Bolton Wanderers – University of Bolton Stadium

The University of Bolton Stadium, home to Bolton Wanderers and built by Birse Construction, opened in 1997 with a revolutionary “space age” design, is an all seater stadium, with a capacity approaching 29,000. Each of the stands has a rectangular lower tier, with a semi-circular upper tier. The ground is completely enclosed and has a large video screen in one corner, replaying match highlights.

An unusual feature of the University of Bolton Stadium is that the opposing teams emerge from separate tunnels located either side of the halfway line. Away fans are housed in the two-tiered South Stand. The lower tier of this stand is shared with home supporters, but away fans are allocated the entire upper tier, and can usually create a good atmosphere when full.

How to get to the University of Bolton Stadium

Getting to the University of Bolton Stadium By Roadmotorway

Bolton’s University of Bolton Stadium is located in Burnden Way, Middlebrook Leisure & Retail Park, Bolton BL6 6JW, with easy access from motorways.

Drivers arriving from the North should exit the M6, taking the M65 towards Blackburn. Exit the M65 at junction 2, following the M61 towards Manchester. On exiting the M61, the University of Bolton Stadium can be seen, but is well signed nonetheless.

Away fans driving from the South should follow the M6 as far as junction 21a, following the eastward M62 as far as junction 12. Thereafter, follow the M61 and signage for Bolton / Preston. Exit the M61 at junction 6, from whence the stadium is visible and clearly signposted.

Getting to the University of Bolton Stadium By Rail

The University of Bolton Stadium is situated 4 miles west of Bolton town centre. The closest train station is Horwich Parkway, within 400 yards of the ground.

Closest train station near The Reebok Stadium

There are direct rail links to Manchester airport (a trip of about ¾ of an hour) and Manchester city centre (approximately 20 minutes). Click here to check the current train timetables

Airports Near The University of Bolton Stadium

The nearest airports to the University of Bolton Stadium are Manchester International (24 miles) and Liverpool John Lennon 39 miles).

We’d recommend  transport from the airport to the ground in advance, as this can become quite expensive otherwise.

Taxis From The University of Bolton Stadium

There are several taxi companies in Bolton that can take you to and from the stadium. You can always prebook a private hire taxi, or hail a black cab on any highway.

The main taxi firms that operate in Bolton are:

  • Metrocars Bolton
  • S and D Taxis
  • United Taxi
  • Orbit Taxi
  • Pal Cars

Where to Park at the University of Bolton Stadium

2000 free car parking spaces are available at the University of Bolton Stadium. However, reports from fans suggest that the away sections become vastly overcrowded, with many vehicles blocked in by other vehicles. Several industrial estates close to the ground offer reasonably priced parking.

Here are all the local places to park close to Bolton’s stadium:

  • University of Bolton Car Park A – £7 (0.1km away)
  • Cranfield Road Industrial Estate – £5 (0.7km away)
  • Lostock Lane Matchday Car Parks – £3.50 (0.9km away)
  • The Beehive Pub – Charitable Donation (1.1km away)
  • St Joseph’s Catholic High School – £4 (1.1km away)
  • Brinsop Country Inn – £4 (1.9km away)
Where to park for The Reebok Stadium

A recommended idea is to park at the Beehive pub, about ½ a mile past the stadium. This can be reached by leaving the M61 at junction 6, heading for the stadium, but continuing past the ground to Chorley New Road. Free parking is offered for patrons of this away friendly pub.

Away Friendly Pubs near the University of Bolton Stadium

Most pubs in the immediate vicinity of the ground admit home fans only. However, the Middlebrook Retail Park has many food outlets, such as Burger King, KFC and a Bolton-themed McDonalds.

The Bromilow Arms is a recommended away friendly pub. It can be reached by passing the stadium on the left, and turning right into Lostock Lane, with The Bromilow Arms located on the left. It is reported to offer a good choice of real ales and food, along with a friendly “country style” atmosphere and a good mix of home and away fans.

Away friendly pubs near The Reebok Stadium

The Barnstormers, in the same area, also welcomes away supporters, with a good atmosphere, real ales and decent food available.

Hotels near The University of Bolton Stadium

The 4-star De Vere Venues Whites Hotel, De Havilland Way, Horwich, BL6 6SF is fully integrated into Bolton’s University of Bolton Stadium, within easy reach of Manchester city centre and has attracted good reviews from visitors. Offering a combination of comfort, style and football, along with value for money, it offers free on-site parking for patrons.

The 4-star Holiday Inn Bolton Centre, 1 Higher Bridge St, Bolton, BL1 2EW has been refurbished in recent years, endeavouring to offer an informal yet sophisticated atmosphere. Located in the heart of Bolton, just over 4 miles from the University of Bolton Stadium, this hotel is easily accessed from the M61 and M62 and has attracted mostly positive reviews from guests. All rooms are air-conditioned, with free on-site parking available.

Here are some more hotels near The University of Bolton Stadium worth checking out:

  • Mercure Bolton
  • Macdonald Kihley Court
  • The Bridge Hotel

Where do away fans sit at The University of Bolton Stadium?

Away fans that visit this ground are situated in the South Stand which is located behind one of the goals, and has an allocation of 3,000 which can actually be increased to 5,000 maximum capacity should it need to be.

This away location can make for a terrific away day as a football fan, being in and amongst the passionate supporters of your club away at Bolton.

What have other Away Fans said about their trip to the University of Bolton Stadium?

Fans have found the University of Bolton Stadium easily accessible with the surrounding area appropriate for large numbers of people.

The majority of visiting fans have remarked upon the friendly atmosphere within the ground, with no feeling of intimidation, despite mixing with the home fans. The vast majority of away fans have been impressed by the looks of the University of Bolton Stadium and the quality of the seating. Refreshment facilities are reported as excellently organised, with barriers and exit lanes, though queues are unavoidably long at half-time.

What do fans think of The Reebok Stadium

Further downsides include overzealous stewards, who have been known to eject away fans from the ground for persistently standing during the game. Additionally, the rows of the South Stand lower tier which are closest to the pitch are not covered by the roof, leaving them open to the elements.

The University of Bolton Stadium FAQ’s

What is Bolton Wanderers nickname?

Bolton Wanderers have several nicknames, including The Trotters, The Wanderers, The White Men and The Whites.

Who owns University of Bolton Stadium?

Bolton Wanderers F.C themselves own the University of Bolton Stadium, the name being influenced by the fact that the University of Bolton is the stadium’s sponsor.

What League are Bolton Wanderers In?

Bolton Wanderers are in the EFL League 1, but have enjoyed spells in the premier league and championship in the past.

What did the University of Bolton Stadium used to be called?

The University of Bolton Stadium used to be called the Macron Stadium, changing its sponsorship and in turn its stadium name to the Reebok Stadium in 2014.

The stadium remained to be called The Macron Stadium until 2018, and since then has changed sponsorship and names to the University of Bolton Stadium.

James Dooley avatar