Tigers Guide
Welford Road
2025–26 Season
Mattioli Woods Welford Road — Key Facts
Address
Welford Road, Leicester LE2 7FL
Capacity
25,849 — largest purpose-built club rugby ground in the UK
Ticket office phone
0116 319 8888 (option 2)
Payment inside
Cashless — card and contactless only
Club Shop opens
9am on matchdays — until approx. 1hr after final whistle
Final Whistle bar
Opens 3 hours before kick-off — open to all, no ticket required
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There are bigger stadiums in English rugby. There are newer ones. But Welford Road on a full house carries an atmosphere that is genuinely difficult to replicate — the crowd is close to the pitch, the stands are steep, and the noise on a big European night or a Premiership final-chaser builds in a way that makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck. Getting the logistics right before you arrive is what allows you to enjoy all of it without stress. Here is everything, confirmed.
🚗 Parking — Every Option, Every Price
There is no on-site parking at Welford Road for general matchday use. This is the first thing to know. The options below are the official and practical alternatives, confirmed from the Tigers' own matchday guide.
Official Parking Options
🏟️
King Power Stadium Car Park
£14 per car — pre-book recommended
The main official matchday parking option — a 10-minute walk from Welford Road. Opens 2 hours before kick-off and remains open until 2 hours after the final whistle. A free shuttle bus runs between King Power Stadium and Welford Road every 15 minutes from opening until kick-off. Pre-booking available via the Leicester Tigers website. Address: LE2 7FL.
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Bede House Car Park
£12 per car
Located at LE2 7EJ — a 14-minute walk from Welford Road. Opens 2.5 hours before kick-off. A free mini-shuttle bus runs between Bede House and the stadium every 15 minutes (approx). A useful alternative when King Power is full or when you're arriving from the south.
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Motorbike Parking — Crumbie Car Park
£2.50
First-come, first-served basis — not available to pre-book. Limited spaces. Arrive early. The Crumbie Car Park is the main Tigers-adjacent car park on non-matchdays (rates: £2.50/hr, £5 for two hours, £12.50 all day).
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Park & Ride — Enderby (via Aylestone Road)
Check P&R prices on the day
The Enderby Park and Ride stop opposite Leicester Royal Infirmary on Aylestone Road provides shuttle buses every 15 minutes from 7am until 7pm, Monday to Saturday. A practical option if you're coming from the south or want to avoid city centre congestion entirely.
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JustPark / YourParkingSpace — Pre-Book a Private Space
From £5–£12 depending on proximity
Residents and businesses near the ground often list private spaces on JustPark and YourParkingSpace. Regent College on Regent Road (LE1 7LW) is a 10-minute walk from Welford Road and offers additional paid parking. Private residential street parking is available but restricted on matchdays in immediate surrounding streets — check signage carefully.
Parking warnings
- Residential streets immediately around Welford Road have permit restrictions that are actively enforced on matchdays. Don't assume a quiet-looking street is fair game.
- Pre-booking King Power Stadium or Bede House in advance — via the Tigers website — is strongly recommended for popular fixtures. Both sell out on big matchdays.
- Allow extra time on Premiership weekends. The A6 and Welford Road corridor becomes slow from 90 minutes before kick-off.
🚂 Getting There — Train, Bus, Bike & Shuttle
All transport options — confirmed
- By Train: Leicester London Road station is a 15-minute walk from Welford Road. Turn right out of the station, cross the road, turn left onto Waterloo Way, continue to the top of the hill onto Tigers Way — Welford Road is directly in front. Straightforward walk. East Midlands Railway runs frequent services from Nottingham, Derby, Birmingham and London St Pancras.
- By Bus: Three bus routes serve the stadium on matchday. Specific services run from Market Harborough, Oakham, and surrounding Leicestershire towns — check the Tigers' Getting Here page for current timetables and pick-up points.
- Market Harborough Bus: Departs The Square at 1:30pm, via Kibworth, Fleckney, Great Glen, Oadby, arriving Welford Road at 2:30pm. Check Tigers website for return times.
- Free Shuttle Bus: Runs between King Power Stadium car park and Welford Road every 15 minutes from 2 hours before kick-off until kick-off. Also from Bede House Car Park. Free with parking ticket.
- By Bike: Secure cycle parking is available near the stadium. The city centre cycle network connects well to Welford Road from the north and east.
