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Coventry Building Society Arena

The Coventry Building Society Arena (formerly known as the Ricoh Arena) is a complex in Coventry, England. It includes a 32,609-seater stadium which is home to the owners, rugby club Wasps and to the football team, Championship club Coventry City. 

The site is also home to Arena Park Shopping Centre containing one of the UK's largest Tesco Extra hypermarkets. Unfortunately, the club have yet to sell out the capacity for any home league game although the feat was managed in a cup tie against Chelsea.

Club Factfile

  • NAME: Coventry City
  • NICKNAME: The Sky Blues
  • FOUNDED: 13 August 1883
  • TRADITIONAL COLOURS: Sky blue
  • LOCAL RIVALRY: Leicester City and Aston Villa

Ground Factfile

  • CAPACITY: 32,609
  • RECORD ATTENDANCE: 32,019 (Wasps V Leicester Tigers, 9 May 2015)
  • ADDRESS: Phoenix Way, Rowleys Green, Coventry, England CV6 6GE
  • YEAR OPENED: 2005
  • CONSTRUCTION COST: £113 million
  • PITCH SIZE: 131 x 74 yards

Directions



Ground Information

Following 106 years at Highfield Road, the Coventry Building Society Arena became home to Coventry City in 2005, and after moving out on a couple of occasions including a temporary stay at Birmingham City’s St Andrews, the club is now back at the stadium.

The stadium is completely enclosed, with seating available in all four corners. Three of the stands are single tiered, whilst the West Stand has a large lower tier and small upper tier, giving it an unusual look. Outside the stadium there is a bronze statue of the late Jimmy Hill, who guided the club to the top flight as manager between 1961 and 1967.


Away fans

Visiting supporters are situated to one end of the Jewson south stand where up to 3,000 supporters can be accommodated for. There isn't a single pillar throughout the ground meaning you're view of the playing area is unrestricted from all positions. The size of the ground compared to the general home gate make it quite difficult for home and away fans to generate a good atmosphere.


Away pubs

Pubs admitting away supporters are few and far between and anyone fancying a drink is advised to either stop short on their journey to Coventry or to drink in the City centre. Avoid wearing club colours and you should get a decent pre-game drink.

The nearest shopping area is Arena Park at the back of the ground. There is a large Tesco's, Burger King and lots of market stalls. There is a Pizza Hut across the car park.


Car Parks & Public transport

Parking is very strict in surrounding streets with a residents only format in play leaving no real choice but to either, take up one of the park and ride options around the Ricoh at a cost of between £5 and £7; or spend over £25 in the Arena shopping centre and park there free of charge.

Alternatively, you can book in advance to park at the ground in one of the clubs designated parking spaces at a cost of £10. There are however many pubs situated on Foleshill Road that offer match day parking for as little as £3!

The nearest / closest train station is four miles away. Coventry is on the Virgin Cross Country Line and is also served by Central Trains.


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