Located on the northern outskirts of Colchester, the JobServe Community Stadium—often just called the Community Stadium—is a modern football ground that has become a cornerstone of Colchester United’s identity since its opening in 2008.
While not steeped in century-old history like some older grounds, it holds significance for fans due to its clean design, family-friendly vibe, and the club’s passionate community involvement. The stadium is well-regarded for offering a modern matchday experience with excellent sightlines and accessibility. For supporters or groundhoppers, it offers a snapshot of how lower-league clubs can blend tradition with practicality.
Colchester United Stadium Stats
Opened in 2008, the JobServe Community Stadium is home to Colchester United. With a capacity of 10,105, it’s one of the more modern League Two stadiums in England.
Located in Colchester, Essex, the stadium has hosted international youth fixtures, concerts, and a variety of community events in addition to club football. Its facilities and location make it a key venue in the region for both sport and entertainment.
Stadium Key Facts
Capacity: 10,105
Address: United Way, Colchester CO4 5UP, UK
Year Opened: 2008
Home Team(s): Colchester United FC
Record Attendance: 10,064 – Colchester United vs Norwich City (16 Jan 2010, FA Cup)
Owner: Colchester Borough Council
First Fixture: Colchester United vs Huddersfield Town, 16 August 2008
Did You Know?
The stadium’s name rights are held by local recruitment company JobServe, but locals often just refer to it as “The Community Stadium.”
Colchester United Stadium Design and Architecture
The JobServe Community Stadium is known for its clean, symmetrical bowl design, with all four stands similar in height and layout. Built by Barr Construction, the stadium opened in 2008 as a purpose-built, all-seater venue that replaced the club’s former home at Layer Road. Each stand is fully roofed and offers uninterrupted views of the pitch.
Externally, the stadium’s façade features a sleek, silver metallic design with LED lighting elements that illuminate the outer shell during evening games. Internally, the seats are coloured in blue and white—the club’s traditional colours. Unlike older stadiums, the Community Stadium offers wide concourses, modern hospitality suites, and strong acoustics, helping to amplify the crowd even in its relatively modest capacity. The layout is efficient, offering fans great visibility from every seat.
Colchester United Stadium Seating Plan
Source: Colchester United
Colchester United Stadium features four main stands:
West Stand (Main Stand):
The largest and most prominent, the West Stand houses the players’ tunnel, club offices, changing rooms, media facilities, and hospitality suites. It also accommodates directors, press, and premium seating. The stand offers an excellent view and is the heart of stadium operations.
East Stand:
Opposite the Main Stand, the East Stand is home to general seating for home supporters. It mirrors the West in design but lacks the corporate facilities. It’s popular with regular season ticket holders and offers a clear, elevated view of the pitch.
North Stand (Barclay’s Stand):
This is typically where away fans are situated. With easy coach access via the A12, this stand provides modern facilities and a good view behind the goal. Its proximity to the main road makes it ideal for visiting supporters.
South Stand:
Another single-tiered stand for home fans, including many families and younger supporters. The atmosphere here is welcoming and often lively, especially during key fixtures.
Colchester United Stadium Tickets & Pricing
Colchester United have long prioritised accessible and value-for-money football. Though a relatively new stadium, ticket pricing is structured to remain competitive within League Two while reflecting the modern facilities on offer.
Historically, the club has trialled initiatives like early bird season tickets and “Football for a Fiver” promotions to boost attendance. A typical adult ticket ranges from £17–£23, with concessions for seniors, under-18s, and under-11s. Season tickets begin at around £300 for adults, with flexible instalment plans and added perks like priority cup ticket access.
Demand is generally steady, with weekend matches drawing larger crowds. Cup games and local derbies—especially against Southend or Ipswich—see noticeable spikes in ticket demand. The stadium’s 10,000-seat capacity usually ensures availability for most league fixtures.
The venue is fully compliant with modern accessibility standards, offering designated seating for disabled fans, free carer tickets, and step-free access throughout the ground.
How to Get Colchester United Stadium Tickets
Tickets can be purchased via the Colchester United official website, over the phone, or in person at the stadium’s ticket office. Online booking is encouraged, especially for high-demand fixtures, and allows fans to select seats on a digital stadium map.
Membership schemes, such as the CUFC Supporters Club, offer early access to tickets, discounts in the club shop, and priority booking for cup fixtures. Fans can also sign up for the e-ticket system, which enables paperless entry and quicker access at the turnstiles.
Prices for league matches typically range from £17 to £23 for adults, while cup ties vary depending on the opposition. Family bundles, student rates, and junior fan packages are also available, making it a flexible setup for different budgets.