- On Foot from City Centre: Welford Road stadium is approximately 20 minutes walk from the Highcross shopping centre. New Walk → Victoria Park → Welford Road is a pleasant pre-match route.
🍺 Best Pubs Near Welford Road — The Definitive Guide
Leicester is both a student city and a rugby city, which means the pub options near Welford Road are genuinely excellent. Here are the most recommended pre-match options, ranked by their reputation with Tigers fans specifically.
Fans' Favourites
The King's Head
⭐ Fans' No.1
Voted the clear fans' favourite — receiving 35% of the vote in one Tigers supporters poll. A classical Georgian building run by Black Country Ales. Rotating local cask ales, TV screens both inside and out showing Sky and BT Sport, a large outside seating area, and a roof terrace. Always staffed well on matchdays. The range of real ales is excellent and the atmosphere is as good as it gets pre-Tigers. Ten-minute walk to Welford Road, or a 20-minute "drunken stumble" as one supporter guide put it. Welcoming to both home and away fans.
The Swan and Rushes
Real Ales
A perennial matchday favourite — close to the ground, great selection of real ales, and reliably busy. Can get very full on matchdays due to its size and popularity, so arrive early if you want a comfortable spot. One of the most recommended pubs in multiple Tigers fan guides. Traditional atmosphere, well-kept beer.
The Globe
Oldest Pub
Claims to be Leicester's oldest pub, dating back to 1720. Owned by an independent local brewery chain. Brilliant for real cask ales, draught lager, cider and stout. Great quality food too. The city centre location makes it an ideal start to any pub crawl before heading toward Welford Road. Atmospheric, characterful, and an excellent choice if you're arriving by train.
The Counting House & Local Hero
Nearest
Two pubs next to each other, practically adjacent to Welford Road — the closest pre-match options to the ground. Both Greene King establishments with a range of beers, food, and TVs showing live sport. The Counting House is consistently recommended as the most accessible option for anyone arriving late or wanting to stay close to the ground. Both welcome home and away fans. The Local Hero is open to home fans only on Leicester City football matchdays — not an issue for Tigers fans.
The Blue Boar
CAMRA Award
Leicester's CAMRA pub of the year for 2018, 2019, and 2020. A micropub offering an exceptional selection of real ales, fine ciders, fine wine, and bar snacks. Expect it to get busy on any matchday. If you care about cask ale quality above all else, this is the destination. Small, intimate, and genuinely excellent.
Time Bar (at Leicester Station)
By Train
The ideal first stop if you're arriving by train. Built in what was once the station's freight storage. Features shuffleboard, dartboards, a matchday menu and all the standard ales and lagers — plus the Tuilager, a beer made by former Tiger Freddie Tuilagi who has been known to serve from the pumps himself. Buzzing on matchday mornings and packed with both home and away fans. A great opening to any Leicester visit.
The Sir Robert Peel
Near Ground
A decent, old-fashioned backstreet pub situated behind the Royal Infirmary — about as close to a good kick from Welford Road as you can get. Characterful, unpretentious, and fills up on matchdays without ever feeling as overwhelming as the bigger venues. A solid choice if you want something close without the scrum of The Counting House.
New Road Inn & The Donkey
On Welford Road
Two pubs side by side on Welford Road itself, just past the old Homebase location heading south from the ground. Good options if you're arriving from the south end of town and want to stop before walking into the ground. Both serve a good pint in a traditional setting.
Pub crawl route for a proper Tigers matchday
- Arrive into Leicester station — straight to Time Bar for the first pint (10 min before heading out).
- Walk up London Road — stop at The Marquis Wellington or The Lansdowne for a second drink and food if needed (both do food, both on London Road up from the station).
- Head down toward the ground — The King's Head on King Street for the main pre-match drink. One of the city's best pubs, well-timed 45–60 minutes before kick-off.
- The Swan and Rushes as a final stop — 5 minutes from the ground, perfect for a last pint before turnstiles.
🍺 Bars & Food Inside Mattioli Woods Welford Road
The stadium is completely cashless. Card and contactless only — inside all bars, food outlets, and the club shop. There are no exceptions. Bring a card.
Inside the ground — food and drink confirmed
- The Final Whistle Bar (Tradeview Markets Stand, ground floor) — opens 3 hours before kick-off. Crucially, it is accessible to anyone — you do not need a matchday ticket to enter. Food, drink, toilets, and live bands post-match. The social heart of the matchday at Welford Road.
