The Stadium
The Madejski Stadium, a 24,200 capacity all-seater 'bowl' design, opened in August 1998 and has quickly established a reputation as one of the best of its kind.
Built to a total cost of £50m, the Stadium complex also houses a first class Conference Centre and four-star deluxe hotel, and ESPN recently voted the stadium as the best mid-sizes arena in Europe. In addition, in the summer of 1999 'Match of the Day' magazine readers voted the Stadium as the third best stadium in the country behind Old Trafford and Highbury!
There has also been national and international recognition as the Stadium was chosen to host England under 21 football internationals, the Rugby Union 2001 European Shield Final and the Rugby League World Cup fixture between New Zealand and the Cook Islands in November 2000.
The Stadium is named after Reading Football Club Chairman John Madejski OBE, DL who successfully founded the' Auto Trader' magazine and contributed a significant amount of his personal fortune to the construction of the Stadium.
Madejski Stadium is located less than a mile from Junction 11 of the M4, and has more than 2,000 parking spaces. On football matchdays, parking facilities are also available at the nearby Compaq offices and Reading Speedway Stadium. Shuttle bus services from the town centre are also available to supporters.
The A33 relief road gives a direct link from the motorway, but the roads in the area are very busy, and queuing can be expected exiting the M4 and then all the way to the Stadium. Car parking is extensive, but very popular and under extreme demand, so travelling by train to Reading Central and then by shuttle bus is recommended whenever possible.
"The only corner of heaven on Earth can now be formally identified. It is an old rubbish tip beside the drumminginfinity of the M4 in the Royal County of Berkshire. Rival claims will not be entertained for the time being." - Bryon Butler, Daily Telegraph
Madejski Stadium Information
Pitch Size - 102 metres x 70 metres
Ground Capacity - 24,200 (all seated).
Coach Parking - On site, or off site by Police direction.
Railway Station - Reading Central (3 miles) Shuttle bus services are provided between the Stadium and the Station.
Club Shop - Madejski Stadium Megastore - Opening Times: 9am-5.30pm Monday to Saturday - Contact 0118 968 1239
West Stand - Main Stand, includes hospitality entrances, restaurant, Conference Centre, Megastore, main ticket office, players entrance and concourse bars. Seating at Ground and
Upper Levels. Entry at Turnstile Gates 1 -4.
East Stand - Unreserved seating, Shooters Bar. Tickets and Turnstile Gates 7-8.
Disabled Supporters Information - A total of 128 wheelchairs spaces are available in all stands. Entry is at ground level and the places are set well back from the pitch, offering excellent viewing and weather protection. Contact the Ticket Hotline on 0118 968 1000 for more information.
Getting to the Ground
For directions to Madejski Stadium and the facilities available on matchdays, click here.
The Stands
West Stand – runs along pitch side, divided into Upper and Lower tiers
East Stand – runs along pitch side, home to the East Stand Drummers
South Stand – goal-end stand, unreserved seating at London Irish home matches
North Stand – goal-end stand, open at selected matches only
Smoking Policy
The seated bowl, concourse, staircases, toilets and hospitality areas are all smoke free. There are designated smoking areas as follows:
West & North Stand – Smokers are permitted to leave by way of reversible turnstiles at Gate 1-6, five minutes prior to half-time. A steward will issue a pass-out ticket stating the gate number and date. Spectators will be able to return through the correct turnstile by giving up the voucher to the turnstile operator. The turnstiles will be closed five minutes after the start of the second half. No further re-admission will be permitted.
East Stand – Smokers are permitted to smoke outside Gates 7&8 within the secured compound, at a period of time after kick-off as determined by the Safety Officer. This will normally be about 15 minutes after kick-off.
South Stand – Smoking is not permitted in the South Stand and smokers are not permitted to leave or re-enter the Stand.
Hospitality guest – Outside main reception.
The Complex
Royal Berkshire Conference Centre
If you are holding a meeting, product launch, sales or training conference or even an exhibition you will find exactly wat you need at the Royal Berkshire Conference Centre.
With thirty-five conference and meeting rooms, with the largest having a capacity of six hundred theatre-style, there is complete flexibility for any meeting you require. Private parties and banquets are more than welcome.
For further details please call the Conference Centre on 0118 968 1333 or e-mail conference@readingfc.co.uk
The Millennium Madejski Hotel
Welcome to the Millennium Madejski, the new luxury hotel which is an integral part of the Madejski Stadium Complex. An ideal location for exploring Reading and the surrounding Royal Berkshire countryside, such as Ascot, Henley, Windsor and Eton.
The four star deluxe hotel comprises of 140 Guest Rooms including Standard, Club Floor and Suites, along with rooms for the disabled.
All rooms have en-suite facilities, hospitality tray, mini bar, colour TV with movie and satellite channels, direct dial telephone, radio, trouser press, ironing board and hairdryer.
Unwind in Le Club Health & Fitness, the brand new Leisure Club, incorporating a swimming pool, fully fitted gym, sanarium and whirlpool. Beauty treatments are available for those who enjoy a little extra indulgence.
For further details please call the Millennium Madejski Hotel on 0118 925 3500, e-mail sales.reading@mill-cop.com or visit the website www.millennium-hotels.com
Restaurants and Bars at the Hotel
Cilantro - The fine dining restaurant for those special occasions whether business or pleasure.
Le Cafe - An informal dining experience catering for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Atrium Bar - The exciting meeting place for a drink before dinner or just to meet friends, offering fine wines, exotic cocktails and innovative food.
The Jazz Cafe
The Jazz Cafe, located within the Stadium Complex, offers a variety of functions, providing: -
- Bar Service on both Football and Rugby match days for Season Ticket holders
- Friday and Saturday evenings operate as a restaurant/bar with LIVE music
- LIVE music venue with full Public Entertainment License till 3am
- Venue capacity in excess of 300
- Full on-site catering facilities
- Corporate entertaining/private functions
- Operated by hands on management team
For further details visit the website www.thejazzcafe.co.uk