One of the most accessible and modern lower-league stadiums in England, Sixfields offers a welcoming, practical matchday experience for football fans.
Set against the backdrop of rolling Northamptonshire hills, the ground is compact, functional, and filled with local pride. It may not be one of the oldest or most famous grounds in English football, but for Northampton Town and its supporters, it’s the heart of the club’s identity. Opened in 1994, the ground marked a significant step forward for the Cobblers after decades at the County Ground.
Since then, it has grown into one of the most recognised venues in League One and League Two, known for its easy access, tidy design and strong atmosphere. The ground is surrounded by modern retail, dining and leisure facilities, making it a popular choice for visiting supporters.
Sixfields Stadium Stats
Sixfields Stadium is located on the western edge of Northampton, nestled in a shallow bowl just off the A4500. The ground has been the home of Northampton Town FC since October 1994, replacing the club’s previous home at the County Ground. With a capacity of 7,798, it is one of the smaller stadiums in the EFL but has excellent sightlines and an enclosed layout that retains noise well. The stadium has also hosted reserve fixtures for Coventry City and matches for Northampton Saints Rugby Club in the past.
Stadium Key Facts
Capacity: 7,798
Address: Upton Way, Northampton NN5 5QA, UK
Year Opened: 1994
Home Team(s): Northampton Town FC
Record Attendance: 7,798 (vs Manchester United, EFL Cup, 21 September 2016)
Owner: Northampton Borough Council (leased to Northampton Town FC)
First Fixture: Northampton Town vs Barnet, 15 October 1994 (won 1–0)
Did You Know?
Sixfields Stadium sits on a former landfill site and is built into a natural bowl, which explains its sunken pitch and steep access roads — a unique feature among EFL grounds.
Sixfields Stadium Design and Architecture
Sixfields Stadium features a tidy, all-seater bowl design with four distinct stands. The most prominent of these is the West Stand, which houses the dressing rooms, dugouts, club offices, and hospitality suites. It’s a two-tier structure and the only stand in the stadium with executive boxes. Opposite it is the East Stand, which has undergone partial redevelopment and, after delays, was reopened with improved concourse and seating facilities in the 2020s.
Behind the goals are the North Stand and South Stand. The North Stand is home to the more vocal home support and features club banners, flags and drums. The South Stand is allocated to away supporters and offers one of the best views in the ground due to its elevation and central sightlines.
The ground’s modest scale means supporters are never far from the pitch, creating a sense of intimacy and connection. It’s especially loud during local derbies or when the Cobblers are chasing promotion. While not architecturally flamboyant, Sixfields excels in function and fan comfort, with clean sightlines, easily navigable entrances, and plenty of parking nearby.
Sixfields Stadium Seating Plan
Credit: Northampton Town
Sixfields has four main stands:
West Stand: The largest and most developed, this two-tier stand includes hospitality areas, press seating, player changing rooms and the main reception. Most season ticket holders sit here.
East Stand: After delays to construction, this stand has now reopened with improved seating and accessibility. It provides good views and is popular with families.
North Stand: Traditionally where the loudest home fans sit. Flags and banners often decorate the area, and chanting is consistent throughout the match.
South Stand: Reserved for away fans. This section is well-organised and stewards are helpful. The elevated positioning makes for excellent pitch views.
Sixfields Stadium Tickets & Pricing
Northampton Town offer one of the more affordable matchday experiences in the Football League. Prices are categorised into standard and premium fixtures, with adult tickets typically costing between £20 and £24. Seniors and under-21s receive generous discounts, and under-7s can often attend for free with a paying adult.
The family area is based in the East Stand and features a more relaxed matchday environment. Season tickets are well-priced and come with benefits such as priority cup ticket access and club shop discounts. Northampton also offer half-season tickets and flexi-ticket bundles for those unable to commit to all home games.
Concessionary pricing extends to full-time students, armed forces personnel, and the unemployed — with ID required upon purchase. For fans with disabilities, carer tickets are available free of charge, and accessible seating is located across all four stands.
How to Get Stadium Tickets
Match tickets can be purchased through the official Northampton Town website, via phone, or at the Sixfields Box Office located in the West Stand. The club has introduced digital ticketing, with QR codes available via mobile apps or email, though traditional paper tickets are still an option for those who prefer them.
Supporters are advised to book early for high-profile matches, particularly against local rivals or former Premier League clubs, as Sixfields’ smaller capacity means sell-outs are common. Tickets generally go on sale three to four weeks before each fixture, with season ticket holders and members given priority windows.
Prices for League One matches range from £20 to £24 for adults, £16 to £18 for seniors and students, and £8 to £10 for juniors. Cup games and friendlies may carry discounted rates. Away allocations are usually filled quickly, so travelling fans should purchase via their own club’s ticketing system.
Matchday Atmosphere and Fan Experience
Despite its small size, Sixfields can be loud and lively when the Cobblers are on form. The North Stand generates most of the noise, often supported by drum beats and coordinated chants. The club has embraced its community roots, with local businesses and schools involved in pre-match activities.
Food kiosks offer pies, sausage rolls, hot dogs and snacks at reasonable prices, and the club bar in the West Stand is open to supporters pre- and post-match. The atmosphere is especially strong during night games or promotion battles, with a real sense of unity between players and fans.
