The Club moved to the KCOM Stadium in December 2002 after leaving their former Boothferry Park home where they had been resident for 56 years. The KCOM Stadium is home to both Hull Football and Rugby League Clubs. Inside the stadium looks very impressive, however from the exterior it looks a bit plain. It doesn’t help that the most interesting part of the exterior, visually, around the main entrance, is mostly obscured by trees. However the stadium is set in a park and can be seen for some distance around and has won a number of awards for its design.
The KCOM Stadium is totally enclosed, with the Cranswick plc (West) Stand being around twice the size of the other three sides. The roof rises up and curves around the West Stand, giving the stadium an interesting look. Inside the curves continue as each of the stands slightly bends around the playing area, drawing the eye to sweep panoramically around them. Apart from the West Stand, each of the other three stands is single tiered. The West Stand also benefits from having a row of executive boxes running across its middle. There is a large video screen at the North End of the stadium, where the Police Control Box is also situated. The P.A system within the stadium is also excellent.
In April 2016 the KC Stadium was renamed the KCOM Stadium to reflect the new brand name of Kingston Communications.(KC), who currently have the naming rights to the stadium.
It has long been known that the Hull stadium has plans in place to grow the capacity to 34,000 through the addition of further tiers to the East and South Stands. When that will happen remains unknown and looks unlikely whilst they remain in the Championship – or below. What will be coming soon is an ‘airdome’, which will be located near to the existing ground and used for training purposes.
Away fans are located in the North East corner of the stadium, where up to 2,510 supporters can be housed. This away section extends around the North East Corner into the first couple of blocks of the North Stand. The away turnstiles are numbered 22-24 and entrance to the ground is gained via electronic turnstiles where you have to put your ticket into a barcode reader. The facilities available are good, plus you enjoy an unobstructed view of the playing action, although fans are a little set back from the pitch. I found the atmosphere to be also generally good within the stadium. On the concourse alcohol is available, plus burgers, Hollands pies (£3.20) etc..The Club also allow fans to have at half time a cigarette outside the ground, if they so wish.
Dave Winsor a visiting Nottingham Forest fan adds; ‘Our seats were roomy and comfortable with a raised behind the goal view. Plenty of leg room and helpful stewards along with a nice fat matchday programme and a really good selection of food and drink from the concourse all contributed to the favourable impression. An interesting ground with much more to it than the usual depressing flatpack stadium of some other designs’.
Please note that the stadium has been designated a no standing area, which on the face of it seems a little ridiculous. This has led to some unpleasant confrontations between away fans and stewards, so you have been warned. Craig Waites a visiting Bradford City fan adds; ‘On my last visit I felt the Policing was over the top. It was like going back to the 1980’s’. Owen Robson a visiting West Ham United fan informs me; ‘The West Ham fans stood up throughout the entire game, without any hassle from stewards or Police. I presume this was because of the huge away support on that day.’
For night games the stadium puts on a cracking light show, accompanied by music, which is put on for around five or six minutes before the teams come out onto the field of play. It is well worth watching (See a video of the light show taken before a Rugby League game, in the carousel of images above).
Hull is a well known name in the world of Rugby and the football club tapped into that in their early years using ‘the Boulevard’ in the two years immediately after their formation; it was predominantly a rugby pitch. After that couple of years the Tigers moved to their own ground, Anlaby Road. The remained their through to World War II but a bombing and shoddy restoration job saw the club move back to their first ‘home’. An extended period at Boothferry Park followed with that being Hull’s ground from 1946 through to 2002 and then came the move to their current stadium.
Away supporters have their own bar called the Pitch Side located at the KCOM Stadium itself. Although not the most spacious of bars it does show live sports on a number of screens and also offers cold food and snacks, such as sandwiches. The entrance to the bar is located outside the stadium, next to the visiting fans turnstiles. However please note that the Pitch Side Bar stops serving alcohol 45 minutes before kick off. Tim Jones a visiting Aston Villa supporter informs me; ‘The Park View pub virtually opposite the stadium car park entrance allows in away fans. It has a good atmosphere and the Hull fans there were friendly. It also has a big screen showing Sky Sports and a burger van outside’. Whilst fellow Villa fan Neil Tate adds; ‘There is also the nearby Walton Street Social Club that also admits away supporters. Although it costs £1 to go in, it has good cheap beer, is of a good size and offers a separate area for sale of food such as burgers and chips etc.. There were plenty of fellow Villa fans in there during our recent visit. Turn right out of the main car park entrance and it is down the road on the left hand side.’ Further down Walton Street, on the corner with Anlaby Road, is a pub called the Boot Room. This pub also admits visiting supporters and has the benefit of showing live sports on five large screens.
