Kassam Stadium - The Real EFL

Oxford United FC, or the U’s as they are known, has called Kassam Stadium home since 2001 when the stadium was built. While it might not be England’s largest stadium in terms of seating capacity, its unique three-sided design gives it a distinct character and the facilities cater to both casual visitors and die-hard fans. Beyond the game, its location in Oxford provides an opportunity to explore the city’s rich history and English culture. The stadium has also come to be known as the Oxford United Stadium owing to the club’s 2+ decade ownership of the ground. In this Kassam Stadium guide, you’ll learn everything from the ground’s seating capacity, design, facilities, and more.

Kassam Stadium Stats

Opened in 2001, Kassam Stadium is the home ground of the EFL Championship club, Oxford United after leaving their former ground, the Manor Ground, which had been its home for 76 years. The stadium is named after the club’s former Chairman and owner, Firoz Kassam and has a seating capacity of 12,500.

While the Kassam Stadium capacity is not the largest in the country, the ground has hosted iconic events such as the following:

Rugby union games
Under-17 international football tournament in 2002
Elton John music concert
Oxfordshire Senior Cup

Key Facts

Capacity: 12,500
Address: Oxford, England
Year Opened: 2001
Home Team(s): Oxford United FC
Record Attendance: 12,243 (Oxford vs Leyton Orient, 2006)
Owner: Firoka Group
First Fixture: Oxford United vs Crystal Palace, 2001

Stadium Design and Architecture

Kassam Stadium’s design stands out from that of other grounds because of its unique three-sided structure that offers fans an unconventional viewing experience. Unlike most stadiums, the absence of a fourth stand gives the ground an open feel, allowing natural light to flood the pitch. While the lack of a fourth stand translates to a smaller capacity, the Kassam Stadium seating plan is designed to bring fans closer to the action during matches.

One of the stadium’s most striking features is its reflective glass paneling at the main entrance, which gives it a sleek and modern appearance. Outside, the bronze statue of an ox stands as a proud nod to Oxford’s heritage which adds to the ground’s aesthetic.

Kassam Stadium Seating Plan

The Kassam Stadium plan is designed around three stands, with each one offering fans a distinct viewing experience. With an Oxford United stadium capacity of 12,500, the arrangement ensures that every spectator enjoys a good view of the pitch no matter where they are.

The South Stand: With a capacity of 4,495, this stand is divided into two tiers and houses executive boxes, changing rooms, and several other facilities.
The North Stand: Opposite the South Stand is the North Stand with a capacity of 5,026. With some home supporters housed here, this stand is primarily for the away fans.
The East Stand: Single-tiered like the North Stand, this stand is home to the more vocal home fans and can hold up to 2,879 spectators.

Kassam Stadium Tickets & Pricing

Like most other stadiums, the prices of tickets at Kassam Stadium are based on several factors, such as where you sit, your age, and whether you’re a home or an away fan. If you’re on a tight budget but still want to watch a match, you should consider buying a ticket in the East Stand as seats in this section are the most affordable. Seats in the South Stand are the most expensive as they give you a much better view of the pitch. Below is the range of adult and concession prices for tickets at the stadium:

Adults: £25-£38
Over 65: £18-£31
18-24: £18-£31
U18: £12-£29
U13: £9-£21
U7: £2-£17

It’s always a good idea to purchase tickets in advance as buying them on the day will be £3 more expensive. Kassam Stadium Oxford United members also receive £2 off for adults while other price classes get £1 off on match tickets when bought in advance.

How to get Kassam Tickets

There are several ways to buy tickets for matches at the Kassam Stadium. The best way is online via the Oxford United official site. You can also buy tickets over the phone or in person at the ticket office which is available from 10 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. There will be a £1 surcharge unless you print your ticket at home or pay at the window.

If you have a membership, you can receive an exclusive 7-day ticket priority window for all home league Championship fixtures. Your membership also gives you a £2 or £1 discount when you purchase your tickets in advance of matchday.

Matchday Atmosphere and Fan Experience

On matchdays at Kassam Stadium, the atmosphere is electric as fans gather to cheer on the U’s. From the moment you arrive, you will get a feel of what makes a matchday at Kassam Stadium so special. Before the match, you can take selfies for the big screen and meet the club’s mascots, Olly and Olivia while young fans can enjoy a little time out on matchday at their bespoke Sensory Room. There are also several spots on the ground where you can get some good food like pies, burgers, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, and beverages ahead of the game and during half-time.

