Home Football Hints and tips for Oxford United fans going to their first home game

Hints and tips for Oxford United fans going to their first home game

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Hints and tips for Oxford United fans going to their first home game

If this is your first match, we share some tips so you know what to expect. Information on getting to the ground can be found at oufc.co.uk/getting-kassam-stadium

There are five special matchday bus routes from Didcot, Carterton, Bicester, Kidlington and Thame.

If you are driving, allow plenty of time to park. There are lane closures on the approach roads and the queues can be lengthy. You are likely to get a ticket if you don’t follow parking restrictions (including not parking on the verges). Each car park has blue badge parking, ask the parking marshal for directions. Like all the parking, it is on a first come, first served basis.

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Players are usually very happy to stop for a brief chat, photo or autograph when they arrive at the southeast corner of the stadium. You’ll need to be there around two hours before kick-off to catch them.

The family area is in the North Stand. In summer, the front few rows of this stand can get very hot. Sun cream and a baseball type cap are useful.

Be there in time to see our players warm up 45 minutes before kick-off. Our mascot, Olly the Ox, will usually drop by.

You can get a programme on your way in (£4), and a 50/50 ticket (£1) to have a chance of winning the half-time draw.

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Food and drinks are sold inside the concourses (card payment), but queues can be long, especially at half-time, so you might want to take your own snacks and drinks, in plastic bottles or cartons. You cannot take in glass bottles or cans.

If you are bringing children to their first match, send an email in advance to reply@oufc.co.uk with your seat details and one of the club welcome team will drop by.

Make sure you dress for the occasion. Whereas the lower North Stand can be positively balmy, the South Stand is arguably the coldest place in Oxfordshire. Take more layers than you think you will need. Yellow is, of course, the colour of choice.

The club shop sells scarves and hats, as well as replica kit and is open until from 11am until kick-off. It is tucked away near the overflow car park behind the Odeon.

It’s also worth visiting Sue and Michael’s stall just inside the glazed section of the South Stand near the ticket office. This is a lively meeting point for regulars, who come to buy programmes, pin badges and 50/50 tickets.

For fast food, we think the best burgers are those freshly cooked from the van in the west car park by our famous ‘Fence End’. There is usually a pick and mix sweet truck here, and a van selling delicious pulled pork nearby. In the concourses, the pies are a good choice, and include a vegan option.

As a supporter group, we work hard to ensure all fans feel safe and welcome at the ground. If you see or hear anything discriminatory, or have any questions or concerns at the match, then speak to the nearest steward or report anti-social behaviour by texting details (including area of the ground) to 60075. You can also use this number to report any issues with the stadium facilities.

We hope you enjoy your first visit and that you see a good win for United, and remember, Come On You Yellows!