Captain James Cook Stadium (Middlesbrough)

Captain James Cook Stadium is a football stadium in Middlesbrough, England, which has been the home of Middlesbrough since it opened in 1995.

General information

Arena capacity: 34,000 spectators

Address: Middlesbrough, England TS3 6RS

GPS coordinates for the navigator: 54°34′42″N 1°13′1″W

Year of construction: 1995

Construction cost: £16 million

Field: grass lawn with dimensions of 105 x 69 m

Seating plan of the Captain James Cook Stadium

South Stand

The South Stand is split into two tiers, with the upper tier blocks much bigger than the lower tier blocks. Given how the roof jumps up over in the southwest corner, the final block of this stand is taller than the rest, but the rows of red seats here have been carefully placed so that the small wall next to the block does not restrict anyone’s view.

There are no supporting pillars in the South Stand due to the cantilever roof and as a result you can get a great view of the whole pitch from any seat. An electronic scoreboard also hangs down from above.

Middlesbrough’s most vocal support, including their ‘Ultras’ group known as the ‘Red Faction’ use this stand on matchdays and you can expect the best home atmosphere to be generated here.

West Stand

The West Stand is noticeably taller than the rest of the stadium.

You can see how the roof comes up in the northwest and southwest corners to cover the greater number of seats here. It is still made up of two tiers, but each tier is split into two similarly sized sections. A row of executive boxes separates the lower tier from the one above. The letters BORO are spelt out in white in the middle of the upper tier, using additional black seating to give each letter a 3D effect.

Middlesbrough’s executive and director’s seating is in a small block below these letters, and the press boxes are up beyond the very back row in the middle of the upper tier.

The club’s changing rooms and tunnel are located in the West Stand, whilst the substitute benches are built into the lower tier. The home side have red seats and the away side have white seats.

Much like the adjacent North Stand, your view is perfectly clear from anywhere inside as there are no supporting pillars coming down from the cantilever roof above.

North Stand

The North Stand is a near carbon-copy of the South Stand opposite.

Continuing the two-tiered design, the upper tier is once again larger than the tier beneath. The roof also jumps up in the northwest corner but the seating up here is carefully placed to ensure that fans can get a clear view of the pitch from this part of the stadium.

There are no supporting pillars anywhere in the North Stand and an electronic scoreboard hangs down from the roof above.

East Stand

The East Stand follows the same two-tiered design as the South and North Stands, and this means that these two levels form a continuous ring around the northern, eastern and southern sides of the stadium. The letters MFC are spelt out in white seating in the middle of the upper tier, and there is an additional sliver of black seating used to give each of these letters a 3D effect.

The East Stand doesn’t have a scoreboard hanging from its roof like the South and North Stands do, but because of the cantilever roof there are no supporting pillars around and so you have a perfectly clear view of the pitch from any seat in either tier.

Away Fans

Away fans are housed over in the southeast corner.

They used to be given the South Stand, but since the 2013-14 season this has become available for home fans instead.

Depending on the travelling allocation, they can be given just the seats in this corner or the available seating area can be expanded to include some blocks in the East Stand upper tier. Stewards and large sheets are normally used to segregate these away fans from the home supporters around them.

The away section of the stadium offers perfectly clear from every seat.

Where to buy tickets?

Unlike most teams in the country, Middlesbrough don’t categorise their matches depending on the opposition. The only reason you’ll pay more money than someone else is if you chose to sit in a different part of the ground from them, as that’s how the pricing structure works. Here we’ll give you the different ticket prices for adults and the over-65s. The club also runs a scheme called Boro Pride, through which you can get a discount on match day tickets.

If you’re hoping to get tickets for Middlesbrough games then your best bet is to head to the club’s official website. From there you’ll be able to pick out and buy your tickets. If you don’t trust websites then you can call the club’s ticket office directly or else call in at the ticket office at the ground in person.

How to get there?

The stadium is just a mile from the centre of Middlesbrough, with the city itself being out on the North-East of England’s coast. That means it’s a little out of the way but still in a good position to get to.

By car

Just follow the A66 (signposted Teesside from the A1), passing Darlington FC’s former ground and on into Middlesbrough. Carry on up the A66, through the centre of Middlesbrough and you will pick up signs for the Captain James Cook Stadium. There is a small amount of parking available at the stadium itself (in Car Park E).

It costs £6 per car and spaces can be booked through the ticket office. Otherwise there are a number of private parks located (mostly on waste land) nearby. Also when you reach the turn off the A66 (as signposted) for the stadium, then rather than at the top of the slip road turning left towards the stadium, then instead if your turn right to go back across the A66, then there is plenty of street parking available in this area. It is then about a 15-20 minute walk to the away turnstiles.