Matchday Atmosphere and Fan Experience
Matchdays at the Community Stadium are relaxed, friendly, and increasingly energetic. Home fans fill the West and South stands, creating a tight-knit atmosphere boosted by drum-led chants and flag-waving sections.
The stadium’s acoustics carry noise well, making even smaller crowds feel impactful. Concession stands, a fan zone, and the club shop add to the experience.
How to Get to Colchester United Stadium
The Colchester United Stadium is located just off the A12 at Junction 28, making it easily accessible by car. On-site parking is available but must be pre-booked through the club’s website, as spaces are limited on matchdays. Alternative parking options include nearby park-and-ride facilities and local business car parks offering matchday rates.
By rail, Colchester North Station is the nearest major stop, with direct services from London Liverpool Street, Ipswich, and Norwich. The stadium is around 2.5 miles from the station, and shuttle buses operate on matchdays to make travel easier for supporters.
Local bus routes also serve the stadium, including services from the town centre and Colchester North Station. The No. 2 and No. 8 buses frequently stop near the stadium entrance. For those walking or cycling, well-signposted pedestrian and cycle paths lead from surrounding areas, making it a practical and accessible destination for all fans.
How to Access Stadium for Home Fans
Home supporters typically enter via the West and South Stands. Fans arriving by car are directed via signage from the A12, with stewards on hand for matchday guidance. Turnstiles open 90 minutes before kick-off, giving fans time to visit the club shop or grab food and drink inside.
E-tickets and season cards are scanned at the gates, and dedicated entrances for families and accessible seating areas are clearly signposted. The fan zone—just outside the West Stand—often features food stalls, live music, and community activities.
How to Get to Stadium for Away Fans
Away fans are welcomed in the North Stand, with entry via a dedicated turnstile block accessible directly from the main stadium car park. Coach drop-off points are adjacent to the entrance, making arrival straightforward.
Visiting fans enjoy full facilities, including food, drink, and accessible seating. Tickets are often allocated through the away club’s sales system, but some availability may remain at the gate unless the match is high demand. For those travelling by train, shuttle buses or taxis from Colchester North Station are recommended due to walking distance.
Hotels Near Colchester United Stadium
If you’re staying overnight for a match, several comfortable and budget-friendly hotels are located nearby:
Premier Inn Colchester Cowdray Avenue
Just a 10-minute drive from the stadium, this hotel offers great value with clean rooms and a solid breakfast. Perfect for fans looking for convenience and affordability.
Address: Cowdray Ave, Colchester CO1 1UT
Website: www.premierinn.com
Phone: +44 333 321 9282
Holiday Inn Express Colchester
A little further out but close to the A12, this modern hotel is great for drivers. It offers free breakfast, parking, and quick access to the stadium by car.
Address: Birchwood Rd, Colchester CO7 6HX
Website: www.ihg.com
Phone: +44 1206 321600
St Nicholas Hotel
Located in the city centre and close to transport links, this boutique hotel is ideal if you’re combining matchday with exploring Colchester’s historic town.
Address: High St, Colchester CO1 1DN
Website: www.st-nicholas-hotel.co.uk
Phone: +44 1206 561812
Pubs, Bars Near Colchester United Stadium
Whether you want a quiet pint or a lively pre-match buzz, Colchester has several pubs within reach of the stadium.
The Dog & Pheasant
A traditional local pub just a short drive from the stadium, serving real ales and pub grub. It’s popular with both home and away fans on matchdays.
Address: Nayland Rd, Colchester CO4 5EQ
Website: www.dogandpheasantcolchester.co.uk
Phone: +44 1206 843951
The Bricklayers
Closer to the town centre, The Bricklayers is a great spot for food, craft beers, and sports TV. A favourite for fans arriving early by train.
Address: Bergholt Rd, Colchester CO4 5AA
Website: www.bricklayersarmscolchester.co.uk
Phone: +44 1206 852008
Playhouse (Wetherspoons)
A converted theatre offering Wetherspoons prices and a wide drink selection. Ideal for bigger groups and budget-conscious fans.
Address: St John’s St, Colchester CO2 7AA
Website: www.jdwetherspoon.com
Phone: +44 1206 570970
Updates on Colchester United Stadium
As of the latest reports, there are no major renovation or expansion plans for the JobServe Community Stadium, though the club continues to invest in improving the matchday experience. Recent updates have included improved food kiosks, updated digital ticketing systems, and enhanced accessibility features for disabled supporters.
The club is also exploring increased use of the venue for non-footballing events, such as music concerts, local festivals, and community gatherings. Talks about the development of nearby training facilities and commercial spaces are ongoing, with Colchester United aiming to become a more financially sustainable club through diversification.
While expansion isn’t currently on the table, the stadium is future-proofed with space around the site that could allow for seating increases or structural changes if needed.