- Introduction
- About the University of Bolton Stadium: the essentials
- Getting to the University of Bolton Stadium by train
- What to do at the University of Bolton Stadium?
- Travel tips for visiting the University of Bolton Stadium
- Conclusion
- Explore more stadium guides
Introduction
The University of Bolton Stadium, also known as the Toughsheet Community Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a modern football stadium located in Burden Way, Horwich, Bolton, in Greater Manchester. The stadium is home to Bolton Wanderers Football Club, who have played here since 1997, when the stadium opened.
Taking the train to the stadium is the best way to travel, as it’s highly convenient and easily accessible from surrounding areas and regions.
This article will cover the stadium, the best way to reach it, and detail some handy tips to get there conveniently and even save you money.
About the University of Bolton Stadium: the essentials
The University of Bolton Stadium originally opened in 1997, replacing the club’s historic former home, Burden Park. In fact, the current stadium’s address at ‘Burden Way’ is a nod to its highly thought of predecessor.
The stadium has a capacity for almost 29,000 football fans, or 40,000 for concerts in the summer off-season. Notable features include its integration with the Bolton Stadium Hotel, which offers some rooms with pitch views, and two separate tunnels for teams entering the field —a rarity in European football stadium design.
The University of Bolton Stadium has hosted concerts by major artists, including Oasis and Coldplay, as well as snooker tournaments such as the Champion of Champions, and even political rallies by the Labour Party, which took place in 2019. The integrated hotel within the stadium has also hosted major darts events, including the UK Open Darts Championship.
Getting to the University of Bolton Stadium by train
Horwich Parkway Train Station is closest to the stadium and is run solely by Northern. It’s only a five-minute walk away from the stadium and there are also extra matchday trains to the University of Bolton Stadium from Bolton Station. If getting to Horwich Parkway is difficult, you can take a train to Boldon Station and then transfer to another train. Here are some popular routes to the station:
It takes only eight minutes to get from Bolton to Horwich Parkway with Northern.
2: Manchester Piccadilly to Horwich Parkway
The journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Horwich Parkway takes around twenty-seven minutes with Northern.
3: Preston to Horwich Parkway
The journey from Preston to Horwich Parkway takes approximately twenty-five minutes with Northern.
What to do at the University of Bolton Stadium?
The University of Bolton Stadium offers guided tours that provide an immersive experience for Bolton Wanderers fans and football fans. These tours, which can be booked directly via Bolton Wanderers’ website, allow you to walk through the players’ tunnel, visit the home team’s dressing room, stand at the side of the pitch, and experience the stadium from the perspective of the players on match day. The tour also explores the club’s rich history, including its time at the now-legendary Burden Park. Although the stadium doesn’t have a dedicated museum about the club, its history is nonetheless still woven into the narrative of the stadium tour.
While you’re in Bolton, you can still learn more about the club, the city, and its broader social and cultural history at the Bolton Museum in Bolton town centre, which is only eight minutes away from the stadium.
The official Bolton Wanderers Club Shop is a great place to stop by for all your merch, gifts, and knick-knacks. Located near the East Stand, it’s a great place to buy everything from replica kits to the latest kits.
If you fancy a drink near the stadium, head to the Bolton Stadium Hotel, which is built into the stadium, as it has its own restaurant and bar and hosts events of its own, including darts championships and musical events.
Travel tips for visiting the University of Bolton Stadium
If you're heading to the University of Bolton Stadium by train, booking your tickets in advance is a smart move. Not only can you secure a seat, but you'll also likely find cheaper fares, helping you to save money.
For even greater savings, consider travelling during off-peak hours – typically outside of rush hour. Additionally, if you have a Railcard, be sure to use it for an extra discount on your fare; these can offer significant savings for frequent travellers, so it’s worthwhile if you travel to different stadiums around England.
To ensure you have plenty of time to grab a drink and a bite before the match, plan to arrive at the stadium one to two hours before kick-off. This will help you avoid any last-minute rushes and arrive at your seat well before the action begins. It's always better to be early and soak up the pre-match atmosphere.
Conclusion
A little preparation can go a long way. Booking your train tickets in advance, planning your route beforehand, using a Railcard, and allowing yourself plenty of time to arrive at the match on time can make all the difference to your journey.
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