Away fans should follow the route marked “away coaches” from the A66, as this passes many private car parks along the river, all priced at £4. Bear in mind though that if you do park at one of these car parks, then it may take 45 minutes or so after the game, before you can exit them.

Otherwise, as the stadium is about one mile from the town centre you could also consider parking in a long stay car park in the town centre (about a 15-20 minute walk away from the ground). There is also the option of renting a private driveway near the Captain James Cook Stadium via YourParkingSpace.co.uk.

Post Code for SAT NAV: TS3 6RS

By train

The stadium is around a 15-20 minute walk from Middlesbrough Railway Station which is located on Albert Road. Although there is a direct train service from the North West, fans travelling from other parts of the country, will most likely find themselves changing at Darlington, for Middlesbrough.

If you come out of the main station entrance, turn left onto Zetland Road. Then left again into Albert Road and proceed under the railway bridge. Turn immediately right into Bridge Street East, going past the Bridge pub (not recommended for away fans) and then take the next right into Wynward Way. The stadium is down this road.

If you come out of the rear station entrance, turn right onto Bridge Street East. Go straight past the Bridge pub and then take the next right into Wynward Way for the ground. The Captain James Cook Stadium is visible in the distance along most of this route. Thanks to Glenn Brunskill for providing these directions.

Bus

The nearest bus station to the ground is one that stops outside Cineworld, about ten minutes walk from the stadium. Bus numbers 36, 37, 38, 456 and 611 all stop there and most run through the centre of the city.

Taxi

The amount you’ll pay for a taxi journey depends on where you’re coming from. If you want a taxi from the airport to the ground, for example, then it will cost about £35 and take something in the region of twenty minutes. If you get caught in traffic then it could cost more, however.

Where to eat and sleep?

The main pub normally for away fans is Doctor Browns, which a ten minute walk away from the ground at the bottom of Corporation Road, in the town centre. However, for certain high-profile games, this pub reverts to home supporters only. This pub serves real ale, has SKY TV a good mix of home and away fans, both inside and outside of the pub.

On the corner opposite the pub, is also a sandwich bar, which was doing a brisk trade in amongst other things, trays of roast potatoes and gravy. To find this pub; If you were standing outside the stadium with the main entrance behind you, head over to your left and turn right down the road, going under a bridge. A little way down this road on your left, there is an underpass (there is usually some programme & fanzine sellers standing by its entrance).

Go down through the underpass and as you emerge on the other side turn right and go down the road and through another underpass. You will emerge in a small retail park (there is a McDonalds over on your right), which you walk through unto you come to the main road. Turn right along this road and you will see the Doctor Browns pub over on your left.

On the same Corporation Street as Doctor Browns but on the other side of the street, is an interesting bar called La Pharmacie, as it was once an old chemists shop. This bar is okay for visiting supporters.

If you like real ales and the smaller micropub, then you are in for a treat. As in Middlesbrough Town Centre, there are five Micropubs, all located very close to one another. They are; the Infant Hercules (Grange Road), Sherlocks, The Slaters Pick, The Twisted Lip (all in Baker Street) and the Devil’s Advocate (Borough Road).

There is a bar at the back of the away stand within the ground which serves pints of John Smiths Bitter, Fosters Lager, Strongbow Cider and Wine.

Middlesbrough is an ever-growing city, so there are a huge variety of hotels there. We’ve picked some of our favourites for your consideration here, though.

1. Kingswood Guest House. This sweet little bed and breakfast has just fifteen rooms but offers breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking all in a location just under four miles from the ground.
2. Jurys Inn Middlesbrough. Around half a mile from the stadium is the Jurys Inn. It has a health club with a pool, a restaurant and bar and self-parking.
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3. Holiday Inn Express Middlesbrough Centre Square. The Holiday Inn is just under a mile from the ground and has a business centre, meeting rooms and self-parking. There’s also the ubiquitous free Wi-Fi and, more importantly, a free buffet breakfast.

Facilities

The inside of the stadium is a little bland, but the facilities are as good as you’d expect for a modern day stadium. There are places on the concourses to buy a bite to eat or a quick drink before the game and wide concourses on which to eat and drink them.