For families, the East Stand is a calmer zone with pre-match entertainment, face painting and mascot appearances. Stewards and staff are welcoming and helpful, making the overall matchday experience feel personal and friendly.
How to Get to Sixfields
Sixfields is well connected for both car and public transport users. It lies just off the A4500 and is around 10 minutes from the M1 (Junction 15A). Free matchday parking is available in designated car parks around the stadium, although these fill up quickly, so early arrival is recommended.
For fans arriving by train, Northampton Station is around 2 miles from Sixfields. A matchday shuttle bus runs between the town centre and the stadium, with taxis also available outside the station. Walking takes 30–40 minutes and follows well-signposted paths.
Bus routes 5 and D1 also stop near the stadium on Upton Way. Cyclists can lock bikes at designated railings outside the West Stand, and the surrounding retail park offers additional food and coffee options before kick-off.
How to Access Sixfields Stadium for Home Fans
Home fans can access Sixfields through entrances on all four sides, depending on ticket allocation. Most supporters use the West Stand entrance or access the North Stand from the car park area. Turnstiles open 90 minutes before kick-off, and there are separate queues for digital and paper tickets.
The concourses are well-signposted and relatively spacious, especially in the West Stand. All food kiosks accept contactless payments, and queuing is typically fast and well-managed. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for larger games as build-up can become congested near the retail park access points.
Accessibility at Sixfields is excellent. Ramped access, wheelchair bays, hearing loop systems, and accessible toilets are available across the ground. Club stewards are trained in supporting disabled and neurodiverse supporters, and the club offers assistance points near the West Stand reception.
How to Get to Sixfields Stadium for Away Fans
Away fans enter via the South Stand, which is clearly marked from the car park and easy to locate. Coaches park directly outside the stand, and stewards direct visiting supporters from arrival to entry. Turnstiles for away fans also open 90 minutes prior to kick-off.
The South Stand is compact but provides excellent views and has a dedicated concourse for food, drink and toilet access. The section is well-stewarded and generally considered one of the better away day experiences in League One, with a clear line of sight and decent acoustics.
The atmosphere from home fans is loud but rarely hostile, and many away supporters comment on the ease of access and modern facilities. Most visiting fans use the bars and restaurants in the nearby Sixfields Leisure Park before and after the game, as away-specific pubs near the stadium are limited.
Hotels Near Sixfields Stadium
There are several hotels within easy reach of the stadium, ideal for both home and away fans seeking a convenient overnight stay.
Premier Inn Northampton South West (Harlestone)
Located just a 10-minute walk from the stadium, this clean and quiet Premier Inn offers comfortable rooms and a friendly pub next door. Great for fans travelling by car or looking to stay within walking distance.
Address: Harlestone Rd, Northampton NN5 6EP
Website: Premier Inn Northampton South West (Harlestone)
Tel: +44 333 321 1369
Holiday Inn Northampton West
Situated slightly further out, this hotel is a 10-minute drive from Sixfields and ideal for those seeking a more upmarket option. It offers free parking, Wi-Fi, and a restaurant with a strong breakfast menu.
Address: High Street, Flore, Northampton NN7 4LP
Website: Holiday Inn Northampton West
Tel: +44 1327 350580
Travelodge Northampton Upton Way
One of the closest options to the ground, this Travelodge provides budget rooms with parking on-site and is ideal for those looking to arrive, watch, and leave with ease.
Address: Upton Way, Northampton NN5 5QL
Website: Travelodge Northampton Upton Way
Tel: +44 871 984 8484
Pubs, Bars Near Sixfields Stadium
The Sixfields Leisure Park and nearby town centre offer several pubs for home and away fans alike.
The Walter Tull
Located just outside the ground, this pub is named after the historic footballer and soldier. It’s the go-to pre-match venue for home fans, offering food, ales, and sports on TV.
Address: Sixfields Leisure Park, Northampton NN5 5QL
Website: The Walter Tull
Tel: +44 1604 751803
The Sevens
Located about a mile from the stadium, The Sevens is a sports-focused pub with big screens, pool tables, and a friendly vibe. Popular with both locals and neutrals.
Address: Weedon Rd, Northampton NN5 5BS
Website: The Sevens
Tel: +44 1604 751610
The Cordwainer (Wetherspoons)
Situated in the town centre, this large Wetherspoons offers cheap drinks, fast service and is often used by away fans before catching a bus or taxi to the ground.
Address: 33-37 The Drapery, Northampton NN1 2EU
Website: The Cordwainer
Tel: +44 1604 232000
Updates on Sixfields Stadium
In recent years, Sixfields has seen the completion of delayed works on the East Stand, which had stood unfinished for nearly a decade due to financial and legal issues. With the stand now open and improved, attention has shifted to long-term upgrades that would increase capacity and modernise facilities further.
The club has also expressed interest in improving the matchday fan zone, with plans for more food stalls, live music, and fan engagement activities. Discussions with the local council continue about future land development around the stadium, which could include retail expansion and additional training pitches.
While no move is currently planned, the focus is on enhancing the current stadium environment — one that fans already feel proud to call home.