Friday, 17 May 2024

Hampden Park: Scotland’s Iconic Football Stadium

Hampden Park

Hampden Park, known as the Scottish Wembley, is a legendary football stadium in Scotland. It is not only the home of the Scottish national team, but also hosts the final stages of prestigious tournaments such as the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup.

An Iconic Venue

With a capacity of 51,866, Hampden Park has witnessed countless historic moments in Scottish football. It is also home to Queens Park Football Club, Scotland’s oldest association football club. The stadium’s rich history and versatility extend beyond football, as it regularly hosts concerts and other events.

A Legacy of Two Hampden Parks

Hampden Park’s story is unique, as there were two stadiums with this name in Glasgow in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The second Hampden Park even had its name changed to Cathkin Park before eventually closing down. Today, the current Hampden Park proudly carries on the legacy of its predecessors.

Stadium Facts and Stats

  • Year Opened: 1903
  • Capacity: 51,866
  • Average Attendance: 50,597
  • Record Attendance: 149,547 (Scotland v England, 1937)
  • Pitch Size: 105 x 68 meters

Seating and Sections

Seating Plan

Hampden Park features a ‘Bowl Style’ seating arrangement, encircling the pitch with continuous seating. Here’s a breakdown of the stadium’s different sections:

  • The North Stand: This section is rarely seen on TV due to the presence of the TV gantry. It is a single-tier structure with boxes at the top.
  • The East Stand: Mostly single-tiered, this section sees the roof slope up slightly as it merges with the upper tier of The South Stand.
  • The South Stand: The main part of Hampden Park, it is the only section with two tiers. Known as The BT Scotland Stand, it houses the dugouts, tunnel, and dressing rooms.
  • The West Stand: The end of this section hosts away fans, with a distinctive Scottish flag imprinted on the seating.

Ticket Prices and Availability

Queens Park FC offers straightforward ticket pricing. On match days, adults can purchase tickets at the door for £12. Senior citizens, unemployed individuals, and juniors pay £2, while parent and child tickets are available for £13 plus £1 for each additional child.

Tickets for Queens Park matches can be easily obtained on the day of the game due to the stadium’s large capacity. Hampden Park can accommodate over 50,000 spectators, while Queens Park’s average attendance is around 750.

Scotland national team ticket prices vary based on the opponent and the nature of the match. Ticket prices for the 2018 World Cup Qualifying matches at Hampden Park ranged from £17 to £60 for adults and £5 to £20 for juniors.

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To purchase Scotland tickets, visit the Scottish Football Association’s website or check the tournament organizer’s webpage for international tournaments.

How to Reach Hampden Park

Hampden Park is located in Glasgow, making it easily accessible for visitors. Here are some typical transportation options:

  • Train: Mount Florida Station and King’s Park Stadium are both a five-minute walk from Hampden Park. Glasgow Central Station is well-connected to these stations and can be reached in approximately 4.5 hours from Euston.
  • Bus: Buses 5, 6, 7, 7A, 34, and 90 regularly run from central Glasgow to locations near the stadium.
  • Car: From England, take the M6 to the A74/M74 and follow signs to Glasgow. After Hamilton Services, follow signs for Shettleston/Cambuslang and Rutherglen until you reach the stadium. If you’re coming from elsewhere, use the post code G42 9BA for navigation.
  • By Air: Glasgow Airport is the closest airport for international and domestic flights. From there, you can take a bus or a combination of bus and train to reach the city center.

Parking at Hampden Park is restricted to permit holders on match days due to limited space. However, there are public car parks available near the stadium.

Explore Glasgow – Stay and Socialize

Glasgow offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some highly recommended hotels in the city:

Pubs and Bars

When in Glasgow, experiencing the local pub culture is a must. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife and variety of pubs and bars. Here are some popular establishments to visit:

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Hampden Park boasts modern facilities befitting a national team stadium and a venue for major tournaments. The spacious concourses offer a wide selection of food and drink options, ensuring an enjoyable matchday experience for all spectators. The stadium ensures there are no bad seats, providing excellent views of the action.

Facility Prices:

  • Programme: £3.5
  • Pie: £2.9
  • Cup of tea: £2

Hospitality Options

Scotland

Hampden Park offers a range of executive lounges and boxes, including the Lomond and Nevis lounges in The South Stand. These lounges provide a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, along with a fine dining experience. Another unique option is enjoying hospitality within the Scottish Football Museum itself.

Standard hospitality packages include a champagne reception, access to a complimentary bar before and after the game, a four-course meal with wine and spirits, half-time refreshments, a car park pass, and various souvenirs or gifts.