There are a number of other pubs within a few minutes walk of the stadium, but these are all designated as being for home supporters only. Most Hull fans still seem to be heading for pubs situated around Boothferry Park. These are best avoided by away fans particularly the Silver Cod pub. Otherwise, you can head for the nearby City Centre, where there are plenty of pubs to be found. Sam Carroll suggests Sam Carroll suggests ‘Bowers’ (formerly called the ‘Linnet & Lark’) on Princes Avenue. As Sam says; ‘It has lots of TVs showing Sky Sports, making it perfect to watch the early or late kick off games. It is a 15 minute walk away from the stadium, going across the pedestrian footbridge over the railway line. Also, there are a number of other bars dotted along Princes Avenue, which should be okay for away fans to drink in. There is also ample parking in the streets located off the avenue. Closer to the stadium around a 15 minute walk up Walton Street, is the Avenues pub on Chanterlands Avenue, that welcomes both home and away supporters.’
Robert Walker adds; ‘If you are walking to the stadium from the City Centre there are several pubs on Spring Bank, including the Editorial. Or there is the Admiral of the Humber (a Wetherspoons outlet) on Anlaby Road near Hull Paragon Railway Station’. Right next door to the Wetherspoons is an upstairs bar called the ‘New King Edward’ that also admits visiting fans. Andy Beill adds; ‘I’d recommend The Punch Hotel pub. It is situated in the town centre next to the Princes Quay shopping centre, so not far from the train station. It does great homemade food’. On the edge of the city centre on Albion Street (behind the Prospect Shopping Centre) is the Hop & Vine. This small basement bar specialises in real ale and cider (although premium lagers are available too) and also serves bar snacks.
Otherwise alcohol, Carling and Marstons are served within the stadium. However, for some high profile matches, the club does not provide alcohol to away supporters.
From The West
At the end of the M62, continue onto the A63 towards Hull. Stay on the A63 and the stadium is clearly signposted (KCOM Stadium and a football symbol) as you approach Hull. About one mile from the centre of Hull leave the A63 (just after you pass B&Q on the opposite side of the carriageway and is sign posted Local Infirmary) and take the 2nd exit at the roundabout. Turn left at the lights and then over the flyover, right at the next lights and the ground is down on the right.
From The North
Leave the A164 at the Humber Bridge Roundabout and take the first exit into Boothferry Road. The stadium is three miles down this road on the left.
From The South
Take the M1 to Junction 21A take the A46 exit to Braunstone Frith/ Kirby Muxloe/ B5380 then keep right at the fork, follow the signs for A46 Newark and merge onto A46 and follow it to just past Lincoln and at the roundabout take the first exit for Humber Bridge and then at the third roundabout after about 21 mile onto the A15 take the Third Exit for the M180/ Humber Bridge and then take the M180 to Junction 5 and take the sign for Hull/ Hull Airport then at the roundabout take the second exit onto the A15 and cross the Humber Bridge (cost £2.50 for Cars £4 for Buses) then at the roundabout take the third exit (Signposted City Centre) and then turn left at the lights and then over the flyover, right at the next lights and the ground is down on the right.
Thanks to John Aitken from the Wanderers Annual for providing the ‘From the South’ directions.
