The MKM Stadium (Kingston upon Hull)

The MKM Stadium is a multi-purpose facility in the city of Kingston upon Hull, England. The stadium hosts two tenants, association football club Hull City A.F.C., which moved there from Boothferry Park, and rugby league football club Hull FC, relocated from the Boulevard. The ground also hosts international association football and rugby league football competitions and acts as a venue for concerts by musical artists, such as Elton John and The Who.

General information

Arena capacity: 25,586 spectators

Address: Walton St, Hull HU3 6HU, UK

GPS coordinates for the navigator: 53.7461° N, 0.3683° W

Year of construction: 2002

Construction cost: £44 million

Field: Desso GrassMaster lawn with dimensions of 114 x 74 m

Seating plan of the MKM Stadium

West Stand

The Cranswick plc West Stand is the only one at the MKM Stadium that is made up of two tiers, with the bottom tier larger than the one above, and a row of executive boxes in-between.

Most of the seats inside this stand are black, though there is a strip of white and orange seats made out across some of the blocks in the lower tier. Two large Ks, similar to the ones that appear on the KCOM logo, are made out of white seating in the upper tier, with a viewing platform for disabled supporters underneath each one. There are two more viewing platforms down in the lower tier, and the central blocks are used for executive and director’s seating.

Hull’s changing rooms are based inside the Cranswick plc West Stand, with the dugouts and tunnel down the front.

There are no supporting pillars coming down from the roof above and so your view from anywhere inside the stand is perfectly clear, with good protection from the wind as well due to the stadium’s enclosed shape.

North Stand

The Smith & Nephew North Stand consists of a single tier of black seating.

The blocks next to the northeast and northwest corners have a strip of white and orange seats running through the middle, whilst the letters HULL are spelt out in white across the central blocks. A sliver of orange seating is used to give each of these letters a 3D effect.

You can find a viewing platform for disabled supporters either side of these central blocks, with the stadium control box and a large electronic screen up behind the very back row.

Your view is perfectly clear from anywhere inside the Smith & Nephew North Stand as there are no supporting pillars coming down from the roof above.

Chris Chilton Stand

The Chris Chilton Stand is single tiered and the exact same height as the adjacent Smith & Nephew North Stand.

The white and orange strip continues along the middle of the seating area, and in the very centre is a large crown, similar to the one which appears on Hull FC’s club crest. There’s a viewing platform for disabled supporters either side of this crown.

Your view from anywhere inside here is perfectly clear as well since there are no supporting pillars coming down from the roof above.

MKM South Stand

The MKM South Stand is almost an exact carbon-copy of the Smith & Nephew North Stand.

Single-tiered with a strip of seating and the letters HULL made out across the middle, the main difference is that these letters are made up mostly of orange seating, with a sliver of white used to give each letter a 3D effect.

A viewing platform for disabled supporters is in place towards both the southeast and southwest corners, with a large electronic screen placed up behind the very back row.

Much like the rest of the MKM Stadium, your view from anywhere inside is perfectly clear as there are no supporting pillars coming down.

The lower tier of the Cranswick plc West Stand is the same height as the stadium’s northern, eastern and southern sides, forming a continuous ring of black seating blocks as a result.

This gives the MKM Stadium a nice balance and you will only find the blocks in the West Stand’s upper tier open when very large crowds are expected.

Away Fans

Away fans are housed in the northeast corner between the Smith & Nephew North Stand and the Chris Chilton Stand.

Smaller crowds take up a few rows towards the back whilst larger crowds take up the entire corner, with the very biggest being given part of the Smith & Nephew North Stand as well.

Hull use stewards and large sheets to segregate this section from home supporters sat either side of it.

Your view from inside this corner of the stadium is perfectly clear, although the pitch is further away from you here than it would be if you were in one of the stands either side of you.

It still provides a decent matchday experience however and the MKM Stadium can easily accommodate both very large and very small away followings.

Where to buy tickets?

Like most clubs in the UK, Hull charge differently for their matches depending on the location in the ground that you’re sitting. Your age will also be a factor in how much you pay for your ticket, there are bulk buy discounts though, and club members are eligible for a small discount too, so there is a fair amount to consider when buying a seat at the MKM.

