University of Bolton Stadium
Stadium Bolton football stadium, home ground of Bolton Wanderers
On Horwich’s edge, University of Bolton Stadium hosts Bolton Wanderers football matches and occasional events; visitors come for matchday atmosphere, local pubs, and the stadium’s place in northwest English football life.
The University of Bolton Stadium is a modern football stadium in Horwich, Greater Manchester, home to Bolton Wanderers FC. It opened in 1997 and has an all-seated capacity of approximately 28,700.
The stadium is used primarily for league and cup football fixtures and can host concerts and community events when scheduled. It replaced the club’s older ground and was constructed with four covered stands around a rectangular pitch.
Built as a single-purpose football stadium in the late 1990s, the venue has undergone naming-rights changes but remains the main sporting venue for professional football in Bolton. Facilities include spectator stands, corporate areas and basic matchday services.
The ground sits in Horwich within the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, north-west England, with road links to Bolton town centre and the wider Greater Manchester area.
- Capacity and opening: The stadium has an all-seated capacity of around 28,700 and opened in 1997 to replace Bolton Wanderers' previous ground.
- Location and use: Located in Horwich within the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, it is the regular home ground for Bolton Wanderers FC and hosts occasional non-football events.
How to Get to University of Bolton Stadium #
University of Bolton Stadium (at Middlebrook, Horwich) is about 3 miles west of Bolton town centre and is beside the A6/M61 corridor. From Bolton and surrounding towns take the A6 or join the M61 (use the Middlebrook/Horwich exits) - there is ample matchday parking at the retail/football complex.
By public transport the nearest railway station is Horwich Parkway (on the Manchester-Preston line), roughly a 20-25 minute walk (about 1.2-1.5 km) to the stadium; local buses from Bolton town centre and Horwich serve the Middlebrook retail area with short walks to the ground.
Tips for Visiting University of Bolton Stadium #
- Use Horwich Parkway train station and follow the pedestrian route to the stadium on matchdays - trains are often faster and much less congested than driving into the car parks.
- Arrive at least 45-60 minutes before kick-off to pass security and collect tickets, then use the stadium's designated entrances shown on your ticket to avoid last-minute queues.
- If driving, follow the official stadium car-park signage and leave the site 20-30 minutes after full time; staying behind for a short post-match drink at Middlebrook reduces peak exit delays.
Best Time to Visit University of Bolton Stadium #
Go to University of Bolton Stadium for matchday atmosphere during the football season (Aug-May); visit on weekdays or in summer for fewer crowds.
Weather & Climate near University of Bolton Stadium #
University of Bolton Stadium's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 20°C. Abundant rainfall (1066 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (117 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (117 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
