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Edinburgh City (Ainslie Park Stadium)

Ainslie Park Stadium

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Capacity: 3,000 (Seats 504)
Club Nickname: The Citizens
Year Opened: 2008
Pitch Size: To be advised
Address: 94 Pilton Drive, Edinburgh EH5 2HF
Phone: 0845 463 1932
Pitch Type: Artificial 3G
Home Kit: Black and White
Last Update: November 6, 2025

Ainslie Park, home of Spartans FC, is a fairly modern stadium having been opened in 2008, but it is a fairly small ground.

The new facilities incorporate a fully enclosed stadium which meets Scottish Football Association and Scottish Football League criteria, an artificial pitch, floodlights and seating for 504 supporters, while the overall capacity is 3000.

Another full size, floodlit and artificial pitch is adjacent to the main playing ground, while there is also six changing rooms, a club room, committee room and physio room.

The stadium previously served as rivals Edinburgh City’s home ground between 2017 and 2022 as the club’s Meadowbank Stadium home underwent redevelopment.

Spartans FC have recently announced that they will be renaming Ainslie Park after coming to an agreement with an Edinburgh-based recruitment company to serve as their sponsor.

The League Two club’s ground will now be officially named the Vanloq Community Stadium.

The decision to sell the naming rights has been made to allow the club to generate funds as they look to climb the ranks of the Scottish footballing pyramid, following their most recent promotion to League Two in 2023.

It unlikely that any league games will be segregated at Ainslie Park Stadium. If there is a need to segregate fans then visiting supporters are allocated specific seats on the North side of the Main Stand. Your entrance fee allows you stand or sit down at the ground. If you decide to stand then note at the North End of the stadium there is a small raised grassy bank, which gives spectators an elevated view of the match. The refreshments include a range of pies including a Macroni Pie £2. I have yet to attend a game at the stadium, but I am sure a friendly welcome awaits you. If you wish to feedback your experience to me of seeing a game there, then please email me at: [email protected].

There is no club house or bars located near to the ground. The closest is probably the Inverleith which is located around a mile away from the stadium on Ferry Road (going towards Leith).

From the North

After crossing the Forth Road Bridge and just before reaching the M90, take the left hand slip road onto the A90 towards Edinburgh, which then becomes the A902. After seven miles you will pass a Shell Petrol Station on your right and at the next roundabout take the third exit towards Leith and Newhaven which is Ferry Road (A902). After passing a Morrisons Store on your left, take the next left into Pilton Drive. The entrance to the Leisure Centre and Football Club are located down on the left after crossing a small railway bridge.

From the West & Glasgow

On reaching the end of the M8 take the A720 City Bypass North. At the next roundabout take the third exit onto the A8 towards Edinburgh City Centre. Then at the traffic lights (where there is a Shell Garage on one corner) turn left onto Maybury Road towards Forth Road Bridge/Leith. Go straight across at the next roundabout and on reaching the next traffic lights which is the junction with Queensferry Road, turn right towards City Centre/Leith (A90). Follow this road for three miles and as you pass a Shell Petrol Station on your right then at the next roundabout take the third exit towards Leith/Newhaven which is Ferry Road (A902). After passing a Morrisons Store on your left, take the next left into Pilton Drive. The entrance to the Leisure Centre and Football Club are located down on the left after crossing a small railway bridge.

From the South

Follow the A1 and then the A199 towards Leith. After passing through the centre of Leith and crossing the bridge over the Water of Leith, turn left at the traffic lights onto North Junction Road. At the next traffic lights turn right onto Ferry Road towards Forth Road Bridge/Glasgow (A902). Stay on Ferry Road for two miles. After passing the Rugby Club on the left, then at the next traffic lights just before reaching the Morrisons Store turn right into Pilton Drive. The entrance to the Leisure Centre and Football Club are located down on the left after crossing a small railway bridge.

Car Parking

There is some parking available to the Leisure Centre, otherwise street parking. Please note that parking at the nearby Morrisons Supermarket is restricted to two hours.

The nearest railway stations are Edinburgh Haymarket and Edinburgh Waverley, both of which are around two and a half to three miles away from Ainslie Park Stadium. Therefore really they are too far to walk, so either get a taxi (around £10) or if arriving at Edinburgh Waverley you can catch a Number 27 Lothian Bus, which drops you off outside the Morrisons Supermarket on Ferry Road close to the ground. You can catch the 27 Bus from ‘The Mound’ road which is close to the Waverley Station on the town side, by the Scottish National Gallery. The service operates every ten minutes on Saturdays and takes around 20 minutes to reach Morrisons. The bus costs £1.60 each way for Adults and 80p each way for Children. See the Lothian Buses website for more details.