Hospitality

There are a number of excellent hospitality options at the Captain James Cook Stadium, including the opportunity to sponsor a match in its entirety or hire an executive box for you and your business associates. Here are some of the other options available to you:

1. The Ayresome. This lounge is named in honour of the club’s old ground and is an intimate environment to spend time in. As part of the package you’ll get a champagne reception with canapes, a four-course a la carte menu to choose from, complimentary drinks and directors box seating. You’ll also enjoy half-time refreshments and post-match finger bites.
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2. The Riverside Restaurant. This is a prestigious location in which to entertain your clients. You’ll enjoy a specially designed four-course menu, a private pay bar facility with optional drinks package, half-time and full-time refreshments as well as hosting by a club legend.
3. The Legends Lounge. You’ll have a three-course carvery meal here, as well as complimentary bar and half-time refreshments. You’ll also find that the occasion is hosted by a club legend who will interview match guests before the game.
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4. The Fenton Club. With excellent hospitality and panoramic views, your time here will be hosted by Middlesbrough legend Jim Platt. A delicious three-course carvery awaits, along with a private pay bar and half and post-match refreshments.
5. Hardwick and Middlehaven. This is the most relaxed of all of the lounges available to you. It’s a sports bar style venue with a private pay bar, casual dress code and a light bite.
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Private hire

The ground has a number of excellent private hire options available to you as well as website dedicated specifically to that very purpose. You can hire parts of the ground for conferences, exhibitions or even training events. The stadium is also licensed to host weddings, so if you’d like to have your special day there then you should get in touch with the club directly and they’ll let you know how they can help make it a brilliant occasion for all concerned.

Accessibility

The club as a whole is committed to ensuring equality in all areas, and meeting the needs of disabled supporters is something we endeavour towards.

Wheelchair user spaces

There are 221 spaces for home wheelchair users at the Riverside Stadium, of which 91 are raised and 130 are pitch side.

The breakdown of these are as follows:

West Stand- raised accessible deck:

• 22 wheelchair spaces.
• Double lift to access them.
• Personal assistants situated directly in front the disabled supporters.

West Stand- front row:

• Potential of 62 wheelchair spaces (31 each side of the tunnel).
• These are worked at two standard seats per wheelchair and one seat, situated next to the wheelchair user, for each personal assistant.
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East Stand- raised accessible deck (visiting supporters):

• Up to 10 wheelchair bays.
• Single lift to access them.
• Personal assistants are situated directly behind the disabled supporter.

East Stand- front row (visiting supporters):

• Potential of 20 wheelchair spaces, depending on the visiting allocation.
• These are worked at two standard seats per wheelchair and one seat, situated next to the wheelchair user, for each personal assistant.

East Stand- front row (visiting supporters):

• Potential of 50 wheelchair spaces, depending on the visiting allocation.
• These are worked at two standard seats per wheelchair and one seat, situated next to the wheelchair user, for each personal assistant.
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South Stand- raised accessible deck wheelchair spaces:

• Double lift to access them.
• Personal Assistants are situated directly behind the disabled supporters.

South West Corner- raised accessible deck wheelchair spaces:

• Double lift to access them.
• Personal Assistants are situated directly behind the disabled supporters.

Easy access and amenity seats

MFC have identified 388 amenity and easy access seats around the Riverside Stadium.

The location of these are as follows:

East Stand Lower (home):

• A potential of up to 150 amenity and east access seats, depending on the visiting allocations.
• These are situated on row 2.

East Stand Lower (away):

• A potential of up to 60 amenity and east access seats, depending on the visiting allocations.
• These are situated on row 2.

West Stand Lower (home):

• A potential of up to 178 amenity and east access seats.
• These are situated on row 2.

Accessible toilets

There are 19 Accessible Toilets situated around the Riverside Stadium, including one Changing Places Facility (located in the Lower West Stand, towards the North Stand).

All accessible toilets are fitted with RADAR locks and keys.

MFC stewards are also on hand with RADAR keys, should you not have one.

Stewards are also there to offer assistance, should it be needed.

Changing places facility

A Changing Places facility is located in the Lower West Stand, towards the North Stand.

Audio commentary

There is an audio commentary system for blind and partially sighted supporters available free of charge for all supporters to be booked through the Disability Liaison Officer and Ticket Office.

Sensory room

MFC has a matchday sensory room that provides a calming environment for supporters with any autism disorders, anxiety issues, any other sensory conditions to enable families to enjoy the game.

Ear defenders are also available should they be required.

The room is managed by fully-trained staff with a background in education and working with children with learning difficulties. Parents will also have the option to visit the room on a non-matchday if they wish to check its suitability.

