Few stadiums in England capture the working-class spirit and football heritage of a city quite like St Andrew’s.
Opened in 1906, the ground has seen highs, lows, and everything in between for Birmingham City. Nestled in the Bordesley district, just east of the city centre, it has hosted generations of passionate Blues fans and iconic clashes.
Although the stadium has undergone partial modernisation, its soul remains intact. A visit to St Andrew’s isn’t just about the match — it’s about history, community, and the echo of the Tilton Road roar. If you’re a football purist, it’s a ground that absolutely must be experienced.
St Andrew’s Stadium Stats
St Andrew’s, also known in full as St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park (following a 2024 sponsorship deal), has been the home of Birmingham City since December 1906. Located in the Bordesley district of Birmingham, the stadium has a current capacity of 29,409, although that number has fluctuated in recent years due to ongoing structural repairs. The stadium originally held over 75,000 before redevelopment and modern safety regulations brought the number down. It’s one of the longest-serving stadiums in English football and has also hosted England internationals and FA Cup semi-finals.
Stadium Key Facts
Capacity: 29,409
Address: Cattell Road, Birmingham, B9 4RL, UK
Year Opened: 1906
Home Team(s): Birmingham City
Record Attendance: 67,341 (vs Everton, 1939 FA Cup tie)
Owner: Birmingham City Football Club (Knighthead Capital Management)
First Fixture: Birmingham vs Middlesbrough, 26 December 1906
Did You Know?
The ground was once considered for World Cup matches during England’s 1966 bid, and it famously caught fire during World War II air raids — but was rebuilt and reopened in time for post-war football.
Stadium Design and Architecture
St Andrew’s has a classic English football ground design, combining historical architecture with more recent updates. The stadium is built into a bowl with four individual stands: the Main Stand (also called the Kop Stand), the Gil Merrick Stand, the Tilton Road Stand, and the Railway Stand. Each has a distinct character. The Kop is the largest, housing the press, hospitality boxes and VIP seating, while the Gil Merrick often accommodates away supporters.
Designed initially by architect Archibald Leitch — famous for many early 20th-century football grounds — the stadium’s original design included a giant open terrace, which was later replaced with seated stands during the Taylor Report reforms. Recent upgrades have addressed structural issues in the Kop and Tilton Road stands, with the club promising further refurbishment to align with modern standards. The ground retains its steel frame and distinctive roofline, making it instantly recognisable to fans across the country.
St Andrew’s Seating Plan
Source: Birmingham City
The stadium is split into four main sections:
The Main Stand (Kop Stand): The largest and most central stand, running along the west touchline. It houses executive boxes, the press box, and a mix of home fans.
Tilton Road End: Famous for its vocal home support, this end has long been the heartbeat of the Birmingham faithful. It’s known for creating one of the most intimidating atmospheres in the league.
Gil Merrick Stand: Often split between home and away fans, it sits opposite the Tilton and is named after former goalkeeper and manager Gil Merrick.
Railway Stand (East Stand): A more subdued stand often used by families and supporters seeking a quieter matchday experience.
St Andrew’s Tickets & Pricing
Ticket pricing at St Andrew’s is competitive for the second tier but considered pricey for League One. Prices are categorised by the opponent and competition, with adult tickets ranging from approximately £20 to £35 for league games. Concession and junior rates offer affordable options for families and long-time supporters.
The club runs various ticket offers throughout the season, especially for midweek games or family events. Season tickets remain popular, and loyalty schemes reward long-term fans with priority for high-demand matches, such as local derbies or cup runs. With part of the stadium under refurbishment in recent seasons, Birmingham City has worked hard to communicate seat availability and provide clarity for fans returning after closures.
How to Get Stadium Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online via the official Birmingham City FC website, through the club’s mobile app, or in person at the ticket office located on Kop Car Park. Rams+ and Super Blues members receive early access to tickets and discounted prices on selected fixtures. The club also allows for digital ticketing and mobile entry, which streamlines the process for regular fans.
For Championship matches, expect to pay around £25–£35 for an adult ticket, with cup prices varying depending on the opposition. Away fans typically receive an allocation in the Gil Merrick Stand, and these are distributed through the visiting club’s ticketing system.
Matchday Atmosphere and Fan Experience
The atmosphere at St Andrew’s is one of the most passionate in the EFL. The Tilton Road End brings relentless energy, songs, and flags, particularly during local rivalries or promotion chases. Food options are traditional — think pies and pints — and the concourses are bustling before kick-off.
On bigger occasions, the stadium feels tight and intense, giving Birmingham a real home advantage. Despite some recent frustrations about repairs, most fans agree the soul of the stadium remains untouched.
