Birmingham City FC – St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park
Complete Away Day Guide for Visiting Supporters
🔵 ABOUT ST ANDREWS @ KNIGHTHEAD PARK
St Andrews has been the home of Birmingham City Football Club since 1906, making it one of English football’s historic venues with over 118 years of footballing heritage. Located in the Bordesley area of Birmingham, just over a mile east of the city centre, the stadium has witnessed countless memorable matches and remains at the heart of Blues’ identity. Recently renamed St Andrews @ Knighthead Park following investment by Knighthead Capital Management, the ground retains its traditional atmosphere whilst undergoing ambitious redevelopment plans.
Birmingham City – The Blues – are one of the Midlands’ most historic clubs, founded in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance. The club has won the League Cup twice (1963 and 2011), reached major European finals, and boasts a proud history of producing talented players and memorable cup runs. The distinctive royal blue shirts have become synonymous with Birmingham football, and the passionate support from the Tilton Road End creates one of the Championship’s most intense atmospheres. Blues supporters are fiercely loyal, knowledgeable about their club’s rich heritage, and the Second City derby against Aston Villa is one of English football’s most heated rivalries.
Now under American ownership and with ambitious plans for a new stadium, Birmingham City are looking to restore their place among England’s elite whilst maintaining the traditions that make St Andrew’s special.
📊 STADIUM SPECIFICATIONS
| Capacity | 29,409 (all seated) |
| Opened | 1906 (118+ years of history!) |
| Away Section | Gil Merrick Stand (Lower Tier) |
| Away Allocation | 3,000-4,500 seats (can be increased for big fixtures) |
| Record Attendance | 68,844 vs Everton (FA Cup, 1939) |
| Current Manager | Chris Davies (appointed May 2024) |
🚗 GETTING TO ST ANDREWS @ KNIGHTHEAD PARK
St Andrews is located in Bordesley, approximately 1.5 miles east of Birmingham city centre. Birmingham is at the heart of the UK’s transport network with exceptional rail connections from all major cities. The stadium is easily accessible by train, bus, and taxi from Birmingham New Street station.
🗺️ STADIUM LOCATION MAP
St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park Address: Garrison Lane, Birmingham, B9 4RL
🚂 BY TRAIN – The Recommended Choice
Why Trains Work: Birmingham New Street is one of Britain’s busiest stations with direct trains from London, Manchester, Liverpool, Scotland, and the South Coast. From New Street, St Andrew’s is approximately 1.5 miles – either a 25-minute walk through the city, a quick bus ride (services 58, 60, 97 towards Bordesley), or a short taxi journey.
Journey Times to Birmingham New Street:
🔴 London Euston: 1 hour 20 minutes (direct)
🟠 Manchester Piccadilly: 1 hour 30 minutes (direct)
🟡 Liverpool Lime Street: 1 hour 45 minutes (direct)
🟢 Edinburgh: 4 hours (direct)
🔵 Bristol: 1 hour 30 minutes (direct)
🟣 Cardiff: 2 hours (direct)
⚪ Nottingham: 1 hour (direct)
🟤 Leeds: 2 hours (direct)
From Birmingham New Street to St Andrews:
Option 1 – Walk (25 minutes): Exit New Street, head towards Moor Street station, continue through Digbeth passing The Old Crown (Birmingham’s oldest pub from 1368!), then onto Garrison Lane. Great for taking in Birmingham’s character.
Option 2 – Bus (10 minutes): Services 58, 60, 97 towards Bordesley from Moor Street Queensway stop. Alight at Cattell Road for the away end.
Option 3 – Taxi (5-10 minutes): £6-£10 depending on traffic. Taxis available outside New Street station.
🚗 BY CAR
Birmingham sits at the centre of the motorway network with the M6, M5, M42, and M40 all converging. However, matchday parking near St Andrew’s is extremely limited and heavily restricted.
From Different Directions:
From the North (M6): Exit Junction 6 and follow signs for Birmingham City Centre (A38M). Continue on A38M, exit for Bordesley (A45), then follow signs to St Andrew’s.
From the South (M5/M42): Follow M42 to A45 (Birmingham East), continue on A45 (Coventry Road) towards city centre, then follow signs to St Andrew’s.
From the East (M6/M42): Exit M42 Junction 6 onto A45 towards Birmingham, continue through Small Heath, ground on your right.
From the West (M5): Follow M5 to city centre, then A45 towards Coventry, follow signs to St Andrew’s.
⚠️ PARKING WARNING
Street Parking: Extremely limited and heavily restricted around St Andrew’s. Residents’ parking zones enforced rigorously on matchdays.
