St Mary's Stadium

St Mary's Stadium is the modern home of Southampton FC, opened in 2001 to replace the beloved but ageing Dell. With a capacity of 32,384, this purpose-built all-seater stadium represents the Saints' ambitions and provides an intimate yet atmospheric setting on the south coast of England. The stadium's distinctive curved roof design and excellent sightlines have made it a respected venue in English football, hosting international matches and serving as a proper fortress for the home side.

Located in the St Mary's area of Southampton, just a short walk from the city centre and waterfront, the stadium sits in a regenerated dockland area that reflects Southampton's maritime heritage. The venue offers excellent facilities for supporters, with clear views from every seat and a compact design that keeps fans close to the action. Whether watching Southampton battle in the Premier League or taking a behind-the-scenes tour, St Mary's provides an authentic English football experience similar to what you'd find at Anfield or Villa Park.

Southampton FC's history stretches back to 1885, but St Mary's Stadium represents the modern chapter in the club's story. For 103 years, the Saints called The Dell home - a cramped but beloved ground that became too small for top-flight football. The move to St Mary's in 2001 was bittersweet for supporters, trading character for capacity and modern facilities.

Building the New Home

Plans for a new stadium began in the 1990s as The Dell's 15,000 capacity became insufficient. HOK Sport (now Populous) designed St Mary's with a distinctive curved roof that would become the stadium's signature feature. Construction began in 1999 on former industrial land near the River Itchen. The £32 million project delivered a 32,000-seat venue that opened with a friendly against Espanyol in August 2001.

Premier League Years

St Mary's witnessed Southampton's most successful Premier League era under Gordon Strachan and Harry Redknapp, including the famous 2003 FA Cup Final run. The stadium hosted England internationals and became known for its passionate atmosphere on European nights. However, the club also experienced dark times, with relegation in 2005 beginning a period that would see Southampton drop to League One by 2009.

Renaissance and Return

Southampton's remarkable recovery from League One to the Premier League by 2012 revitalised St Mary's. Under Mauricio Pochettino and subsequent managers, the stadium witnessed the emergence of world-class talents including Gareth Bale, Adam Lallana, and Luke Shaw. The Saints' reputation as a selling club and academy powerhouse was forged at St Mary's, establishing it as a respected venue in English football.

How to Get Southampton Tickets

There are three main ways to attend a Southampton match at St Mary's:

1. Official Club Tickets (Best Value)

Purchase directly from southamptonfc.com. Tickets go on sale to members first, with general sale approximately 2-3 weeks before matches. Prices range from £30 (Chapel corners) to £75 (Kingsland central). Membership packages (from £25) provide priority access.

⚠️ Note: Southampton has strong local support but tickets are generally more accessible than at larger clubs. High-demand matches (Portsmouth derby, top-six opponents) may require membership.

2. Official Hospitality (Guaranteed Access)

Southampton offers hospitality packages guaranteeing tickets:

• Saints Lounge - Entry-level hospitality from £100+ including dining
• Markus Liebherr Lounge - Premium experience from £150+
• Executive Boxes - Private suite experience for groups

Book through southamptonfc.com/hospitality.

3. Third-Party Platforms (Sold-Out Matches)

When official tickets sell out, established platforms offer alternatives:

• LiveFootballTickets - Premier League specialists
• SeatPick - Comparison platform

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Stadium Tours

St Mary's offers behind-the-scenes stadium tours throughout the season.

What You'll See

• Home and away dressing rooms where Premier League players prepare
• Tunnel area walking out as players do on matchdays
• Pitch-side access standing on the touchline
• Directors' box and press facilities
• Trophy displays celebrating Southampton's history
• Media and press conference room

Practical Details

• Duration: Approximately 75-90 minutes
• Schedule: Tours run on non-matchday dates throughout the season
• Price: Adults from £15, concessions available
• Accessibility: Tours are wheelchair accessible

Booking

• GetYourGuide - Stadium tours
• Viator - Tour experiences

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Quick Tips

• Book early: South coast derbies and top-six matches sell quickly
• Membership: Worth considering for regular attendance
• Arrive early: Pre-match atmosphere in Northam Stand is worth experiencing
• Transport: Easy walk from Southampton Central station (15 minutes)

Best Seats at St Mary's Stadium

St Mary's offers excellent views throughout due to its purpose-built design. Here's the comprehensive guide to seating options.

Northam Stand (Home End)

The spiritual home of Southampton's most vocal supporters. This single-tier stand behind the goal generates the majority of atmosphere, with fans standing throughout matches. Prices typically £35-55 for Premier League games. Perfect for those wanting the authentic Saints experience but views are end-on.

Itchen Stand (East Side)

The largest stand at St Mary's, featuring two tiers along the touchline. The Lower Tier offers proximity to the action with excellent views (£45-65). The Upper Tier provides panoramic perspectives of the entire pitch (£40-60). Central sections are premium whilst corners offer better value.