Season tickets aren’t available for Hull City, instead, they run a long term monthly membership scheme.

Be aware that buying tickets on the day will incur a £2 surcharge.

There are a number of ways to buy tickets for Hull City games. You can get them online up to an hour before the game, as long as you’re happy to print them off at home. There are also self-service ticket machines at the MKM Stadium itself. You’ll also be able to buy tickets from Tiger Leisure, Hull City’s megastore. Finally you can always call the club directly and buy tickets over the phone, should you not be too sure about trusting any other payment method.

How to get there?

Hull is in the East Riding of Yorkshire, about as far to the East as it’s possible to go without getting into the sea or accidentally stumbling into the far superior Grimsby Town. It’s easy enough to get to no matter where you’re coming from, but here are some instructions if you’re not too sure what you’re doing.

From The West

At the end of the M62, continue onto the A63 towards Hull. Stay on the A63 and the stadium is clearly signposted (MKM Stadium and a football symbol) as you approach Hull. About one mile from the centre of Hull leave the A63 (just after you pass B&Q on the opposite side of the carriageway and is sign posted Local Infirmary) and take the 2nd exit at the roundabout. Turn left at the lights and then over the flyover, right at the next lights and the ground is down on the right.

From The North

Leave the A164 at the Humber Bridge Roundabout and take the first exit into Boothferry Road. The stadium is three miles down this road on the left.

From The South

Take the M1 to Junction 21A take the A46 exit to Braunstone Frith/ Kirby Muxloe/ B5380 then keep right at the fork, follow the signs for A46 Newark and merge onto A46 and follow it to just past Lincoln and at the roundabout take the first exit for Humber Bridge and  then at the third roundabout after about 21 mile onto the A15 take the Third Exit for the M180/ Humber Bridge and then take the M180 to Junction 5 and take the sign for Hull/ Hull Airport then at the roundabout take the second exit onto the A15 and cross the Humber Bridge (cost £2.50 for Cars £4 for Buses) then at the roundabout take the third exit (Signposted City Centre) and then turn left at the lights and then over the flyover, right at the next lights and the ground is down on the right.

Car Parking

The stadium has its own massive car park right next to the stadium, with access from Walton Street. It is floodlit, with a covered surface (that is, not a mud bath) and open to home and away supporters alike. If you get there early and want to go into the City centre, there is a park and ride bus to and from the car park. The cost of parking at the stadium is £5. It’s easier to park at Hull than at any other ground – but there is one drawback, namely, getting away again at the end of the game. It can take up to half an hour or more, if you park a long way from the exits.

There are two exits from the car park onto Walton Street after the game. The right hand exit is often the quickest to leave by. As you turn right out the car park, this leads to Spring Bank West, where you have to turn left. Follow this road onto the next roundabout and turn left into Calvert Lane. Cross one set of traffic lights into North Road then at the next set of traffic lights turn right onto Boothferry road (you’ll see the old Boothferry Park floodlights just off to your left). This takes you onto the A63.

Alternatively, there is a Park & Ride facility signposted off the A63 (shared with home supporters). Many fans opt to park in one of the many town centre car parks and then walk out to the stadium. It is perhaps easiest is to park at the Infirmary (clearly signposted from the A63) where parking is only £5 for 4 hours.  It’s a 10-15 minute walk to the ground from there.

The most convenient car park in the city centre is the Pryme Street multi-storey car park, which is open to 7.30pm. Leave the A63 at the Myton Street exit and head North towards the city centre. You will pass Paragon station on your left. At the next traffic lights turn right into Spencer Street and then immediately left into Prospect Street and follow road round to the right into Pryme Street. Car park entrance is on right.

There is also an NCP car park at the end of Pryme Street and Council surface car parks off Freetown Way. To walk to Stadium cross over Ferensway and walk along Spring Bank. Turn left onto Derringham Street by Polar Bear pub and then right onto walkway to the stadium. The housing estate directly opposite the Hull Royal Infirmary offers lots of free on street parking spaces. This estate has no parking regulations.

