Heading to St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park for a Birmingham City home match? Whether you’re a die-hard Blues supporter or a first-time visitor, planning your arrival time makes all the difference.
From matchday traffic to parking availability and security checks at the turnstiles, timing is key to enjoying a smooth, stress-free matchday.
Here’s the ultimate guide to what time you should arrive and how to plan your trip.
⏰ Recommended Arrival Times
| Situation | Best Arrival Time |
|---|---|
| Booked parking | 60–90 minutes before kick-off |
| Need to find parking | 90–120 minutes before kick-off |
| Large/derby match | 2+ hours before kick-off |
| Travelling with kids or elderly fans | 90–120 minutes before kick-off |
| Evening matches | 75–90 minutes before kick-off |
Arriving early helps avoid:
- Traffic build-up around the ground
- Queues entering parking areas
- Long security lines at stadium entrances
- Stress from rushing before kick-off
🚗 Matchday Parking Timing Tips
St Andrew’s sits in a residential area with limited parking, so timing is crucial.
✅ If You Pre-Booked Parking
Arrive 60–90 minutes early to:
- Check in easily
- Walk comfortably to the stadium
- Enjoy pre-match atmosphere or a pub stop
❌ If You Didn’t Book Parking
Plan for 90–120 minutes — matchday traffic and street restrictions make last-minute parking tough.
👉 Avoid last-minute parking hunts — book here instead
https://bcfcmatchdayparking.co.uk
📞 020 3046 0010
🛣️ Traffic Flow Around St Andrew’s
Expect traffic build-up:
- 1–2 hours before kick-off
- Immediately after full-time
Key roads that get busy:
- Coventry Road (A45)
- Cattell Road
- Garrison Lane
- Small Heath Highway
🚶♂️ Walking to the Stadium
Once parked, allow 10–20 minutes to walk depending on location.
Use official fan routes and main roads — safer and better atmosphere!
🍻 Pre-Match Atmosphere Tip
If you’d like to grab food or visit a pub before the match, aim to arrive 2+ hours before kick-off.
Local fan-friendly spots include:
- The Roost (closest)
- The Cricketers Arms
- The Old Crown (Digbeth)
👨👩👧 Travelling With Family?
Arrive 1.5–2 hours early so you can:
- Park calmly
- Walk at a comfortable pace
- Enjoy the fan atmosphere without crowds
🎫 Turnstile & Security Advice
Turnstiles usually open at least 1 hour before kick-off.
Arrive early to avoid queues, especially for:
- Bag checks
- Ticket scanning issues
- Busy fixtures
🕓 Post-Match Exit Timing
It gets busy fast after the final whistle. You have two smart options:
- Leave immediately — if you parked facing outward
- Wait 10–15 minutes — traffic clears quickly after
✅ Quick Matchday Timeline
| Time Before Kick-off | What to Do |
|---|---|
| +2 hours | Arrive in area, pub/food, soak in atmosphere |
| +90 mins | Park, relax, take photos, head toward ground |
| +60 mins | Enter stadium, get settled, enjoy warm-ups |
| Kick-off | You’re ready to cheer on the Blues! 💙 |
🎯 Final Tips
- Pre-book parking — avoids stress & fines
- Check fixture details — big games = earlier arrival
- Use official walking routes
- Be patient post-match — or leave quickly with a smart exit plan
Football should be enjoyable — not rushed!
🚘 Book Secure Matchday Parking
Guarantee your space before matchday:
👉 https://bcfcmatchdayparking.co.uk
📞 020 3046 0010
Safe | Close | Easy | Peace of mind
