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About Elm Park
Elm Park was the historic football stadium in West Reading, Berkshire, serving as Reading FC’s home from 1896 until 1998. Although demolished in 1998 and replaced by a housing estate with the same name, the site’s legacy remains a landmark in Reading’s football history. This page provides an overview of the former venue’s seating configuration, access, parking, and nearby hotel and dining options to help visitors understand the area and plan trips when exploring Reading’s football heritage.
Note: Elm Park itself no longer hosts events. If you’re looking for current venues in the area, nearby Madejski Stadium (now renamed in association with sponsors) offers modern facilities and hotel on-site options. For live football experience today, consider visiting Reading FC home games at their current ground.
Seating and stands at Elm Park (historical)
- North Stand (Norfolk Road): seated stand.
- South Terrace (Tilehurst Terrace/South Bank): primarily standing areas.
- West End (Tilehurst End) and East End (Reading End) terraces. The East End often hosted away supporters.
- Final known capacity before demolition: around 14,800 after safety restrictions; historically up to ~33,000 during peak FA Cup ties.
Understanding the layout helps fans imagine the atmosphere during Reading FC’s historic matches and the ground’s unique character.
Getting there and transport
Elm Park was situated between Norfolk Road (north) and Tilehurst Road (south) in West Reading. The nearest rail link was Reading West station, approximately 1.1 km away, making it accessible by train with a short walk or taxi ride. When visiting related Reading FC heritage sites or the housing estate on the Elm Park grounds, plan for a doable walk from the station or a brief bus/taxi ride.
Parking
As Elm Park no longer operates as a stadium, there isn’t in-ground parking for events. For current visitors exploring the Elm Park area or the Madejski Stadium complex nearby, consider local street parking where permitted and official car parks at adjacent venues if attending events at modern Reading FC grounds.
Nearby hotels and dining (affiliate-friendly picks)
While there isn’t an on-site Elm Park hotel, the Reading area offers several convenient options. For a comfortable stay close to Reading’s football heritage and modern facilities, consider affiliate partner recommendations in the Madejski Stadium vicinity and central Reading. Always check latest availability and offers through the affiliate links for exclusive rates and easy booking.
Additional notes
Elm Park’s legacy is tied to Reading FC’s early history, FA Cup moments in 1927 and 1996, and the club’s move to Madejski Stadium in 1998. If you’re researching Reading’s football heritage or planning a visit to Reading, this page provides context and practical details to help you map out your trip.
Good to know
Seating, Parking & Venue Information
- Venue type: football stadium; home of Reading FC from 1896–1998.
- Location: West Reading, Reading, Berkshire, England; ground located between Norfolk Road (north) and Tilehurst Road (south); nearest public transit Reading West station ~1.1 km away.
- Capacity: historically ~33,000; final capacity of 14,800 after safety/restrictions.
- Seating/chart: four stands – North (Norfolk Road) seated; South (Tilehurst Terrace/South Bank) mostly standing; West End (Tilehurst End) and East End (Reading End) terraces; East End used for away supporters.
- Notable events: record attendance of 33,042 in 1927 (Reading vs Brentford, FA Cup); 1996 FA Cup ties featuring Manchester United with high match revenue; last competitive league match on May 3, 1998 (Reading 0–1 Norwich City).
- Demolished/renamed: demolished in 1998 and replaced by a housing estate also called Elm Park; Reading moved to Madejski Stadium in 1998.
- Nearby hotels: no on-site Elm Park hotel; the later Madejski Stadium area includes a hotel (Voco Reading) on site.