Please note that some residential areas near to the stadium have been made residents only parking zones, so don’t park there as you may well end up with a parking fine. There is some street parking less than five minutes walk away. Leave the A63 at the Humber Bridge Roundabout and take the first exit into Boothferry Road. Pass Boothferry Park and forward onto Anlaby Road towards the Hull Royal Infirmary.

You will pass the MKM stadium on your left. Go over the flyover, and turn right at ‘The Eagle’ pub into Coltman St then take the 2nd right into Cholmley St then 4th right into the Boulevard. There are many side streets without parking restrictions. To get to the ground simply walk to the top of the Boulevard and go up the pedestrian walkway to the stadium.

To Get home simply go the other way down the Boulevard, then left into Hessle Rd, after 1/4 mile you’ll come to a roundabout which takes you onto the A63 (Clive Sullivan Way) and M62. There is also the option of renting a private driveway near the MKM Stadium via YourParkingSpace.co.uk.

Post Code for SAT NAV: HU3 6HU

By train

The MKM Stadium is around a 20 minute walk away from Hull Paragon Railway Station. Turn left at the end of the railway station platform and then left into the bus station (without going outside the station). Exit the bus station at the far end. Walk past Tesco on your right, cross over Park Street at the traffic lights. Following blue pedestrian signs to MKM Stadium go along Londesborough Street (where there is a handy fish and chip shop).

Cross Argyle Street and onto pedestrian walkway and bridges over railway lines to stadium. For away end turn right at the bottom of steps.

By bus

Hull has an excellent bus service with as many as 16 different bus routes serving the stadium. Numbers 2, 23, 24, 35, 48, 60, 61, 62, 64, 66, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155 and 350 will all take you where you want to go.

By taxi

A taxi from the centre of Hull out to the ground will take around the ten minute mark and should cost you about £12. As always with such things, if you’re stuck in the taxi for longer then you’ll pay more.

Where to eat and sleep?

Away supporters have their own bar called the Pitch Side located at the MKM Stadium itself. Although not the most spacious of bars it does show live sports on a number of screens and also offers cold food and snacks, such as sandwiches. The entrance to the bar is located outside the stadium, next to the visiting fans turnstiles.

However please note that the Pitch Side Bar stops serving alcohol 45 minutes before kickoff. The Park View pub virtually opposite the stadium car park entrance allows in away fans. It has a good atmosphere and the Hull fans there are friendly. It also has a big screen showing Sky Sports and a burger van outside. There is also the nearby Walton Street Social Club that also admits away supporters.

Although it costs £1 to go in, it has good cheap beer, is of a good size and offers a separate area for sale of food such as burgers and chips etc. There are plenty of fellow Villa fans. Turn right out of the main car park entrance and it is down the road on the left hand side. Further down Walton Street, on the corner with Anlaby Road, is a pub called the Boot Room. This pub also admits visiting supporters and has the benefit of showing live sports on five large screens.

There are a number of other pubs within a few minutes walk of the stadium, but these are all designated as being for home supporters only. Most Hull fans still seem to be heading for pubs situated around Boothferry Park. These are best avoided by away fans particularly the Silver Cod pub.

Otherwise, you can head for the nearby City Centre, where there are plenty of pubs to be found. Sam Carroll suggests Sam Carroll suggests & ‘Bowers’ (formerly called the ‘Linnet & Lark’) on Princes Avenue. It has lots of TVs showing Sky Sports, making it perfect to watch the early or late kick off games. It is a 15-minute walk away from the stadium, going across the pedestrian footbridge over the railway line.

Also, there are a number of other bars dotted along Princes Avenue, which should be okay for away fans to drink in. There is also ample parking in the streets located off the avenue. Closer to the stadium around a 15-minute walk up Walton Street, is the Avenues pub on Chanterlands Avenue, that welcomes both home and away supporters.

