The promotion race is reaching its peak! Southampton FC face Ipswich Town at St Mary’s Stadium this Tuesday. Whether you have a ticket for the stands or are looking for where to watch Southampton vs Ipswich Town in the city to catch the 19:45 kick-off, here is your essential match day guide.
Where to Park Near St Mary’s Stadium
On-site parking at St Mary’s is extremely limited and strictly reserved for permit holders on match days. For a smooth experience without the stress of stadium traffic, we recommend using these five nearby car parks, all within a 10–20 minute walk of the ground.
1. Ocean Village (SO14 3TL)
Located just a 10-minute stroll from the Chapel Stand, Ocean Village is the premier choice for fans coming from the south or east of the city. It offers a much easier exit route after the final whistle than the stadium-adjacent roads.
- Best for: Grabbing a pre-match drink by the marina or those sitting in the Chapel and Itchen stands.
- Prices: Expect to pay roughly £1.50 per hour or a flat evening rate if staying late. (e.g., 2–4 hours for approx. £6.00).
2. Westquay Shopping Centre (SO15 1ST)
As the city’s largest parking facility, Westquay offers over 2,000 spaces. It is roughly a 15-minute walk to the stadium via the High Street and Marsh Lane.
- Best for: Reliability and those who want to visit the High Street pubs like The Standing Order before the game.
- Prices: £2.50 (1 hr), £3.50 (2 hrs), £4.50 (3 hrs), £5.50 (4 hrs). 24 hours is capped at £15.00.
3. Eastgate Multi-Storey (SO14 3HB)
Eastgate is one of the closest “official” city car parks to the stadium. It is often less congested than Westquay and offers a direct walking route through the historic walls toward the Northam end.
- Best for: A slightly shorter walk (approx. 12 minutes) and avoiding the heaviest shopping traffic.
- Prices (Council Rates): £2.90 (2 hrs), £3.80 (3 hrs), £4.70 (4 hrs), £5.60 (5 hrs). Daily max is £11.00.
4. Bedford Place (SO15 2DB)
If your match-day ritual involves the fan-favourite pubs in Bedford Place, leave your car here. It is about a 20-minute walk but places you perfectly for the city’s best match-day nightlife.
- Best for: Fans who prioritize the “pre-match pint” experience in the Bedford Place area.
- Prices (Council Rates): £2.90 (2 hrs), £3.80 (3 hrs), £4.70 (4 hrs), £5.60 (5 hrs). Daily max is £11.00.
5. Grosvenor Square (SO15 2UA)
A great alternative near the Civic Centre. It provides easy access to the main arterial roads, helping you beat the gridlock toward the M3 or M27 after the match.
- Best for: A quick getaway after the final whistle.
- Prices (Council Rates): £2.90 (2 hrs), £3.80 (3 hrs), £4.70 (4 hrs), £5.60 (5 hrs). Daily max is £11.00.
Best City Centre Pubs Before the Southampton vs Ipswich Town Game
If you want to soak up the pre-match atmosphere with fellow supporters, these city centre staples are the go-to choices for a pint before the walk to St Mary’s.
1. The Standing Order (High Street)
A massive Wetherspoon pub that is a classic meeting point for fans due to its scale and affordability.
- Best for: Large groups and a budget-friendly pre-match meal.
- Pint Prices: One of the cheapest in the city, with standard lagers and ales typically starting from £2.30 to £3.50.
2. Sharkey’s Sports Bar (Above Bar Street)
With three floors and dozens of screens, this is the ultimate destination for those who want to see the pre-match build-up on 4K displays.
- Best for: A high-energy sports bar vibe in the heart of the city.
- Pint Prices: Mid-range, usually between £4.50 and £5.50, though they often have match-day promotions or student deals.
3. The Scholars Arms (Above Bar Street)
Highly focused on live football, this pub offers a premium viewing experience and a very loyal local following.
- Best for: Great sound systems and a boisterous football crowd.
