Football Ground Guide: King Power Stadium, Leicester City FC

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Contents
What's The King Power Stadium Like? Future Developments Air Asia East Stand And South Kop (photo) What Is It Like For Visiting Supporters? Marks Electrical Family Stand (photo) Where To Drink? How To Get By Car & Where To Park By Train Admission Prices Fixtures 2011-2012 Programme & Fanzines Local Rivals Ground Layout Disabled Facilities Record & Average Attendance Fans Ground Reviews Hotel Accommodation Irwin Mitchell Solicitors King Power Stadium Location Map
What's The King Power Stadium Like?
In August 2002 the club moved into its new home, only a stone's throw away from their old Filbert Street ground. Then called the Walkers Stadium, it was renamed the King Power Stadium in 2011, under a new commercial sponsorship deal. The stadium was built by Birse Construction at a cost of £35m, is completely enclosed with all corners being filled with seating. The sides are of a good size, built in the same style and height. The West Stand though on one side of the pitch does contain a row of executive boxes. The team dug outs are also located at the front of this stand. Running around three sides of the stadium, just below the roof, is a transparent perspex strip, which allows more light and facilitates pitch growth. There are also same basic looking (red LCD display) electric scoreboards at either end. Like most new stadiums, this is functional but lacks character. I don't know whether I'm starting to suffer from 'new stadium fatigue' having visited so many in the last few years, but to me it seemed somewhat bland looking both inside and out. Unusually the public address system is also broadcast on the speakers around the outside of the stadium. The King Power Stadium does have one redeeming feature - atmosphere. The acoustics are very good and both sets of supporters can really make some noise, making for an enjoyable visit. The stadium is also used periodically for other sports such as rugby. Top Of Page
Future Developments
The stadium has been built in such a way, that if required, an additional tier could be built onto the East Stand. This would increase the capacity to just under 40,000. Top Of Page
Air Asia East Stand & South Kop
Please note that since these photos were taken, King Power has replaced Walkers on the seating. Top Of Page
What Is It Like For Visiting Supporters?
Away supporters are housed in the North East corner of the stadium, where just over 3,000 fans can be accommodated. The view of the playing action is good (although you are set well back from the pitch) as well as the facilities available. The concourse is comfortable and there is your normal range of hot dogs, burgers and pies available (including the Pukka Balti Chicken pie £2.50, served in a tray with a fork). There are television screens on the concourse showing the game going on within the stadium. My only slight grumble was that the gents toilets are poorly designed. They have a narrow 'zig zag corridor' of an entrance which hindered people coming in or out and didn't help the major traffic flow at half time! On the positive side though, the atmosphere within the stadium was good, with the home fans singing on both sides of the away section. The atmosphere is further boosted by a huge bare chested drummer, who is located at the back of the home section, immediately to the left of the away fans. The stewarding was also pretty relaxed. The teams come out to the Post Horn Gallop tune, reminiscent of horse riding and even fox hunting! (Leicester are nicknamed the Foxes). Paul Groombridge a visiting Gillingham fan adds; 'From the far upper seats of the away section, the view was pretty good, though from there, you'd probably complain of being too far away from the action (I thought it was okay). One good thing about being at the top of the away section - you can use the plastic transparent panels as pretty good drums when singing!' I have received a number of reports of away fans being treated somewhat heavily handed by the local constabulary around the stadium and of some even being 'frog marched' from the railway station to the ground. Although these measures may be deemed necessary, in order to prevent violent disorder, is doesn't do much for the overall away day experience at Leicester. Stuart Bible informs me; 'Just to confirm that the Police presence at Leicester Station is completely over the top. As a visiting QPR fan recently we were 'guided' to the Hind Pub & promptly asked to drink up at 2pm. All 25 of us were then escorted by 38 Police (I counted them) a Dog & 3 Police vans. Of the 25 were 3 children under 10! They should save their heavy handedness for the day that there might be a real threat of trouble'. Top Of Page
Marks Electrical Family Stand
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Where To Drink?
