Matchday Information for Oxford United (A) - 25 April 2023
For those of you making the short trip over to the Kassam Stadium tomorrow, Oxford United have produced an away supporters' guide that you can find in full here: https://www.oufc.co.uk/contentassets/4b5c855f430f4bc7bba407e2eeea35b2/away-fan-guide-2223.pdf
Any remaining tickets will be available for purchase 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 6.45pm. Cash and card are accepted.
From the Oxford United site:
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.
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 new Westgate shopping centre (https://w3w.co/trendy.lush.owls). It stops at Grenoble Road on the south side of the stadium. For Tuesday night matches note that the last bus back to the city centre is currently at 9:50pm.
(See https://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/services/OXBC/3?date=2022-07-18&direction=outbound)
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
https://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/services/OXBC/5?date=2022-07-18&direction=outbound)
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 usually 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 (https://w3w.co/such.casual.tune).
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 a team of 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 for disabled supporters, CLICK HERE
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.
Where to Eat and Drink
At the stadium there are concessions in each concourse selling hot and cold food (including burgers and 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, https://www.facebook.com/HWBOxford/
Refueling Bar at Gravitee Golf (1st floor): bar and pizzas, hotdogs. 10am – 11pm (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 Catherine Wheel, Sandford-on-Thames is a 15 minute walk to the ground.Tel 001865 774248
The George in Littlemore (OX4 4PU) is an old-fashioned pub with TVs and beer garden. There is on-site car parking and it is then a 20-minute walk to the stadium (01865 779341).
The Golden Ball in Littlemore (OX4 4LQ) also serves food and has a beer garden and parking (01865 806558). It’s around a 15 minute walk to 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, very substantial and exceptionally good.
Hotels
Express Holiday Inn and Hampton by Hilton are both located on the complex. Their restaurants and bars are for 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.
Oxford United Souvenirs
Programme
Your trip would not be complete without a copy of our award-winning programme, which has excellent in-depth features on the visiting team. It costs £4 and is available from the away ticket office (cash) or the club shop (cash or card).
Club Shop
The club shop is located behind the VUE cinema, opposite the entrance to the overflow car park. It stocks the matchday programme plus a wide range of replica kit, leisure wear, scarves, hats and gifts. Open on matchdays from 11-3 and for an hour after the final whistle (10-19:45 for evening matches).
www.oufcshop.co.uk 01865 747231
Fan Stalls
Sue and Michael run fan stalls outside the main reception doors of the South Stand. Sue stocks the current matchday programme; 50/50 (half time draw) tickets; a wide selection of souvenir badges and many other items of OUFC memorabilia. Michael has an extensive range of past programmes for home and away matches; team sheets; books and memorabilia (cash or card). Michael welcomes donations of Oxford United programmes.
This Away Supporters Guide has been compiled by Oxford United Supporters’ Panel #bythefansforthefans.
Email ouspinfo@gmail.com
Twitter @OUFCSP
Facebook @OUFCSP
Feedback
Here at Oxford United, we want to make your matchday experience as enjoyable as possible. We’d love to know your thoughts on how well we’ve achieved that goal and what you think we can do better to improve your experience (off the pitch) in future. Please email feedback@oufc.co.uk or the Supporters’ Panel ouspinfo@gmail.com