Hampden Park (Glasgow)

Hampden Park, often referred to as Hampden, is a football stadium in the Mount Florida area of Glasgow, Scotland. The 51,866-capacity venue serves as the national stadium of football in Scotland. It is the normal home venue of the Scotland national football team and was the home of club side Queen’s Park for over a century. Hampden regularly hosts the latter stages of the Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup competitions and has also been used for music concerts and other sporting events, such as when it was reconfigured as an athletics stadium for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

General information

Official website: hampdenpark.co.uk

Arena capacity: 51,866 spectators

Address: Glasgow G42 9BA, UK

GPS coordinates for the navigator: 55°49′33″N 4°15′7″W

Year of construction: 1903

Field: grass lawn with dimensions of 105 x 68

Seating plan of Hampden Park

Hampden Park has maintained its bowl shape even after major redevelopment. What this means therefore is that those sat behind either goal can be as much as 140 metres away from the pitch, whereas as those sat in the North or South Stands are much closer and given a view like what you would expect to find at other modern football stadiums.

Another notable feature of Hampden Park is its ‘sunken’ shape, with the front rows of each block on lower ground than the turnstiles outside. Fans as a result enter the stadium’s interior at the back of each seating block and then walk down to your seat.

​North Stand

The North Stand consists of two tiers with the far larger lower tier divided into two tall sections, C and D, separated from one another by a fence that runs down the middle of a staircase.

The outer block at each end of the lower tier and the two central blocks are coloured red, with the other six seating blocks coloured blue. The letters HAMPDEN are spelt out using white seating across the more central blocks.

The upper tier is essentially a couple of rows of executive seating, positioned high above the back row of the lower tier. This tier collectively forms Section E within Hampden Park.

Your view from anywhere inside the North Stand is perfectly clear as there are no supporting pillars coming down from the roof above.

The enclosed design of Hampden Park means that every row inside is well protected from the elements as well.

East Stand

The East Stand is mostly the same height as the adjacent North Stand, but is more semi-circular in shape because of Hampden Park’s bowl design. The stand’s seating is divided into two sections, F and G, which include the northeast and southeast corners of the stadium respectively.

Sets of seating blocks alternate between red and blue in colour, with the central blocks coloured blue and having the Scottish Saltire made out of white seating across them. Slightly off-centre, you can also find a large electronic screen hanging down from the roof that can best be seen by those at the opposite end of the stadium.

Your view from anywhere inside the East Stand is perfectly clear, albeit you will find yourself a good distance back from the pitch itself if you are positioned right behind the east goal.

The enclosed design of Hampden Park means that every row inside is well protected from the elements as well.

South Stand

The South Stand consists of two tiers of entirely dark blue seating, with the lower tier noticeably larger than the tier above.

The six blocks nearest to the stadium’s southeast corner make up Section I, the two blocks next to here make up Section J, the next two blocks along here make up Section O, and the remaining six blue blocks in the lower tier make up Section P. Sections I and P have vehicle access tunnels down at the front of them.

Section’s J and O are considered to be executive seating, with Hampden Park’s dugouts, tunnel and changing rooms based in front, in between, and below them. There are executive suites behind the back row of the lower tier and the South Stand’s upper tier hangs partly overhead.

The six blocks nearest to the southeast corner make up Section H, the next four blocks along here make up Section K, the next four blocks make up Section L, the four blocks next to these make up Section M, the next four blocks along make up Section N, and the remaining six blocks in the upper tier make up Section Q. Down at the front of this upper tier is the area which holds the matchday camera.

Your view from anywhere inside the South Stand is perfectly clear, albeit the presence of large technical areas down at the front means that you cannot be sat right next to the edge of the pitch on this side of the stadium.

The enclosed design of Hampden Park means that every row inside is well protected from the elements.

West Stand

The West Stand is near enough a carbon copy of the East Stand opposite.

It is mostly the same height as the adjacent North Stand, but is more semi-circular in shape because of Hampden Park’s bowl design. The stand’s seating is divided into two sections, A and B, which include the southwest and northwest corners of the stadium respectively.

Sets of seating blocks alternate between red and blue in colour, with the central blocks coloured blue and having the Scottish Saltire made out of white seating across them. Slightly off-centre, you can also find a large electronic screen hanging down from the roof that can best be seen by those at the opposite end of the stadium.