If you are walking to the stadium from the City Centre there are several pubs on Spring Bank, including the Editorial. Or there is the Admiral of the Humber (a Wetherspoons outlet) on Anlaby Road near Hull Paragon Railway Station. Right next door to the Wetherspoons is an upstairs bar called the ‘New King Edward&’ that also admits visiting fans.

The Punch Hotel pub is advised. It is situated in the town centre next to the Princes Quay shopping centre, so not far from the train station. It does great homemade food. On the edge of the city centre on Albion Street (behind the Prospect Shopping Centre) is the Hop & Vine. This small basement bar specialises in real ale and cider (although premium lagers are available too) and also serves bar snacks.

Otherwise, alcohol, Carling and Marstons are served within the stadium. However, for some high-profile matches, the club does not provide alcohol to away supporters.

Hull was voted as the European Capital Of Culture for 2017, so there is no shortage of hotel options for your stay in Humberside. Here are some options for you to consider.

1. ibis Hull. Exactly one mile from The KC is this hotel from the ibis chain. It has a restaurant, a bar, free Wi-Fi in the reception area and you can get breakfast.
2. Campanile Hull ‘City Centre’. Campanile hotels are better known as French roadside sleeping options, but the one in Hull has 47 guest rooms, a restaurant and bar, a meeting room and a business centre. There’s also free parking and the hotel is less than a mile from the ground, so it’s the perfect place to go if you want to drive to the city.
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3. Village Hotel Hull. The Village is an ever-growing and well-respected chain of spa hotels and the one in Hull offers an indoor pool, a health club, a full-service spa and a restaurant. There’s also free Wi-Fi, free parking and a business centre, just in case you want to host a meeting whilst you’re there.

Facilities

The facilities at The KC are fine. Not exactly spectacular but not run-down and terrible either. There are places on the concourses to buy yourself a tasty pie or a box of chips and there are stalls to pick a drink up at, too.

Hospitality

Hull have a range of hospitality options open to you, should you wish to experience a match at The KC in the best style possible. Here’s a bit of information on each of the packages available to you:

1. An Executive Box. Pretty much exactly what you’d expect from a box at a football ground. You’ll get 10 guests in, padded seating on a balcony, drinks from a cash bar and dedicated waiting staff.
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2. The Circle Restaurant. In The Circle Restaurant you’ll get a four-course dinner, access to a cash bar, pre and post-match analysis and executive padded seating in the Cranswick Plc Stand.
3. 1904 Lounge. The 1904 Lounge is the more relaxed of all of the hospitality options. You’ll get a two-course carvery, cash bar and a complimentary match day programme.
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4. Match Sponsorship Options. This is what you’ll want to be looking at if you’re hoping to use your experience at the MKM stadium to promote your business or brand. Your day will be hosted by a Hull City legend, you’ll get a behind the scenes tour and, of course, fine dining with complimentary drinks.

Private hire

You won’t be surprised to learn that there are numerous private hire options at The MKM Stadium. From small rooms that are ideal for breakout meetings through to larger areas that are capable of hosting much larger functions, your choices are endless. The stadium is also licensed to hold weddings, so if you’re a massive Tigers fan then what better location to host your big day?

Accessibility

Hull City is committed to ensuring all disabled supporters have an enjoyable matchday experience.

Tickets

Disabled supporters pay the age-related price.

Proof of disability is required when purchasing tickets/memberships.

Tickets purchased will include a second ticket for their personal assistant (if required). This is subject to the supporter meeting the following criteria:

• Medium or high rate Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – mobility or care component
• Enhanced rate Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• A personal letter from your GP

When attending a game alone, a carer must purchase a standard match ticket as the carer ticket will not be valid.

Parking

Parking is available free of charge to home and away blue badge holders in a designated area of the Walton Street car park. There are three parking areas available on site to home disabled supporters, charged at £25 per season, subject to availability.

A limited number of disabled parking spaces are available on site to away fans and must be booked at least 72 hours in advance by emailing [email protected].

Areas around the stadium are resident only zones and cars parked illegally will be issued with parking tickets. Matchday parking for the general public is not available at the stadium.

