Middlesbrough are one of the North East’s major clubs, based at the Riverside Stadium after moving from Ayresome Park in 1995. Boro have a strong Teesside identity, passionate local support and a history including top-flight football, European nights and the League Cup win of 2004. The club remain a regular Championship promotion contender.
The Riverside Stadium is a modern football ground beside the River Tees, opened in 1995 when Middlesbrough left Ayresome Park. It was one of the first major new English stadiums of the post-Taylor Report era and has a clean, enclosed design with four connected stands: the West Stand, East Stand, North Stand and South Stand.
The North Stand is the traditional home end and usually the loudest Middlesbrough area. The West Stand contains the main reception, hospitality and media facilities, while the East Stand houses the away section towards the south-east corner. The stadium sits slightly away from the town centre, surrounded by open space, car parks and former dockland, which gives it a very different feel from the tighter streets around Ayresome Park. Sightlines are generally good and the stadium is easy to navigate once supporters are on the correct side.
A North East fixture with Teesside and Wearside identity at its core, often carrying extra bite when both clubs are chasing regional bragging rights.
No upcoming rivalry fixture currently listed.
A regional rivalry linking Tyneside and Teesside, with Middlesbrough often treating Newcastle as a major measuring stick for North East status.
No upcoming rivalry fixture currently listed.
Away supporters are located in the East Stand of the Riverside Stadium, towards the south-east corner. Middlesbrough visitor information has identified the away section as being accessed via turnstiles 53 to 61 of the East Stand, with searches possible before entry.
The away allocation can vary depending on the fixture and competition, but visiting fans are usually kept in the same East Stand corner area. The view is generally good, with modern seating and decent height from most positions. Disabled away supporters are normally located in the lower tier of the visiting section and use a dedicated accessible entrance in the south-east corner close to the away turnstiles.
Use the A19 southbound towards Teesside, then join the A66 eastbound into Middlesbrough and follow signs for the Riverside Stadium. The ground is close to the A66 and the docks side of town, which makes it fairly easy to find. Matchday traffic builds around the stadium access roads and town-centre car parks.
Use the A19 northbound or A1(M) / A66 routes towards Middlesbrough, then follow the A66 into the town centre and Riverside area. This is the usual route from Yorkshire and the south. Once close, follow official stadium signs and avoid cutting into small industrial streets unless your parking is confirmed.
Use the A174 or coastal routes towards Middlesbrough, then join the A66 / town-centre approaches for the Riverside. The ground is on the eastern side of the centre near the old docks, so it is visible from the main routes. Allow time for local traffic around Cargo Fleet Lane and the stadium estate.
Use the A66 eastbound from Darlington, Stockton or the A1(M), continuing into Middlesbrough towards the Riverside Stadium. This is the clearest route from the west and is well signed. Expect queues after the match as traffic leaves the stadium and rejoins the A66.
Middlesbrough Station is the correct rail station for the Riverside Stadium and is usually around a 15 to 20-minute walk from the ground. It is served by local and regional services from Darlington, Newcastle, York, Leeds, Manchester and the Tees Valley.
From the south, many supporters change at Darlington or York for Middlesbrough. From the north, Newcastle and Durham-side routes connect through Darlington or direct regional services. Once at Middlesbrough, follow signs towards the town centre, Albert Road and the Riverside / docks side of town.
Darlington is a key East Coast Main Line interchange for Middlesbrough. It is useful for supporters travelling from London, York, Leeds, Newcastle, Scotland or the Midlands, with onward trains to Middlesbrough.
Do not use Darlington as the final stop unless you are continuing by taxi; it is a connection point. Check return connections, as missing the last Middlesbrough-to-Darlington train can make the long-distance journey awkward.
From Middlesbrough station, walk north-east towards the Riverside Stadium via Albert Road / Bridge Street or the signed pedestrian routes towards the dockside. The walk is usually around 15 to 20 minutes. Keep to the main route, especially for evening games, and allow time after full-time because the station and town-centre routes get busy.
Darlington is not a walking option for the Riverside. Use it as a mainline interchange for East Coast and CrossCountry services, then take a local train to Middlesbrough. From Middlesbrough station, the stadium walk is around 15 to 20 minutes. This is often the best route for supporters arriving from the south or Scotland on faster mainline services.
Teesside International Airport is the best airport for Middlesbrough. It is local to Teesside, but the airport station has very limited usefulness, so the practical onward route is usually taxi to Middlesbrough or taxi/bus to Darlington station for rail connections.
For the Riverside Stadium, a taxi from the airport is straightforward and often the simplest option. If using rail, connect via Darlington or Middlesbrough station, then walk from Middlesbrough station to the ground. Check transport availability carefully for late-night arrivals.
Newcastle International Airport is a viable alternative for Middlesbrough because it has a wider flight network and good Metro links into Newcastle. Take the Metro from the airport to Newcastle Central, then use rail towards Middlesbrough, usually via Darlington or direct services depending on timetable.
This is longer than Teesside Airport but much more practical for many flight routes. Once in Middlesbrough, the Riverside is walkable from the station or a short taxi ride.
Arriva services 5 and 5A are useful Middlesbrough bus routes if you are travelling from the wider town or nearby districts before walking to the Riverside Stadium. The ground is close enough to the centre that many supporters will use Middlesbrough bus station and walk, but these routes can help with local connections.