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 £12 Concessions £6

Concessions apply to OAP’s, Under 18’s, Students and the Disabled, plus carer.

Official Matchday Programme: £2

The Club have enjoyed a healthy non-league rivalry with Spartans FC. With promotion to the Football  League  it will remain to be seen with which Clubs a rivalry develops.

Edinburgh City FC fixture list (takes you to the BBC Sports Website).

Official website: www.edinburghcityfc.com

Official Social Media

Twitter: @EdinburghCityFC Facebook: facebook.com/ecfc01

Record Attendance

At Meadowbank Stadium 2,522 v Hibernian Pre-Season Friendly, 7th July 2016.

Record Attendance For Ainslie Park Stadium 3,127 Spartans v Manchester United Pre-Season Friendly, 23rd July 2011.

Average Attendance

At Ainslie Park 2018-2019: 401 (League Two) 2017-2018: 325 (League Two)

At Meadowbank Stadium 2016-2017: 401 (League Two)

If you require hotel accommodation in Edinburgh 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.

Special thanks to Geoff Jackson and Jonathan Gallagher for proving photos of the Ainslie Park Stadium in Edinburgh.Check out Geoff’s Cumbrian Groundhopper blog.

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

Ground Layout

Ground Layout of Edinburgh City (Ainslie Park Stadium)

Reviews

Avatar of Derek Hall Derek Hall
Game AttendedEdinburgh City v Albion RoversS
CompetitionSPFL Division Two
Date05/11/2021

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the ground itself?

Me, my wife and my friend Trevor just enjoy SPFL football. I’ve done ‘the 42’ and they’re well on their ways to completing the set.

How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

From North East England: straight up the A1, then through Leith to Granton and Pilton.

What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?

We went to a fantastic pub on Newhaven Waterfront - The Starbank Inn. Lovely decor, views over the Firth of Forth, great fish and chips, friendly locals and staff. 10/10

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the stadium?

As I am a disabled Blue Badge holder, it is annoying that the 3 disabled bays were taken up by 2 staff cars and an ambulance - and access to that part of the car park was also denied to us. The small car park was also quite full with Leisure Centre users. Not great for parking.

Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..

ECFC had an off-day but Albion Rovers were rampant. Great team to watch. Friendly atmosphere in the ground with lots of colour-wearing Rovers supporters present - as well as others from the likes of Raith Rovers, Hibs and Stranraer. Toilets and food outlets readily accessible. Stewards very pleasant and helpful.

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game

We left a few minutes early to get away from the tight car park. In just a few minutes we were back along Leith Waterfront.

Summary of overall thoughts of the day out

We preferred watching ECFC at the ‘old’ Meadowbank and looking at mess Edinburgh City Council seem to have made in building the ‘new one’ - which seems to be just a block of squash courts and suchlike (with a tiny tier of 500 track-side seats), perhaps ECFC should consider a longer groundshare with Spartans. Ainslie Park is clean, tidy and very functional for this level of football. A pleasant evening out, all things considered.
Avatar of Mark Jamieson (Elgin City) Mark Jamieson (Elgin City)

Edinburgh City v Elgin City
Scottish League Two
Saturday 9th November 2019, 3pm
Mark Jamieson (Elgin City)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Ainslie Park?

I had never visited Ainslie Park before and both teams were in great form coming into this match. I had heard positive things of the ground from other supporters and wanted to see it for myself.

How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

I travelled up to Edinburgh by train from my home in Middlesbrough on the Saturday morning and then got the 27 bus from The Mound in the city centre to Pilton Drive. The ground was just a short walk from the bus stop and was easy to find.

What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?

Before the game, we went to the Number 1 High Street pub on The Royal Mile and had something to eat and drink. Reasonable prices for home-cooked food and a large variety of beers.

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Ainslie Park?

The ground is very modern and intimate. There is an artificial pitch which is commonplace amongst many lower league clubs these days. There is no segregation in place between home and away fans and a warm welcome awaits visitors.

Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..

Like most games at League Two level, it started very scrappily. Elgin then scored just before half-time to make it a bit more exciting and they dominated most of the second half but Edinburgh City scored with five minutes left to draw 1-1. The facilities at the ground are fantastic and the pies are delicious. Pies are £2 each and you have to choose between Scotch, Curry or Macaroni. I chose a traditional Scotch pie and was not left disappointed. Tea/Coffee are £1.25.

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

After the game, we got the 27 bus back to the city centre and then made the short walk back to the train station feeling slightly disappointed that we didn't get all three points.

Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

In summary, it was a great day out and another ground ticked off my list. I would definitely recommend a trip to Edinburgh City to others and look forward to going back to see Edinburgh City when they are playing in the new Meadowbank stadium.

