St Mary’s Stadium is a football stadium in Southampton, England, which has been the home of Southampton F.C. since 2001. It is a modern, all-seater stadium with a capacity of 32,384, making it the largest football stadium in South East England. The stadium is located in the heart of Southampton and is easily accessible by public transport, making it a popular destination for football fans from across the region.
The stadium is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, including a high-tech scoreboard and sound system, as well as a range of food and drink options. The stadium has also been designed with sustainability in mind, with a range of energy-saving features such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems. The stadium has been praised for its modern design and excellent facilities, making it a popular venue for a range of events and activities.
Key Takeaways
- St Mary’s Stadium is a modern, all-seater football stadium in Southampton, England, with a capacity of 32,384.
- The stadium is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, including a high-tech scoreboard and sound system, as well as a range of food and drink options.
- The stadium has been designed with sustainability in mind, with a range of energy-saving features such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems.
St Mary’s Stadium Overview
St Mary’s Stadium is a football stadium located in Southampton, England. It has been the home stadium of Southampton F.C. since 2001. The stadium has a capacity of 32,384, making it the largest football stadium in South East England [1].
Location and Capacity
The stadium is located in the St. Mary’s area of Southampton, which is about 1.5 miles away from the city center. It is situated near the city’s seaport for luxury cruises, making it easily accessible for visitors coming from different parts of the world. The stadium has four stands: the Itchen Stand, the Kingsland Stand, the Chapel Stand, and the Northam Stand. Each stand has its own unique design and character, providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience for fans.
Opening and Development
St Mary’s Stadium was built between December 1999 and July 2001 at a total cost of £32 million [2]. The stadium officially opened on 1 August 2001, with a friendly match between Southampton and Spanish side Espanyol, which ended in a 3-4 defeat for the home side. Since then, the stadium has undergone several developments, including the addition of a new club store, a fan zone, and a hospitality area.
Overall, St Mary’s Stadium is a modern and well-equipped venue that provides a great atmosphere for football fans. Its location, capacity, and facilities make it a popular destination for football enthusiasts from all over the world.
References
- St Mary’s Stadium – Wikipedia
- St Mary’s Stadium: Southampton FC’s Spirited Sanctuary – The Stadiums Guide
St Mary’s Stadium Home Team
Southampton F.C. History
Southampton F.C. is a professional football club based in Southampton, England. The club was founded in 1885 and has a long and storied history. The team has played at St Mary’s Stadium since 2001, which has a capacity of 32,384 spectators. Prior to that, the team played at The Dell, which had a capacity of 15,200 spectators.
Southampton F.C. has a loyal fan base and has enjoyed success both domestically and internationally. The team has won the FA Cup once, in 1976, and has been runners-up in the competition three times. The team has also won the EFL Cup once, in 1979, and has been runners-up in the competition once. Additionally, the team has finished as runners-up in the English top flight twice, in 1984 and 2016.
Club Achievements
Southampton F.C. has a long and successful history, with many notable achievements. In addition to their domestic successes, the team has also enjoyed success in European competitions. The team has reached the final of the UEFA Cup, now known as the Europa League, once, in 1976, but lost to Anderlecht in the final.
The team has also enjoyed success in the Football League Trophy, winning the competition twice, in 2010 and 2011. The team has also won the Hampshire Senior Cup a record 42 times, demonstrating their dominance in local competitions.
Overall, Southampton F.C. has a rich history and a bright future ahead of them. With a loyal fan base and a talented team, the future looks bright for the Saints.
St Mary’s Stadium Features
Design and Architecture
St Mary’s Stadium boasts a modern and sleek design that is unique from other stadiums in the UK. The stadium was built between December 1999 and July 2001, with a total cost of £32 million. The architects, HGP Greentree Allchurch Evans, designed the stadium to be an all-seater football stadium with a capacity of 32,384, making it the largest football stadium in South East England [1]. The stadium is located in the heart of Southampton on Britannia Road and is easily accessible by public transport.
The stadium’s most notable architectural feature is its curved roof that covers all four stands, which provides excellent cover for fans during rainy matches. The stadium’s design also allows for unobstructed views of the pitch from all seats, making it an excellent venue for football matches.
Seating and Facilities
St Mary’s Stadium has four stands, namely the Itchen Stand, the Northam Stand, the Kingsland Stand, and the Chapel Stand. The stands are all named after the areas they are located in and offer comfortable seating for fans. The stadium’s seating arrangement is designed to provide fans with an excellent view of the pitch, and the seats are well spaced out to ensure maximum comfort.
The stadium has several facilities designed to enhance the matchday experience for fans. These facilities include food and drink outlets, toilets, and a club shop where fans can purchase Southampton FC merchandise. The stadium also has a large concourse area behind the stands, which features a Ladbrokes betting shop, TVs that show the game as it is played, and several eating and drinking outlets [4].
Overall, St Mary’s Stadium is a modern and well-designed stadium that offers excellent seating and facilities for fans. Whether you are a die-hard Southampton FC fan or a neutral supporter, a visit to St Mary’s Stadium is sure to be an enjoyable experience.