The ground is walkable from the city centre (15-20 minutes), where there are plenty of pubs to be found. Most of the pubs near to the stadium are home fans only. In particular 'The Victory' and 'The F Bar' pubs should be avoided by visiting supporters. Plus the 'Half Time Orange' pub located just over the road from the away end, is a members-only Leicester City bar. Andy Jobson a visiting Southampton fan informs me; 'Probably the best bet for away fans is the Counting House pub on Freemens Common Road. It has a good mix of both sets of supporters, with all the normal facilities on offer'. Beaumont Fox adds; 'This pub is located just off the Aylestone Road, behind the Local Hero pub (home fans only) and next to Morrisons Supermarket. It does though exclude away supporters when the game is deemed to be a 'high profile' one'. I have also been informed that the nearby Holiday Inn Express on Filbert Way, also has a bar which away fans have been using. David Moore adds; 'If away fans fancy a quiet drink in a CAMRA Good Beer Guide listed pu,b then the Swan & Rushes (on Infirmary Square, near the Royal Infirmary) always has excellent guest ales on'. For those arriving by train then 'The Hind' pub across the road from the station serves a selection of real ales. Otherwise alcohol is available inside the stadium, however this can be a bit of a 'hit and miss affair' depending on which team you support. Richard Aquilina explains; 'Certainly alcohol wasn't available in the away end on our visit. The pumps were covered with black bags and the signs were covered with cardboard! When I enquired further it appears that alcohol is not sold for high profile games. By high profile I think they mean more than a few hundred fans as there obviously isn't any history between Leicester and Rovers as this is the first time we met at this level'. Top Of Page
How To Get By Car & Where To Park
Leave the M1 at Junction 21, or if coming from the Midlands, follow the M69 until the end of the motorway (which meets the M1 at Junction 21).Take the A5460 towards Leicester city centre. Continue on this road, until you go under a railway bridge. Carry on for another 200 yards and turn right at the traffic lights into Upperton Road (sign posted Royal Infirmary) and then right again into Filbert Street. The new stadium is visible just behind the old Filbert Street ground. Allow yourself a little extra time to get to the ground as traffic does tend to get quite congested near the stadium. Plenty of street parking to be found (especially around the Upperton Road area and on streets running off the A5460 by the railway bridge. It is then around a 15 minute walk to the stadium), although as Greg Barclay warns; 'don't double park as the traffic wardens tend to have a field day at every match'. Alternatively you can park at Leicester Rugby Club (£3) which is a ten minute walk away from the stadium. Map showing the location of the King Power stadium (at the bottom of this page). Top Of Page
By Train
The train station in the city centre is walkable from the ground and should take you around 20-25 minutes. There is normally a heavy Police presence around the station. Thanks to Philip Draycott for providing the following directions from the station to the ground; 'Come out of the station, cross the road in front of the station and proceed to the left. Follow this round to the right and now you are walking with the main Central Ring Road (Waterloo Way) on your left. Keep this to your left as the pavement becomes a separate path and the road sinks down into a dip down to your left. A quick left and right to stay on the pathway as it crosses New Walk and you go down the left hand side of New Walk Museum. The pathway rejoins the main road as pavement again and you see a small recreation ground (Nelson Mandela Park) on your right. Turn right into Lancaster Rd and then cross the park to the crossings over the main road by the public lavatories. Head for the Victory pub opposite (not recommended for away fans), turn left across the front of the Leicester Royal infirmary. First right into Walnut St and you can see the stadium behind the old Filbert Street ground'. Top Of Page
Admission Prices