Avatar of Tony Smith (Doing the 134) Tony Smith (Doing the 134)

Edinburgh City v Berwick Rangers
Scottish League 2
Tuesday 5th March 2019, 7.45pm
Tony Smith (Doing the 134)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Ainslie Park Stadium?
 
In contrast to Meadowhall, Ainslie Park is too awkwardly sited for just a (rarely available) free Saturday round trip by train. However, a midweek rearranged game represented a welcome opportunity to tick-off one of my last six Scottish grounds.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
As planned, travel from Edinburgh Waverley was straightforward having identified a suitable hotel within 10 mins walk plus quite close to the Western General Hospital which is very well served by buses (£1:70 single, 15 mins subject to traffic).
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
Before the game, I chose to visit a Wetherspoons pub, where they had nothing specific to celebrate Pancake Day so a haggis and cheese baguette sufficed.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Ainslie Park Stadium?
 
Morrisons on the interminably long Ferry Road is a useful landmark for motorists and I saw (non-football) coaches discharging in their car park. Supporter access is however only possible via Pilton Drive itself crossing above one of the many suburban rail lines long since converted for pedestrians, cyclists etc. Walking via the Leisure Centre, past a 3G pitch, I saw some Spartans branding but perhaps financially driven or part of the sharing arrangements nothing at all to show Edinburgh City play there. Temporary labels on the turnstiles indicated it was £12 or £6 concessions. At this end, I then visited the ‘café’ where pies were proving popular but I only had a tea (£1.25) nor investigated any bar options in the club/dressing room building. 
 
Proceeding to the Main Stand I spotted a ‘unit’ serving as a club shop but they directed me to a nearby table for a (£2:50) programme. Decent value and up-to-date I learned that an upcoming Sportsman’s Brunch features comedian John Stiles the son of legendary Nobby. Photos on this website give a good clue that in a drizzle virtually everyone in the 253 crowd could have been predicted to use the ‘metal kit’ Main Stand (and only this for many matches) unless occupying the overlooking houses and flats. The two Directors areas on the back row had some padded seats and were bizarrely segregated using bits of cardboard boxes. There was no particular need to separate fans and there were at least 20 yellow and black bobble hats representing Berwick it being one of their closer fixtures. A group of vocal youngsters with a drum at one end of the stand at least tried to create an atmosphere. Referenced as ‘ultras’ the programme noted “we’ll be having a quiet word” in relation to undesirable language! What did strike me was that the dug-outs on the opposite side were well separated and no fans ventured there. This presumably serves well for any ‘safeguarding’ etc. issues/regulations in junior matches. In addition, it must help reduce the sort of nonsense behaviour between opposing coaching staff and 4th official which has become the norm in the English Football Leagues. Having said that I did not see the latter nor use of an electronic board for subs/added-time.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
A neutral would not have known there were 40 points separating the two teams and the game had 0 -0 written all over it. Despite at least 24 previous league goals Blair Henderson was largely anonymous until presented with the penalty that won the match for the home team after 63 minutes. Not sure why it was awarded but there were no protests and Ciaran Diver sat on the substitutes bench throughout. (I note the cup odyssey to Welsh club Connah Quays Nomads was lost on a penalty shoot-out). With speedy counter-attacks I felt a much changed Berwick deserved to share the points but it would have made little impact on them finishing 9th in the league above the presumably woeful Albion Rovers who are currently on just 8 points.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
I used the toilets behind the Main Stand afterward and they were clean and well stocked with paper and hand-wash. It was a short walk to my hotel which annoyingly bombards staying guests with emails such as: “awaiting you already?”; “please bid for an upgrade – you might be surprised” etc
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
Although this match/venue was not particularly memorable I like Edinburgh as a city and maybe there is scope, but at vast expense, to extend the trams. The programme cast some doubt about the progress redeveloping Meadowbank and whether the Citizens would return. I don’t know the relative likely finances but feel their current arrangements are more fitting to their likely prospects in a city dominated by Hibs and Hearts.
Avatar of Graeme Whitton (Neutral) Graeme Whitton (Neutral)

Edinburgh City v Montrose
Scottish League 2
Saturday 13th January 2018, 3pm
Graeme Whitton (Neutral fan)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Ainslie Park?
 
Last year I visited the last few league grounds in Scotland that I hadn't been to complete the 42. But as Edinburgh City have temporarily moved home from Meadowbank Stadium to Ainslie Park, I had to visit there to recomplete the full set of current grounds.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
Very straightforward. I live in Edinburgh so a simple 30 minute bus journey across town. Ainslie Park isn't hard to find from the main Ferry Road. When the directions say it's behind the Morrisons supermarket you can take that literally.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
There is not much in the way of pubs etc near Ainslie Park, but having had lunch before leaving home, I headed straight to the ground. If visiting from out of town I'd recommend you eat and drink in one the many excellent establishments in central Edinburgh before taking a bus or taxi to the game. If you're driving you'll find several decent establishments in the Stockbridge area (5/10 minutes drive away).
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Ainslie Park?
 
