Somerset Park

Club Website Links

Official Web Site:  www.ayrunitedfc.co.uk Unofficial Web Sites:  The Honest Page Ayr United History

What Is Somerset Park Like?

Somerset Park is a classic traditional looking ground that is predominantly terracing. Only one side has a seating area, in the old Main Stand, part of which dates back to 1924. This stand is covered and the seated area is raised above pitch level. There are also a few supporting pillars which could impede your view. This stand was extended sideways in 1989. In front of the stand are some small sections of terracing, the team dugouts and a small conservatory type structure, that looked to be used by the Police. On the other side is a large open terrace that extends around the corners of the ground. This area is split between home and away fans, who are segregated by a large fence running down the middle of it. At the back of the home fans section is a strange concrete box like structure that looks to have been built behind the existing terrace. This appears to house a number of hospitality boxes that overlook the ground.

Both ends are quite similar looking, as they are of roughly the same size and both are covered terracing. The home end, the Somerset Road end is partly covered (to the rear) medium sized terrace, that has a row of supporting pillars running across the front of it. Away fans are located in the opposite end in the Railway Terrace. The ground is completed with a set of four modern floodlight pylons, one located at each corner of the ground.

Future Developments

The club had hoped to be moving to a new 7,650 capacity new stadium in the Heathfield area of the town, for the start of the 2009/10 season, with Somerset Park being re-developed for housing. However, the credit crunch and economic downturn has forced the club to put the scheme on hold. This means that we’ll get to enjoy Somerset Park for a bit longer yet….

What is it like for visiting supporters?

For the majority of games away fans will be housed in the small standing enclosure in front of the Main Stand at one side of the pitch. For the bigger games against Partick Thistle & Morton then away fans will allocated the covered Railway End Terrace at one end of the ground, as well as some open terrace to either side of it. So visiting fans for these games have a choice as to whether to view the action from either an end or side of the pitch and unless there is a huge travelling support you will normally get a good view of the playing action. With the away end being covered, a relatively small number of away fans can really create some noise, adding to the atmosphere. There are two refreshment kiosks in the away section serving the usual array of pies, hot dogs & burgers. Unfortunately though there is only one set of toilets that are right by the entrance turnstiles to the away end. I would have to say that the mens urinals looked as if they dated back to when the ground opened. I did notice on my visit that parts of the open terrace had a fair few white blobs all over them, thanks to the large local population of seagulls. It may be an idea to make sure you wear a hat if you use the open terrace!

Simon Lyndsay a visiting Falkirk supporter adds; ‘This is my favourite away game. It is a great old fashioned ground. With good pubs, pies, great fish and chips and I have never had a bit of bother there. The fans can have a go at one another during the game (loads of verbals), but walking away at the end, there never seems to be any hassle. An enthusiastic two thumbs up from me for Somerset Park’.

Where to drink?

There are no bars in the immediate vicinity of the ground. So a ten minute walk to the town centre is required, where there are plenty of pubs to be found. Of note are four pubs that are listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide, including the Abbotsford Hotel on Coursehill Road, Geordie’s Byre on the Main Street, Wellingtons Bar on Wellington Square and the Glen Park Hotel on Racecourse Road. In addition there is a Wetherspoons oub, called the West Kirk on Sandgate

If you are arriving by train at Newton-On-Ayr, then there is the Wallace Bar at 6 Tams Brig.

Directions and Car Parking

From the A77 take the A719 (Whitletts Road) into Ayr. After passing the racecourse on your left, turn right at the next set of traffic lights for the ground, or turn left to take you down to an unofficial car park. Turning right will take you into Burnett Terrace, then left into Hawkhill Avenue and then right into Somerset Road. The ground is down on the left. There is a small car park at the ground adjacent to the Main Stand but this is for pass holders only. However, there is plenty of street parking to be found in the area around the stadium.

By Train

Ayr Railway Station is a ten minute walk away from Somerset Park. Exit the station through the back entrance (to the left as you come off the platform, over the footbridge) and turn left once outside. Walk up to the roundabout at the fire station, and go straight ahead at the roundabout, past the left hand side of the Civic Theatre. continue up this road (Craigie Road) to the traffic lights at the top. Go straight across again at this junction, then take a left and a right and you’re there. Away fans walk to the left, behind the Main Stand. Thanks to Ruaridh Watson for providing the directions.

Callum McCabe adds; ‘Newton-On-Ayr station is closer to the ground than Ayr main station, although not as many trains stop there. Go up the hill from the station onto the main road (A79). Turn right along the road and cross over to the other side of the road. Continue for a short distance and just before the bridge (where the road crosses the railway), turn left into McCall’s Avenue. Go all the way up this road until you cross a railway bridge, and then turn right into Somerset Road. The ground is at the bottom of this road on the right’.

Booking train tickets in advance will normally save you money! Find train times, prices and book tickets with Trainline. Visit the website below to see how much you can save on the price of your tickets:

Ticket Prices

All areas of Somerset Park:
Adults £17
OAP’s/Students and Under 22’s £11
Under 18’s £6

Disabled fans and their carer are admitted free of charge. Places must be booked in advance with the club.

Programme Price

Official Programme £2.50.

Local Rivals

Kilmarnock.

Fixture List

Ayr United FC fixture list (takes you to the BBC Sports Website).

Find Hotels and Guest Houses In Ayr

If you require hotel accommodation in the area then first try a hotel booking service provided by Late Rooms. They offer all types of accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets from; Budget Hotels, Traditional Bed & Breakfast establishments to Five Star Hotels and Serviced Apartments. Plus their booking system is straightforward and easy to use. Yes this site will earn a small commission if you book through them, but it will go to help with the running costs of keeping the Guide going.

Record and Average Attendance

Record Attendance 

25,225 v Rangers, 1969.

Average Attendance
2018-2019: 2,157 (Championship League)
2017-2018: 1,533 (League One)
2016-2017: 1,857 (Championship League)

Ayr Hotels - Find and Book Yours And Help Support This Website

If you require hotel accommodation in Ayr then first try a hotel booking service provided by Booking.com. They offer all types of accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets from; Budget Hotels, Traditional Bed & Breakfast establishments to Five Star Hotels and Serviced Apartments. Plus their booking system is straightforward and easy to use. Yes this site will earn a small commission if you book through them, but it will help towards the running costs of keeping this Guide going.

Map Showing The Location Of Somerset Park In Ayr

Somerset Park Ayr United Feedback

If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, then please e-mail me at: [email protected] and I’ll update the guide.

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Owen Pavey for providing some of the photos of Somerset Park Ayr United.

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