Edinburgh Rugby Stadium - Sports Tourist

Edinburgh Rugby Stadium, currently known as Hive Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is the purpose-built home of Edinburgh Rugby and a modern cornerstone of Scottish club sport. Located within the historic Murrayfield Estate, it was opened in 2021 to provide the capital’s professional team with an intimate, high-intensity “cauldron” that stands in contrast to the massive national stadium next door. It serves as the primary ground for Edinburgh Rugby in the United Rugby Championship and European competitions. The stadium is famous for its steep stands and proximity to the pitch, creating an electric atmosphere where every tackle and roar is felt by the fans.

🏗️ History and Design

Established in 2021, the stadium was built on the back-pitches of the Murrayfield complex, finally giving Edinburgh Rugby a permanent home after decades of ground-sharing.

Intimate Geometry: Unlike many modern venues, the stands are built exceptionally close to the touchlines. This “close-quarters” design ensures that even a mid-sized crowd generates a wall of sound that can intimidate visiting teams.
High-Tech Surface: The stadium features a world-class 3G synthetic pitch. This allows for the fast, expansive rugby that Edinburgh is known for, ensuring the game remains high-quality even during the wet and windy Scottish winters.
The Hive Identity: While officially the Edinburgh Rugby Stadium, the 2023 naming rights deal with Hive has integrated modern branding throughout the venue, including “The Hive” fan zones and digital engagement hubs.
Campus Heritage: Its location within the Murrayfield grounds means fans walk past the statues of Scottish rugby legends and the iconic main stadium gates, blending modern club identity with over a century of sporting history.

📍 Key Information

Official Name: Edinburgh Rugby Stadium (Hive Stadium)
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland (Murrayfield)
Opened: 2021
Capacity: 7,800
Primary Tenant: Edinburgh Rugby (URC)
Address: Roseburn St, Edinburgh EH12 5PJ, United Kingdom

Contents

🏆 Major Events Hosted

Edinburgh Rugby Stadium has quickly become a vital hub for both domestic championships and international age-grade rugby. 🏆

The 1872 Cup: The stadium hosts the intense home leg of the world’s oldest inter-city derby between Edinburgh and the Glasgow Warriors.
European Champions Cup: The venue has hosted some of the biggest names in French and English rugby, providing a uniquely hostile and noisy environment for European nights.
U20 Six Nations: While not a permanent tenant, the stadium frequently hosts the Scotland Under-20 team, witnessing the rise of the next generation of international stars.
Super Series Finals: The stadium serves as the centerpiece for Scottish domestic rugby, hosting the season-ending finals for the country’s semi-professional clubs.

🚆 Getting to Edinburgh Rugby Stadium

The stadium is located in the West End of Edinburgh, making it one of the most accessible sporting venues in the UK. 🚆

By Public Transport (Tram): The Murrayfield Stadium Tram Stop is just a 5-minute walk from the turnstiles. Trams connect directly to Edinburgh Airport, Haymarket, and the City Centre.
By Train: Haymarket Station is the closest rail link, located roughly 15 minutes away on foot. It serves as a major hub for trains from Glasgow, the North, and London.
By Bus: Numerous Lothian Bus routes (including the 12, 26, 31, and 100 Airlink) stop on the nearby Corstorphine Road, providing 24-hour access to the city.
By Air: Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is approximately 8 km away. The tram is the most efficient way to travel from the terminal directly to the stadium.
Parking: There is no public parking on-site. Fans are encouraged to use the “Park and Ride” at Ingliston (connected by tram) or Hermiston Gait.

🎟️ Tickets & Tours at Edinburgh Rugby Stadium

Tickets

Tickets for Edinburgh Rugby matches are managed through the Scottish Rugby Online Ticket Centre. Due to the stadium’s popularity and relatively small capacity, high-profile games against Glasgow or South African sides often sell out weeks in advance. Digital tickets are the standard, delivered via the Scottish Rugby Ticketing App. 🎫

Tours

Dedicated tours of the Edinburgh Rugby Stadium are not currently offered daily; however, the venue is a featured stop on the broader Scottish Rugby Stadium Tour. This tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Murrayfield Estate, including the changing rooms used by the pro teams.

🏨 Where to Stay Near Edinburgh Rugby Stadium

Being in the heart of the capital, there are numerous options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels.

Haymarket & West End: The most convenient area for rugby fans, filled with sports bars and restaurants.
- Example: Leonardo Royal Hotel, Apex Haymarket, or The Haymarket Hub.
Princes Street: Located just a 10-minute tram ride away, offering views of Edinburgh Castle and easy access to the city’s main shopping district.
- Example: The Balmoral or Old Waverley Hotel.
Roseburn: The immediate neighborhood surrounding the stadium, home to several boutique B&Bs and traditional Scottish guesthouses.

💡 Know Before You Go

Matchday Fan Zone: The Fan Zone (often called the ‘Hive’ zone) opens two hours before kick-off behind the North Stand, offering local street food, bars, and live music.
Cashless Venue: The stadium operates a 100% cashless policy. Ensure you have a card or mobile payment method for food, drinks, and merchandise.
Dress for the Weather: Even if the sun is shining at kick-off, Edinburgh’s weather changes fast. The stadium is exposed to the wind, so a waterproof layer is essential.
The “Castle” Merchandise: The official team store is located within the stadium grounds, selling the famous “Castle” crested kits and supporter gear.