Somerset Park

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, such as against Partick Thistle & Morton, then away fans will be 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.

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’.

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.

Ayr United to open pop-up bar

As part of an SPFL trial, Ayr United are ready to introduce pop-up bars inside Somerset Park in an attempt to relax the sport’s ban on alcoholic beverages.

During the Premier Sports Cup games versus Arbroath and Forfar, up to 60 fans will be able to enjoy pints at Somerset Park, which is likely to be considered a positive initiative by the fans. The league’s bosses deemed Ayr United’s games against Arbroath and Forfar as ‘low-risk’, which makes Ayr United one of eight Scottish teams picked to take part in this endeavor.

The pop-up bar itself will be situated in the concourse right under Ayr’s Main Stand, making it easily accessible to football fans. They will be able to enjoy pre-ordered pints hours before the kick-off. Access to the bar will also be available at half-time.

By Car

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’.

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.

Official Programme £2.50.

Somerset Park is a football stadium that initially served as the home ground of Ayr, who merged with Ayr Parkhouse to form Ayr United in 1910, and it has been their home ground ever since.

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 United’s main and biggest rivalry is that with Kilmarnock, which is referred to as the Ayrshire Derby, due to the pair being located in Ayrshire.

The first match was held on 14 September 1910, which finished as a 4-4 draw, with Ayr United securing the first victory in this fixture the following campaign.