Kingsland Stand (West Side)

Opposite the Itchen Stand, this two-tier structure houses the directors' box and press facilities. Lower Tier Central sections offer the best views in the stadium (£55-75). Upper tier sections provide elevated views across the pitch.

Chapel Stand (Away End)

Allocated to visiting supporters, this single-tier stand mirrors the Northam. Away allocation varies by demand - larger clubs receive more sections. Home fans should avoid this area on matchdays.

VIP & Hospitality

Southampton offers various hospitality options in the Kingsland Stand. Markus Liebherr Lounge provides premium dining experiences from £150+. Executive Boxes offer private viewing for groups. The Saints Lounge provides a more accessible hospitality option from £100+.

Accessibility

St Mary's provides excellent accessible facilities with wheelchair platforms in all stands. Ambulant disabled seating available with companion tickets. Accessible toilets throughout, audio-descriptive commentary available. Contact the club's accessibility team when booking.

Pro Tips

• Best atmosphere: Northam Stand with the Saints faithful
• Best views: Itchen Stand Lower Tier central sections
• Family area: Sections of Itchen Stand designated for families
• Away fans: Chapel Stand allocation
• Photography: Kingsland Stand upper tier offers great angles

A matchday at St Mary's captures the essence of English football - passionate local support, pre-match pub traditions, and the anticipation of Premier League action on the south coast.

What to Bring

⚠️ Important: Southampton operates standard Premier League security. Bags larger than A4 size (21cm x 30cm) are subject to restrictions. Prohibited items include large backpacks, umbrellas, professional cameras, selfie sticks, and alcohol. Recommended items: match ticket (mobile preferred), phone, wallet, layers for potentially changing weather. Arrive 45-60 minutes before kickoff for smooth entry.

Pre-Match (2-3 hours before)

The area around St Mary's offers several pre-match options. The Kingsland Tavern on Kingsland Place is the traditional home pub with great atmosphere. The Rockstone on Onslow Road attracts good crowds. For food, Ocean Village marina area (15 minutes walk) offers restaurants and bars with waterfront views. Street food vendors operate near the stadium on matchdays. The club megastore is worth visiting for Saints merchandise.

Inside the Stadium

Gates typically open 90 minutes before kickoff. The Northam Stand leads the singing, with 'Oh When The Saints' echoing around the ground as the teams emerge. The atmosphere peaks for south coast derbies against Portsmouth and matches against rival clubs. The compact design means the sound carries well, creating a vibrant matchday feel.

Food & Drink

Concessions around St Mary's offer traditional matchday fare - pies, burgers, hot dogs, and chips. Expect £4-6 for food items and £5-6 for drinks. The quality is standard Premier League level. Many fans prefer eating in the surrounding area before arriving.

After the Match

Post-match, fans gather in local pubs or head to Southampton city centre (15 minutes walk). Oxford Street and the cultural quarter offer restaurants and bars. Transport can be busy immediately after - consider waiting 20 minutes for crowds to disperse or walking towards the city centre.

International Visitor Tips: Southampton is easily reached from London (75 minutes by train) and has excellent transport links. The city's maritime heritage (Titanic departure point, SeaCity Museum) offers excellent cultural experiences. Southampton Airport is nearby for European connections.

Where to Stay for St Mary's Stadium

Near the Stadium

Search hotels near St Mary's Stadium

St Mary's is located near the city centre with good hotel options within walking distance.

Southampton Harbour Hotel (1.5 km)

Stylish waterfront hotel in Ocean Village marina, perfect for combining football with Southampton's maritime atmosphere. Modern rooms, excellent restaurant, and lovely location. Walking distance to St Mary's.

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Mercure Southampton Centre Dolphin Hotel (1 km)

Historic coaching inn in the city centre dating back to the 16th century. Character-filled rooms, central location, and easy walk to the stadium. Good value option.

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Holiday Inn Southampton (1.2 km)

Reliable chain hotel near the stadium with modern facilities. Convenient for matchdays with restaurant and bar on site.

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City Centre Options

Search hotels in Southampton City Centre

Southampton city centre offers numerous hotels within walking distance of St Mary's, providing access to restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions.

Grand Harbour Hotel (1 km)

Waterfront hotel with harbour views and excellent facilities. Indoor pool and spa, multiple restaurants. Premium option for visitors wanting full-service accommodation.

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Room2 Southampton Hometel (1.2 km)

Modern aparthotel concept with studio and apartment rooms. Kitchen facilities, ideal for longer stays or those wanting self-catering options. Central location.

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Our Recommendation

Stay in Southampton city centre or Ocean Village - both areas offer easy walking access to St Mary's (15-20 minutes) with excellent restaurants and bars. The waterfront areas highlight Southampton's maritime heritage, and the city centre provides shopping and nightlife options.

For a special matchday experience, Southampton Harbour Hotel combines quality accommodation with the waterfront atmosphere that makes Southampton distinctive.