    • London to Southampton: Direct trains from London Waterloo take approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.

    • Bristol to Southampton: Around 1 hour 15 minutes.

    • Reading to Southampton: Around 1 hour.

  • Tram/Bus from the Station: From Southampton Central Station, you can take a local bus or tram to get closer to the stadium.

By Bus

• Bus Routes: Several bus routes connect the city centre and St Mary's Stadium, making public transport a convenient option for fans:

  • Route 7 & 8: Buses from the city centre and train station to the stadium.

  • Route 1: Connects the train station with St Mary's, passing close to the stadium.

  • Bus Stops: The nearest bus stop to the stadium is Britannia Road.

By Bike

• Cycling: Southampton has a growing network of bike lanes, and St Mary's Stadium is accessible by bike. There are bike racks available near the stadium for those cycling to the match. You can also use Southampton's bike hire system for a hassle-free trip.

 

2. Where to Stay

If you're staying overnight in Southampton, you’ll find a wide range of hotels close to the stadium and in the city centre.

• Budget-Friendly:

  • Travelodge Southampton Central: Located in the heart of Southampton, this budget option is within walking distance of St Mary's Stadium.

  • Ibis Southampton Centre: A modern, budget-friendly hotel close to the city centre and around a 20-minute walk from the stadium.

• Mid-Range:

  • Novotel Southampton: A well-located hotel with comfortable rooms, just a short distance from the stadium and offering easy access to the city centre.

  • Holiday Inn Southampton: This hotel is situated near the West Quay Shopping Centre and offers modern amenities with easy access to the stadium.

• Luxury:

  • The Dolphin Hotel: A luxurious hotel located in the city centre, providing a premium experience and just a short drive to St Mary's Stadium.

  • Mercure Southampton Centre Dolphin Hotel: A beautiful 4-star hotel that combines historical charm with modern facilities, located near the city centre.

 

3. Matchday Tips

Gates Open:

• The gates to St Mary's Stadium typically open 1.5 to 2 hours before kick-off, giving fans plenty of time to settle in, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy the pre-match atmosphere.

Ticket Collection:

• If you have pre-purchased tickets, you can either print them at home or collect them from the stadium on matchday. The ticket office is located at the North Stand of the stadium, so ensure you arrive with enough time before the match if you’re collecting tickets in person.

Fan Zones:

• St Mary’s Stadium doesn't have a dedicated fan zone, but there are several places where fans can meet before and after the game:

  • The Brass Monkey: A popular pub close to the stadium, known for being a good meeting point for Southampton supporters.

  • The Red Lion: Located near the stadium, offering food, drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere for fans.

  • The Butcher’s Hook: Another fan favourite offering a great place to enjoy food and drinks before heading to the stadium.

Merchandise:

• Club Shop: The official Southampton FC club shop is located inside St Mary’s Stadium, where you can pick up a wide variety of merchandise, including home and away kits, scarves, and other club-branded items.

Food and Drink:

• Inside the Stadium: St Mary's offers several food and drink options for fans:

  • Pies, Burgers, Hot Dogs, and Fish and Chips are available at food kiosks throughout the stadium.

  • Vegetarian and Vegan options are available at selected food stalls.

  • Drinks: A selection of soft drinks, beers, and alcoholic beverages are available at various locations within the stadium.

• Pre-Match Dining: For a pre-match meal, consider visiting the following:

  • The Brass Monkey: A lively pub offering food and drinks before heading to the stadium.

  • The Red Lion: Another pub near the stadium that serves hearty food and provides a great atmosphere before the match.

 

4. Exploring Southampton

If you have some time before or after the match, Southampton offers several great places to explore.

SeaCity Museum:

• Distance: 15-minute walk from St Mary's Stadium.

• What to Do: Explore Southampton’s maritime history, including exhibits about the Titanic and the city's role as a port.

Tudor House and Garden:

• Distance: 20-minute walk from the stadium.

• What to Do: A fascinating historical house with beautiful gardens, perfect for a peaceful stroll.

West Quay Shopping Centre:

• Distance: 15-minute walk from the stadium.

• What to Do: Southampton's premier shopping mall, offering everything from high-street brands to luxury goods, and a selection of dining options.

The Mayflower Theatre:

• Distance: 20-minute walk.

• What to Do: The Mayflower Theatre is Southampton’s largest and most popular venue for musicals, plays, and performances. Check their schedule to see if there’s anything on during your visit.

 

5. Post-Match Tips

• Getting Back to the Train Station: Southampton Central Railway Station is about a 20-minute walk from St Mary's Stadium. You can also catch a bus or tram to the station if you're in a hurry.

• Post-Match Drinks: Head to The Brass Monkey, The Red Lion, or The Butcher’s Hook to grab a post-match drink and chat with fellow fans after the game.

 

6. Additional Useful Information

• Weather: The weather in Southampton can vary, so it's best to check the forecast before your trip. Winters can be chilly and rainy, so bringing a coat and umbrella is always a good idea.

• Safety: Southampton is a generally safe city, but always stay alert, especially when walking to and from the stadium in the evening.

• Emergency Contacts:

  • Southampton FC Ticket Office: If you need assistance, contact the ticket office on 023 8178 2758.

  • Emergency Services: Dial 999 for emergencies in the UK.

 

Conclusion

A trip to St Mary’s Stadium to watch Southampton FC is sure to be an exciting and memorable experience. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the stadium offers an electric atmosphere, excellent facilities, and plenty of things to do before and after the match. We hope this guide helps you make the most of your visit.

Enjoy your matchday, and Up the Saints!