Arriva route 9 serves parts of Middlesbrough and can be useful for reaching the town centre or bus station before continuing to the Riverside. It is not usually quicker than walking from the centre if you are already there, but it can be useful from surrounding areas.
Middlesbrough bus station is around 1.3 miles from the Riverside Stadium and is the main hub for local and regional buses. If your bus terminates there, walk towards the station and riverside route, or take a short taxi. This is often more reliable than trying to find a bus that stops directly at the stadium.
Boro Taxis are the main local private hire operator for Middlesbrough and Teesside. A taxi from Middlesbrough station or bus station to the Riverside is a short ride, useful for access needs or poor weather, though many supporters will walk. Book early for busy fixtures.
Car Park E at the Riverside is the main limited stadium parking option and is usually subject to availability and pre-booking through the club ticket office. Recent general matchday parking has been listed around £7 plus processing fee, though prices can vary. It is very close to the stadium, but because spaces are limited it should only be used if you have confirmed availability before travelling.
Middlesbrough College is one of the most useful non-stadium options for the Riverside, located within a short walk of the ground. It is usually cheaper than stadium parking and is convenient from the A66 / town-centre side. Follow college parking signs and allow time for the walk across towards the stadium and dockside area.
If you do not have a stadium permit or pre-booked space, Middlesbrough town-centre car parks are the safest general option. Park centrally around the station / shopping area, then walk 15 to 20 minutes to the Riverside. This avoids searching industrial side streets near the ground and is often easier for food, pubs and a post-match exit.
A long-established pub often used by away supporters in Middlesbrough, within walking distance of the Riverside. It is a practical choice for visiting fans arriving by train, but check fixture-specific police guidance for derby or high-risk matches.
A Wetherspoons in Middlesbrough town centre, useful for groups and supporters arriving by train. It is not right on top of the stadium but gives an easy walk towards the Riverside.
A popular independent cafe/restaurant in the town centre, useful for daytime matches and supporters wanting proper food before the game. It leaves a manageable walk to the Riverside Stadium.
A well-known local casual food option, good for groups wanting a meal before or after the match. Check matchday timing and leave enough time for the walk or taxi to the stadium.
A very practical central hotel, close to bars, food and the walk to the Riverside Stadium. It is one of the best options for rail travellers and overnight away fans.
A central hotel with good access to the railway station, town centre and stadium route. It suits supporters who want to stay in the middle of Middlesbrough rather than beside the ground.
The Riverside is close enough to Middlesbrough town centre and railway station to walk, but it sits apart from the main pub and shopping streets in an open riverside area. Many supporters use the town centre before walking to the ground, though police advice and fixture risk should always be considered.
Drivers should allow time for traffic around the A66 and stadium car parks, particularly after full time when the road network can become slow. Away supporters should head for the East Stand / south-east corner and use turnstiles 53 to 61. The stadium is exposed on the outside and can feel windy or cold in winter, so dress accordingly. Because supporter searches are specifically referenced in visitor information, arriving early is sensible rather than relying on a late rush to the turnstiles.
Home tickets are sold through Middlesbrough's official ticketing channels, including the ticket office and online sales. For a neutral, the West Stand or central East Stand areas give the best balanced side-on view of the match. Supporters wanting the strongest Boro atmosphere should look towards the North Stand, which is the traditional home end.
Away supporters must buy through their own club once Middlesbrough release the allocation. Visiting tickets are usually for the East Stand away area, accessed via turnstiles 53 to 61. Collections, duplicates or matchday sales should be checked before travelling because arrangements can vary depending on away allocation size, police advice and ticket demand.
The Riverside Stadium operates standard football ground regulations, and visiting supporters should expect the possibility of searches before entry. Supporters must enter through the correct turnstiles for their ticket and should not attempt to move between home and away sections.
Standard restrictions apply on pyrotechnics, pitch incursions, throwing objects, discriminatory behaviour, offensive banners and prohibited items. Supporters should check the latest club guidance for bag rules, flags, payment methods and any fixture-specific restrictions. Away supporters should follow steward and police directions around the south-east corner before and after the match.
Middlesbrough publish disabled supporter information for the Riverside Stadium. The club has dedicated wheelchair-user enclosures for home supporters on raised levels, while away disabled supporters are located in the lower tier of the visiting section. Visiting disabled supporters use a dedicated accessible entrance in the south-east corner near turnstiles 53 to 61.
Accessible parking is limited and should be arranged in advance. Accessible toilets are available, and supporters without a RADAR key can request assistance from a steward. Away supporters needing wheelchair bays, personal assistant seating, accessible parking or other support should arrange this through their own club and Middlesbrough before travelling.
Middlesbrough do offer Riverside Stadium tours through the MFC Foundation. The Foundation advertises guided behind-the-scenes tours of the home of Middlesbrough Football Club, with prices previously listed at £14 per adult and £7 per child aged 16 and below. Tours must be booked in advance, with no facility to pay on the day.
Tour dates are not always continuously available, so supporters planning a visit specifically for a tour should book through the MFC Foundation route and confirm availability, times, prices and access arrangements before travelling.
MIMA is a central cultural stop close to Centre Square and the town-centre hotel area. It is a useful option before walking towards the Riverside.
An iconic Teesside landmark and worth seeing if you are making a day of the trip. Access and opening arrangements can vary, so check before planning a visit.
Official Middlesbrough ticketing page for match tickets, membership sales, hospitality, accessibility information and fixture-specific ticket updates.