General Info - Oxford (a)

[ClaretTony]

For any info ahead of the game at Oxford other than tickets and coach travel.

Links for these threads along with ticket info and Accy Clarets will be in the sticky post.

[Quickenthetempo]

https://youtu.be/WEB-Ta6hRgQ?si=Q0BrjL92nbyGM3mg

A Prestons fan blog of Oxford away.

They show 3 pubs in Oxford
Taxi price
A good idea of your day if you're going on the train.
View from away seats etc..

[agreenwood]

First class train? Alright for some.

Just been looking at the best way to get there and concluded I’ll have to drive. Train journey from Leeds is a pain and then the ground is miles from Oxford station.

[JohnDearyMe]

Says a lot about our rail infrastructure that the Preston fan had to go to Oxford via London

[Poulton-le-Claret]

The busses are really good in Oxford. Quite easy to get to the ground from the train station if using public transport.

[Sapperclaret73]

His vlog of 3-0 win tella hattrick is well worth a watch.

[Hannahscott6]

Hi, do you have 2 seats spare by any chance? Would be 2 adults, thanks.

[agreenwood]

Hi, do you have 2 seats spare by any chance? Would be 2 adults, thanks.

Think you meant that for Leisure’s coach threads rather than this one?

[Woodleyclaret]

This is one of our near away games about 45 mins .So as the Kassam is miles out at Littlemore we are using car and Just Park app .£11 for 6 hrs parking 5 mins walk to the ground.

[Quickenthetempo]

First class train? Alright for some.

Just been looking at the best way to get there and concluded I’ll have to drive. Train journey from Leeds is a pain and then the ground is miles from Oxford station.

I had a quick look at trains and there was a direct train from Manchester going there, but you had to change via Wolves on the way back.

Leeds took you to Brum for the change.

But it looks like visiting the Oxford pubs is far better than the ground.

[Targetman]

I had a quick look at trains and there was a direct train from Manchester going there, but you had to change via Wolves on the way back.

Leeds took you to Brum for the change.

But it looks like visiting the Oxford pubs is far better than the ground.

Trains from both Manchester Piccadilly to Oxford and then the return journey Oxford to Piccadilly with Crosscountry are all direct and run every hour.
No changes required.

We have just booked and paid £37 return using railcards.

[Quickenthetempo]

Great news.

Like I say it was a quick look on trainline from Burnley. Around 80 quid return without a railcard.

X43 at 2 quid each way will keep costs right down.

[Targetman]

Great news.

Like I say it was a quick look on trainline from Burnley. Around 80 quid return without a railcard.

X43 at 2 quid each way will keep costs right down.

Bear in mind if travelling by train that the ground is 4 or 5 miles from the train station. When booking your return journey make sure that you have enough time after the game to get back to the town centre for your timed train.

[GodIsADeeJay81]

There’s a sports bar inside the main entertainment complex, through the main doors and up the escalator
They’re fine with away fans but it does get busy

[agreenwood]

I had a quick look at trains and there was a direct train from Manchester going there, but you had to change via Wolves on the way back.

Leeds took you to Brum for the change.

But it looks like visiting the Oxford pubs is far better than the ground.

Cheers. Seemed to be quite a long break at Birmingham and I wasn’t going to get home till almost midnight.

I’m just going to drive it.

[D8BFC]

First class train? Alright for some.

Just been looking at the best way to get there and concluded I’ll have to drive. Train journey from Leeds is a pain and then the ground is miles from Oxford station.

Car park right behind the away end and a 1 min walk away from the complex with a sports bar... get there early and jobs a good 'un

[Quickenthetempo]

Car park right behind the away end and a 1 min walk away from the complex with a sports bar... get there early and jobs a good 'un

A sports bar in Oxford might just have repeats of previous years boat race highlights showing?

[ClaretTony]

A sports bar in Oxford might just have repeats of previous years boat race highlights showing?

Only in the years when they reach the final

[Dazzler]

Great news.

Like I say it was a quick look on trainline from Burnley. Around 80 quid return without a railcard.

X43 at 2 quid each way will keep costs right down.

Not sure if you're aware but the x43 now only goes as far as Shudehill at the weekends.

[Quickenthetempo]

Not sure if you're aware but the x43 now only goes as far as Shudehill at the weekends.

No, I haven't used it since Everton away in April.

[Targetman]

Not sure if you're aware but the x43 now only goes as far as Shudehill at the weekends.

I thought it now only went as far as Shudehill every day, am I wrong with that?

