Pittodrie Stadium (Aberdeen)

Pittodrie Stadium, commonly referred to as Pittodrie, is an all-seater stadium in Aberdeen, Scotland. Used primarily for football, it has been the home ground of the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) club Aberdeen F.C. since they were formed in 1903. Prior to then, the ground hosted the original Aberdeen F.C. from 1899 until the merger that created the present club.

General information

Arena capacity: 20,866 spectators

Address: 31 Pittodrie St, Aberdeen AB24 5QH, United Kingdom

GPS coordinates for the navigator: 57°09′33″N 2°05′20″W

Year of construction: 2 September 1899

Construction cost: GB£4.5 million (Richard Donald stand)

Field: grass lawn with dimensions of 109 yd × 72 yd (100 m × 66 m)

Seating plan of Pittodrie Stadium

The Main Stand was the original grandstand within the ground, and contains much of the staff and offices responsible for the day-to-day running of the stadium, from the boot room to the trophy room. Teams enter the pitch from a tunnel to the extreme left of this stand. As befits a main stand, this section of the ground includes both padded seating for club officials and VIPs, and several executive boxes at the rear.

There are a number of pillars running along this stand, supporting the roof. As a consequence, views in some places are restricted. It remains, however, the most expensive stand from which to watch matches. To the east of the Main Stand is the club shop, which doubles as a ticket office.

The Richard Donald Stand is named after former club chairman Dick Donald. Completed in 1993, it houses over 6,000 fans, although this is a reduction on its Beach End predecessor. It is a cantilever construction with two tiers and a row of twelve executive boxes in between. It is commonly referred to as simply the “RDS”. It was built by the present chairman’s construction firm, the Stewart Milne Group, at a cost of £4.5 million. Within this stand are a number of banqueting rooms, which are used for corporate hospitality and outside bookings.

Taking its name from the street behind it, the Merkland Stand (also known as ‘the Paddock’ or ‘King Street End’) sits behind the goal, on the west of the ground. The Merkland is Aberdeen F.C.’s family stand, with reduced prices for under-twelves and families. There is also a section for disabled supporters near the pitch. The stand itself is a covered enclosure, with two pillars supporting the roof. The entrance to the stand is dominated by a façade constructed from granite, a local stone.

Named simply after its position within the ground, the South Stand was originally an undeveloped embankment which was later remodelled as a standing terrace. Seating and a cantilever roof were later added, although some of the 8,400 seats remain uncovered. Since 1993, the easternmost part of the stand has been used to house away fans. Sections P, Q and R are designated for this purpose. The television gantry and commentary positions are housed in this stand.

When choosing a place in the stadium, use the Pittodrie Stadium scheme above.

Where to buy tickets?

The ground is split into four different sections geographically and monetarily as far as ticket prices are concerned; Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Aside from this fancy way of splitting the seating into category’s, only your age and membership status will affect the ticket price, with members getting a slight discount on the prices below:

• Adults: £22.00-£28.00;
• Concessions: £14.00-£20.00.

How to get Aberdeen tickets

You can get your tickets online, over the phone or in person from the ticket office.

How to get there?

Pittodrie Stadium lies about a mile north of Aberdeen city centre, at just a few hundred metres from the North Sea coast.

The walk from Aberdeen Rail station, up King Street, should take no more than half an hour. It will take even less from most other city centre locations.

By car/coach

Parking

Parking in the stadium car parks is reserved for pass holders, with a limited number of spaces available on a first come, first served basis for disabled badge holders. The police will direct buses to coach parking areas at the stadium. There is a limited amount of free car parking available in streets around the stadium but be aware that there are match day restrictions on parking – check the signs.

Please note that you will not be allowed to drive on Pittodrie Street close to kick off time unless you have a valid car park pass for the Pittodrie Street car park or a disabled badge (spaces subject to availability).

By train

On exiting the train station onto Guild Street, cross to the entrance to the Trinity Centre. Continue straight through the centre on to Union Street. It is possible to walk to Pittodrie from here by turning right and heading up towards King Street. Continue along King Street until you see Pittodrie Street on the right. By this point Pittodrie is easily visible.

There are buses from Union Street that take you to Pittodrie. A number 13 (towards Seaton) will drop you off on Golf Road with Pittodrie on the left. A number 1 (towards Danestone), 2 (towards Ashwood), or X40 (towards Dubford) will drop you off on King Street. The best stop is the one after King Street Bus Depot, then make your way down Pittodrie Street or Merkland Road on the right.

First bus

Our Official Public Transport Partner, First Bus, offer supporters discounted travel for just £3.60 on home league match days.

The discounted ‘AFC Matchday Ticket’ is available to purchase through the First Bus app, allowing supporters unlimited travel on First Aberdeen routes on match day.

Ticket Offers:

• £65 – Season travel pass for all 19 home league games;
• £3.60 – AFC Matchday ticket.

Park and ride service

Aberdeen Football Club is pleased to announce they will be providing the Park and Ride Bus Service.

The service is there to help fans have a more enjoyable match day experience so they operate Park and Ride services for every home match played at Pittodrie Stadium (SPFL, Cup and Friendly games) from three sites in the city – Bridge of Don, Souterhead Road and Kingswells. The buses are clearly marked with the AFC logo and with Park and Ride signage.

Timings are as follows:

Bride of Don Park & Ride

Departs 45 minutes before kick-off and drops off at Ardarroch Road. Return journey leaves 10 minutes after full time, fair is 50p return and supporters are to pay the driver. The coach going to Bridge of Dons leaves from the bus stop outside the graveyard on King Street.