How to Get to Kassam Stadium

You can get to Kassam Stadium by car, bus, train, taxi, or air. Once you get to the ground, there are 2,000 free car parking spaces at the stadium, but they tend to fill up quite fast so try to arrive early. There is also an additional 400 free parking spaces at the Ozone cinema and bowling alley complex just adjacent to the stadium. Here are the travel routes you can consider:

Train: The nearest railway is the Oxford Station, located five miles from the stadium. You can get a taxi from the station which takes about 15 minutes to get to the ground, which will often cost £10-£15.
Bus: The Oxford Bus Company route City 5 and Stagecoach route 1 travel frequently from the station Knights Road which is a five-minute walk to the stadium.
Car: From the North on the A4074, exit towards the B480. The stadium is well-signposted from there, so you can’t miss it.
Air: The Heathrow and Gatwick airports are close to Oxford, so you can catch a bus service from any of them which should take about an hour and twenty minutes to get to the ground.
Taxi: A taxi from Oxford Station or the city centre takes just over 15 minutes to get to the stadium.

How to access Stadium for Home Fans

Both home and away fans visiting Kassam Stadium can enter the ground through any of the three stands. Home fans are housed in the East Stand which is single-tiered and can hold up to 2,879 spectators. To gain access to the stadium, home supporters are required to present their traditional season cards along with digital tickets which the club introduced in 2021.

How to Get to Stadium for Away Fans

The away end is on one side of the North Stand, towards the open side of the stadium, so away supporters can enter the ground through the turnstiles in this area. With a capacity of over 5,000, the facilities within this stand and the view of the pitch are excellent. Like home fans, away supporters will need both their traditional and digital season tickets to gain access to the North Stand.

Hotels Near Kassam Stadium

As a university town, Oxford is home to several hotels where you can spend a night or two before and after the games. Here are some top destinations:

Holiday Inn Express Kassam Stadium

You can’t get closer to Kassam Stadium than a hotel like the Holiday Inn Express. It’s less than five miles from central Oxford’s railway and bus stations. Featuring a bar, meeting room, business centre, free buffet breakfast, free parking, and free Wi-Fi, this is one of the cheapest hotels around, starting at £80.

Address: Grenoble Road, Oxford, England, OX4 4XP
Website: Holiday Inn Express
Phone Number: 44-1865-780888

Hampton by Holton Oxford

Four miles from central Oxford, the Hampton Hotel is a short walk from the stadium and is among the cheapest hotels around, priced at £90+. Free Wi-Fi, free parking, a snack bar, a restaurant, a lounge, and a free continental breakfast are all included in the price of your stay.

Address: Grenoble Road, Oxford, OX4 4XP
Website: Hampton by Holton Oxford
Phone Number: +44 1865 788860

The Tree Hotel at Iffley

This hotel is located between Oxford and the stadium and is about a mile from either. With prices starting at £82, it’s cheaper than many hotels in the centre of the city and features a bar, restaurant, playground for kids, breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and free parking.

Address: 63 Church Way, Tree Lane, Oxford, England, OX4 4EY
Website: The Tree Hotel at Iffle
Phone Number: +44 (0) 1865 775974

Pubs, Bars Near Stadium

If you’re looking for a place to grab a bite and sip a beer, there are plenty of places near Kassam Stadium. Here are some options to consider:

The George

Halfway between the stadium and the centre of Oxford, this little pub has a decent pub grub-style menu, a great beer garden, and several TVs to relax with live sports.

Address: 5 Sandford Road, Oxford, OX4 4PU
Phone Number: 01865 779 341

Jude The Obscure

This fun pub is just next to Oxford Railway Station. They have a great menu, plenty of spirits, and a good cocktail selection. Their prices are on the high-end, but worth it.

Address: 54 Walton Street, Oxford, OX2 6AE
Phone Number: 01865 557 309

Holiday Inn Express

It might not be the ideal place to go for a pre-game pint, but it’s about the closest to the stadium you will find. You’ll have a mix of beer and cocktail drinks to sip.

Address: Grenoble Road, Oxford, England, OX4 4XP
Phone Number: 01865 780 888

Updates on Kassam Stadium

While Kassam Stadium and Oxford United are closely linked together, the U’s contract with the stadium will expire in 2026, with no intention of renewing the lease. However, the club plans to move to a brand-new ground as they look to build the first all-electric stadium in the country. Should this dream come to pass, the new ground will have a seating capacity of 16,000 and contain a restaurant, conference centre, a 180-bed hotel, and a wellbeing space.