Vital Reading gives you a complete guide to the Madejski Stadium.
Stats –
Address – Reading Football Club, Madejski Stadium, Junction 11 M4, Reading, Berks RG2 0OFL
Capacity – 24,161 (up to 4,350 away capacity)
Record Attendance – 24,134 v Manchester United, January 2008
Pitch Size – 105 metres x 68 metres
Nearest Train Station – Reading (3.5 miles)
Nearest Hospital – Royal Berkshire (3.3 miles)
Nearest Police Station – Castle Street, Reading Town Centre (3 miles)
First game – Reading 3-0 Luton 22nd August 1998
Home Fans –
Home fans are situated in the East, North and West Stands of the stadium, with the majority of hardcore fans sitting in the East, towards the away fans and scoreboard. The ‘prawn sandwich brigade` sit on their hands in the upper tier of the West Stand, the only stand that has 2 tiers, and separating the upper and lower tiers are 28 corporate executive suites. The North Stand is behind the goal.
Away Fans-
Away fans are seated in the South Stand, usually getting an allocation of half of the other end behind the goal, although in certain games the capacity for visiting fans can be extended to full capacity 4,350.
How to get there-
By train – On match days a shuttle bus services runs from directly outside the station to the ground and takes approx 10-15 minutes. Prices are £3.50 return or £3 single, although a little tip for you – never bother with a return ticket as they never check them after the game, a saving of £11.50 over the season! There are plans to build a station at the nearby business centre, Green Park, which will be on the Basingstoke to Reading line.
By car – The ground is just off junction 11 of the M4 and is clearly signposted. Parking at the ground is limited but if you do manage to get a space then expect to pay £8 for the privilege and you will be held in the car park for at least 20 minutes after the game to allow pedestrians to leave first.
What to expect in the ground-
Where ever you sit you will get a decent view although in the winter months you will get wet if it rains and you are sat in the front rows. Food inside is nothing to write home about despite the fact our Steak and Kidney pies (supplied by Waitrose!) won football pie of the year 2008/2009. Expect to pay £3.50 a for a pint of Fosters Lager or Courage Bitter. Wine is also available as well as the usual soft drinks.
If you have any other enquiries on the stadium, where to drink or how to get there, please contact Vital Reading on reading@vitalfootball.co.uk