[Dazzler]

I thought it now only went as far as Shudehill every day, am I wrong with that?

Mon-Fri 5 go to Chorlton Street in the morning and 5 from Chorlton Street late afternoon

[Targetman]

Mon-Fri 5 go to Chorlton Street in the morning and 5 from Chorlton Street late afternoon

I see. What is the reasoning behind terminating at Shudehill, is it something to do with traffic?

[Dazzler]

I see. What is the reasoning behind terminating at Shudehill, is it something to do with traffic?

I'm led to believe that is the excuse that was given.

[Leisure]

VISITOR INFORMATION

Official website: www.oufc.co.uk

Ticket office:

Call: 01865 337533

Email: ticketoffice@oufc.co.uk

Matchday Hospitality:

Call: 01865 337513

Email: Hospitality@oufc.co.uk

Supporter Liaison Officer: ataylor@oufc.co.uk

TICKETS
The visiting club manages advance ticket sales for the away end, including tickets for the thirteen wheelchair bays. If a match is not designated “all-ticket”, you can purchase any remaining tickets on match day from the away ticket office in the North Stand, which is also the collection point for pre-ordered tickets. It is open from 1.30pm (6.45pm for evening games). Cash and cards are accepted. Please check with the visiting club for details of availability.

GETTING TO THE STADIUM

By Car

The stadium is signposted on all major approach roads to Oxford with the brown “attraction” signs and a football icon. For Satnavs, use postcode OX4 4XP. Away supporters should head for car park B1, opposite the VUE cinema (see below).

STADIUM MAP NEEDED

Supporters’ coaches

Away coaches and minibuses should head to Car Park B1 via the main entrance, where they be directed to park in a designated area, please follow stewards directions. They will be escorted out of the ground after the game, shortly after the final whistle.

By Train/Bus

The nearest station is Oxford (OXF). If you arrive at Oxford Parkway (OXP) we suggest you take a connecting train to Oxford. Oxford Station is approximately five miles from the stadium.

Buses From Oxford City Centre the 3A runs every half hour from bus stop E1 near the Westgate shopping centre). It stops at Grenoble Road on the south side of the stadium. For evening matches note that the bus leaves the stadium at 9:47 pm and 10:47pm (See 3A Timetable).

From Oxford Station both the City5 and Stagecoach1 bus services run every 5 minutes to Sandy Lane West. The journey takes around 40 minutes and then it is a 15 minute walk to the stadium (see City 5/Stagecoach 1 Timetable).

These services are not operated by the football club and are subject to change: please check https://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/services for up to date information before setting off.

Taxis will take around 20 minutes to get to the ground from Oxford station and will probably cost around £15 - £20.

Parking

The stadium has unreserved spaces for around 2,000 cars at each game. Parking is free of charge and on a first come, first served basis. Away supporters should head for west car park (B1 or B2). If these are full you will be directed to the overflow carpark which is past the VUE cinema and club shop.

Note that after most matches there is a security gate in place behind the North Stand, which prevents direct access from the away end to the East car parks.

Offsite Parking

There is some road parking near the ground with spaces between the stadium and the Watlington Road roundabout. Supporters should respect the residents’ only schemes that operate in the nearby streets, as well as the double yellow lines on approach roads. The restrictions apply to the wide grass verges as well as the roads.

FANS’ PARKING TIP

Arrive as early as possible to get a parking space – there is only one road into the site, so the queues can become lengthy as kick-off approaches. We share the car park with other facilities on the complex, including a cinema and bowling alley, and there can be a wait to exit the car park after the match. Be very careful with road parking and do not park on the grass verges – you will be very likely to get a parking ticket.

Disabled Supporters

There are thirteen wheelchair bays on a raised platform in the away section, all with excellent views of the pitch. The away concourse has an accessible toilet (stewards have RADAR keys), and low level counters serving hot and cold food and drink.

There are several marked blue badge bays near to each stand on a first come, first served basis. The most convenient for away supporters is in the north-west corner, accessed through car park B1.

Welcome - Here to help

Throughout your matchday, Oxford United’s approachable staff will be happy to help with any queries you may have. We have uniformed Matchday Ambassadors to help you with your visit when you arrive. Inside the stadium our stewards will provide assistance and advice.

Inside the stadium

Away fans are seated in the North Stand along the side of the pitch. There is no standing area.

Supporters may be permitted to bring musical instruments into the ground if they obtain prior permission from the Safety Officer. Please contact mwalton@oufc.co.uk.