Souterhead Road

Departs 60 minutes before kick-off and drops off at Ardarroch Road. Return journey leaves 10 minutes after full time, fair is £1.00 return and supporters are to pay the driver. The coach going to Altens leaves from the bus stop on King Street at the top of Merkland Road East.

Kingswells Park & Ride

Service departs 60 minutes before kick-off and drops off at Ardarroch Road. Return journey leaves 10 minutes after full time, fair is £1.50 and supporters are to pay the driver. The coach going to Kingswells leaves from the bus stop on King Street at the top of Merkland Road East.

Pittodrie Stadium Hotels

Aberdeen is one of the richest cities in Scotland, so there are numerous excellent hotels available to put up the people who want to see what all of the fuss is about.

ibis Aberdeen Centre — £40+

15 Shiprow, Aberdeen, AB11 5BY

This member of the ibis chain of hotels is around fifteen minutes walk from Pittodrie. It has a restaurant, a bar, self-parking and free Wi-Fi.

DoubleTree by Hilton Aberdeen City Centre — £60+

Beach Boulevard, Aberdeen, AB24 5EF

As the address suggests, this Hilton hotel is not far from the beach so it’s in an ideal location in the summer. It’s about half a mile from the stadium and has two restaurants, a conference space, free Wi-Fi and free parking.

Rox Hotel — £95+

17-23 Market Street, Aberdeen, AB11 5PY0

This city centre hotel is the priciest of all of our suggestions, but it’s worth the extra money. It’s got a restaurant, a bar, a terrace, a conference space and free Wi-Fi. It’s also about a fifteen minute walk from the ground.

Pubs & Bars Near Pittodrie Stadium

It’s not exactly a secret that Scottish people tend to enjoy a drink. Aberdeen, like most Scottish cities, has some excellent bars and pubs that you’ll want to consider dropping into for a pint. Here are some of our favorites.

The Old School House

Little Belmont Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1JG

This former school now plays host to a fun pub with a great beer garden, a top menu and loads of decent drink options. It’s also got a number of large TVs for all of your sporting needs.

The Prince of Wales Bar

7-11 St. Nicholas Lane, Aberdeen, AB10 1HF

Not exactly one for sports fans, though there is a TV in the corner of the pub, this is more of a traditional place to go and enjoy some tasty food, good drinks and a top atmosphere.

The Archibald Simpson

5 Castle Street, Aberdeen, AB11 5BQ

If you’re the sort of person that likes to forgo local culture in favour of the tried and tested then The Archibald Simpson is for you. It’s a Wetherspoon’s establishment, so you’ll get the cheap food and drink you’re used to along with numerous colorful locals.

Facilities

Pittodrie Stadium has all of the facilities you’d expect for a top-flight stadium. There are plenty of places to buy food and drink and large concourses for you to spend time in. You may well want to do just that when the football’s not on, too — The North Sea whips through the stadium, making it cold even in the summer.

Prices:

• Programme: 3.00;
• Pie: 1.90;
• Cup of tea: 2.10.

Hospitality

There are a number of excellent hospitality packages available at Pittodrie Stadium, and most can be booked seasonally or on a match by match basis subject to availability. The Main Stand Boxes offer a unique degree of privacy and exceptional service, whilst The Aberdeen Asset Management Suite has a buzz and excitement that can’t be matched.

The Legends Lounge and Teddy Scott Lounge are both slightly more relaxed in their approach and The Captain’s Club is the most exclusive of the lot. If you’re after un-rivalled match day hospitality experience then the club will be able to get one boxed off for you, no pun intended.

Private hire

Most of the executive suites are available for hire, should you be looking for unique locations in which to hold your event in the Granite City. The club is able to accommodate most things, from large conferences to smaller meetings, huge parties to intimate dinners and more. You can use the facilities for team building events, corporate dinners and even your wedding, should you be so inclined. With a max capacity of 1000 (event depending) you are sure not to be left disappointed.

History

Aberdeen Football Club have played their home fixtures at Pittodrie since forming over 100 years ago in 1903, with the stadium’s usage dating back four years prior in 1899 when it was home to the original Aberdeen Club who were a precursor to today’s Dons. As a ground which dates back as early as the 19th century it’s no surprise that numerous renovations have been made over the years with Aberdeen owning the second all-seating football stadium in Great Britain.

Renovated in 1978, the club followed the initiative of Glasgow Rangers who rebuilt three out of four stands at Ibrox in order to improve spectator safety after a stadium disaster killed 66 fans and injured over 200 more in 1971. Pre-dating the Taylor Report by just over 12 years, newly promoted side Clydebank converted their ground two seasons prior after being promoted with Aberdeen being wise to follow.

With Sir Alex Ferguson yet to move to Old Trafford, the club were about to enjoy their greatest spell of success when the famous manager guiding The Dons to no less than three league titles, four Scottish cups, The European Super cup and League Cup all across a remarkable period of 7 years. Most famously, Ferguson defeated Bayern Munich in the quarter final of the Cup Winners Cup final in a legendary encounter at the Pittodrie – a game which is probably regarded by fans as the most magical night in the club’s history.

Still riding on a financial wave after the triumphant period in the prior decade, the early 1990s saw the most recent development of the stadium take place when the club demolished the east stand and rebuilt the new Richard Donald Stand during the 1992-1993 season.