Stadium

History of the stadium

The Riverside Stadium has been the home stadium of Middlesbrough since 1995 when the Boro outfit left Ayresome Park. It also boasts its own rich heritage and a real atmosphere.

Just multiple stadiums have served as Boro’s home since Middlesbrough Cricket Club founded the club in 1876. Their first formal fixtures took place at Albert Park between until 1879. Linthorpe Road ground then served as their base until 1903 when they moved into Ayresome Park.

Middlesbrough stayed at Ayresome Park for nearly a century. However, following the Taylor Report in 1990, it was clear that the ground needed either modernising or the club to build a new stadium. Middlesbrough went with the latter choice and moved into the brand-new Riverside Stadium in 1995.

Riverside Stadium – A record-breaker

Multiple options were considered when building the new stadium. However, the location at the Middlehaven site on the banks of the River Tees was the most viable solution and designs were drawn by the architect group The Miller Partnership.

The stadium was the first constructed in line with the Taylor Report as it looked to ensure all clubs in the top two divisions had all-seater grounds. Originally built as a 30,000 seater for £16 million, it was the biggest stadium built in England since World War Two.

Upon its construction, the name of the ground was still up in the air. The club allowed fans to decide its name. Every fan who attended the final match at Ayresome Park was given a voting slip with four options, which included Teesside Stadium and Riverside Stadium.

The ‘Riverside Stadium’ was therefore chosen and in 1998, the club expanded its capacity to 35,100. Upon their promotion back to the Premier League for the 2016/17 season the stadium was upgraded again. The broadcasting facilities and floodlights were improved to meet the league’s standards.

How to get to the Riverside Stadium

Fans can get to the Riverside Stadium through a number of means with Middlesbrough’s stadium located just 0.7 miles from the city centre. Its location ensures visitors can get to the Riverside Stadium from all major road networks. While various forms of public transport also frequent the stadium.

Middlesbrough offers six official match-day car parks around the Riverside Stadium. Seasonal passes are reserved with general parking available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is also a drop-off pass allowing drivers to drop off supporters at the designated bus stop on The Halyard.

Bus routes 28A, 39, 5 and 9 are also routes that pass nearby to the stadium. Middlesbrough train station is also just a 17-minute walk from the ground.

Stadium tour information

Middlesbrough offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at their stadium with tours of the Riverside Stadium. The tours run every Thursday plus one Saturday afternoon a month. Booking is required with the event lasting around 45 minutes.

Fans who attend tours of the Riverside Stadium get a chance to explore Middlesbrough’s stadium and access the home dressing room, the player’s entrance and the tunnel. They also get access to the press conference area and the board room.

Address:

Riverside Stadium: Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough, TS3 6RS