Like a number a clubs Leicester categorise matches (Platinum & Gold) whereby the more popular matches cost more to watch. Category B (Gold) prices are shown below in brackets: Home Fans: Upton Steel West Stand (Centre): Adults £40 (B £38), Over 60's £34 (B £32), Under 22's £30 (B £29), Under 18's £26 (B £25), Under 12's £15 (£14), Under 8's £12 (£11) Upton Steel West Stand (Wings): Adults £38 (B £34), Over 60's £32 (B £29), Under 22's £28 (B £25), Under 18's £24 (B £21), Under 12's £15 (£13), Under 8's £10 (£9) Upton Steel West Stand (Outer Wings): Adults £25 (B £20) Over 60's £21 (B £17), Under 22's £16 (B £13), Under 18's £14 (B £11), Under 12's £7 (£6), Under 8's £6 (£5) Air Asia East Stand (Centre): £40 (B £38), Over 60's £34 (B £32), Under 22's £30 (B £29), Under 18's £26 (B £25), Under 12's £15 (£14), Under 8's £12 (£11) Air Asia East Stand (Wings): £38 (B £34), Over 60's £32 (B £29), Under 22's £28 (B £25), Under 18's £24 (B £21), Under 12's £15 (£13), Under 8's £10 (£9) Air Asia East Stand (Outer Wings): Adults £36 (B £32) Over 60's £30 (B £27), Under 22's £26 (B £23), Under 18's £22 (B £20), Under 12's £12 (£11), Under 8's £10 (£9) Pukka Pies South Stand (Centre): Adults £32 (B £28) Over 60's £28 (B £25), Under 22's £22 (B £19), Under 18's £20 (B £18), Under 12's £10 (£9), Under 8's £8 (£7) Pukka Pies South Stand (Wings): £30 (B £25) Over 60's £26 (B £22), Under 22's £20 (B £17), Under 18's £18 (B £15), Under 12's £8 (£7), Under 8's £7 (£6) Marks Electrical Family Stand: Adults £30 (B £25) Over 60's £26 (B £22), Under 22's £20 (B £17), Under 18's £18 (B £15), Under 12's £8 (£7), Under 8's Free Away Fans: North East Corner: Adults £32 (B £28) Over 60's £28 (B £25), Under 22's £22 (B £19), Under 18's £20 (B £18), Under 12's £10 (£9), Under 8's £8 (£7) Top Of Page
Fixtures 2011-2012
Leicester City FC fixture list (takes you to the BBC Sports Website). Top Of Page
Programme & Fanzines
Official Programme: £3. The Fox Fanzine: £1.50. When You're Smiling Fanzine: £1. Top Of Page
Local Rivals
Derby County, Nottingham Forest, Coventry City. Top Of Page
Ground Layout
Top Of Page
Disabled Facilities
For details of disabled facilities and club contact at the ground please visit the relevant page on the Level Playing Field website. Top Of Page
Record & Average Attendance
Record Attendance: At the King Power Stadium 32,188 v Real Madrid Friendly, July 30th, 2011. At Filbert Street 47,298 v Tottenham Hotspur, FA Cup 5th Round, February 18th, 1928. Average Attendance: 2010-2011: 23,666 (Championship League) 2009-2010: 23,943 (Championship League) 2008-2009: 20,253 (League One) Top Of Page
Fans Reviews Of The King Power Stadium
Peter Radford (Doing the 92) 10/01/10 Morgan Nock (Doing the 92) 27/09/08 Josh Freedman (Watford) 25/08/07 Robert Smith (Coventry City) 17/02/07 Sam Coumbe (Plymouth Argyle) 11/11/06 Joe Flynn (Aston Villa) 24/10/06 Tim Sansom (Neutral) 17/12/05 Top Of Page
Hotel Accommodation
If you require hotel accommodation in the area then first try a hotel booking service provided by Late Rooms. They offer all types of accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets from; Budget Hotels, Traditional Bed & Breakfast establishments to Five Star Hotels and Serviced Apartments. Plus their booking system is straightforward and easy to use. Yes this site will earn a small commission if you book through them, but it will go to help with the running costs of keeping the Guide going. The Hotels listing also includes details of how far away the accommodation is located from the football ground. Access their Leicester Hotels and Guest Houses page. Top Of Page
Irwin Mitchell Solicitors
Personal injury solicitors in Leicester. For all your legal matters and personal injury claims, then talk to the people at Irwin Mitchell Solicitors. They offer legal services in Leicester and nationwide. Visit their website at www.irwinmitchell.com. Top Of Page
Map showing the location of the King Power Stadium, Railway Station and Listed pubs
Instructions for using the map: - Use the bar on the left of the map to zoom in / out using the + / - keys. - Click and drag an area of the map to move around or use the up/down, left/right arrows - Click the Satellite button to see aerial view photograph.
Feedback
If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, please e-mail me duncan@footballgrounds.net and I'll update the guide.

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Leicester City King Power Stadium

Leicester City
King Power Stadium