- Bar and snack outlets in all stands open 90 minutes before kick-off. Every stand has covered concourse bars.
- Scrum Dog — hot dogs, available from 90 mins before kick-off across concourses.
- Gubber Pie Co — pies. The classic rugby ground staple, well-regarded by regulars.
- Third Half Bar — beverages across the concourses.
- Blindside Kitchen — additional food options including more substantial match-day meals.
- There are also two bars in the Holland & Barrett Stand and the Final Whistle provides the largest single bar space.
- Post-match: Live band in the Final Whistle after the final whistle — the perfect end to the day without leaving the ground immediately.
🏟️ Stand-by-Stand Seating Guide
Welford Road has four main stands, each with a distinct character. Understanding which one suits your matchday style — and your relationship with noise, atmosphere, and view — makes a real difference.
Tradeview Markets Stand (North)
Also known as the Matt Hampson Stand · Behind the north posts
The dominant structure at Welford Road — this enormous all-seater stand towers over the pitch and holds 10,000 supporters alone. Opened in 2009, it is the stand that gives Welford Road its most imposing skyline. Named after Matt Hampson, the former Tigers player whose career was cut short by a life-changing injury. The atmosphere here is typically very loud — positioned behind the posts, the crowd in this stand generates enormous noise when the Tigers are attacking the near end. Home to the Final Whistle Bar on the ground floor. The place to be for pure noise and intensity. Ticket Office booths are on the Plaza outside this stand.
Holland & Barrett Stand (South)
Opposite the Tradeview Markets Stand · South side
Situated on the south side of the ground opposite the main Tradeview Markets Stand. Features both seated areas and a large terrace along the front — the terrace is where a lot of the vocal, standing atmosphere is concentrated. Gets rowdy on matchdays. If the game is a sellout, the terrace fills up quickly and is not the easiest place to find space — get there early if you want a terrace spot. Two bars in the underbelly of this stand make for a well-served concourse. A good choice for fans who want to stand and sing.
Breedon Stand (East)
Behind the east posts · All-seater
The East Stand is known for excellent sightlines and comfortable seating, making it a popular choice for families and those seeking a more relaxed viewing experience. Good views down the length of the pitch from the corner areas. Houses some of the executive boxes, providing a premium hospitality option. Ticket Office booth on the corner of the Europcar and Breedon stands. A solid all-round choice for comfort without sacrificing a decent view.
Europcar Stand / Mattioli Woods Stand (West)
West side · Main entrance · Club shop · Hospitality
The newest addition to Welford Road — the west side — containing around 3,000 seats plus the ticket office, hospitality lounges, the Clubhouse, executive boxes with panoramic pitch views, and the club shop. Home to Lounge 502 (the premium hospitality offering) and the Clubhouse Suite. The views from the hospitality areas overlook the pitch. Gate 26 outside this stand has a Ticket Office booth. A great stand if you want a padded seat and the best facilities — though a smaller section of the stadium overall.
Which stand? Quick picks
- First time at Welford Road? Tradeview Markets Stand (North) — for the atmosphere, the noise, the experience. This is what Welford Road is famous for.
- Coming with family and children? Breedon Stand (East) — comfortable seating, good sightlines, less overwhelming.
- Want to stand and sing? Holland & Barrett Stand (South) terrace — rowdy, passionate, arrive early for the terrace.
- Want hospitality or padded seats? Europcar / Mattioli Woods Stand (West) — Clubhouse, Lounge 502, executive boxes all here.
🥂 Hospitality Options
For those wanting to upgrade their matchday, Welford Road has a range of hospitality packages from mid-range to premium.
Hospitality Options — Overview
| Package | What's included | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Lounge 502 | Premium grazing menu, full complimentary bar all day, padded balcony seats, heated terrace, post-match cheese board | Mattioli Woods Stand — the most exclusive option |
| The Clubhouse | Padded seats in Europcar Stand, private heated terrace, private bar, chef's specials, half-time snacks | Europcar Stand — modern, relaxed |
| Executive Boxes | 25 boxes with panoramic pitch views, private catering, ideal for groups | Various stands |
Book hospitality: call 0116 217 1215 or email hospitality@tigers.co.uk
👨👩👧 Families and Junior Fans
Junior Tigers Club — what's available for families
- The Junior Tigers Club (JTC) VIP area opens two hours before kick-off in the Final Whistle Bar — parents can relax with a drink while children do face painting, table tennis, arts and crafts, and computer games.