Your view from anywhere inside the West Stand is perfectly clear, albeit you will find yourself a good distance back from the pitch itself if you are positioned right behind the west goal.

The enclosed design of Hampden Park means that every row inside is well protected from the elements as well.

Away Fans

As a national stadium that no longer has any regular club tenants, a dedicated away section at Hampden Park isn’t really present anymore.

Cup Finals normally see the stadium split in two, with one team housed behind and around the east goal and the other housed behind and around the west goal.

Given how often Scotland’s two most successful sides Celtic and Rangers have been present at these finals, the two teams have been traditionally housed at the same end of Hampden Park each time they are. Celtic are given the East Stand (their Celtic Park home is located northeast of Hampden Park), and Rangers are given the West Stand (their Ibrox Stadium home is located northwest of Hampden Park).

Where to buy tickets?

Queens Park FC Ticket Prices

Thankfully, Queens Park make their ticket pricing much easier to understand. Adults pay £12 on the door on the day of the game, senior citizens, the unemployed and juniors pay £2 and parent & Child tickets are available for £13 plus an extra £1 per extra child.

Tickets for Queens Park matches are available on the day of the game and we absolutely promise that you’ll be able to get one. Given that Hampden Park can house over 50,000 people and Queens Park have an average attendance of 750, it won’t be a wasted journey if you wait until the day to get your ticket.

Scotland Ticket Prices

The Scottish national side’s ticket prices change depending on the opposition and the reason they’re playing. A friendly game against Ukraine, for example, will cost more than a tournament qualifying game against England.

For Scotland games things are slightly trickier. The Scottish Football Association’s website is always a good place to start, though for international tournaments and the like you might need to look for the tournament organizer’s webpage first.

How to get there?

Hampden Park is located in Mount Florida, around 2.5 miles south of Glasgow City Centre. The River Clyde is around 1.3 miles away to the northeast, King’s Park is around 0.6 miles away to the southeast, and Queen’s Park is around 0.6 miles away to the northwest.

It’s generally discouraged from coming to a game Hampden Park by car.

The stadium has a good-sized car park to the south and this is available to use for free on non-matchdays. On matchdays however, it requires a pass that is usually allocated to club officials, governing body officials and sponsors rather than regular supporters.

The area immediately around Hampden Park also has parking permit-only parking restrictions in place and so you will likely have to park a fair distance away in order to find free parking.

A much simpler way of reaching Hampden Park is through public transport.

The two nearest railway stations to the stadium are Mount Florida and King’s Park. Both stations are part of a ScotRail line that runs between Glasgow Central Station and Newton Station, whilst Mount Florida is also on a ScotRail line that runs between Glasgow Central Station and Neilston Station.

Mount Florida is the closest of the two, being located less than 0.5 miles away to the west and the walk from here as a result takes under 10 minutes along first Bolton Drive and then onto Somerville Drive.

King’s Park Station is the southeast of Hampden Park and the walk from here can take around 10-15 minutes along first Kingswood Drive, and then onto Aikenhead Road (A728).

First Glasgow operate regular bus services from Glasgow City Centre to Hampden Park should people wish to use them. The services available include the 5, 6, 7, 7A, 31, 34 and 90.

Where to eat and sleep?

Glasgow is a major city that is used to housing large numbers of visitors, so there are plenty of places for you to stay in the city. Here are some of our favourites:

1. Brunswick Merchant City Hotel. Around two and a half miles from Hampden Park is this hotel that is close to the city’s Gallery of Modern Art. It’s got eighteen guest rooms, a restaurant, a bar, luggage storage and free Wi-Fi.
2. Number 52 Charlotte Street. Two miles from the ground is this nice apartment complex, with six apartments available for hire. They’ve got their own kitchens, free parking, free Wi-Fi and a fireplace, so it’s the perfect home away from home if you’re off to see Scotland or Queens Park play.
3. Kings Park Hotel. This suburban hotel is around a mile and a half from the stadium and has a restaurant, a bar, a business centre, a meeting room and childcare available. There’s a free breakfast included in the cost of your stay as well as free Wi-Fi and free parking.

