The ground has benefited greatly with the re-development of both ends. These stands, the North & South Stands, are virtually identical. Both are good sized, single tiered stands with windshields on either side and unusual floodlights protruding from their roofs. The North Stand is given to away supporters. On one side of the pitch is the Railway Stand, a small covered, all seated stand, which is currently unused. Opposite must be one of the most unusual Main Stands in Scotland. It is a classic looking old stand, that only runs for less then half the length of the pitch, but extends around one corner of the ground. It is a covered seated stand, the seating area of which is raised above pitch level and has a number of supporting pillars. Even so, the stand oozes character, complete with a ‘RRFC’ gable on it’s roof. It is just unfortunate that the rest of this side of the ground, is empty.
In the Summer of 2018, an artificial surface was installed at Stark’s Park.
Away fans are normally housed in the North Stand at one end of the ground. The angle of the stand is quite steep, ensuring a good view of the playing action. The facilities in this stand are also quite good. If there is only a small visiting support expected, then the South side of the Main Stand is allocated instead of the North End.
Andy Turner adds; ‘The staff at the ground are welcoming and friendly. The folk who run the supporters shop, located in the south stand, personify the welcoming nature of the Club as a whole. I recently took a friend, a Plymouth fan for his first Scottish game and the lads at the shop gave him a commemorative programme as a souvenir.
If arriving directly at the ground then the area is fairly barren where it comes to pubs and bars. Instead, it is a case of walking into the town centre which is around a 15 minute walk away. At the bottom on the High Street near the seafront is the Duchess Of Kirkcaldy, whilst a little further up the High Street is the Exchequer. Further on into the town centre and around a ten minute walk from the railway station is a Wetherspoons outlet on Kirk Wynd Street, called the Robert Nairn.
Take the A921 into Kirkcaldy. Turn onto the B9157 (Pratt Street) for the ground. The ground is well sign posted (football traffic) on entering the town. Street Parking.
Kirkcaldy Railway Station is around a 15 minute walk away from Starks Park. Exit the station via the door at the top of the stairs on platform 2, then turn left down the hill. Go right at the railway bridge and at the mini roundabout turn left into Abbotshall Road. This road (keeping the railway to your left) eventually leads into Pratt Street and to the ground.
Thanks to Andy Turner an exiled Chesterfield fan and Martin Hart for providing the directions.
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:
Adults £15
Students £10
Concessions £8
Concessions apply to Over 65’s, Under 16’s and Disabled.
Official Programme £2.
Dunfermline, Falkirk, Cowdenbeath & East Fife.
Raith Rovers FC fixture list (takes you to the BBC Sports Website).
Record Attendance:
31,306 v Hearts (1953).
Average Attendance:
2018-2019: 1,556 (League One)
2017-2018: 1,886 (League One)
2016-2017: 2,631 (Championship League)
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.
If you require hotel accommodation in Kirkcaldy 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.
Official Web Site: www.raithrovers.net
Unofficial Web Site: Independent Supporters Trust
If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, then please e-mail me at: [email protected] and I’ll update the guide.
Special thanks to Owen Pavey for providing the photos of Starks Park Raith Rovers.
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the ground itself?
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the stadium?
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out
Raith Rovers v Falkirk
Scottish League One
Saturday 5th October 2019, 3pm
Andy Carruthers (Falkirk)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Stark's Park?
I have never been to Raith before, plus this was a top of the league clash and as always love our away days watching Falkirk.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
As usual the trip up from Wigan on the M6 was hassle-free. We went straight to our accommodation for the night, the Elbow Inn. It was a fantastic welcoming pub and hotel with great parking. From the hotel, it was only a short taxi ride to the ground. It was probably the best way to get there, to be honest as it’s only street parking I believe.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
After checking in, we had lunch in the pub restaurant. It was a very relaxing atmosphere and got us in the mood for the game. The home fans where great. It was pretty much a family atmosphere which is how it should be. A fantastic club.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Stark's Park?
I love these grounds very quaint. It is good to see that they haven't gone all modern and have left it as to how grounds should be in my view. Both stands behind the goals had cover; a small L shaped stand to the far left undercover and the stand on the right undercover too. The home fans congregate behind the goal and in the small stand to the left with away fans behind the other goal. We had a great view of the game. The pitch is a 4g artificial one.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
To be fair despite Falkirk throwing away a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 in the end it was a decent game of football. Both teams could have won had they taken their chances. It was a feisty affair with tackles flying in at times, a good old top of the league ding dong doo. As always the stewards where fantastic. Sales of pies, tea, coffee etc were flying off the shelves and easy access to toilets too.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Getting away from the ground wasn’t a problem. We had a taxi booked at the local pub around the corner for 5 pm, so it was pretty much out the ground into the taxi and back to our digs. However, the Police do close the road off so it does get slightly congested with fans spilling out and would possibly catch you out if you parked in the wrong place there would be a wait to get away.
Sum mary of overall thoughts of the day out:
The day was great, to be honest. We really enjoyed the atmosphere, the game, and the ground despite Falkirk throwing it away but well done Raith and thank you for making the day memorable.
Raith Rovers v Alloa Athletic
Sottish League Cup, Group Stage
Saturday 30th July 2016, 3pm
Michael (Ninety-Two Club)