Middlesbrough FC
Riverside Stadium
Complete Away Day Guide for Visiting Supporters
📍 Capacity: 34,742 | 🚂 Nearest Train: Middlesbrough Station (15-20 mins) | 🚗 Parking: Permits Available | ☎️ Phone: 0844 499 1234
📑 Quick Navigation
🟢About the Riverside Stadium
The Riverside Stadium has been the home of Middlesbrough FC since 1995. Built in just 32 weeks, it was one of the first modern stadiums to comply with the Taylor Report and opened on 26 August 1995 with a match against Chelsea (Boro won 2-0). The stadium is completely enclosed and has a capacity of 34,742 all-seated.
Located on the banks of the River Tees, the Riverside Stadium has become one of the landmarks of Middlesbrough’s skyline. At the front of the stadium, the old Ayresome Park gates are erected as a reminder of the club’s rich history. The atmosphere here is passionate and welcoming, with visiting supporters treated fairly and respectfully. It’s an impressive modern ground with excellent facilities.
📍 Key Facts
| Postcode | TS3 6RS |
| Capacity | 34,742 (all seated) |
| Location | Middlesbrough, near the River Tees |
| Main Phone | 0844 499 1234 |
| Website | www.mfc.co.uk |
🗺️Location & Map
The Riverside Stadium is located on the banks of the River Tees in Middlesbrough. It’s easily accessible from the town centre and well signposted on the A66. The map below shows the exact location and how to navigate to the stadium.
📍 Sat Nav Address: Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough, TS3 6RS
🚂Getting to the Riverside Stadium
✈️ By Train – Good Connections
Why Trains Work: Middlesbrough station has direct services from across the UK and is only 15-20 minutes’ walk from the stadium. This is perfect if you’re coming from a distance or want to drink.
Journey Times to Middlesbrough Station:
| 🔴 London (via Darlington): | ~4.5-5 hours |
| 🟠 Manchester: | ~2 hours |
| 🟡 Newcastle: | ~30 minutes (hourly service) |
| 🟢 Leeds: | ~1 hour (hourly service) |
Getting from Middlesbrough Station to the Riverside Stadium
✅ Walking Route (15-20 minutes)
- Exit station onto Bridge Street West via accessible underpass
- Turn right and cross Albert Road
- Follow Bridge Street East past the Bridge pub
- Continue to Windward Way (black/orange Boho Five building on right)
- Stay on Windward Way, pass Hudson Quay development
- Continue under the bridge to Riverside Stadium
💡 Pro Tip: The walk is straightforward with clear signage. Food vans on the way if you need a snack!
🚕 Taxi Option
- ~£5-8 from the station to the stadium
- ~5 minutes journey time
🚗 By Car – Straightforward Access
Postcode for Sat Nav: TS3 6RS
Route Instructions:
From the north (A19): Cross River Tees, take A66 eastbound past the town centre, follow stadium signs
From the south (A1(M)): Junction 49 onto A168, becomes A19, then A66 eastbound as above
From the west (A66(M)): Follow A66 towards town centre, continue past it, follow signs
Parking Information:
⚠️ Important: Matchday parking at the stadium is ONLY available to permit holders
📞 Permits Available: Call 0844 499 1234 to purchase permits
Alternative: Use town centre car parks (Hillstreet Shopping Centre, Cleveland Centre, or street parking)
⚡ Pro Tips:
- Parking restrictions are enforced on matchdays
- Town centre parking is a 10-15-minute walk
- Call ahead for permit availability
🏨Where to Stay in Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough has good accommodation options for all budgets. The town centre is walkable and close to Middlesbrough station, 15-20 minutes from the stadium.
💷 Budget Options (£40–75/night)
Premier Inn Middlesbrough Town Centre
Reliable budget chain • Near station • Good value
Travelodge Middlesbrough Central
Budget-friendly • Central location • No-frills but clean
Bluebell Hotel
Friendly & welcoming • Near Captain Cook Museum • 5 mins from Riverside
🎯 Mid-Range Options (£75–130/night)
Leonardo Hotel Middlesbrough
Contemporary & stylish • Good restaurant • Spacious rooms
Premier Inn Middlesbrough Town Centre (Premium)
Upgraded Premier Inn • Better facilities • Excellent location
👑 Premium Options (£130+/night)
Jury’s Inn (now Leonardo)
Four-star accommodation • Contemporary design • Fine dining restaurant
💡 Pro Tips:
- The town centre location is best – shops, restaurants, near the station
- Book early for big matches (Newcastle, Sunderland, Leeds derbies)
- Sunday stays offer the best value
🎫Getting Around the Stadium
🎫 Away Supporter Allocation
| Your Section | East Stand (away supporters) |
| Allocation | ~3,500 seats (typical) |
| Views | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent views, no pillars |
🚪 Entering the Stadium
Designated Turnstiles: Turnstiles 53-61 (for visiting supporters)
⏰ Turnstile Opening Times:
- Opens: 90 minutes before kick-off
- Recommended arrival: 45-60 minutes before kick-off
- Why? Plenty of time to get settled and enjoy the build-up
✅ What to Bring & What NOT to Bring
✅ DO BRING:
- Digital match ticket on your phone
- Comfortable outdoor clothing
- Waterproof jacket (North East weather!)
- Your team’s colours (wear proudly!)