- JTC members have the chance to be a matchday mascot — or younger children can be one of the Tigers Cubs who run onto the pitch with mascot Welford.
- Welford the mascot visits the JTC area before getting ready for the game. He loves photos and is always happy to give high fives.
- Scoreboard messages can be booked for £25 — phone the ticket office on 0116 319 8888 (option 2). Requests close the Wednesday before each game.
♿ Accessible Facilities
Welford Road has 100 wheelchair bays in the Tradeview Markets, Breedon and Holland & Barrett Stands, offering good views from ground level. Seating for ambulant and visually impaired supporters is also available. Assistants receive a complimentary ticket to the match. Leicester Tigers offer designated disabled parking at the ground, subject to availability. Contact the ticket office on 0116 319 8888 (option 2) ahead of matchday to arrange.
🚌 Guide for Away Fans
Away fans are typically allocated sections of the Holland & Barrett Stand or sections of the Breedon Stand depending on the fixture. The atmosphere at Welford Road is generally excellent for visiting fans — it's a proper rugby ground with no segregation issues and a welcoming crowd that appreciates good rugby from either side.
Away fan practical notes
- The Final Whistle Bar is accessible to all fans regardless of ticket type — it opens 3 hours before kick-off and is a good pre-match meeting point.
- The King's Head on King Street is welcoming to away fans and is the most recommended pre-match pub for visiting supporters.
- Time Bar at Leicester station is a natural first stop for away fans arriving by train — expect a mixed home and away atmosphere.
- Leicester city centre has ample food, restaurant and pub options before the match — the Golden Mile curry restaurants on Belgrave Road are a worthwhile detour for anyone making a day of it.
- Hotels near the stadium: Holiday Inn Express adjacent to King Power Stadium, Premier Inn and Ibis near Leicester station. The boutique Hotel Brooklyn near the stadium is a higher-end option.
⭐ Top Matchday Tips — From Regulars
3hrs
Before kick-off — Final Whistle opens
Card only
Cashless stadium — no exceptions
15 mins
Walk from Leicester train station
10 things regulars know that first-timers don't
- The stadium is cashless — no exceptions. Every bar, food outlet, and the club shop. Bring your card. This catches people out every single matchday.
- The Final Whistle opens 3 hours before kick-off and you don't need a ticket to enter. If you're early, this is where you go.
- Pre-book King Power parking for big fixtures — it sells out. Don't assume you can just turn up.
- The Holland & Barrett terrace fills up on sellouts — arrive early if you want a terrace spot. Late arrivals to that stand can struggle for sightlines.
- Post-match live band in the Final Whistle — worth staying for rather than fighting the immediate crowds outside.
- Train is genuinely the easiest option from outside Leicester. 15-minute walk, no parking stress, and Time Bar is right there.
- The Club Shop on the Plaza opens at 9am on matchdays — worth visiting early if you want new kit before the crowd builds.
- If you want a scoreboard message, book by Wednesday before the game.
- Ticket Office booths are at four locations around the ground on matchdays from noon — you don't have to queue at the main office.
- For the best overall experience at Welford Road: arrive early, go to the King's Head, grab food at the Final Whistle, get to your seat 15 minutes before kick-off. Then just enjoy one of the finest rugby atmospheres in England.
Essential Links
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Leicester Tigers — Official Matchday Guide
leicestertigers.com
Official confirmed opening times, ticket office locations, food outlets, and matchday information from the club.
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Getting to Welford Road — Official Transport Guide
leicestertigers.com
All official transport options including the Market Harborough and Oakham bus services, shuttle bus timetables, and walking directions.
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🎟️
Buy Match Tickets — Leicester Tigers
leicestertigers.com
Official ticket portal for all Premiership and European fixtures at Welford Road. Also: 0116 319 8888 (option 2).
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JustPark — Pre-Book Parking Near Welford Road
justpark.com
Pre-book private parking spaces near Welford Road — from £5. Useful when official car parks are sold out.
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Hospitality at Welford Road
leicestertigers.com
Lounge 502, The Clubhouse, and executive boxes — book via the website or call 0116 217 1215.
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