About Kassam Stadium
Kassam Stadium is the home of Oxford United Football Club (OUFC). The stadium hosted its first football match – a friendly between OUFC and Crystal Palace FC – on 04 August 2001.
OUFC moved to Kassam Stadium in 2001 after leaving Manor Ground, which had been its home for 76 years. Headington (the predecessor to OUFC) played its first game at the Manor on 26 September 1925, losing 2-1 to Deddington in the Oxfordshire Senior League. And OUFC, already long-since relegated to the basement draw 1-1 with Port Vale in the last game to be played at the Manor on 01 May 2001.
The stadium is named after Firoz Kassam – the ground’s owner and former club chairman.
The stadium
The ground currently consists of covered stands on three sides with a combined capacity of around 12,400 seats as follows:
The North Stand is a single-tier structure divided for use by both home and away supporters. It has a capacity of 5,026.
The East Stand is a single-tier structure, and it’s home to the more vocal home supporters and can hold 2,879 spectators.
The South Stand is the main structure, and it is divided into two tiers, with the lower tier including the Family Section. It also houses the Quadrangle conference centre, the Exhibition Bar, the club offices, changing rooms, and 28 private hospitality boxes, each capable of holding up to 20 people. The South Stand has a total capacity of 4,495.
There is a statue of an Ox outside the stadium at the West End. This is the one end of the field that remains unused.
Meeting rooms and event spaces
With 38 flexible rooms for up to 400 delegates and unique exhibition spaces, Kassam Stadium is one of Oxfordshire’s largest dedicated conference and exhibition centres. Just 15 minutes from Oxford, it’s a good location for any event, big or small.
Quadrangle Suite
The multi-functional Quadrangle Suite is the largest in the stadium and can hold up to 600 people in a theatre-style set-up. It also breaks down into three individually soundproofed suites that work independently from each other.
The Oxford Suite
The Oxford Suite is the first part of the three soundproofed rooms which form the Quadrangle Suite. It can accommodate up to 200 people theatre style or 140 people for a dinner dance.
The Blenheim Suite
The Blenheim Suite is the second of the three soundproof rooms which form The Quadrangle Suite. It is the perfect syndicate if the main meeting rooms are either the Oxford or Spires suites. It can comfortably cater for up to 100 people in a theatre-style set-up.
The Spires Suite
The third of the individually soundproofed rooms, which forms the Quadrangle Suite, is the Spires Suite. The room is ideal for presentations and can comfortably cater for up to 140 people theatre style or 96 people cabaret style.
The Christchurch Suite & Boardroom
The Christchurch Suite & Boardroom on the second floor is ideal for executive meetings, seminars, smaller exhibitions and private functions. This is a private suite with its own bar and facilities.
The Manor Lounge
The Manor Lounge, named after Oxford United’s former ground, is located on the first floor. Boasting natural daylight and climate control, it is perfect for meetings for up to 70 people theatre style or 40 people cabaret.
The Maurice Evans Lounge
Named after the 1986 Milk Cup-winning Oxford United manager, the Maurice Evans Lounge is located on the first floor, boasting natural daylight. Perfect for meetings.
The Landmark Suite
Located on the first floor adjacent to the Quadrangle Suite. The Landmark Suite accommodates up to 32 delegates cabaret style and is an excellent room for larger groups or as the main meeting room.
The Heritage Suite
The Heritage Suite is situated on the first floor and can comfortably accommodate up to 50 delegates theatre style.
Executive Boxes
For sports fans or anyone looking for a venue with a truly exclusive setting, there are 28 Executive boxes – each ideal for interviews, small meetings, syndicate rooms, dinners, or as breakout rooms for lunch.
The exhibition hall
On the ground floor, covering over 400 sqm of floor space, The Exhibition Hall has a private bar, lending itself perfectly to anything from cocktail parties and themed events to road shows and exhibitions. The hall also has vehicular access, making it an ideal space for presentations or product launches.
The leisure complex
The stadium also hosts the Kassam Leisure Complex featuring Hollywood Bowl Oxford, VUE Cinema, City Mazes Oxford, Partyman Company, Laser Kombat, Frankie & Benny’s, Oxy Oriental, and J’s Sports Bar.
Accommodation
There is a Holiday Inn Express next to Kassam Stadium with free parking, free WiFi, inclusive breakfast and easy access to Oxford city centre. Also next to the stadium is the Hampton by Hilton Oxford, which opened its doors in December 2015.
Getting there
By car
The Kassam Stadium is well signposted from the main routes into Oxford, with brown football signs pointing the way. The stadium can be found between Oxford Science Park and Blackbird Leys Estate. From the A423 Ring Road, take the A4074 towards Reading. After the roundabout with Sainsbury’s on one corner, take the left turning signposted Cowley/Wallington/Oxford Science Park to the ground on your left.
Parking
There are 2,000 free parking spaces at the complex, with a nearby overflow car park for use at busier times. The car parks tend to fill up fast, and patrons are encouraged to arrive via public transport.
By bus
Thames Travel offers special matchday buses to and from the stadium at selected points around the city at various times before and after kick-off.