Smoking

The stadium is a smoke-free zone: and smoking or the use of electronic cigarettes is not permitted inside the stadium. There is usually a smoking pen available for use at half-time only.

Sensory rooms

For young people under 23 who need to take some time out, we have a specially equipped sensory area. Speak to a steward if you need to use this facility, or to find out more contact our Disability Liaison Officer ataylor@oufc.co.uk

For further information visit the disabled supporters page.

Anti-Social Behaviour

Oxford United Football Club operates a zero tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour in any form and expects all supporters to treat each other with respect at Grenoble Road. If you wish to report any incident of anti-social behaviour, either speak to the nearest steward or use our “Report It” line. Simply text 60075 with your seat number and detail of the incident.

Where to Eat and Drink

At the stadium there are concessions in each concourse selling hot and cold food (including excellent pies) and drinks. There are also outlets in the car park, usually located by the south-west and south-east corners of the ground. Note these operate cashless payment.

Across the road from the car park is the Ozone complex. There are several venues which welcome both home and away fans (for high-profile matches this may be reviewed, so we suggest you call ahead if in doubt) these include:

Frankie and Benny’s: bar and restaurant (pre-booking advised for meals) 01865 778309

Hollywood Bowl: bar and bar food menu, including vegan option, https://www.facebook.com/HWBOxford/

Refuelling Bar at Gravitee Golf (1st floor): bar and pizzas, hotdogs. (01865 952646)

Vue Cinema foyer (2nd floor): soft drinks and takeaway snacks including Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

Pubs

Home and away fans are usually welcome at the following pubs (for high-profile matches this may be reviewed, so we always suggest you give the pub a call if in doubt).

The George in Littlemore (OX4 4PU) is an old-fashioned pub with TVs and beer garden (no food). There is street parking nearby and it is a 20-minute walk to the stadium (01865 779341).

The Golden Ball in Littlemore (OX4 4LQ) serves food and has a beer garden and parking (01865 806558). It’s around a 20 minute walk to the stadium.

The King’s Arms in Sandford-on-Thames (OX4 4YB) is a traditional Chef & Brewer pub/restaurant with onsite parking about 25 minutes walk from the stadium.

FANS’ FOOD TIP

If you want something quick and easy, the burgers and the bacon rolls from the van in the south-west corner of the car park are freshly-made. They also have a vegan options on offer. There are also a range of food and beverage options inside the concourses.

Hotels

Express Holiday Inn and Hampton by Hilton are both located on the complex. Their restaurants and bars are closed to non-residents on matchdays.

Cash Machine

A cash machine is located beside the VUE cinema. Please note there is a fee for using this machine.

[TonbridgeClaret]

We're parking at the ground (2,000 free spaces, with another 400 free spaces at the nearby Odeon). There's a bar where away fans are welcome at the Holiday Inn Express. It's 2-3 miles to the pubs in Oxford from the ground.

[Spike]

Trains from both Manchester Piccadilly to Oxford and then the return journey Oxford to Piccadilly with Crosscountry are all direct and run every hour.
No changes required.

We have just booked and paid £37 return using railcards.

Possibly split tickets but check if there is a train change involved

[Spike]

Great news.

Like I say it was a quick look on trainline from Burnley. Around 80 quid return without a railcard.

X43 at 2 quid each way will keep costs right down.

Check were last stop on X43 is now

[Somethingfishy]

I've been weighing up the options for this one as I'm driving down with my daughter. I've decided to set off fairly early and park up at the ground. There is a half hourly bus into the city centre that stops outside the stadium. 3A. So i plan on jumping on that and spending a couple of hours around lunchtime looking around Oxford before getting the bus back in plenty of time.

[1989_claret]

Looking forward to this as a new ground tick after they moved from their old ground.

When we played them in 99/00 we stayed in Oxford for the weekend and the team stayed in the same hotel. Saturday morning we had breakfast alongside the players. Stan, Sam, Jepson and Ian Wright all with big fry ups Got absolutely drenched that afternoon on the open terrace.

We’re driving down, planning on parking on the ground and having a beer and some food in the sports bar over the road in the bowling alley complex.

[Targetman]

Possibly split tickets but check if there is a train change involved

Booked with Crosscountry, leave Piccadilly 9.25am arrive Oxford 12.14pm

Leave Oxford 6.39pm arrive Piccadilly 9.29pm.

Both are direct trains, definitely no changes!

