CBS Arena
by: adminPosted on:

Coventry City – CBS Arena Complete Away Day Travel Guide

CBS Arena

Table of Contents

Coventry City FC

Coventry Building Society Arena

Complete Away Day Travel Guide for Visiting Supporters

📍 Capacity: 32,609 | 🚂 Nearest Train: Coventry Arena Station (5 mins) | 🚗 Parking: 2,000 Spaces | ☎️ Phone: 024 7622 6222

🟢About Coventry Building Society Arena

The Coventry Building Society Arena (formerly Ricoh Arena) opened in 2005 and is home to Coventry City FC. It’s a modern, state-of-the-art stadium with an all-seated capacity of 32,609. The stadium sits in a sprawling complex with hotels, casinos, shopping, and exhibition facilities.

The arena has its own train station and incredible transport links, and it is one of the most accessible stadiums in the country. In August 2025, Coventry City Football Club completed the acquisition of the arena from Frasers Group, becoming the landlord of their own home. The atmosphere is welcoming and passionate, with Sky Blue supporters known for being fair and friendly to visiting fans.

📍 Key Facts

Postcode CV6 6AQ
Capacity 32,609 (all seated)
Location Foleshill, Coventry (M6 Junction 3)
Main Phone 024 7622 6222
Website www.ccfc.co.uk

🗺️Location & Map

The Coventry Building Society Arena is located in Foleshill, just 800 yards from Junction 3 of the M6. It’s in the heart of England with excellent transport links from London (55 minutes by train), Birmingham (20 minutes), and across the country. The map below shows the exact location.

📍 Sat Nav Address: Coventry Building Society Arena, CV6 6AQ

🚂Getting to the CBS Arena

✈️ By Train – Most Convenient

Why Trains Work: The CBS Arena has its own railway station! Direct trains from across the UK, fantastic connectivity. Best option if arriving from distance.

Journey Times to Coventry Station:

🔴 London Euston: ~55 minutes
🟠 Birmingham New Street: ~20 minutes
🟡 Leicester: ~30 minutes
🟢 Manchester: ~1.5 hours

Getting from the Train Station to the CBS Arena

✅ Option 1: Arena Station (5 minutes walk) ⭐⭐⭐
  • Train direct to Coventry Arena Station from the main Coventry Station (10 minutes)
  • Just a 5-minute walk from the stadium entrance
  • Best option! Simplest and most direct
  • One train per hour in both directions
✅ Option 2: Bus from Coventry City Centre
  • Services NX 3, NX 20, Stagecoach 148 from the city centre (Trinity Street area)
  • £5 shuttle bus available on matchdays (contactless payment)
  • Takes approximately 15-20 minutes
  • Good if exploring the city centre first
🚕 Taxi Option
  • ~£10-12 from Coventry main station
  • ~10-15 minutes journey time
  • Taxi rank outside the main station

🚗 By Car – Easy Access

Postcode for Sat Nav: CV6 6AQ (or CV6 6AS for Arena Park)

Route Instructions:

Junction 3 of M6: Leave M6 at Junction 3, take the 2nd exit onto Phoenix Way (A444). Follow signs, then take Rowleys Green Lane, then Judds Lane

From M1: Leave M1 at Junction 21, take M69 to M6 Junction 3, then as above

From M40: Leave M40 at Junction 15, take A46 Warwick Bypass to A444, then follow signs

Parking Information:

✅ Stadium Car Park: 2,000 on-site spaces available on matchdays

Cost: Charges vary – check website or call for prices

Easy access: Well-organised parking with clear signage • Straightforward exit after match

⚡ Pro Tips:

  • The Arena Station train is the best option – it saves hassle
  • M6 Junction 3 has very straightforward access
  • Arrive early for matchday parking (gets busy)

🏨Where to Stay in Coventry

Coventry has excellent accommodation options all within walking distance of the city centre. It’s a compact city with great nightlife, restaurants, and attractions. Book early for big matches.

💷 Budget Options (£40–75/night)

Premier Inn Coventry City Centre

Reliable chain • Prime location • Good value for money

Travelodge Coventry Central

Budget friendly • City centre location • Clean & comfortable

Days Inn Coventry

Good value • No-frills accommodation • Central location

🎯 Mid-Range Options (£75–130/night)

The Telegraph Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Unique 1950s design • Former newspaper office • Stylish & contemporary

Coventry Travelodge

Contemporary comfort • Upgraded quality • Excellent location

👑 Premium Options (£130+/night)

Hilton Coventry

Luxury 4-star • Excellent amenities • City centre location

Coombe Abbey Hotel

Historic luxury • Founded 1150 AD • Beautiful grounds & spa

💡 Pro Tips:

  • City centre location is best – walking distance to attractions
  • Book early for Leicester & Birmingham derby matches
  • Sunday stays offer excellent value

🎫Getting Around the Stadium

🎫 Away Supporter Allocation

Your Section South Stand (Blocks 6-9)
Allocation Up to 4,000+ seats (varies)
Views ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent views

ℹ️ Important Information:

  • Safe standing areas available (Blocks 6-7, rows AA-XX)
  • No drums allowed in the stadium
  • No re-admission if you leave before the final whistle
  • Smoking areas are available at halftime

🚪 Entering the Stadium

Designated Turnstiles: Turnstiles 53-61 (for visiting supporters on South Stand)