- Pint Prices: Standard city rates, with most pints sitting between £4.80 and £5.80. Look out for Greene King app discounts.
4. Yates (Above Bar Street)
A lively venue that handles big match-day crowds with ease, perfect for those who enjoy a fast-paced environment.
- Best for: A vibrant atmosphere right in the Cultural Quarter.
- Pint Prices: Competitive pricing, with selected draught lagers often available for around £4.00 to £5.00.
5. The Dell / St Mary’s Fanzone (At the Stadium)
For the closest possible experience, The Dell (located inside the stadium) and the outdoor Northam Fan Zone offer drinks, food, and interviews right on the stadium footprint.
- Best for: Being in the heart of the action with zero travel time to your seat.
- Pint Prices: Expect stadium pricing, generally ranging from £5.00 to £6.50. They occasionally offer “early bird” meal deals like a pie and a pint for £11.00.
Where to Watch Southampton vs Ipswich Town (For Those Without Tickets)
If you prefer the pub atmosphere to the stadium stands, these venues will be showing the full Sky Sports broadcast with a dedicated fan focus. These suburban hubs are perfect for avoiding the city centre crowds while still enjoying every second of the action.
1. Brass Monkey (Shirley)
The premier destination for Saints fans in Shirley. It is a dedicated sports pub that lives and breathes football.
- The Vibe: A proper, no-nonsense football pub with a loyal local following and plenty of HD screens.
- Prices: Very competitive for the area. Expect a pint of standard lager or cider to range between £4.00 and £4.80.
2. The Mitre (Portswood)
A massive, vibrant pub in the heart of Portswood that is a consistent favourite for live match-day broadcasts.
- The Vibe: Energetic and spacious with a mix of students and long-time local supporters. The atmosphere during big games is electric.
- Prices: Great value, especially with the Greene King Sport app (which offers 10% off drinks). Pints typically start around £4.50.
3. The Station (Bitterne Park)
Located on Bullar Road, this family-friendly sports bar is the main hub for the Bitterne community on match days.
- The Vibe: Welcoming and community-driven. It is a fantastic spot if you want a boisterous but friendly atmosphere.
- Prices: Reasonable neighbourhood rates, with most draught options falling between £4.40 and £5.20.
4. The Cricketers Arms (Woolston)
A huge favourite for fans on the east side of the Itchen Bridge, boasting one of the best audio-visual setups in the city.
- The Vibe: Immersive “stadium-style” sound and a massive screen experience that brings the match to life.
- Prices: Look out for their match-day deals; they often offer 3 pints for £10 on selected draughts during major evening games.
5. The Saints Pub (Millbrook)
As the name suggests, this is a dedicated sanctuary for Southampton FC supporters in the Millbrook area.
- The Vibe: 100% Saints-focused. The decor, the crowd, and the energy are all about the club. It is loud, proud, and very passionate.
- Prices: Friendly community prices, usually ranging from £4.20 to £5.00 for standard draught lagers and bitters.
Best Pubs After the Southampton vs Ipswich Town Match
Win or draw, the atmosphere continues after the final whistle. These spots are perfect for a post-match debrief, whether you want to keep the songs going or enjoy a quiet pint while the stadium traffic clears.
1. The Chapel Arms (Albert Road South)
Located just 500m from the stadium, it is usually the first stop for fans spilling out of the Northam stand.
- The Vibe: Pure match-day adrenaline. It is loud, crowded, and the closest you can get to the stadium atmosphere without being inside.
- Post-Match Perks: They often have a fast-service bar setup outside to ensure you get your drink quickly despite the massive crowds.
2. The Joiners (St Mary Street)
An iconic Southampton venue that has been a staple for Saints supporters for decades.
- The Vibe: Authentic and full of character. It is the go-to spot for fans who want a “proper” pub experience with plenty of football talk.
- Post-Match Perks: Known for its great playlist and a diverse crowd that always includes long-time season ticket holders.