Let’s be honest, the Scots love a drink. For that reason, you are certain to be in for a cracking night out if you head to Glasgow for a pre-match pint or two – as long as you’re not wearing an England top! Here are some of our favourite Glaswegian watering holes:

1. The Florida Park. Don’t let the fact it’s on Battlefield Road put you off, The Florida Park is a lovely pub with a great atmosphere. The food’s delicious, the drink options are numerous and there are plenty of TVs around the place for the watching of live sport. It’s only a short walk to the ground, too, so it’s perfect.
2. Clockwork Beer Co. How do you feel about heading to a spacious pub with a large beer garden and a selection of craft beers on offer from its own microbrewery? If you’re still not sure then bear in mind it’s also got a tasty menu for food and light bites. You’ve made your mind up now haven’t you? You won’t be disappointed!
3. Montford House. In the shadow of Hamden Park is this modern bar that welcomes visiting football fans. They’re aimed at a sports market, so don’t worry about missing the important results before you head off to the ground! There’s also a kid’s corner, so families love the place. There’s a nice food menu and plenty of drink options, too.

Facilities

Hampden Park has exactly the facilities you’d expect of a national team’s stadium that also hosts the final stages of major tournaments. The large concourses have places to buy food and drink before and during the game and there are virtually no bad seats in the ground as far as your view of the action is concerned.

Scotland

There are a number of executive lounges at Hampden Park as well as the usual executive boxes. The Lomond and Nevis lounges are both in The South Stand and promise a friendly and relaxing environment as well as a fine dining experience. Alternatively, you can enjoy a hospitality experience inside the Scottish Football Museum itself.

The standard hospitality package offers a champagne reception, access to a complimentary bar before and after the game, a four-course meal with accompanying wine and spirits, half-time refreshments, a car park pass and numerous souvenirs or gifts.

Queens Park

Queens Park offer similar match day experiences, including the ability to dine in the museum. With Queens Park, though, you’ll get a glass of sparkling wine when you arrive, a three-course meal with waitress service, a seat in the main stand and half-time refreshments. You’ll get some free beer or wine as well as the chance to buy more as the day goes on.

If you’d like to hire an executive box for between 5 and 20 people then you can, or you enjoy a guided tour of the facilities and a look around the museum before having a meal in the Millennium Lounge with complimentary pre-match drinks and a half-time buffet. You’ll watch the game from premium seats underneath the director’s box as well as car parking and appearances from players.

Private Hire

Hampden Park is available for use for any number of private occasions. Meetings, conferences, product launches, gala balls, award ceremonies, annual dinners and more have all been held at the ground in the past. Basically, if there’s an event you want to put on in Glasgow then this place has got you covered and then some.

Accessibility

Wheelchair users and spectators with accessibility requirements entering the Stadium can access ramps or lifts at the following locations:

• South Stand – Two ramps make their way from the ground level access to the main reception and are situated either side of the main entrance.
• A lift is situated to the left (west) of the main entrance with a call button linked to reception. A member of staff will attend to assist.
• Trackside or front of stand access will be via the roadway ramps situated at the south east and south west corners.
• Lift access is available to all areas within the north, east and west stands.

Viewing areas for wheelchair users are available trackside as well as on the concourses in all stands. Facilities on the upper levels are reached via lifts and a step-free level access.

Accessible toilets are situated throughout and the stadium is also equipped with a Changing Places toilet.

The Centre for Access to Football in Europe (CAFE) website also contains information relative to Hampden Park.

Exterior

Heading to Hampden Park from Mount Florida Station will bring you along Somerville Drive and alongside the stadium’s North Stand.

Its exterior at either end consists mostly of brickwork with white corrugated iron and panels at the top and blue pillars coming down at regular intervals that provide additional support. The main, central part of the North Stand’s exterior protrudes further outwards, however. It contains a mostly concrete base with a large façade above which is made mostly from panels that are different shades of blue. The façade additionally contains the Hampden Logo and the words SCOTLAND’S NATIONAL STADIUM in the top left and top right corners respectively.

You can find the turnstiles for the North Stand underneath this panelled façade, in the gaps within the concrete base.

Somerville Drive comes to an end part way along the North Stand’s exterior, with bollards preventing vehicles from going any further. Pedestrians are able to progress onwards however and doing so will bring them onto a different road called Prospecthill Drive.