Please contact Head of Supporter Services Yvonne Ferguson for further information: [email protected]

Accessible services + information

1. Assistance dogs. MFC welcome assistance dogs in to the stadium, but please advise DAO or Ticket Office beforehand.
2. Hearing loops. Hearing Loops are widely available at the stadium: ticket office, retail store, main reception, satellite ticket offices, hospitality suites.
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3. Club shop. Accessible parking is available directly in front of the store, the store has automatic wide doors for ease of access for wheelchair users. The store has wide aisles and an easy layout to allow access we have an accessible changing room and a lowered till section to allow for wheelchair users. The aisles are generally wide and there is large spaces between displays. A hearing loop is also installed. Assistance dogs are welcomed in-store.
4. Club hospitality. All hospitality suites are wheelchair accessible.
5. Braille and large print provision. None provided.
6. Accessible lounge. All hospitality suites are wheelchair accessible.
7. Food concession stands. Each kiosk has lowered counters to make it easier for wheelchair access. For supporters sitting on the accessible decks, there is a food delivery service available. Orders can be placed before the game and delivered direct to your seat at half-time.
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8. Total number of parking spaces. Matchday Parking at the Stadium is only available to permit holders. There are six different car parks at the Riverside Stadium- Car Parks A through to F. Overall, there are 160 disabled car parking spaces, spread across all six car parks. The bays are marked out with blue lines and are individually numbered. Both home and away fans are able to purchase permits (subject to availability) by calling the ticket office.

Exterior

The Captain James Cook Stadium’s exterior has a very nice balance to it. Much like other large football grounds that were built around the same time, the stadium has a white cantilever roof that runs the whole way around its fully enclosed exterior.

The South Stand is taken up mostly by the cantilever roof which comes down the back and into the ground around it, but there is also a nice, sandy coloured brickwork base where the turnstiles into this stand can be found. A large red tower protrudes out of the southeast corner and close to this is the club’s Away Ticket Office, right next to the away turnstiles.

One of the larger club car parks is out beyond the South Stand, accessible by heading along The Leeway and entering over by the southeast corner.

Continuing round in a clockwise direction brings you to the West Stand, which is easily the most interesting part of the stadium’s exterior.

It is taller than the other three stands and you can clearly see the cantilever roof jump up in both the northwest and southwest corners, though it still remains connected to the rest of the stadium.

Middlesbrough’s Official Club Shop as well as the entrance into the Middlehaven Suite can be found in the northwest corner, whilst the entrance into the Legends’ Lounge is in the southwest corner of the stadium.

In the centre of the West Stand is the Players’ and Officials’ Entrances between two large red towers that form part of the modern-looking façade. Large grey panels and opaque glass windows run along the upper levels of the West Stand, with the cantilever roof up above this.

Out beyond the centre of the West Stand is a large red gate alongside two statues.

The one on the left is of George Hardwick, regarded as the greatest defender in the club’s history and a player who also collected 13 England caps. His legacy lives on in the George Hardwick Foundation dedicated to helping carers, former carers and patients. The foundation has three main sites in Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough and The University Hospital of North Tees.

The statue on the right is of Wilfred Mannion, a forward who made over 350 senior appearances for Middlesbrough and is arguably considered the club’s greatest ever player. He was also a former England International who in 2004 was inducted into the English Hall of Fame at the National Football Museum in Manchester.

A small building for ticket collections is out further beyond the red gate and the two statues, whilst the club’s Main Ticket Office is located in the West Stand itself, over towards the southwest corner.

As you would expect, there are more car parking spaces here than can be found anywhere else around the stadium.

The North Stand’s exterior looks almost identical to the South Stand opposite, but the main noticeable difference is that there is no red tower in one of the corners.

There are two rows of car parking spaces out beyond the stand, and part of the River Tees is out beyond here, with a metal fence put up to keep people off the bank itself.

Tickets for the North Stand can be bought and collected from a small opening in the brickwork wall next to Turnstiles 30-34.

The East Stand follows a similar design to the North and South Stands, but also includes a row of glass windows above the turnstiles.

The entrances into the Willie Maddren Education Centre and the Hardwick Bar are located in the centre of the stand under a small curved roof, and there is a single row of parking beyond its exterior, which is again dominated by the white cantilever roof.

History

It took just nine months to build and cost in the region of £16 million. As well as Middlesbrough matches the ground has also played host to numerous England Under-21 games over the years. It was also one of the venues used for the 2012 London Olympics friendly games. In 1998 Boro gained promotion back to the Premier League after just one season in what is now called the Championship. The promotion back to the top division also saw the stadium’s capacity expand by 5000 at a cost of £5 million.