3. The Grapes (Oxford Street)
A historic maritime pub that provides a slightly more relaxed, classic setting for a post-match ale.
- The Vibe: Traditional and historic. It is perfect if you want to escape the high-energy sports bars for something more refined.
- Post-Match Perks: Located right on Oxford Street, making it easy to transition into a late-night dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.
4. The Shooting Star (Bevois Valley)
A quirky, high-energy venue that offers a fun, alternative vibe for the post-match crowd.
- The Vibe: Younger and more eclectic. It is perfect for those who want to swap football chants for cocktails and craft beer.
- Post-Match Perks: They often have live DJs or themed nights that keep the energy high long after the final whistle.
5. The South Western Arms (St Denys)
A multi-award-winning real ale pub that is a hidden gem for fans heading back toward the St Denys or Bitterne area.
- The Vibe: Relaxed and welcoming. It is the best choice if you want to sit down and actually hear your friends speak while you discuss the game.
- Post-Match Perks: Incredible selection of local ales and just a short walk to St Denys train station for an easy journey home.
Travel, Road Closures, and Other Info for Southampton vs Ipswich Town
To avoid getting stuck in Tuesday night traffic, keep these essential logistics in mind for the 19:45 kick-off:
Road Closures and Diversions
- Immediate Surroundings: Britannia Road and Marine Parade will close approximately 90 minutes before kick-off to allow for safe pedestrian access to the stadium.
- Chapel Road Closure: Be aware that Chapel Road is scheduled to be closed between 17:45 and 22:45 to manage the high volume of fans.
- Post-Match Reopening: Most roads typically remain closed until roughly 20 minutes after the final whistle to allow the stadium footprint to clear safely.
Match Day Shuttle Bus
- Pick-up Points: A dedicated service runs from Southampton Central Station (Blechynden Terrace side/Platform 4) and Town Quay starting 2 hours before the game.
- Drop-off Locations: The station shuttle drops fans at Britannia Road, while the Town Quay service drops off at the bottom of Chapel Road.
- Pricing: Return fares are generally around £3.50, offering a stress-free alternative to finding city centre parking.
Public Transport and BlueStar Services
- Main Routes: Bluestar 3, 14, 16, and 18 all stop within a 5-minute walk of the stadium at the Britannia Road or St Mary’s Street stops.
- Bluestar 7 Diversion: Due to the Chapel Road closure, the Bluestar 7 will be diverted via Central Bridge and Marsh Lane between 17:45 and 22:45.
- Rail Travel: If you are arriving by train, the walk from the station to the ground takes approximately 20 minutes; follow the “Saints” pedestrian signage through the parks.
Information for Ipswich Fans
- Recommended Hubs: Away supporters are generally welcomed in the larger city centre bars such as Sharkey’s or The Standing Order.
- Home Fans Only: Many pubs in the immediate vicinity of St Mary’s, including The Chapel Arms, operate a strict “Home Fans Only” policy for this fixture.
- Stadium Entry: Away fans should enter via the Northam Stand; turnstiles typically open 90 minutes before the 19:45 kick-off.
Planning your May weekend?
The season is nearly over, but there is plenty more to do in the city. Check out our guide to the Things to Do in Southampton.
FAQs: Southampton vs Ipswich Town
What time is kick-off for Southampton vs Ipswich?
The match kicks off at 19:45 BST on Tuesday, 28 April 2026.
Where is the best place to park for St Mary’s Stadium?
Ocean Village and Westquay are the most popular choices, but for a shorter walk, Eastgate Multi-Storey is a great alternative located about 12 minutes from the ground.
Is the Southampton game on TV?
Yes, the match is being broadcast live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event.
What roads are closed for the Saints match tomorrow?
Britannia Road, Marine Parade, and Chapel Road will be closed to traffic from approximately 17:45 until after the final whistle.
Are there any tickets left for the Ipswich game?
The match is currently sold out, but supporters are encouraged to check the official Southampton FC Ticket Exchange for any last-minute availability.