Queens Park

Queens Park also provides matchday hospitality experiences, including the opportunity to dine in the museum. With Queens Park, you can expect a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, a three-course meal with waitress service, a seat in the main stand, and half-time refreshments. Free beer or wine is included, and additional beverages can be purchased throughout the day.

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Executive boxes accommodating 5 to 20 people are available for hire. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the facilities, explore the museum, dine in the Millennium Lounge with pre-match drinks, and watch the game from premium seats under the director’s box. This package also includes car parking and appearances from players.

Private hire of Hampden Park is available for various events such as meetings, conferences, product launches, gala balls, award ceremonies, and annual dinners. The stadium can cater to any occasion, making it the ideal venue for hosting your event in Glasgow.

Hampden Park Experience – Tours and Museum

Scottish Football Museum

Embark on the Hampden Experience, a journey through the Scottish Football Museum and the iconic stadium itself. The museum is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm, and on Sundays from 11am to 5pm. Stadium tours are available every day, starting at 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, and 3pm.

Tickets for the museum or the tour can be purchased individually for £8, or combined for £12. Concessions and under-16s enjoy discounted rates, and children under 5 can enter for free. Family tickets for two adults and two children are also available.

Queens Park FC – The Amateur Legacy

Queens Park FC

Queens Park FC proudly carries the title of the only amateur side in the Scottish Professional Football League. Embodying the spirit of football for the love of the game, the club’s motto is “Ludere Causa Ludeni” which means ‘To Play For The Sake Of Playing’. Established in 1867, it is the oldest association football club outside of England and Wales.

Queens Park holds a prestigious record as the only Scottish team to have played in the FA Cup Final. Despite not winning the cup since 1893, the club has won the Scottish Cup ten times, making it the third-most successful team, behind Celtic and Rangers.

Discover Scottish Football – Scotland National Team

Scotland National Team

Scotland claims to be the oldest national football team in the world alongside England. The team’s first official match against England took place in 1872, marking the beginning of a longstanding rivalry. Scotland dominated the Home Championships tournament between 1884 and 1984, winning it a record 41 times, 17 of which were shared victories.

The Tartan Terriers, as the Scottish national team is nicknamed, have participated in the UEFA European Championship twice and the FIFA World Cup eight times. The team achieved legendary status with a historic 5-1 victory over England in 1928, earning them the moniker ‘The Wembley Wizards’.

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Hampden Park’s Illustrious History

Hampden Park History

Queens Park FC initially played at Hampden Park from 1873, albeit in a different location from the current stadium. The name Hampden Park originated from a nearby terrace named after Englishman John Hampden. When the original Western Terrace faced demolition due to railway plans, Queens Park decided to relocate to a new ground, also named Hampden Park, just 150 yards away.

Opening in 1884, the second Hampden Park hosted numerous Scottish Cup Finals and Scotland international matches. However, it lost some prominence to Celtic Park, which emerged as a significant stadium in Glasgow. To secure its future, Queens Park built the third and current Hampden Park in 1903.

Upon its opening, the third Hampden Park became the largest stadium in the world, a title it held for 47 years until the construction of the Maracanã in Brazil. The stadium witnessed a world attendance record in 1912 when 127,307 spectators flocked to watch Scotland take on England.

Throughout the years, Hampden Park underwent redevelopment projects from 1981 to 1999, supported by various organizations, albeit with challenges and controversies. The modernized stadium’s reduced capacity of 51,866 prioritizes safety and meets contemporary standards. In 2014, Hampden Park temporarily transformed into an athletics stadium for the Commonwealth Games. Today, it has a UEFA Category Four status.

Future Developments

While the Scottish Football Association (SFA) has a contract to remain at Hampden Park until 2020, discussions about the future of the stadium have arisen. The SFA recognizes that Hampden Park may no longer be suitable for hosting elite matches like the UEFA Champions League final. To maintain its status as a top-class venue, potential developments will focus on aligning the stadium with international standards.

FAQs

  1. Where can I buy tickets for Queens Park FC matches?
    Tickets for Queens Park matches can be purchased on the day of the game, providing an opportunity for spectators to obtain tickets without worry. With a capacity of over 50,000 and an average attendance of 750, Hampden Park has plenty of seats available.

  2. How can I get Scotland national team tickets?
    For Scotland national team tickets, visit the Scottish Football Association website. Alternatively, check the tournament organizer’s webpage for international competitions.

Conclusion

Hampden Park stands as Scotland’s iconic football stadium, steeped in history and passionately embraced by fans. From hosting thrilling international matches to providing the stage for local club football, Hampden Park has witnessed countless unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a football enthusiast, music lover, or simply seeking a memorable experience in Glasgow, a visit to Hampden Park is a must. Explore the stadium, discover the rich heritage of Scottish football at the museum, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic venue.