Car Parking
Jo Johnson informs me; ‘the stadium has its own massive car park right next to the stadium, with access from Walton Street. It is floodlit, with a covered surface (that is, not a mud bath) and open to home and away supporters alike. If you get there early and want to go into the City centre, there is a park and ride bus to and from the car park. The cost of parking at the stadium is £5. It’s easier to park at Hull than at any ground I know of – but there is one drawback, namely, getting away again at the end of the game. It can take up to half an hour or more, if you park a long way from the exits’. Tony adds; ‘There are two exits from the car park onto Walton Street after the game. The right hand exit is often the quickest to leave by. As you turn right out the car park, this leads to Spring Bank West, where you have to turn left. Follow this road onto the next roundabout and turn left into Calvert Lane. Cross one set of traffic lights into North Road then at the next set of traffic lights turn right onto Boothferry road (you’ll see the old Boothferry Park floodlights just off to your left). This takes you onto the A63’.
Alternatively there is a Park & Ride facility signposted off the A63 (shared with home supporters). Many fans opt to park in one of the many town centre car parks and then walk out to the stadium. Chris Bax adds; ‘It is perhaps easiest is to park at the Infirmary (clearly signposted from the A63) where parking is only £5 for 4 hours. It’s a 10-15 minute walk to the ground from there’.
Whilst Robert Walker adds; ‘The most convenient car park in the city centre is the Pryme Street multi-storey car park, which is open to 7.30pm. Leave the A63 at the Myton Street exit and head North towards the city centre. You will pass Paragon station on your left. At the next traffic lights turn right into Spencer Street and then immediately left into Prospect Street and follow road round to the right into Pryme Street. Car park entrance is on right. There is also an NCP car park at the end of Pryme Street and Council surface car parks off Freetown Way. To walk to Stadium cross over Ferensway and walk along Spring Bank. Turn left onto Derringham Street by Polar Bear pub and then right onto walkway to the stadium’. Marcos Brown-Garcia tells me; ‘The housing estate directly opposite the Hull Royal Infirmary offers lots of free on street parking spaces. This estate has no parking regulations.’
Please note that some residential areas near to the stadium have been made residents only parking zones, so don’t park there as you may well end up with a parking fine. John Womersley adds; ‘There is some street parking less than five minutes walk away. Leave the A63 at the Humber Bridge Roundabout and take the first exit into Boothferry Road. Pass Boothferry Park and forward onto Anlaby Road towards the Hull Royal Infirmary, You will pass the KC stadium on your left. Go over the flyover, and turn right at “The Eagle” pub into Coltman St then take the 2nd right into Cholmley St then 4th right into the Boulevard. There are many side streets without parking restrictions. To get to the ground simply walk to the top of the Boulevard and go up the pedestrian walkway to the stadium. To Get home simply go the other way down the Boulevard, then left into Hessle Rd, after 1/4 mile you’ll come to a roundabout which takes you onto the A63 (Clive Sullivan Way) and M62. There is also the option of renting a private driveway near the KCOM Stadium via YourParkingSpace.co.uk.
Post Code for SAT NAV: HU3 6HU
The KCOM Stadium is around a 20 minute walk away from Hull Paragon Railway Station. Turn left at the end of the railway station platform and then left into the bus station (without going outside the station). Exit the bus station at the far end. Walk past Tesco on your right, cross over Park Street at the traffic lights. Following blue pedestrian signs to KC Stadium go along Londesborough Street (where there is a handy fish and chip shop). Cross Argyle Street and onto pedestrian walkway and bridges over railway lines to stadium. For away end turn right at the bottom of steps. Thanks to Brian Scott a visiting Ipswich Town supporter for the directions.
Booking train tickets in advance will normally save you money! Find train times, prices and book tickets with Trainline. Visit the website below to see how much you can save on the price of your tickets:
Like a number of Clubs Hull City operate a category system (A,B and C) whereby the most popular games cost more to watch.
Home fans
Adults
Category A (£24-£33)
Category B (£18-£30)
Category C (£9-£27)
Concessions are available on these tickets prices in certain parts of the stadium to Over 65’s and Juniors.
Away fans
As per an agreement with all Premier League Clubs, away fans will be charged a maximum price of those shown below for all League games:
North East Corner:
Adults £30
Over 65’s £24
Under 19’s £24
Official Programme: £3.
Hull vs Leeds rivalry
If you collar a home fan at the Hull stadium the chances are they’ll tell you how much they hate Leeds. There is an element of geography involved with the two clubs just an hour or so apart but, ultimately, it’s a one way dislike because Leeds fans couldn’t care less about Hull.