⏰ Turnstile Opening Times:

  • Opens: 90 minutes before kick-off
  • Recommended arrival: 45-60 minutes before kick-off
  • Tickets only at turnstiles (digital/print)

✅ What to Bring & What NOT to Bring

✅ DO BRING:
  • Digital or printed match ticket
  • Comfortable outdoor clothing
  • Your team’s colours (wear proudly!)
  • Waterproof jacket (Midlands weather!)
❌ DON’T BRING:
  • Bags larger than 35cm x 40cm x 19cm
  • Cameras or recording devices
  • Outside food or drink
  • Drums or percussion instruments

💡 Stadium Facilities:

  • Good concourse facilities
  • Excellent food selection on sale
  • Free WiFi available (register for access)
  • Well-maintained toilets

🏆Local Derbies & Rivalries

🔴 Leicester City – M69 Derby

Intensity Level: 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 MAXIMUM

Why It’s Fierce: Only 20 miles apart • One of the fiercest rivalries in English football • Incredibly intense matches

What to Expect: Absolutely packed stadium • Deafening atmosphere • Heavy police presence • Passionate but fair supporters

🟠 Birmingham City & West Brom – Local Rivals

Intensity Level: 🔴🔴🔴 VERY INTENSE

Why They Matter: Strong West Midlands rivalry • Close geographical proximity • Competitive matches

⏰ Derby Day Checklist:

  • Arrive 2+ hours before kick-off
  • Expect a significant police presence
  • Ground will be absolutely full
  • Be respectful – fans are passionate

🍽️Places to Eat & Drink

🍺 Pre-Match Pubs & Drinks

Sky Blue Tavern ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Official supporter pub • City centre location • 2-Tone inspired local beers • Perfect pre-match spot

Grosvenor Casino ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Good mix of fans • Drinks & gaming • City centre location

🍴 City Centre Restaurants

Jinseon Korean BBQ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Interactive dining • Grill your own food • Bulgogi beef special • Near Cathedral

Turtle Bay – Caribbean ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Island vibes • Rum & jerk • Next to Cathedral • Bottomless brunch available

Miller & Carter Steakhouse ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Premium steaks • Expert cocktails • Upscale dining • Student-friendly specials

Wagamama – Asian ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Japanese-inspired • Healthy options • 50% vegan menu • Cathedral Lanes

🎨Places to Visit in Coventry

Coventry is a vibrant city that blends medieval history with modern culture. Named the UK City of Culture 2021, it has excellent attractions and a thriving city centre.

⛪ Coventry Cathedral ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Iconic symbol of peace & reconciliation

What’s Here: Medieval ruins & modern Cathedral • Stunning 1960s architecture • Climb 180 steps for city views • Beautiful stained glass

Details: City centre location • Small fee to climb tower

🚗 Coventry Transport Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

World’s most extensive collection of British vehicles

What’s Inside: 320,000+ artefacts • Motor industry history • Interactive exhibits • Excellent for enthusiasts

Details: ✅ Free entry • ⏱️ 2-3 hours • City centre location

🎨 Herbert Art Gallery & Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Art, history & culture

What’s Inside: Fine art collection • Local history exhibits • Contemporary exhibitions • Beautiful building

Details: ✅ Free entry • ⏱️ 1.5-2 hours • Opposite Cathedral

🏛️ St Mary’s Guildhall ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Medieval historic building

What’s Inside: Centuries-old architecture • Paintings & armour • Mary Queen of Scots connections • Atmospheric undercroft cafe

Details: Medieval centre • ⏱️ 1 hour

🎪 FarGo Village – Creative Hub ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Repurposed industrial space

What’s Here: 40+ independent businesses • Microbreweries • Restaurants & cafes • Art galleries • Container-style shops

Perfect for: Pre/post-match browsing, food, drinks, entertainment

⚡Top Tips for Your Visit

📋 Before You Go

✈️ Book Early: Especially for Leicester derbies & big Championship matches

🚂 Use Arena Station: Most convenient – direct from the train station

🎫 Get Tickets: Contact your club’s ticket office

🤝 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 • Bring banned items (especially no drums!)

💡 Insider Tips:

  • Explore FarGo Village pre/post-match
  • The Cathedral is stunning – visit if time permits
  • Coventry fans are passionate but very fair
  • The city centre is very walkable & safe

🔗 Quick Reference

Stadium Postcode CV6 6AQ
Away Allocation 4,000+ seats (South Stand)
Nearest Train Coventry Arena (5 min walk)
Parking Spaces 2,000 on-site available
Phone 024 7622 6222

🔗 Useful Links

🚆 Transport & Travel

🏨 Accommodation

💭 Final Thoughts

Visiting Coventry Building Society Arena is a fantastic away-day experience. The stadium is modern and welcoming, the city is vibrant with great attractions, and the supporters are passionate and fair.

Come prepared, be respectful, and enjoy exploring one of England’s most historic cities. You’ll have a memorable day.

⚪🔵 Sky Blues! 🔵⚪

Have you visited Coventry Building Society Arena? Got tips for other away supporters? These guides are put together using research and sometimes (limited) local knowledge. Let us know if you spot any glaring errors, omissions, or inaccuracies. Drop your thoughts in the comments below – we’d love to hear about your experience at Coventry.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *