Hampden Park

Hampden Park was erected in the early 1900s the provide then top-club Queens Park with a larger home. It was formally inaugurated on the 31st of October 1903 with a match between Queens Park and Celtic (1-0).

The ground was bowl-shaped, with one covered main stand and vast terraces on all other sides. It then counted as the largest in the world and broke several attendance records.

Hampden Park opened a new North Stand in 1937, and in the same year recorded its highest attendance when 149,415 fans came to see an international between Scotland and England. A week later, the Scottish cup final between Celtic and Aberdeen drew an almost similar crowd.

The official capacity of the ground at that time amounted to 183,724, although this was limited to about 150,000 for actual matches.

In 1960, Hampden Park was the venue for the European cup final between Real Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt (7-3), which 130,000 people attended.

Two years later, the ground was the venue for the first ever Cup Winners' cup final between Atlético Madrid and Fiorentina (1-1), which it once again staged in 1966 (Borussia Dortmund vs Liverpool).

In 1976, Hampden Park would host another European cup final, this time between FC Bayern and Saint-Étienne (1-0), although by then the ground had already severely aged and lacked the facilities of many contemporary arenas of the time.

By the 1980s, capacity had fallen to below 80,000, and serious questions were raised whether Hampden Park had a viable future. It was ultimately decided to extensively redevelop the ground, which meant almost completely rebuilding.

Works started in 1991 and were ultimately completed in 1999. The Scottish cup final of that year was the first match played at the new all-seater stadium.

In 2002, Hampden Park staged its first Champions League final with Real Madrid beating Bayer Leverkusen (2-1). In 2007, the ground was the venue for the UEFA Cup final between Sevilla and Espanyol (2-2).

Hampden Park also serves as the Scottish national stadium, hosting all of Scotland's home games, and is in addition the annual venue of the Scottish cup final. It was in addition selected as one of the playing venues of the 2020 European Championships, hosting three first round group games and a round of 16 match.

(images of the current Hampden Park below)

Hampden Park is situated in the south of Glasgow at almost 3 miles from Glasgow's downtown area.

The ground lies a 10-minute walk away from Mount Florida and King's Park rail stations. Take the train from Glasgow Central for the 10-minute journey (5 minutes more to King's Park).

Alternatively one can take bus 31 from Trongate, or bus 75 from Ingram Street, both in Glasgow's downtown area. The journey takes 15 to 20 minutes. From other locations other bus services are available.

Address: Hampden Park, Glasgow, G44 4QG

Hampden Park is situated in a quiet residential neighbourhood. Several pubs and restaurants around, for example west of the ground on Cathcart Road, but the options are limited and it may be a better idea to dine and drink in the downtown area.

The remains of the old Cathkin Park stadium lie just north of Hampden Park, and may be interesting to pass by.

The Number 10 Hotel is a short 10-minute walk from the ground. It gets strong reviews, but comes in the higher price range. The Ivory Hotel is a bit cheaper, but also a bit further away.

Use the linked guides To browse hotels near Hampden Park. The quick train connections make staying in central Glasgow just as easy though. Visitors will find the options in the centre here.

Admission for Queens Park FC matches are available at the gate and cost £12.00.

Hampden Park offers the Hampden Experience, which is a combination of the Scottish Football Museum, a stadium tour, and the Hall of Fame.

Venue tours run seven days a week at 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm, and 3:00 pm. The Football Museum is opened from 10:00 am (11:00 am on Sundays) until 5:00 pm. Opening times can change subject to events.

The museum is priced at £8.00, as does the tour. The combined ticket is priced at £13.00.

Additional information call +44 (0)141 616 6139 or email info@scottishfootballmuseum.org.uk.