Hull vs Scunthorpe rivalry
Hull vs Scunthorpe is a game that brings an element of fire to matchday with both clubs situated in the Humberside area. Beyond location though, there is little actual reason for the derby.
Hull vs Grimsby rivalry
Grimsby suffering from the jeers of Hull fans is a very similar deal to that of the Hull Scunthorpe rivalry. Again, it’s born out of both clubs being close to the Humber.
Hull City FC fixture list (takes you to the BBC Sports Website).
If you require hotel accommodation in
Hull then first try a hotel booking service provided by Booking.com. 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. Just input the dates below that you wish to stay and then select from the map the hotel of interest to get more information. The map is centered to the football ground. However, you can drag the map around or click on +/- to reveal more hotels in the City Centre or further afield.
Paul Robinson informs me; ‘The disabled facilities are state of the art. Every stand in the stadium has a purpose built Disabled user platform, easily accessible from the wide concourse that circumnavigates the inside of the whole stadium. Stewards patrol every Disabled access area on the outside of the stadium, and if assistance is required it’s there on hand. Once through the entrance and up the lifts, the concourse awaits with its bars, food kiosks and betting shops. Throughout the concourse are TV’s showing Sky Sports as well as highlights of Hull City games. Once through the entrance into the arena, (curiously titled ‘Vomitories’) the Disabled platform awaits with plenty of space for wheelchairs, and seats for their companions. The St Johns ambulance are stationed at the platforms which is also a good idea, as they are immediately on hand.
The platforms themselves have a great position in each of the stands. Each stand has two platforms, and there is easy access seating and space for a wheelchair at pitch side. The Kingston Communications Stadium has arguably the top facilities in the country for disabled supporters and provides 304 spaces for wheelchair users and their helpers. There are also a further 300 spaces for the ambulant disabled. Wireless audio commentary is also available. Admission is free for wheelchair users while the carer pays the admission price for the relevant area of the stadium. Wheelchairs can also be hired if required to assist from their car to the seating area. Proof of ID, car registration number, and a refundable £5 deposit are required. Half time refreshments can be pre-ordered and delivered to the disabled areas. For home fans who are in receipt of DLA a parking space immediately outside the stadium is available, and visiting fans who wish to book a space should contact the club.’ Admission prices for wheelchair and helper are £16 in the West Stand and £14 for other areas.
For further details of the disabled facilities and club contact at the ground please visit the relevant page on the Level Playing Field website.
Record Attendance
At The Kingston Communications Stadium:
25,030 v Liverpool
Premier League, 10th May 2010.
At Boothferry Park:
55,019 v Manchester United
FA Cup 6th Round, 26th February 1949.
Average Attendance
2019-2020: 11,553 (Championship League)
2018-2019: 12,165 (Championship League)
2017-2018: 15,622 (Championship League)
Hull City Football Club were formed in 1904. They originally played at the Boulevard Ground the then home of Hull Rugby League Football Club. After only one season they played at the Circle, which was Hull’s Cricket Club Ground before moving to a new ground a short distance away on Anlaby Road in 1905. In the late 1920’s the Club were informed that the ground was to be re-developed to make way for a new railway. In preparation for this the Club purchased some land which was to become the site of Boothferry Park. But development was slow and this coupled with the delay to the new railway meant that there was no great urgency to move and it was not until August 1946 that Boothferry Park, was officially opened for the visit of Lincoln City. The Club were to remain at Boothferry Park until moving to the new KC Stadium in 2002. Interestingly the site of the KC Stadium is on the same spot of the old Circle ground.
Visit our Lost Grounds and Stands Section to view photos, videos and read more details about Boothferry Park.
Official Web Site
Unofficial Web Sites
Amber Nectar
Southern Supporters
Vital Hull (Vital Football Network)
If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, please e-mail me at: contact@footballgroundguide.com and I’ll update the guide.
Special thanks to:
Haydn Gleed for providing the YouTube video of the KC Stadium.
Owen Pavey for providing an external photo of the stadium.
The video of the KC Stadium pre-match light show was produced by sebasteenopower and is publicy made available via YouTube.
Content retrieved from: https://footballgroundguide.com/leagues/england/league-one/kc-stadium-hull-city.html.