This road runs alongside the stadium’s northeast corner, which alongside the southeast corner forms part of the East Stand.

The exterior here shares the same design as either end of the North Stand, consisting mostly of brickwork white corrugated iron and panels at the top and blue pillars coming down at regular intervals that provide additional support.

Unlike the rest of Hampden Park however, you are not able to walk right up to the East Stand’s exterior unless you have a ticket for there. Perimeter fences along Prospecthill Drive prevent you from getting any closer, and only those with tickets will be allowed to head through one of the two turnstile blocks alongside the road and up the staircases or ramps which lead to the East Stand itself. One of these turnstile blocks can be found next to where the North Stand’s exterior starts to protrude outwards, and the other can be found near to the point where Prospecthill Drive connects to another road called Hangingshaw Place.

Accessibility to the East Stand is also restricted on the southern side of Hampden Park. Fencing prevents you from getting close to the stand’s exterior and only those with tickets for here can pass through the nearby turnstile block and head up to the East Stand itself via staircases or ramps.

Because there is a housing estate and a car park immediately out beyond the East Stand, there are two different methods you can use to get between the northeast turnstile blocks and the southeast turnstile block.

The simpler one involves heading around the northern, western and southern sides of Hampden Park to get between the two corners, though this may not be ideal if police are looking to keep rival fanbases segregated from one another.

Alternatively, you can head along Hangingshaw Place and past the northeast turnstile blocks, continue to Aikenhead Road (A728) and then head south, going past the Aikenhead Road Car Park and the adjacent housing estate, re-entering the stadium’s vicinity via an access road a little away from Hampden’s southeast corner. You can ignore the road called Curling Crescent, as this just loops you around the housing estate and then back onto Aikenhead Road a little further down from where you started.

Hampden Park’s South Stand is the clear largest of the four and considered the stadium’s Main Stand.

The whole exterior consists of a brickwork base, with the outer parts containing large silver panels higher up. Four blue, panelled towers protrude out of the South Stand’s exterior, with Hampden Park’s Main Entrance located at the top of a staircase that is in between the two central towers. On the ground either side of this staircase are turnstiles and entrances to Hampden’s Executive Suites.

At either end of the South Stand, next to the southeast and southwest corners, are ramps that lead down below the stadium and to the underground car park. There are sets of South Stand turnstiles on the platforms above each ramp, and the others set of turnstiles for this part of the stadium are located in the space between each tower.

Hampden Park’s Main Car Park is in place immediately outside the South Stand, available to use for free on non-matchdays. Passes for the car park are allocated to football clubs, governing bodies and promoters on a matchday at Hampden Park.

Heading around past the southwest road ramp brings you to the West Stand which includes both the stadium’s southwest and northwest corners.

Its exterior shares a similar design to the East Stand opposite, consisting mostly of brickwork, white corrugated iron and panels at the top and blue pillars coming down at regular intervals that provide additional support.

The West Stand turnstiles are situated on higher ground than many of the South Stand ones and can be reached by staircases immediately in front of them or via a gradual ramp that brings you up to the same level as them.

Immediately out beyond the West Stand’s exterior is Lesser Hampden, a small football ground that has become the new home of Queen’s Park Football Club. There is more stadium car parking to the south of Lesser Hampden, with the Pentecost Memorial Hall, Church of Pentecost Scotland and Mount Florida Parish Church immediately to the west.

Heading round past the West Stand will bring you back onto Somerville Drive that passes by the North Stand.

History

Queens Park played their games at Hampden Park from 1873, though not the Hampden Park that exists nowadays. When the Cathcart District Railway announced plans to build a new line where the ground’s Western Terrace stood, the powers that be decided to relocate to a different ground – also named Hampden Park – just 150 yards from the original site. This second Hampden Park opened in 1884 and, much like its predecessor, hosted numerous Scottish Cup Finals and Scotland international matches. Queens Park wanted more land to develop Hampden Park in order to stop it becoming the third most important stadium in Glasgow behind Celtic Park and Ibrox, but the request was refused by the club’s landlord. They obtained some new ground elsewhere and built the third Hampden Park there instead, with the new stadium opening in 1903.