Stadium Car Parks: Official car parks available but expensive (£15-£20) and sell out quickly. Book online in advance through Birmingham City FC website.
Best Alternative: Park in city centre car parks (Bullring, Moor Street, or Park & Ride facilities) at £8-£15 for the day, then take bus 97 or walk to the ground. Far less stressful!
🏨 WHERE TO STAY IN BIRMINGHAM
Birmingham offers excellent accommodation options across all budgets. Staying in the city centre puts you close to New Street station, the nightlife, and brilliant transport links to St Andrew’s.
💷 BUDGET OPTIONS (£50-£80)
Premier Inn Birmingham City Centre
📍 Location: Multiple city centre locations, all within walking distance of New Street
💰 Price: £60-£75 per night
✨ Why Stay: Reliable chain hotel, comfortable rooms, excellent locations, good breakfast included
🌐 Book: premierinn.com
Travelodge Birmingham Central
📍 Location: Multiple city centre locations near New Street station
💰 Price: £50-£70 per night
✨ Why Stay: Budget-friendly, central locations, no-frills but clean and comfortable
🌐 Book: travelodge.co.uk
Holiday Inn Express Birmingham City Centre
📍 Location: 27 Lionel Street, Birmingham, B3 1AG (5-minute walk to New Street)
💰 Price: £65-£85 per night
✨ Why Stay: Modern rooms, breakfast included, excellent central location, good value
🌐 Book: ihg.com
💎 MID-RANGE OPTIONS (£80-£130)
Hotel Indigo Birmingham
📍 Location: The Cube, Wharfside Street, Birmingham, B1 1RN (city centre)
💰 Price: £90-£120 per night
✨ Why Stay: Stylish boutique hotel, excellent canal-side location, rooftop bar, walking distance to everything
🌐 Book: ihg.com
Clayton Hotel Birmingham
📍 Location: 1 Lionel Street, Birmingham, B3 1AQ (directly opposite New Street)
💰 Price: £85-£115 per night
✨ Why Stay: Perfect location opposite station, modern rooms, excellent breakfast, rooftop terrace
🌐 Book: claytonhotels.com
Park Regis Birmingham
📍 Location: 160 Broad Street, Birmingham, B15 1DT (Westside)
💰 Price: £80-£110 per night
✨ Why Stay: Contemporary 4-star hotel, brilliant Broad Street location, excellent facilities, near nightlife
🌐 Book: parkregisbirmingham.co.uk
⭐ LUXURY OPTIONS (£130+)
Hotel du Vin Birmingham
📍 Location: 25 Church Street, Birmingham, B3 2NR (city centre)
💰 Price: £140-£200 per night
✨ Why Stay: Victorian building with character, boutique luxury, excellent bistro, superb wine selection
🌐 Book: hotelduvin.com
The Grand Hotel Birmingham
📍 Location: Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 2DA (city centre)
💰 Price: £130-£180 per night
✨ Why Stay: Stunning Victorian Gothic building, elegant rooms, historic charm, central location
🌐 Book: thegrandhotelbirmingham.co.uk
Hyatt Regency Birmingham
📍 Location: 2 Bridge Street, Birmingham, B1 2JZ (city centre)
💰 Price: £150-£220 per night
✨ Why Stay: 5-star luxury, stunning modern design, exceptional service, rooftop bar, Ikon Gallery views
🌐 Book: hyatt.com
🍺 BEST PUBS & BARS FOR AWAY FANS
Birmingham’s pub scene is brilliant, particularly in the city centre and Jewellery Quarter. Most away fans drink in the city centre before taking the bus or walking to the ground. The pubs listed below are welcoming to away supporters.
