Key facts

Address Aylestone Road, Leicester, LE2 7TR
Capacity 25,849 seats
Build Date 1892
Who is the owner of Welford Road Stadium? Leicester Tigers
Surface Eclipse Turf System Grass

Description

Welford Road, the home of Leicester Tigers consits of three stands, the newest of the three is the ‘Alliance & Leicester Stand’ which is situated behind the posts adjacent to Welford Road and was opened in 1995 with a game against ‘The Lions’ of South Africs. The other two stands, running either length of the pitch are somewhat tired looking.

Leicester Tigers are now planning to move to the Walkers Stadium for the start of the 2005 season. Welford Road home of the tigers for 113 years, will demolished as a consequence.

In 1891 the tigers accepted an offer for a 10 year lease on an acre of land between Aylestone Road and Welford Road within the city of Leicester from the Leicester Corporation. The ground was officially opened on 10th September 1892 with a game againt the Leicestershire Rugby Union. By 1893 the first stands had been built, with the Pavilion accomodating 500 on one side of the pitch and a 45 x 30ft stand built opposite to seat a further 600 spectators and a year later a scoreboard was bought at a cost of £5.

The next major developments of Welford Road were a clubhouse that was built in 1909 and the current Members’ Stand and Crumbie Stand that were erected in 1918 and 1920 respectively. The Crumbie Stand was named after Tom Crumbie when he died in 1928 – he was an honorary secretary of the club.

The first floodlit game was played against a midlands XV on October 8th 1964.

Pubs

There are a few pubs around, Shifty O’Shea’s was pretty good for the Rugby although it has changed its name now.

Refreshments

There are 19 bars situated around the ground and a number of food stalls as well, the prices are quite reasonable.

How to get to

By car. From M1 (North and South) and M69 (East) Exit the motorway at Junction 21 (M1). Follow the signs for the city centre via Narborough Road (A5460). After 3 miles, at the crossroad junction with Upperton Road, turn right. The stadium is 1/2 mile ahead (past Leicester City Football ground on the right).

From A6 (South). Follow the signs for the city centre, coming in via London Road. At the main set of lights opposite the entrance to the railway station (on the right), turn left onto the Waterloo Way. The stadium is 1/2 mile further on.

From A5199 (South). Follow the signs for the city centre, coming in via Welford Road.

From A426 (South). Follow the signs for the city centre, coming in via Aylestone Road.

From A47 (East). Follow the signs for the city centre, coming in via Uppingham Road. At the St Georges Retail Park roundabout, take the second exit into St Georges Way (A594). Carry on past the Leicester Mercury offices on the right, and then filter off right into Tigers Way (formally known as Waterloo Way) just before the Railway Station. The stadium is 1/2 mile further on.

By rail. Leicester Station is a ten minute walk away, along Tigers Way (formally known as Waterloo Way). Tigers Way is directly opposite the train station.

By air. The nearest Airport is East Midlands, if you are traveling directly to the stadium a taxi is recommended. East Midlands Airport has no direct rail link.