[AGENT_CLARET]

I think this Saturday's game could set a new attendance record for the gound beating the one of 12,177 against Aston Villa, it's almost a complete sell out

[1989_claret]

Booked with Crosscountry, leave Piccadilly 9.25am arrive Oxford 12.14pm

Leave Oxford 6.39pm arrive Piccadilly 9.29pm.

Both are direct trains, definitely no changes!

Think he might mean a split and save so it's direct but the tickets are split so it's cheaper.

[Targetman]

Think he might mean a split and save so it's direct but the tickets are split so it's cheaper.

Yes he might do, but he has mentioned previously about having to change trains at Birmingham.

[ClaretTony]

We are going by car and weren't too sure about the parking situation, so we've paid a fiver to park at Sainsbury's around a mile away. It's not going to break the bank, there are five of us so only a pound each.

[ClaretTony]

Check were last stop on X43 is now

Bit of a pain now if you are going to Piccadilly

[JohnDearyMe]

If you are able to get there early enough then I'd encourage people to take some time to explore the city centre given how lovely it is (in stark contrast to Littlemore where the ground is) plus there are many very good pubs too in the centre. Neighbourhood areas off the Iffley & Cowley Rds have some decent pubs and places to eat and are a bit closer to the ground (though still a fair trek).

[dougcollins]

It's a right pain in the backside building these new grounds in some far flung commercial complex.

Thank god for The Turf.

[ClaretTony]

It's a right pain in the backside building these new grounds in some far flung commercial complex.

Thank god for The Turf.

Couldn't agree more although the out of town grounds does often allow for more parking options.

[Vince Fontaine]

For information if going by car
There are road closures on the A34 over the weekend at the junction with the A423 which looks like the junction for the ground.
UTC

[dougcollins]

Couldn't agree more although the out of town grounds does often allow for more parking options.

The 'one road in and out' sounds a bit scary though if you're in a rush to get out.

[ClaretTony]

The 'one road in and out' sounds a bit scary though if you're in a rush to get out.

I hadn’t seen that. Even better for us then having booked to park at Sainsbury’s.

[Spike]

Booked with Crosscountry, leave Piccadilly 9.25am arrive Oxford 12.14pm

Leave Oxford 6.39pm arrive Piccadilly 9.29pm.

Both are direct trains, definitely no changes!

I am on the same train back

[TonbridgeClaret]

We're now going to the King's Arms in Sandford, a lovely pub on the banks of the River Thames. 30 minute walk to the ground.

[1989_claret]

I hadn’t seen that. Even better for us then having booked to park at Sainsbury’s.

I've just booked Sainsbury's for £2. Seems a fair walk (25-30 mins) but probably be back at the car quicker than queueing to get off the stadium car park.

[aggi]

So what's the best way to get to the ground from the centre? Neither of the bus options in the Visitor Information post seem great (one bus that runs every 30 minutes and one bus where it will take an hour). Also, what's the best way of getting back after the match?

Anyone any ideas, cheers?

[claretspice]

It's an awful long time since I've done it, but it used to be the case that you could get quite a number of busses from the centre out to the ground- if I remember rightly either from the main bus station on Gloucester Green or (probably better for pub options) from St Aldates. It used to take about half and hour because the Kassam is absolutely miles from the centre of Oxford.

[ClaretTony]

I've just booked Sainsbury's for £2. Seems a fair walk (25-30 mins) but probably be back at the car quicker than queueing to get off the stadium car park.

You've done well - cost us a fiver. According to YourParkingSpace it is 1.05 miles away.

[ClaretTony]

Busses from city centre/station info:



From Oxford City Centre

The 3A runs every half hour from bus stop E1 (near the Westgate shopping centre). It stops at Grenoble Road on the south side of the stadium.

From Oxford Station
Both the City 5 and Stagecoach1 bus services run every 5 minutes to Sandy Lane West. The journey takes around 40 minutes and then it is a 15 minute walk to the stadium.

[JohnDearyMe]

So what's the best way to get to the ground from the centre? Neither of the bus options in the Visitor Information post seem great (one bus that runs every 30 minutes and one bus where it will take an hour). Also, what's the best way of getting back after the match?

Anyone any ideas, cheers?

You could potentially walk to Cowley after the game (around 20-30 mins) and there are more bus options back into Oxford which should take around 20 minutes. If you need to get back quickly I'd try and arrange a taxi.

Ideal situation would be that we are 5 up at half time so all the home fans leave and we can easily jump on a bus from the ground...