It looks what it is. A community facility and it looked well kept. Ainslie Park only has a covered seating area down one side. The other three sides are open but no terracing though there is a raised area behind one goal. Away fans congregated at one end of the grandstand but there didn't seem to be any formal segregation.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
The game was patchy. Both sides at least tried to get the ball down and pass it around but conditions (and possibly the 3G pitch) made that tricky at times. Montrose, in the end were fairly comfortable 2-0 winners, though Edinburgh hit the woodwork twice.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
Getting away was easy. A short walk back to my bus stop. There was a small queue of traffic waiting to get out onto the main road but I don't imagine it would take more than five minutes.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
Overall, an okay visit but I suspect the lack of facilities near the ground don't make this a popular day out for away fans. Ainslie Park itself was neat and tidy but my inner football romantic wanted to scream "but it has no soul!".
Avatar of Martin Cooper (Neutral) Martin Cooper (Neutral)

Edinburgh City v Stirling Albion
Scottish League Two
Saturday 4th November 2017, 3pm
Martin Cooper (Neutral fan)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Ainslie Park Stadium?
 
Having previously visited the 42 Scottish League grounds, and having not made it to Meadowbank last season, I was keen to visit the Ainslie Park Stadium.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
I took a train to Edinburgh Waverley Station and then a taxi to the ground, which took 15-20 minutes and cost £12-15.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
We arrived early at the ground in expectation of a warm and welcoming Clubhouse. Unfortunately, no such facilities exist and so I ended up sitting in the stand reading the excellent programme.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Ainslie Park Stadium?
 
Ainslie Park Stadium is located around the back of a Leisure Centre and is fairly basic with a 500 seat Main Stand, two-storey changing rooms/hospitality suite and a basic post and rail around the pitch.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
This was a second from bottom side versus the league leaders but Edinburgh City started brightly and took an early lead with a great strike from the on-loan Falkirk striker. Stirling Albion battled back and equalised from a flowing move. The leaders Stirling exerted their class in the second half and took the lead with a close range finish from a fine cross. The atmosphere was pretty flat in the first half but was enlivened by a guitar strumming away fan who led the fans in some lively singing. There appeared to be a range of pies available, including the macaroni pie, and hot drinks. The toilet facilities, although housed in shipping containers behind the stand, had hot water and hand dryers that were most welcome in the chilly temperature.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
I booked a Taxi at half time to enable a quick return to the train station at the end of the game. Our exit was delayed due to traffic lights and departing shoppers from Morrisons next door.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
It was an entertaining lower level game. The match programme was superb but the lack of bar facilities was very disappointing as I had been looking forward to sampling some fine local ales prior to the game, having made a long journey from Newark.
Avatar of John Scott (Clachnacuddin) John Scott (Clachnacuddin)

Spartans v Clachnacuddin
Scottish Cup 2nd Round
Saturday 14th October 2017, 3pm
John Scott (Clachnacuddin fan)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Ainslie Park?
 
New ground and day out really. Clachnacuddin were so unpredictable, they might have had a chance of a result. I was wrong there!
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
The supporters had a small bus going to the game, so driving and finding the Ainslie Park ground seemed straightforward after crossing the new Queensferry Bridge. There were 18 good back seat drivers!
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
We went into the very friendly Social Club at the ground. However it was very busy so a few of us were directed to the Village Urban Hotel, which was a 5-10 minute walk along a pathway. This would be an appropriate choice for well behaved fans, and there was a good choice of food there.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Ainslie Park Stadium?
 
Ainslie Park Stadium is part of a community sports complex so it is neat and tidy, and obviously lower league. A Main Stand runs along one side, so was comfortable and the view good. The attendance was around 200. As the stadium holds 3000, there was plenty of space.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
Spartans hit two early goals, and that was the game really. It was held up for 40 minutes when the Clachnacuddin keeper had a bad neck injury and ambulance attended. Thankfully he's recovered and travelled back that night. Didn't try pies but the facilities were good. Home fans were pleasant and welcoming, there was a good vibe as the Clachers fans were in fancy dress.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
The bar re-opens in the Social Club on the final whistle so we had a couple of beers and watched the shambolic, twice drawn draw for next round of the cup. Then a straightforward run back up to Inverness. The bus was a bit quieter on the way home!
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
It was a very enjoyable trip down to Edinburgh and we had a good time at Ainslie Park. The home fans were welcoming so a good time had by all, notwithstanding the scoreline! (5-0 to Spartans).