🏙️ CITY CENTRE PUBS
The Old Joint Stock
📍 Location: 4 Temple Row West, Birmingham, B2 5NY (city centre, 5-min walk from New Street)
🍺 What to Expect: Stunning Victorian banking hall converted into a pub, high ceilings, grand architecture, excellent Fuller’s ales, popular with away fans
⭐ Why Visit: One of Birmingham’s most spectacular pubs architecturally, brilliant atmosphere on matchdays, quality beer
The Wellington
📍 Location: 37 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham, B2 5SN (city centre)
🍺 What to Expect: Real ale haven, 16+ cask ales, traditional pub, knowledgeable staff, friendly atmosphere, away fans welcome
⭐ Why Visit: Birmingham’s premier real ale pub, outstanding beer selection, proper traditional boozer, perfect pre-match
The Shakespeare
📍 Location: Lower Temple Street, Birmingham, B2 5DP (near New Street)
🍺 What to Expect: Traditional Victorian pub, excellent ale selection, classic Birmingham pub, away fans regularly drink here
⭐ Why Visit: Great atmosphere, convenient location near station, quality beer, welcoming to visitors
💎 JEWELLERY QUARTER PUBS
The Rose Villa Tavern
📍 Location: 172 Warstone Lane, Birmingham, B18 6JW (Jewellery Quarter)
🍺 What to Expect: Proper traditional Victorian pub, brilliant real ales, characterful interior, popular with football fans
⭐ Why Visit: Quintessential Birmingham pub, superb beer, great atmosphere, trendy JQ location
The Church
📍 Location: 80 Vyse Street, Birmingham, B18 6HA (Jewellery Quarter)
🍺 What to Expect: Converted church, unique interior, good beer selection, relaxed atmosphere, popular indie bar
⭐ Why Visit: Brilliant building, interesting venue, great for something different pre-match
🍽️ WHERE TO EAT IN BIRMINGHAM
Birmingham is a brilliant food city, particularly famous for the Balti curry – invented here in the 1970s! The Balti Triangle in the Sparkbrook/Balsall Heath area is essential visiting for curry lovers. The city centre also offers diverse international cuisine and traditional British options.
🌶️ BALTI TRIANGLE (ESSENTIAL VISITING!)
Adil Restaurant
📍 Location: 148-150 Stoney Lane, Sparkbrook, Birmingham, B12 8AJ
🍛 Speciality: Legendary Baltis, been serving since 1977, authentic Birmingham curry experience
💰 Price: £8-£15 per person
⭐ Why Visit: Balti Triangle institution, brilliant food, proper Birmingham experience, reasonable prices
Al Frash
📍 Location: 186 Ladypool Road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham, B12 8JS
🍛 Speciality: Award-winning Baltis, consistently excellent, famous across Birmingham
💰 Price: £10-£18 per person
⭐ Why Visit: One of the Triangle’s finest, quality ingredients, authentic recipes, brilliant reputation
Shababs Balti Restaurant
📍 Location: 207 Ladypool Road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham, B12 8LB
🍛 Speciality: Traditional Baltis, generous portions, family-run, fantastic value
💰 Price: £8-£14 per person
⭐ Why Visit: Proper local favourite, excellent food, authentic atmosphere, great prices
🏙️ CITY CENTRE RESTAURANTS
Pieminister (New Street Station)
📍 Location: Birmingham New Street Station, B2 4QA
🥧 Speciality: Gourmet pies, perfect pre-match grab, excellent quality
💰 Price: £6-£10
⭐ Why Visit: Quick, delicious, convenient station location, proper British comfort food
Purnell’s Bistro
📍 Location: 11 Newhall Street, Birmingham, B3 3NY
🍽️ Speciality: Modern British cuisine, Michelin-starred chef Glynn Purnell’s relaxed bistro
💰 Price: £25-£40 per person
⭐ Why Visit: Outstanding food, Birmingham’s culinary superstar, more affordable than his fine dining restaurant
Original Patty Men
📍 Location: 117 Corporation Street, Birmingham, B4 6PH
🍔 Speciality: Gourmet burgers, Birmingham institution, legendary smash burgers
💰 Price: £10-£15 per person
⭐ Why Visit: Some of the UK’s best burgers, perfect pre-match fuel, Birmingham favourite
🎭 THINGS TO DO IN BIRMINGHAM
Birmingham is massively underrated! England’s second city offers world-class culture, fascinating industrial heritage, brilliant shopping, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or making a weekend of it, there’s plenty to explore.
🎨 CULTURE & MUSEUMS
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (FREE!)
📍 Location: Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, B3 3DH (city centre)
🎨 What to See: World’s largest Pre-Raphaelite collection, stunning Victorian building, diverse exhibits, completely FREE entry
⏰ Opening: Monday-Sunday 10am-5pm (closed some public holidays)
⭐ Why Visit: World-class art collection, beautiful building, free entry – one of Britain’s finest city museums
Jewellery Quarter & Museum
📍 Location: 75-79 Vyse Street, Birmingham, B18 6HA
💎 What to See: Preserved Victorian jewellery workshop, fascinating industrial heritage, trendy bars and restaurants in the Quarter
💰 Entry: Museum entry FREE
⭐ Why Visit: Unique insight into Birmingham’s industrial heritage, brilliant area to explore before/after match
Cadbury World
📍 Location: Linden Road, Bournville, Birmingham, B30 1JR
🍫 What to See: Chocolate-making heritage, interactive exhibits, chocolate tastings, factory tours
💰 Entry: £18-£20 (book online in advance for best prices)
⭐ Why Visit: Birmingham chocolate heritage, fun experience, perfect for families, book ahead!