How to Get to St Andrew’s
St Andrew’s is about a 15–20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street Station, following a well-signposted pedestrian route through Digbeth. Bus routes 17, 60 and 97 stop near the ground, and taxi drop-off points are available close to the Main Stand. Matchday parking is limited but available in private lots and at nearby businesses on Cattell Road and Coventry Road.
How to Access St Andrew’s for Home Fans
Home fans generally enter through the Kop Stand and the Tilton Road End, with each entrance clearly marked and staffed by stewards who are on hand to assist with directions or ticket issues. Digital turnstiles with barcode scanners have modernised the entry process, though queues can still build up close to kick-off, particularly on high-attendance matchdays or during local derbies. Arriving 30–45 minutes early is recommended to enjoy the pre-match atmosphere without stress.
The club provides accessibility ramps, wheelchair bays, and accessible toilets across all four stands, and the stadium’s layout ensures that fans with mobility issues can reach their seats with minimal disruption. There are also designated seating areas for disabled supporters and their carers, usually in the Kop and Railway Stands. Signage throughout the concourses makes navigation relatively straightforward, and fan engagement staff are often present to help first-time visitors. Concessions selling hot food, soft drinks, and club merchandise open well before kick-off, with vegan and halal options increasingly available in the main kiosks.
How to Get to St Andrew’s for Away Fans
Away fans are typically housed in the Gil Merrick Stand, most commonly in the lower tier, which provides a good view from behind the goal. Access is via Garrison Lane, where designated coach and minibus drop-off points are available. Supporter coaches are usually directed to secure parking nearby, while independent travellers can use street parking around the area, although restrictions apply on matchdays.
Upon arrival, visiting fans go through a clearly segregated turnstile area. Stewards and police presence are visible but generally relaxed, aiming to ensure safety while maintaining a positive atmosphere. Once inside, the facilities include toilets, refreshment counters, and a well-sized concourse area. The away section has decent acoustics, and noise from travelling fans often carries well, adding to the matchday energy. Supporters are advised to arrive early, especially when large travelling contingents are expected, as queues can form quickly at both the turnstiles and food outlets. Security checks may include bag inspections, so light packing is recommended for smoother entry.
Hotels Near St Andrew’s
Whether you’re after a budget hotel or something more upmarket, Birmingham offers plenty of options near the stadium.
ibis Birmingham Bordesley
A functional and convenient budget hotel just a short walk from the ground. Popular with travelling fans, offering 24-hour service and on-site parking.
Address: 1 Bordesley Park Rd, Birmingham B10 0PD
Website: ibis Birmingham Bordesley
Tel: +44 121 506 2600
Clayton Hotel Birmingham
A modern 4-star hotel close to Birmingham Moor Street station, offering luxury rooms, a bar and grill, and easy access to St Andrew’s via foot or taxi.
Address: Albert St, Birmingham B5 5JE
Website: Clayton Hotel Birmingham
Tel: +44 121 726 3200
Holiday Inn Express Birmingham – South A45
A little further afield but good for those driving in, this hotel offers spacious rooms, breakfast, and convenient road access to the ground.
Address: 1200 Coventry Rd, Birmingham B25 8BJ
Website: Holiday Inn Express Birmingham – South A45
Tel: +44 871 902 1635
Pubs, Bars Near St Andrew’s
There are several pubs near St Andrew’s that cater to both home and away fans, with varying vibes and access policies.
The Roost
A dedicated Birmingham City pub, filled with memorabilia, blue shirts and passionate fans. Expect singing, chanting and a very traditional pre-match experience.
Address: 106 Cattell Rd, Birmingham B9 4RL
Website: The Roost
Tel: +44 121 772 3821
The Cricketers Arms
A welcoming pub for home and away supporters alike, offering food, pool tables and plenty of TV screens showing the early kick-offs.
Address: 25 Little Green Ln, Birmingham B9 5AX
Website: The Cricketers Arms
Tel: +44 121 772 3496
The Anchor
A historic Digbeth pub known for craft beers and an indie vibe. A popular stop for neutrals and away fans heading to the ground from the city centre.
Address: 308 Bradford St, Birmingham B5 6ET
Website: The Anchor
Tel: +44 121 622 4516
Updates on St Andrew’s
St Andrew’s has undergone significant repairs and refurbishments since 2020, when structural problems led to the partial closure of the Kop and Tilton Road stands. Under the club’s new ownership — Knighthead Capital Management — there has been a renewed focus on bringing the stadium back to full capacity and modern standards. Plans are also being explored to enhance hospitality spaces, install new digital infrastructure, and modernise the fan experience.
In 2024, the ground was officially renamed “St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park,” part of a broader commercial strategy to rebrand and re-energise Birmingham City. Fans remain hopeful that, while the name may change, the soul of the ground will remain firmly rooted in over a century of history.