Madejski Stadium (Reading)

The Madesjki Stadium (currently known as the Select Car Leasing Stadium for sponsorship reasons) is the home of Reading Football Club. The stadium opened on the 22nd August 1998 to replace the club’s former home of 102 years, Elm Park which had become unsuitable for the demands of a modern football stadium.

The stadium was named in honour of then chairman, Sir John Madesjki, who had rescued the club from receivership and contributed a large portion of the cost to build the new stadium. The first match was a 3-0 win for Reading over Luton Town in a Division Two fixture.

The stadium has a capacity of 24,161, although planning permission was granted in 2007 to extend this to 37,000. However, the plans were scrapped following the club’s initial relegation from the Premier League in 2008 and then again in 2012.

As well as Reading FC, the Reading Women’s Football team have played at the stadium permanently since 2020. Several England international matches have been held at the Madejski, including five Under-21 matches and an England B match against Belarus in 2006 ahead of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Despite being a designated football stadium, rugby union has been frequently held at the stadium. Richmond Rugby Club used the stadium for the 1998 season, before merging into the Premiership Rugby side London Irish who called the stadium home from 2000 to 2020, before moving to the Brentford Community Stadium.

Tenants: Reading (EFL League One) & Reading Women (Women’s Championship)

Opened: 1998

Capacity: 24,161

Address: Junction 11, M4, Reading RG2 0FL

Tickets at Madejski Stadium

Reading FC Tickets

Reading tickets are available to purchase online, at the ticket office at the stadium (opened on matchdays only from 10am for weekend fixtures and from 5pm for evening fixtures) or over the phone on 0118 968 1313 (open 10am-5pm on Monday-Friday and on matchdays from 10am until 2 hours before kick-off).

Ticket prices for the 2023/2024 season are as below, with a discount applicable for members:

Adults (24-64): £27-30
65 and over: £19-£22
18-24: £16-£19
17 and under: £11-£14
12 and under: £9-£11

Reading Women Tickets

Reading Women tickets are available to purchase online, at the ticket office at the stadium (opened on matchdays only from 10am for weekend fixtures and from 5pm for evening fixtures) or over the phone on 0118 968 1313 (open 10am-5pm on Monday-Friday and on matchdays from 10am until 2 hours before kick-off).

Ticket prices for the 2023/2024 season cost:

Adults (24-64): £12
65 and over: £8
18-24: £8
17 and under: £6
12 and under: £4

Madejski Stadium Tours

Reading run tours of the Madesjki Stadium a couple of times per month, usually at 11am on Sunday’s during this season with more dates available during the School Holiday’s. The tour costs £12 for Adults, £10 for 65+/18-24, £6 for Under 17s and £4 for Under 12s. Tours must be booked in advance – further information and booking is available on the Reading website here.

Location & Travel to Madejski Stadium

The Madesjki Stadium is located approximately 2.5 miles south of Reading and close to Junction 11 of the M4 motorway.

Airport

London Heathrow Airport is located just 25 miles away from Reading and can easily be reached by train or via the RailAir bus service. Being the second busiest airport in the world, the airport has a huge number of services for destinations across the world.

Thinking of flying? Search & book your flights through Skyscanner here.

Bus

The F1 shuttle bus service runs from outside Reading Station, with frequent shuttles running 2 hours before kick-off up to 1 hour 45 minutes after the final whistle – for the 2022/23 season the service cost £3.50 return. There are a number of other matchday bus services available from across Berkshire, further information is available on the Reading Buses website here.

Driving & Parking

The stadium is located just a mile away from Junction 11 of the M4. There is plenty of paid parking available in the vicinity of the stadium, costing £10 in advance or £15 on the day – although it is is highly recommended to book in advance. A park and ride facility is available at Mereoak P&R (RG7 1PB) and Shinfield P&R (RG2 9FW) costing £7.50 return for Adults and £5.50 for Under 19s. Further information is available on the Reading website here.

Train

The Reading Green Park railway station opened in May 2023 and is located just over a mile from the stadium and is on the Reading to Basingstoke Line. Reading railway station is located in the town centre and is a major transport hub, with services across the country and has frequent trains into London. From the station, use the F1 shuttle bus as highlighted above.

Thinking of catching a train to Reading? Search and book your journey through the Trainline here.