Wheelchair Users

The MKM Stadium can accommodate 149 wheelchair users, with 64 spaces for home supporters on raised platforms and 69 in pitchside positions. Away wheelchair users are allocated 16 spaces, plus a personal assistant seat, in the away section of the ground.

A wheelchair is available for supporters who are unable to walk from their car to their seat. To book, please email [email protected] at least 48 hours in advance.

Ambulant Disabled Supporters

There are 300 designated seats for ambulant disabled supporters, with 200 in home areas and up to 100 in the away section. Ambulant disabled supporters can sit anywhere provided they are able to access their seats safely. There are 200 amenity seats for ambulant disabled supporters. Requirements should be stipulated at the time of purchasing a ticket to ensure appropriate seating is provided.

Easy Access

Each stand is equipped with a lift for supporters with mobility problems. These take wheelchair users up to concourse level, where the raised platforms are situated, with disabled toilets on the concourses. Pitchside wheelchair positions are accessed via the corners of the stadium, with a disabled toilet in each corner. These toilets are not radar key operated.

Changing Places

A Changing Places toilet is available to supporters with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well as those with other physical disabilities such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis. The room is equipped with extra space and equipment, including a hoist and a height-adjustable changing bench, to allow for safe and comfortable use. To access the Changing Places toilet, speak to a steward.

Quiet Room

A ‘Quiet Room’, equipped with televisions to watch the match and a disabled toilet, is open from kick-off until 30 minutes after full-time. Speak to a steward to gain access. A steward will be present while the room is in use.

Audio Commentary

Audio commentary is available via headsets for visually impaired supporters, with 11 allocated to home supporters and three for away. These can be booked in advance by emailing [email protected] or on matchday by speaking to a steward.

Ear Defenders

Ear defenders are available on request. Speak to a steward if required.

Guide Dogs

Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome at the MKM Stadium. Email [email protected] in advance to enable arrangements to be made.

Exterior

The West Stand, known for sponsorship reasons as the Cranswick plc West Stand, has the most appealing exterior design. It is also the tallest stand of the four because the cantilever roof slants up here, though it still remains connected to the rest of the stadium, creating a bowl shape as a result.

The Cranswick plc West Stand’s exterior is made up mostly of large silver panels, but there are four brick towers protruding out which are decorated with advertisements for the stadium’s sponsor, using images from both Hull City AFC and Hull City FC to give them a bit of colour.

The Main Reception and Hospitality Entrances are based inside this stand, with turnstiles spread across the base.

Continuing round in a clockwise direction brings you to the North Stand, better known for sponsorship reasons as the Smith & Nephew North Stand.

The exterior here follows a similar design to the adjacent Cranswick plc West Stand, though it is not as tall.

Turnstiles leading inside are based in the northeast and northwest corners of the stadium, with a small entrance in the centre leading to a Learning Zone connected to the local Hull College.

The access road to the row of parking spaces that ring around the MKM Stadium is out beyond the Smith & Nephew North Stand.

The northeast corner holds the Away Turnstiles, and you may find that this area is fenced off to segregate home and away supporters. If you can come through here though, you will arrive at the East Stand which is named after Chris Chilton.

The exterior of the Chris Chilton Stand is very similar to the Smith & Nephew North Stand, with the key difference being what you can find along the base. Entrances to the Pitch Side Education Centre are housed next to the Away Turnstiles, and in the centre of the stand are the Club Shops for Hull City and Hull FC, with the Ticket Zone next door.

The turnstiles leading into the Chris Chilton Stand are based towards the southeast corner.

The South Stand is known for sponsorship reasons as the MKM South Stand and is very similar in design to the Smith & Nephew North Stand opposite.

There are a couple of turnstiles along this southern side’s base, but most of the space is taken up by business and executive entrances, with The Dugout Bar based in the very centre.

History

The stadium took just over a year to build at a cost of around £44 million. Hull City moved to the ground from their old location at Boothferry Park when the stadium opened. Far from being a venue used solely for football and Super League matches, The MKM Stadium has also played host to England Under-21 international matches, rugby league test matches and a variety of music concerts. Artists such as Elton John and The Who have graced the people of Hull with performances in the stadium over the years.