🛍️ SHOPPING & LEISURE
Bullring & Grand Central
📍 Location: Birmingham city centre (above New Street station)
🛍️ What’s There: Massive shopping centre, iconic Selfridges building, 200+ shops, restaurants, entertainment
⭐ Why Visit: One of UK’s largest shopping centres, architectural landmark (Selfridges), everything under one roof
Birmingham Canal Network
📍 Location: Throughout city centre and beyond
🚶 What to Do: Peaceful walks, canal-side pubs, industrial heritage, Gas Street Basin particularly scenic
⭐ Why Visit: Birmingham has more canals than Venice! Beautiful walks, great pubs, different perspective on the city
💡 PRACTICAL MATCHDAY TIPS
🚌 Use Public Transport: Parking near St Andrews is nightmare – city centre car parks + bus 97 is genuinely easier
🥘 Try a Balti: You’re in the city that invented it – the Balti Triangle is essential visiting!
⏰ Arrive Early: Birmingham has brilliant museums (FREE!), pubs, and attractions – don’t rush in and out
🎭 BIRMINGHAM EXPERIENCE
🛍️ World-Class Culture: Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery has the world’s largest Pre-Raphaelite collection – and it’s FREE!
💎 Jewellery Quarter: Trendy area with brilliant independent bars, restaurants, and fascinating museum – explore before or after the match
🍫 Chocolate Heritage: Cadbury World is a must-visit – book ahead online for best prices
⚽ MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE
🏟️ Traditional Ground: St Andrews is an old-school football ground with genuine character and over 118 years of history
💥 Atmosphere: Blues fans are passionate and create an intense atmosphere – expect noise, particularly from the Tilton Road End
🔵 Keep Right On: Listen for Birmingham’s anthem “Keep Right On to the End of the Road” – iconic club song with amazing history
💭 FINAL THOUGHTS
Visiting St Andrew’s is experiencing one of English football’s most traditional and atmospheric grounds. This isn’t a modern bowl – it’s a proper old-school stadium with over 118 years of history, character in every stand, and an intense atmosphere created by some of the Championship’s most passionate supporters. The Blues faithful, particularly in the Tilton Road End, create genuine noise and hostility for visiting teams. St Andrew’s shows its age in places, but that’s part of its authentic charm – this is real English football where tradition matters and the connection between club and community runs deep.
But St Andrew’s is just the beginning of your Birmingham adventure. England’s second city is massively underrated – this is a vibrant, diverse, youthful metropolis with world-class culture, incredible food, and fascinating industrial heritage. The Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery houses the world’s finest Pre-Raphaelite collection (and it’s completely free!). The Balti Triangle serves Birmingham’s signature curry invention in dozens of authentic restaurants. The Jewellery Quarter combines fascinating industrial history with trendy independent bars and eateries. Cadbury World celebrates chocolate-making heritage. The canal network offers peaceful walks through industrial landscapes. And the city centre buzzes with energy, from the iconic Selfridges building to the restored Victorian arcades.
The logistics work brilliantly – Birmingham New Street is at the heart of the UK rail network with direct trains from everywhere. From the station, it’s either a straightforward 25-minute walk through Digbeth (passing The Old Crown, Birmingham’s oldest pub dating from 1368!), or a quick hop on bus 97 directly to the ground. Our advice? Get to Birmingham early, explore the Jewellery Quarter or museums, have a proper Balti curry in the Triangle (Birmingham invented it!), sink a few pints in The Old Joint Stock or Wellington, then make your way to St Andrew’s. After the match, the city centre’s nightlife is brilliant – from cocktail bars to live music venues, Birmingham delivers.
Take the train to New Street, try a proper Balti, explore England’s youngest city, experience St Andrew’s intense atmosphere, and discover why Birmingham is one of Britain’s most exciting destinations!
🔵 Keep Right On! 🔵
📞 USEFUL CONTACTS
🏟️ Birmingham City FC: 0121 772 0101 | bcfc.com
🎫 Ticket Office: 0121 772 0101
🚌 Network West Midlands: 0121 254 7272 | networkwestmidlands.com
🚂 National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 | nationalrail.co.uk
ℹ️ Visit Birmingham: visitbirmingham.com
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📍 Part of the Football Nonsense Championship Away Days Collection
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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.