St Mary’s Stadium Events and Usage
St Mary’s Stadium is well known for hosting various events throughout the year. The stadium has a capacity of 32,384 and is the largest football stadium in South East England. Here are some of the events that take place at St Mary’s Stadium.
Football Matches
The primary use of St Mary’s Stadium is for football matches. Southampton FC has been playing their home matches at the stadium since 2001. The stadium has hosted several high-profile matches, including the FA Cup semi-final in 2003 and the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament. Fans can purchase tickets to watch their favorite teams play at the stadium. The stadium also has several hospitality packages available for fans who want to enjoy the match in comfort.
Concerts and Other Events
Apart from football matches, St Mary’s Stadium also hosts concerts and other events. The stadium has hosted several high-profile concerts, including performances by Take That and other popular artists. The stadium has various event spaces available for hire, including the Markus Liebherr Lounge and the President’s Suite. These spaces can be used for corporate events, weddings, and other private events.
St Mary’s Stadium has also been used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows. The stadium’s unique design and location make it an ideal location for filming. The stadium has been featured in several popular movies, including The Da Vinci Code and Fast and Furious 9.
Overall, St Mary’s Stadium is a versatile venue that can be used for various events. The stadium’s state-of-the-art facilities and prime location make it an ideal location for football matches, concerts, and other events.
Economic Impact
St Mary’s Stadium has had a significant economic impact on the local area. This section will explore the ways in which the stadium has affected the local economy and created employment opportunities.
Local Economy
The stadium is a major contributor to the local economy. According to a report by Crossroads Consulting Services LLC, ongoing operations of the St. Mary’s Fort and other adjacent planned developments in a stabilized year have had a positive economic impact on the area. The report presented in the form of a PDF here includes the summary of their analysis.
The stadium has brought in significant revenue from events and tourism. The report also highlights the creation of jobs and the increase in local spending due to the stadium’s presence. The local businesses around the stadium have benefited from the influx of visitors, particularly on match days.
Employment Opportunities
The stadium has created numerous employment opportunities in the local area. The report by Crossroads Consulting Services LLC mentioned earlier also highlights the creation of jobs. These jobs range from security personnel to catering and hospitality staff. The stadium has also created jobs in the construction and maintenance sectors.
The stadium’s presence has also led to the creation of jobs in the local businesses around the stadium. These businesses have seen an increase in demand for their services, leading to the creation of new jobs.
In conclusion, St Mary’s Stadium has had a positive economic impact on the local area. Its presence has led to an increase in revenue, job creation, and local spending.
Access and Transportation
St Mary’s Stadium is located in the heart of Southampton, making it easily accessible by public transport, car, and on foot. The stadium is well-served by public transport, with several bus routes stopping nearby.
Public Transport
Fans are encouraged to use public transport to avoid traffic congestion and parking issues. The stadium is located within walking distance of Southampton Central Station, which is served by regular trains from London Waterloo and other major cities. Several bus routes also serve the stadium, including the number 18, 8, and 11.
Parking and Road Access
For those who choose to drive, there are several car parks located near the stadium. However, due to parking restrictions on a matchday, fans are advised to arrive early to secure a space. The Westquay Shopping Centre, Ocean Village, Bedford Place, and Grosvenor Square car parks are all within walking distance of the stadium and offer affordable rates.
It is worth noting that there are road closures in place around the stadium on matchday to ensure the safety of pedestrians. Fans are advised to plan their journey in advance and to allow plenty of time to reach the stadium.
Overall, St Mary’s Stadium is easily accessible by public transport and car, making it a convenient destination for fans of Southampton FC.
Community Engagement
St Mary’s Stadium is more than just a football ground. The stadium and the club are committed to engaging with the local community and making a positive impact. This section will discuss the various community programs and fan involvement initiatives that the stadium and the club have implemented.
Community Programs
St Mary’s Stadium has established several community programs to help engage with the local community. The Saints Foundation is the club’s official charity, and it aims to use the power of football to inspire and engage people of all ages and abilities. The foundation delivers a wide range of programs, including health and wellbeing, education, and sports participation.
One of the foundation’s most successful programs is the Saints4Sport initiative. This program aims to encourage young people to participate in sports and physical activity. The initiative offers a range of sports, including football, basketball, and athletics. The program also provides coaching and mentoring to help young people develop their skills and confidence.
Fan Involvement
St Mary’s Stadium is known for its passionate and vocal fans. The club recognizes the importance of fan involvement and has implemented several initiatives to engage with supporters. The club has established a Fan Panel, which is made up of a group of supporters who provide feedback and suggestions to the club.
The Fan Panel meets regularly with club representatives to discuss a range of issues, including matchday experience, ticketing, and community engagement. The club also hosts regular fan forums, where supporters can ask questions and provide feedback directly to club officials.
In addition to the Fan Panel and fan forums, the club also offers a range of fan engagement activities on matchdays. These activities include pre-match entertainment, half-time shows, and post-match meet-and-greets with players and coaches.
Overall, St Mary’s Stadium and Southampton FC are committed to engaging with the local community and fans. The community programs and fan involvement initiatives are just some of the ways that the club is making a positive impact both on and off the pitch.
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