❌ DON’T BRING:
- Large bags or cameras
- Smoking material (banned inside)
- Outside food/drink
💡 Stadium Facilities:
- Good concourse facilities
- Excellent food selection on sale
- Well-sized toilets
- Easy to get drinks and food
- Fan Park – welcomes all fans
🏆Local Derbies & Rivalries
🔴 Sunderland – Tees-Wear Derby
Intensity Level: 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 MAXIMUM
Why It’s Fierce: Historic rivals • Just 12 miles apart • Intense local passion • Memorable encounters
What to Expect: Absolutely packed ground • Incredible noise • Passionate but fair • High police presence
🟠 Newcastle – Tyne-Tees Derby
Intensity Level: 🔴🔴🔴🔴 VERY INTENSE
Why It Matters: Northeast rivalry • 40 miles apart • Historical competition • Massive attendances
⏰ Derby Day Checklist:
- Arrive 2+ hours before kick-off
- Expect heavy police & steward presence
- Be respectful – fans are passionate but fair
- Ground will be absolutely packed
🍽️Places to Eat & Drink
🍺 Pre-Match Pubs & Drinks
The Riverside Fan Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: At the Riverside Stadium • Vibe: Provides pre and post-match entertainment, good mix of fans • Why Go: All fans are welcome, both home and away supporters, great atmosphere
STACK (Exchange Square) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: Historic quarter, near station • Vibe: Trendy shipping container village • Why Go: Great food, drinks & entertainment venues
🍴 City Centre Restaurants & Food
Bazaar Restaurant ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
International cuisine • Open kitchen • High-end dining • Perfect for: Pre-match dinner
Coco & Rum (Thai) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thai cuisine • Vibrant flavours • Casual setting • Perfect for: Lunch before a match
Bloom Cocktail Bar ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Upscale bar/restaurant • Historic quarter • Cabaret dining • Perfect for: Special occasion pre-match
Level X Entertainment ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Electric karting & bowling • VR gaming • Arcade games • Perfect for: Pre-match fun & entertainment
🎨Places to Visit in Middlesbrough
If arriving early or staying overnight, Middlesbrough has excellent attractions and a vibrant town centre to explore.
🌉 Tees Transporter Bridge ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
An iconic engineering marvel since 1911
What’s Here: Historic transporter bridge connecting Middlesbrough to Port Clarence • Stunning views from the top
Note: Currently closed for refurbishment – check status before visiting
🎨 Captain Cook Birthplace Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Celebrating the world’s most famous navigator
What’s Inside: 1,500+ artifacts • Themed galleries • Interactive exhibits • Cafe & gift shop
Location: Stewart Park • ⏱️ 1-2 hours to explore
🌳 Stewart Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐
120 acres of beautiful woodland & parkland
What’s Here: Walking trails • Two lakes • Play areas • Cafe • Captain Cook Museum within
Great for: Relaxing walks, family activities, peaceful escape
🏛️ Dorman Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Middlesbrough’s history & world cultures
What’s Inside: Natural history • Linthorpe Art Pottery • Artefacts from around the world • 8 permanent galleries
Details: Free entry • ⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
🎨 MIMA (Modern Art Institute) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Stunning glass structure of contemporary art
What’s Inside: Contemporary art exhibitions • Modern architecture • Cafe • Shop
Details: Town centre • ⏱️ 1-2 hours
⚡Top Tips for Your Visit
📋 Before You Go
✈️ Book Early: Trains and accommodation, especially for Newcastle & Sunderland derbies
🎫 Get Tickets: Contact the away club or call 0844 499 1234
🚗 Parking: Call ahead for matchday parking permits or plan town centre parking
🤝 How to Behave
✅ DO: Show your colours proudly • Engage respectfully • Enjoy the passionate atmosphere • Be prepared for intensity
❌ DON’T: Engage in confrontation • Disrespect opposition • Underestimate derby day passion
💡 Insider Tips:
- The town centre has an excellent food scene; explore it. While you’re in town, remember to sample a famous Middlesbrough Parmo.
- The Riverside Fan Park is a good pre-match spot for away fans
- Easy walk from the station – plenty of time to explore
- Middlesbrough fans are passionate but fair
🔗 Quick Reference
| Stadium Postcode | TS3 6RS |
| Away Allocation | ~3,500 seats (East Stand) |
| Nearest Train | Middlesbrough (15-20 min walk) |
| Parking Permits | Call 0844 499 1234 |
| Phone | 0844 499 1234 |
🔗 Useful Links
🚆 Transport & Travel
- National Rail – Train times & bookings
- Traveline North East – Local transport info
- Connect Teesside – Journey planning
🏨 Accommodation
ℹ️ Information & Tickets
💭 Final Thoughts
Visiting Riverside Stadium is a fantastic away day experience. The ground is modern and welcoming, the atmosphere is passionate, and Middlesbrough’s town centre offers excellent food, drink and entertainment.
Come prepared, be respectful, and soak in the passionate atmosphere. You’ll have a memorable day.
🔴⚪ Come on Boro! ⚪🔴
Have you visited Riverside Stadium? Got tips for other away supporters? Drop your thoughts in the comments below – we’d love to hear about your experience at Middlesbrough.
John Herman is a Leeds-based, would-be football writer and founder of Football Nonsense. Blending fan passion with sharp opinion, he tackles the game’s biggest debates—from the terraces to the boardroom—with honesty, humour, and heart.